Unbelievable Views! BLVD Hotel's Universal Hollywood Escape Awaits!
Unbelievable Views! BLVD Hotel: More Than Just a Hollywood Escape? (Spoiler: Kinda!) - A Seriously Unfiltered Review
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because I just spent a whirlwind week at the "Unbelievable Views! BLVD Hotel: Universal Hollywood Escape Awaits!" and let me tell you, the name is definitely doing some heavy lifting. Expect the unexpected, because I'm about to unpack this place, warts and all. This isn't some perfectly polished travel brochure – this is real life, people!
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- Keywords: Universal Studios Hollywood, BLVD Hotel, Hollywood, Accessible Hotel, Spa, Pool, Fitness Center, Restaurant, Wi-Fi, Breakfast, Cleanliness, Safety, Family Friendly, Airport Transfer, Universal CityWalk, Hollywood Walk of Fame, Hotel Review, Los Angeles Hotels, California Hotels, Wheelchair Accessible, Meeting Space, Events, Best Hotels Hollywood, Luxury Hotels, California Getaway
- Meta Description: Honest review of Unbelievable Views! BLVD Hotel, a Universal Hollywood Escape. Learn about accessibility, spa, dining, and overall experience. Is this the perfect Hollywood hotel? Find out! Includes real feedback from a recent guest, messy structure, and humorous opinions.
First Impressions (and a Minor Meltdown):
Pulling up, the "unbelievable views" were pretty darn good. You're talking panoramic vistas of the Hollywood Hills, a shimmering pool below, and enough palm trees to make you feel like you've been instantly transported to a movie set. Seriously, the exterior is a winner. BUT (and there’s always a but, isn’t there?) the lobby… well, let’s just say it smelled vaguely of disinfectant and ambition. Not a bad smell, but still…
Accessibility: Attempting to Navigate the Hollywood Hills of Hotel Design
Right, massive shout-out to the BLVD for attempting accessibility. I have a friend who's wheelchair-bound, and while she didn't accompany me on this particular adventure, she was all about me checking this place out. Good news: there are (or at least, were) elevators. And the wheelchair accessibility of the rooms, though I didn't personally stay in one, seemed decent, based on my observations. HOWEVER… getting around the property? That was a slightly different ballgame. While there are accessible routes, they're not always the most intuitive, and the occasional steep ramp felt more like a Hollywood stunt course than a smooth passage. The doorways were mostly wide enough, and the bathrooms seemed to have the necessary grab bars, but it's always worth checking with the hotel directly before booking to confirm your specific needs are met! Hats off for trying, guys!
Rooms: Where the Magic (Sometimes) Happens
My room… it was fine. The "unbelievable views" moniker did deliver, which was the saving grace. I was on a high floor, and it was honestly breathtaking to wake up to that panorama every morning. Let's talk amenities. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms? CHECK! And it worked! This is huge, people. I needed to stay connected for work, and my connection was pretty solid throughout my stay. Air Conditioning? Also, a huge check! No surprise there. There were the usual suspects: Coffee/tea maker, refrigerator, safe box, and a relatively comfortable bed. The bathroom was functional, if a little… basic. Shower pressure? Meh. But hey, clean towels, and toiletries were provided!
And then there was the soundproofing. Or, the lack of soundproofing. This is where my experience took a small, slightly irritated turn. Now, I'm a light sleeper, but I usually find a way to power through. The first night, however, I swear I heard the entire plot of a B-movie being filmed outside my window. The noise was pretty distracting. After a few nights, I got used to it. I think.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: A Culinary Rollercoaster
Now, this is where the hotel really tried to impress, and where the results got a bit, shall we say, varied. First up, the restaurant: a buffet-style affair called “The Boulevard Bistro” (original, right?) offered Asian breakfast, International cuisine, and a menu of somewhat questionable Western cuisine. The breakfast buffet was generally a safe bet; the breakfast service was okay and inoffensive, but by day three, I was craving something, anything, other than scrambled eggs. A buffet in restaurant isn't my cup of tea, but at least it was convenient. They offered Vegetarian restaurant options, however, it didn't seem as varied as the international cuisine options at all.
The poolside bar was decent, and the poolside bar made up for the lackluster breakfast a bit, especially during happy hour. The poolside bar's drinks are good, and the pool itself is gorgeous! The coffee shop was a lifesaver for a quick caffeine fix, but the snack bar wasn't the best.
The a la carte in restaurant was a bit more successful, and the salad in restaurant was surprisingly good, so that's a definite plus.
The lack of safe dining setup was a bit disappointing.
