The Garland

The Garland, a Michelin Key Selected property in the Los Angeles Area, consistently earns high praise for its unique retro-chic ambiance, exceptional service, and prime location, especially for those visiting Universal Studios Hollywood. It's often described as a relaxing oasis amidst the bustling city, offering a resort-like experience with a distinct 1970s Hollywood charm.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The Garland garners an overwhelmingly positive sentiment from guests, frequently receiving "excellent" or "top-notch" ratings. Travelers often highlight it as a perfect spot for families and couples, particularly when visiting Universal Studios Hollywood. Many reviewers express a strong desire to return, calling it their "only place to stay in North Hollywood." It's celebrated for its ability to combine a cool, lively atmosphere with a laid-back, tranquil vibe.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently laud The Garland for several standout features:

• Design & Atmosphere: The hotel boasts a distinct 1970s retro design, elegantly updated with modern touches, creating a stylish and vibrant ambiance throughout the property, from the lobby with its cozy fireplace to the guest rooms. The family-owned nature of the hotel, run by the descendants of actress Beverly Garland, contributes to a warm and personalized feel.
• Amenities: The resort-style pool area is a major draw, featuring a heated pool, two hot tubs (one for adults 21+), and popular "dive-in" movie nights. Other cherished amenities include a 24/7 fitness center, complimentary yoga classes, urban walks to nearby attractions like the Brady Bunch house, self-service laundry facilities, and pet-friendly accommodations.
• Location & Accessibility: Its proximity to Universal Studios Hollywood (just one mile away) is a significant advantage, amplified by a complimentary shuttle service that runs regularly to both the theme park and the nearby Metro station, saving guests from parking hassles.
• Service: The friendly, attentive, and welcoming staff are frequently singled out for praise, often described as going "above and beyond" to ensure a pleasant stay.

3. Room Quality

The 257 rooms at The Garland are consistently described as well-appointed, comfortable, and clean, reflecting the hotel's stylish retro theme with modern updates.

• Comfort & Design: Rooms feature pops of color, clean lines, and new fixtures that blend the 1970s aesthetic with contemporary comfort. Beds are generally found to be comfortable.
• Amenities: Standard room amenities include private balconies, LED flat-screen TVs with streaming access, refrigerators/beverage centers, in-room safes, steamers, and high-quality, sustainable LATHER amenities from Pasadena.
• Space: While standard rooms are around 247 square feet and some guests find them cozy or slightly cramped, particularly after staying in larger suites elsewhere, The Garland also offers larger premium rooms, Wellness Suites, and Family Suites, including options with bunk beds.

4. Dining Experience

The Garland's on-site restaurant, The Front Yard, is a major highlight, renowned for attracting both hotel guests and locals.

• Restaurant Quality: It's praised for its modern American cuisine, delicious food, and al fresco dining, often described as much more than a typical hotel restaurant. The menu changes seasonally, with dishes like the TFY Burger (with truffle cheese, wild mushrooms, and balsamic onion jam) receiving high marks.
• Breakfast: The affordable breakfast buffet, priced at $23 for adults and $15 for children, offers a large and delicious selection of hot food and pastries, providing good value.
• Bars: In addition to The Front Yard, there's a Lobby Bar and a Pool Bar, both offering casual bites and daily happy hour specials, with craft cocktails made from local ingredients.

5. Service & Staff

The service at The Garland is consistently described as "exemplary" and "impeccable." Guests frequently commend the staff for being friendly, helpful, welcoming, and highly attentive to comfort and detail. The hotel's long-standing family ownership is often cited as a reason for the staff's close-knit nature and dedication. From front desk agents to bartenders and pool attendants, the team is noted for making guests feel like VIPs.

6. Location & Accessibility

Located on Vineland Avenue in North Hollywood's trendy Studio City, The Garland offers an excellent and convenient base for exploring Los Angeles.

• Attractions: Its standout feature is its proximity to Universal Studios Hollywood, just about one mile away, with a complimentary trolley shuttle running regularly. It's also conveniently located for other popular destinations like the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Warner Bros Studio, Hollywood Bowl, and the iconic Brady Bunch house.
• Transport: The free shuttle also stops at the Metro station, providing easy access to wider Los Angeles without needing a car. The hotel is right off the freeway, making it convenient for driving around the city, though traffic should be anticipated.
• Accessibility: The Garland is committed to accessibility, offering accessible paths of travel, guest rooms with various features, and accessible dining, pool, and fitness facilities.

7. Value & Pricing

Many guests consider The Garland to offer good value for money, especially given the high quality of service and amenities. Prices for a one-night stay typically range from approximately $172 to over $300, depending on the room type and time of booking. While some consider it expensive, the overall consensus is that the experience, food, and service justify the cost. The complimentary shuttle to Universal Studios is frequently highlighted as a significant cost-saving benefit, as it avoids expensive theme park parking.

8. Common Complaints

Despite the overwhelmingly positive feedback, a few recurring criticisms have been noted:

• Room Size: Standard rooms, at around 247 square feet, can be perceived as "cozy" or "cramped" by some guests, particularly if traveling with a lot of luggage or seeking more expansive accommodations.
• Noise: Rooms overlooking the highway or parking lot may experience noticeable road noise, which can be an issue for light sleepers.
• Parking Fees: While valet parking is available, the cost of parking (around $30 per day) is an additional expense that some guests find to be on the higher side.
• Shuttle Frequency: The hourly shuttle service to Universal Studios, while convenient and free, may require some planning and could lead to waiting during peak times.

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