subject: Find A Hotel Near Universal Studios [print this page] When it comes to respect, the Valley doesn't get much of it. Once it nestled fields and fields of orange groves, now, it nestles nearly 1.8 million residents. Evey square inch of the orange-scented Valley has been divided among the cities that inhabit now. You've no doubt heard the names -- they've managed to worm their ways into our collective consciousness. Even if you've never set foot in Southern California, you've heard of Burbank, Van Nuys, and Glendale.
Glendale, in particular, occupies the eastern edge of the Valley. It manages to keep its head above water, so to speak, giving the tourists who flock to neighboring Burbank and Universal Studios a place to eat and rest. If you're looking for a hotel near Universal Studios you'll be looking here. Passing out of the Valley via Glendale will drop travelers into gentrified Eagle Rock and then into the more colorful neighborhoods of East LA.
Yes, cheaper hotels can be found in the less significant Valley cities, like Sylmar or Tarzana, but you'll be placing yourself another hour or so away from the spots and landmarks that make LA such a tourist destination. It's safe to say you'll be driving when you come to LA -- this means you'll be keenly interested in navigating the deservedly heavy traffic. Bring a map -- bring a GPS unit -- bring plenty of water.
Amenities: what's a hotel or motel without amenities? The soft pillow, the clean bed, the television, the shower -- these aren't amenities, they're necessities. A bar of soap that suds, a plastic cup wrapped in crackling paper, a bible tucked untouched in the drawer -- these are things we need when we're far from home and need to feel like we're being taken care of. Aim the remote, snap the television to life and shut down your fear and anxiety.
Cheap rooms, expensive theme parks, dead orange groves: welcome to the Valley. Prepare you soul, prepare your family and leave the dreams you were sure would come to life on the rim of the Pacific behind. Take the family, bundled against the hazy sun to see the pale imitation of a life less ordinary.