Relaxation Station: Spa, Pool, and the Pursuit of Zen
Okay, this is where BLVD redeemed itself. The swimming pool [outdoor] was a serious highlight. The Pool with view was absolutely stunning, and it was the perfect place to unwind after a day of pounding the pavement (or, you know, battling traffic). The spa was… well, it was heavenly. Book a massage, seriously. It was the best part of my entire stay. They had a sauna and steamroom too, although I never got around to trying them. The fitness center was also a good one! I didn't get a chance to use the Body wrap, Body scrub, or Foot bath.
Cleanliness and Safety: A Confident (But Imperfect) Vibe
In these post-pandemic times, cleanliness is king. The hotel seemed to be on top of things. They advertised Anti-viral cleaning products, daily disinfection in common areas, and room sanitization between stays. I definitely saw staff diligently cleaning, and the presence of hand sanitizer stations was reassuring. Seeing staff trained in safety protocol was good, too. Still, I felt a little less safe when I realised they didn't have safe dining setup and the lack of physical distancing of at least 1 meter in the common areas.
Other little things: First aid kit was available, and they had a doctor/nurse on call, which is always a good thing. The security [24-hour] was another plus.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things that Matter
The hotel offered a solid range of services. The concierge was helpful, and the daily housekeeping was efficient. The laundry service saved my life! The gift/souvenir shop was also pretty typical. The elevators were a blessing. They offered a currency exchange service, but the rates probably weren't the best. The luggage storage was a plus. The air conditioning in public area was necessary.
Things to Do: Beyond the Walls of the BLVD
Obviously, you're here for things to do in the area. This is where the BLVD really shines. Airport transfers are available but I didn't try them. The hotel's location is super convenient for getting to Universal Studios Hollywood, and the taxi service was readily available. The car park [free of charge] was excellent and made getting around a breeze. Car parking on-site was also an option if the free one filled up.
For the Kids (and the Kid in All of Us)
The hotel is family/child friendly with Kids facilities available!
The Verdict: Worth the Hype? (Maybe… with a Little Salt)
Unbelievable Views! is a good enough hotel. It has its flaws, sure. But the stunning views, excellent location, and decent amenities make it a solid choice, especially if you're planning on spending most of your time at Universal. The spa and pool are a definite bonus! Just go in with realistic expectations, pack some earplugs, and maybe a little patience. Would I stay there again? Maybe. I guess it depends on how much I value those "unbelievable views"…and how badly I need a good massage! Happy travels!
Harrisburg's Hidden Gem: Baymont by Wyndham Review (You Won't Believe This!)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's itinerary. We're going to Los Angeles, baby, and it's gonna be less "perfectly curated Instagram feed" and more "reality show that occasionally gets a little too real." We're talking the BLVD Hotel and Studios Universal-Hollywood and the Ascend Collection, so hopefully, we'll get some good digs and some good stories. LET'S DO THIS.
Day 1: Arrival and the Existential Dread of Hotel Rooms
- Morning (ish): LAND! LAX, the glorious, sprawling, and potentially soul-crushing airport. Seriously, I've seen smaller cities than this place. Finding my luggage? A miracle. Getting an Uber? Another miracle. Okay, so maybe my expectations were already set low.
- Afternoon: ARRIVE AT THE BLVD. Oh, the BLVD. Pretty much everything I expected from seeing the pictures. Pretty nice. The room? Fine… but the silence… oh, the silence. It's the kind of silence that makes you start overthinking every life choice you've ever made. You know? That "Am I doing this right?" feeling mixed with "Is this all there is?" Yikes. First impressions, people. First impressions. I think I like it.
- Evening: Universal CityWalk. Okay, cool, this is actually pretty fun. So many neon lights! So many… people. Ate some pretty decent tacos. Overpaid for a souvenir t-shirt that I'll probably never wear. Standard tourist stuff, but I'm still in the honeymoon phase. The sheer spectacle, the lights, the crowds… It was a little overwhelming in that "I'm an alien in a human theme park" kind of way. Also, I saw a kid in a Jurassic Park t-shirt, and for a split second, I considered tackling him and stealing it. (Kidding. Mostly.)
Day 2: Universal Studios: The Good, the Bad, and the "Why Did I Pay for This?"
- Morning: UNIVERSAL STUDIOS! The place that's the whole point of being here. Now, let's face it, these parks are expensive. Real expensive. The question becomes: are they worth it? Well, that depends. Did I enjoy the rides? Yes, some of them were amazing! Jurassic Park: The Ride? Classic. The Harry Potter stuff? Magical. The studio tour? Kinda long, but I did get to see where they film things.
