Your Ultimate Guide: Where to Stay in Glendale District

Planning a trip to Southern California and wondering where to stay in Glendale District? You're in the right place! Glendale, a vibrant city nestled just northeast of Downtown Los Angeles, offers a fantastic blend of urban amenities, cultural attractions, and a welcoming atmosphere. Whether you're visiting for business, a family vacation, or a solo adventure, choosing the right accommodation can significantly enhance your experience.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through the best areas and types of lodging in Glendale, helping you find the perfect home base for your Southern California explorations.

Why Choose Glendale for Your Stay?

Glendale is often considered one of the safest cities in Los Angeles County, offering a more relaxed pace than the bustling heart of LA while still providing easy access to major attractions. It's strategically located with convenient freeway access, making it a great hub for exploring Hollywood, Universal Studios, Pasadena, and even beaches. Beyond its prime location, Glendale boasts its own array of shopping, dining, and entertainment options, ensuring you'll find plenty to do right on your doorstep.

Top Areas and Types of Accommodation in Glendale

When considering where to stay in Glendale District, it's helpful to think about what kind of experience you're seeking. Glendale offers a diverse range of neighborhoods and hotel types to suit every preference and budget.

Downtown Glendale: The Heart of the Action

For those who love to be in the thick of it, Downtown Glendale is an excellent choice. This area is a bustling hub of activity, home to the popular Americana at Brand and Glendale Galleria, offering extensive shopping, dining, and entertainment options. You'll find a mix of modern hotels, boutique stays, and easy access to public transportation.

• Upscale & Boutique Options:
  • The Glenmark, Glendale, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel: This boutique hotel is located at the junction of Burbank, Pasadena, and Eagle Rock, offering a sophisticated, artfully curated experience.
  • Embassy Suites Los Angeles - Glendale: Situated in the heart of downtown, this hotel offers suites with separate living rooms and amenities like an outdoor pool and gym, making it a popular choice for families and business travelers alike.
  • Hilton Los Angeles North/Glendale & Executive Meeting Center: Another strong option in the downtown area, known for spacious rooms and a blend of elegance and comfort.
  • Brand Plaza Hotel: Located in historic downtown Glendale, this boutique hotel, built in 1924, offers elegant rooms with free internet access.
• Mid-Range & Convenient Stays:
  • Hyatt Place Glendale/Los Angeles: Praised for its convenient location near the Alex Theatre and Glendale Marketplace, offering easy access to shopping and entertainment.
  • Holiday Inn Express & Suites Glendale Downtown: A favorite among travelers for its modern amenities and convenient location, often highlighted for friendly staff and complimentary breakfast.
  • Hotel Xilo Glendale: A budget-friendly option in Downtown Glendale, offering complimentary WiFi and various breakfast options.

Staying downtown means you're within walking distance to many attractions, including the Alex Theatre, a historic performing arts center, and the Museum of Neon Art.

Family-Friendly Accommodations

Glendale is a fantastic destination for families, with numerous hotels catering to their specific needs. Many family-friendly options offer spacious rooms, pools, and convenient access to parks and attractions like the Los Angeles Zoo.

• Top Family-Friendly Hotels:
  • Embassy Suites Los Angeles - Glendale: As mentioned, its suite style and amenities make it ideal for families.
  • Hilton Los Angeles North/Glendale: Also frequently recommended for families.
  • Glendale Express Hotel Los Angeles: Offers easy access to iconic places in Los Angeles and features a flamingo-friendly pool.
  • Residence Inn Los Angeles Glendale: Often cited for its family-friendly amenities.

These hotels often provide amenities like free Wi-Fi, complimentary breakfast, and pools, which are great for keeping everyone entertained and comfortable.

Budget-Friendly Options

Travel doesn't have to break the bank, and Glendale offers several affordable hotels that still provide comfort and convenience.

• Economical Choices:
  • Glendale Express Hotel Los Angeles: A 3-star boutique hotel offering good value with easy access to LA attractions.
  • Chariot Inn Glendale - Pasadena: Offers good value and service.
  • Glen Capri Inn & Suites - Burbank Universal: A budget-friendly option noted for clean rooms and kind staff.
  • Vagabond Inn Glendale: Known for its great location, safe area, and ample parking, with shopping right across the street.
  • Rodeway Inn Regalodge: Another popular budget hotel.
  • The LEEF Hotel: Offers free WiFi in public areas and a virtual front desk.

Many budget hotels are well-located, allowing you to save on accommodation without sacrificing access to Glendale's highlights.

Getting Around Glendale

Glendale is well-connected, making it easy to navigate whether you have a car or rely on public transportation.

• Driving: Glendale has good access to major freeways (the 5, 134, and 2), allowing for easy commutes to surrounding areas like Downtown LA (about 10 miles away), Burbank, and Pasadena. Many hotels offer parking, though some may charge a fee.
• Public Transportation: The city offers various public transportation options:
  • Glendale Beeline: This municipal bus service operates 12 routes throughout Glendale and connects to nearby areas.
  • Metro Bus: Los Angeles County's regional transit provider, with several Metro bus routes running through Glendale, connecting to the broader LA Metro Area.
  • Metrolink & Amtrak: The Larry Zarian Transportation Center (LZTC) serves as a central hub for Metrolink commuter trains and Amtrak's Pacific Surfliner, offering connections to other cities.
  • Rideshare: Services like Uber and Lyft are widely available for on-demand transportation.

Exploring Glendale's Attractions

While deciding where to stay in Glendale District, keep in mind the attractions you wish to visit.

• Shopping & Entertainment: The Americana at Brand and Glendale Galleria are major draws, offering a vast selection of shops, restaurants, and entertainment.
• Arts & Culture: Explore the Brand Library & Art Center, known for its unique architecture and extensive collection, or the Museum of Neon Art (MONA), showcasing historic neon signs. The Alex Theatre hosts concerts and performances.
• Parks & Outdoors: Brand Park offers hiking trails and beautiful views. Forest Lawn Memorial Park is a beautiful cemetery known as Glendale's "Walk of Fame," being the final resting place for many celebrities.
• Dining: Glendale boasts a diverse culinary scene, from famous bakeries like Porto's Bakery & Cafe to a wide array of Middle Eastern and international cuisines.

Conclusion

Choosing where to stay in Glendale District means unlocking a convenient and enjoyable Southern California experience. With options ranging from luxurious boutique hotels in the bustling downtown to comfortable, family-friendly stays and budget-conscious motels, Glendale truly offers something for every traveler. Its strategic location provides easy access to major Los Angeles attractions while offering a vibrant local scene of its own.

Now that you have a clearer picture of the best places to stay, which Glendale neighborhood or hotel type sounds like the perfect fit for your next adventure? Share your thoughts in the comments below!