- Afternoon: The Crowds. Okay, so this is where the "worth it" question gets a little… complicated. Because the wait times are INSANE. Like, "contemplate the meaning of life while standing in line for an hour" insane. I swear, I aged a decade waiting for one of the "smaller" rides. So, yeah, the rides are amazing, But be prepared to stand in line. A LOT
- Evening: Okay, so I'm a massive sucker for the shows. But, for the price of admission, was it worth it? Yes. The special effects of Waterworld were mind-blowing. Maybe I should have seen more shows… but the lines, the lines…
- Night: Back to the hotel. I was dead. Exhausted. Brain fried. Ordered room service. Overpaid for a burger. Ate it in glorious, exhausted silence. And then crashed.
Day 3: Hollywood, Hiking, and the Pursuit of Brunch
- Morning: Hollywood Walk of Fame. Okay, iconic, I get it. Throngs of people jostling, screaming. You know, that feeling you get when you realize your idea of "doing something cool" is now "doing the same thing as everyone else"? Yeah. But hey, I did find my favorite actor's star. (Spoiler alert: It wasn't actually on the Walk of Fame…but close enough for an Instagram picture!)
- Late Morning: Hiking in Runyon Canyon. Finally, some fresh air. This was a MUST. Actually got a nice view of the city (thank god) and it also was, like, the perfect remedy for the crowds and the sensory overload. There was something about being high up, looking down on everything, that made all the minor annoyances of the trip just vanish. I think I might have actually experienced a moment of peace.
- Afternoon: The Hunt for Brunch. Finding brunch in LA? An Olympic sport. I swear, I spent longer trying to find a decent brunch spot than I did exploring half of Universal Studios. Finally found a place. (After some serious Yelp-fu.) Worth the wait. The avocado toast alone was a religious experience.
- Evening: Moving to Ascend Hotel Collection. A good change. Less touristy this time. Got the same quality with a bit more of a homely feeling.
Day 4: Art, More Art, and Maybe a Little Retail Therapy
- Morning: The Getty Center. Free admission! Okay, definitely worth the trip. The architecture is stunning, the views are insane, and the art… well, I'm no art critic, but some of it was pretty neat. I especially loved the gardens; a peaceful oasis. I could maybe live there. If I could also afford food and stuff.
- Afternoon: More Getty Center. Really took my time. Walked around the gardens. Saw some more art. Not gonna lie, I spent a lot longer in the gift shop than I did looking at the actual art. Oops.
- Evening: Rodeo Drive – window shopping only, folks. Let's be real, I'm not exactly rolling in dough. But hey, it's fun to pretend, right? Felt like I was in a movie. Then, back to reality: dinner at a less fancy (and significantly cheaper) restaurant.
Day 5: Beach Vibes and Farewell (for now!)
- Morning: Santa Monica Pier! The ocean air, cotton candy, and arcade games… it's all a bit cheesy, but it's also pure nostalgia. It was kind of beautiful in a silly way. I even rode the Ferris wheel.
- Afternoon: Venice Beach. Okay, this is a whole different vibe. The street performers, the skateboarders, the… let's just say "unique" characters. It's definitely a place to see. I think I might even liked it more than Santa Monica overall. It had this sort of vibrant energy you just can't ignore.
- Evening: LAX again. Departure. The goodbyes, the memories…
- Night: The flight home. I looked out the window, the city below. I had an amazing trip overall. And, after everything, I think that's what matters.
- Night: (Later): As I write this, I feel exhausted. But happy. Hollywood is a wild place, full of contradictions and crowds and overpriced everything. But it's also… well, it's LA. You have to experience it to get it. And honestly? I'm already thinking of when I can come back.
Unbelievable Views! BLVD Hotel's Universal Hollywood Escape Awaits!: The Unofficial FAQ (Read at Your Own Risk – I’m Still Processing It!)
Okay, so, "Unbelievable Views"... is it *really* unbelievable? Because I've seen some marketing fluff in my day…
Alright, deep breaths. Okay, so, the *views*… yeah, they’re pretty darn good. I wouldn't say MIND-BLOWING, like I thought I was going to witness the parting of the Red Sea from my balcony, but definitely solid. You're overlooking the Hollywood Hills, right? So, palm trees, a smattering of mansions (you're left to wonder who lives in them, plotting world domination, probably), and definitely the vibe of "LA". The pool area? Killer sunset views. I mean, until the screaming toddlers took over. But hey, it's a family hotel, I get it. Still... the views, yeah, they're a selling point. Definitely. Even when covered in a layer of kid snot.
Universal Studios... how easy is it to actually *escape* there? Is it a death march?
Okay, truth bomb: the "escape" felt more like a *very* brisk walk followed by a *very* panicked scramble. They *say* it's a short walk. And it *is*, technically. But "short" in LA terms means, like, 15 minutes of uphill walking, dodging strollers, and dealing with that LA sunshine that makes you feel like you're slowly melting into a puddle of sweat-infused sunscreen. And don't even get me started on crossing the damn street! Remember to look both ways. And then again. And again. Okay, I might have almost gotten flattened by a Prius. BUT! Once you're *in* Universal, the magic kicks in. It’s worth it. I actually really enjoyed the studio tour. The water ride was just… wow. I got *soaked*. I will admit, I didn't have time for the "escape". I was too busy enjoying myself. So yeah, the "escape" part could be better. I'd Uber next time.
Is the hotel *actually* cool? Does it live up to the BLVD vibe?
Alright, alright, let's get to the heart of it. The BLVD vibe… I think they *tried*. The lobby has that trendy, minimalist-chic thing going on, you know? Lots of clean lines, modern furniture, and a deliberate air of "cool." But here's the thing: I'm not actually cool. I’m the person who spills coffee on my clothes and panics in elevators. So, the "cool" factor was lost on me a bit. The staff, though? They were genuinely *nice*. Not the fake, customer-service-robot-nice, but actual, helpful humans. Which, honestly, makes *all* the difference. So, cool? Eh, maybe. But definitely hospitable. And the pool? Yeah, that's cool. Until you have to share it with everyone else. Still, I'm giving it a passing grade. The coffee was also superb, which made up for not feeling "cool".
Food: Good, bad, or ugly? Because I’m a bottomless pit.
Okay, food. This is IMPORTANT. The hotel restaurant? Totally decent. I'd give it a solid "meh". Nothing earth-shattering, but perfectly edible if you're too exhausted to venture out (which, after a day at Universal, you *will* be). The burgers were… burger-y. The fries were… fries-y. The breakfast buffet? Standard hotel buffet fare. Fruit, pastries, scrambled eggs that looked suspiciously like they came from a carton. So, again, *meh*. But listen, I'm a sucker for room service. And the room service was surprisingly good! I ate a quesadilla in my pajamas, and it was peak vacation. So, overall? Not the reason to go, but it certainly wouldn’t ruin your trip, especially with room service!
Park Experiences: What's *actually* worth the time in the park?
Alright, buckle up, because I'm about to gush. The Studio Tour. O. M. G. The Studio Tour. Yes, you wait in line. Yes, you probably have to listen to someone's overly-excited commentary about "movie magic". But DO IT. I'm not even the biggest movie buff, but the way they pull back the curtain, showing you the special effects and the sets… it's amazing. The water ride? Prepare to get soaked. Like, *literally* soaked. (I might have been too close.) And the Jurassic Park ride. I'm a sucker for the slow build-up to the giant drop and being soaked. I'm not one for crowds, but still… the experience more than made up for it! And Harry Potter land... even though I’m not a Potterhead and felt a little out of place, it was beautifully constructed. I was very happy to experience all of this. Even with the screaming children… or especially with the screaming children.
Would you go back? Be honest.
Hmmm… this is the million-dollar question. Here's the deal. The views? Pretty. The hotel? Decent. Universal? Fantastic. The combination? Worth it… *if* you can handle the crowds. If I had to, yes, I'd go back. I would probably uber to Universal next time, but yes, I would go back. But maybe… *maybe*… I’d try to go during the off-season. Or, you know, hire a sherpa to carry me across that dang hill. Or perhaps… have less kids in the pool. But, yes. I would.
Any quirky observations you'd like to share? Spill the tea!
Okay, fine. Let me think. The pool towels were surprisingly fluffy. This is a really good detail. I mean, I judged a motel by the fluffy towels one time and I made a good decision. The elevator music was… relentlessly upbeat. The sheer quantity of designer sunglasses on display by the pool was impressive (I'm from the Midwest; sunglasses here are whatever are on sale). I think I saw one person reading an actual book. A *real* book! (Bless them). There was a guy in the lobby, rocking a full-on, unironic Hawaiian shirt. Bless *him* too. Oh! And the valet parking? Worth it. Totally worth the money. Although, you know, the cost of the trip is starting to add up, I should learn to live in less luxury. Overall, a very interesting trip, let's just say that.
