Best Hotels in Glendale, California
Tucked in the middle of the best parts of Los Angeles, Glendale sits at the end of the San Fernando Valley. From newly reno’d digs close to shops and dining to tried-and-true classics with all the basics, we got you covered in Glendale.
Central to LA, Glendale gets you access to a ton of worthy sites and attractions. Whether you’re hitting up Universal Studios, catching a game at Dodger Stadium, exploring Griffith Park or heading to the Rose Bowl, Glendale has plenty to offer with hotels to match.
Why We Love Glendale
Here are just a few reasons why we think Glendale is your next favorite spot in Los Angeles:
- Hotels galore: We’re all about LA hotels, and finding one near Glendale is easy. From classic mainstays right in the neighborhood to hot and trendy spots in nearby Hollywood, we have options.
- Movie magic: Always wanted to see where it all happens? Glendale is crazy close to the world-famous Universal Studios Hollywood where you can tour movie sets, ride rides and enjoy the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
- Play ball: Hey, sports fans. If you’re hitting Glendale during baseball season, a game at Dodger Stadium is always a good idea. Grab a seat, a Dodger dog, and enjoy the sunshine at the iconic venue.
- Park it: Adjacent to Glendale, you’ll find Griffith Park, an urban oasis five times the size of Central Park that happens to be the home of the iconic Hollywood sign. Enjoy hiking and picnics in the lush greenery, or visit the Los Angeles Zoo, Greek Theatre or the Griffith Observatory.
- Fashion, baby: If you’re looking to do some shopping, look no further. Glendale is home to Glendale Galleria, an ultimate shopper’s dream. With three stories of retail, you might have to check your shopping bag on the way home.
Where to Stay in Glendale
When it comes to hotels for every type of traveler, Glendale has options. Looking for a luxury hotel with a pool and gym in Glendale? Glendale's calling you. Need a good budget hotel in the Glendale area? You won't have to travel far. Here are places to consider in and near Glendale for your journey to this amazing LA County city:
- Downtown: Downtown Glendale has everything one could hope for, including museums, plentiful shopping options, incredible eateries and some of the best hotels in the area. From relaxed yet elegant digs with a view to cozy budget hotels next to it all, you'll have your pick downtown.
- North Glendale: In the north part of town, you'll find Glendale's high-end hotels — if you're looking for the ultimate in comfort and luxury. You'll also enjoy easy access to top attractions like Universal Studios, and you won't be too far from downtown amenities. Here you can take a break from LA excitement and have a picnic in Fremont Park. Make sure to stop at Kiddos Creamery for a unique frozen treat.
- East Glendale: Travelers on a budget might consider staying east of downtown along East Colorado Street. Here you'll find an array of great hotels in Glendale that are also easy on the wallet and never too far from local attractions. While you're in the area, consider checking out Zankou Chicken and their famous rotisserie chicken, and stop at Baklava Factory for a sweet and sticky dessert.
- Burbank: To expand your hotel options, you can lodge in the neighboring city of Burbank, which sits west of Glendale. Burbank has a rich movie-making history and is home to media giants like Walt Disney Studios and Warner Bros. When you're not taking a studio tour, you can shop for vintage clothing and snack on empanadas in Magnolia Park, have a picnic in Johnny Carson Park, or take in stunning views at Wildwood Canyon Park. You'll have a nice selection of hotels near Glendale if you stay in Burbank, whether you're looking for upscale boutique hotels or inviting value hotels.
Places to Eat in Glendale
Glendale is home to a large Armenian community which has brought a range of unique and ethnically-diverse flavors to the city. You'll find no shortage of traditional Armenian restaurants and Mediterranean spots in Glendale, making it easy to fill up on satisfying kebabs, homemade baklava and hummus. You can also expect to find a famous Cuban restaurant and some of the best sausage makers in the state. In other words, Glendale has eats. Here are some of the most iconic eateries in the city you gotta check out:
- Porto's Bakery and Cafe: Locals and tourists will agree — get in line at Porto's because it's totally worth the wait. Porto's grew out of Rosa Porto's love of baked goods. She brought her passion for sweets to California from Cuba and opened her first LA storefront in 1976. Porto's is now a Glendale institution and is famous for its Cuban cakes, pastries and sandwiches. Stop in to taste their cheese rolls or potato balls and see what all the hype is about.
- Khinkali House: You may have tasted yummy Chinese soup dumplings before, but did you ever try Georgian dumplings? Head to Khinkali House in Glendale, and discover a new form of dumpling joy. Khinkali is a type of dumpling from the mountain regions in Georgia. It's eaten plain or with black pepper and contains juicy meat and broth. Fill your dumplings with beef, cheese or mushrooms, and have them either boiled or fried. If you're not in the dumpling mood, they offer other mouthwatering specialties like cheese bread and various skewers of meat, seafood or veggies.
- Din Tai Fung: Din Tai Fung is a Taiwanese staple with locations around the world. If you're in Glendale, consider yourself lucky to be close to so many tasty dumpling options. Here you can indulge in high-quality soup dumplings, wontons and other scrumptious pockets of flavor. You might have to wait for a table at this bustling locale, but once you taste the amazing and authentic food, you'll be glad you did.
- Elena's Greek Armenian Cuisine: Elena's is a Glendale landmark and the spot to go for a mix of Greek and Armenian cuisine. For over 30 years, this family owned and operated business has been serving freshly made hummus, kebabs and other affordable and tasty treats. Stop in for a quick bite in a relaxed, casual setting and taste some of the best comfort food the city has to offer.
- Schreiner's Fine Sausages: Schreiner's is yet another staple and proud to have been serving homemade meats to locals since 1952. The folks at Schreiner's want to make customers feel at home in this old-world German deli. Visit Schreiner's to get freshly smoked meats and cheeses to go, or have a seat and enjoy a tasty sandwich.
- Raffi's Place: Raffi's Place offers elegant Persian and Middle Eastern cuisine in a dreamy indoor and outdoor setting that will transport you to an exotic courtyard. Come here to wash down a mahi-mahi kebab with a glass of wine, and sing about your newfound love.
- Damon's: It's hard to go to Glendale and not want to stop in Damon's, a Polynesian-themed steak house and tiki bar that's been serving downtown Glendale since 1937. Don't miss a chance to visit this old-school kitschy gem. Step inside, take a seat under a faux palm tree, order a mai tai, and say hello to paradise.
Not in the mood to wait in line for soup dumplings? Don't worry — there are dozens of welcoming, laid-back and low-key bars and eateries in Glendale. Put on your best T-shirt and jeans, and head to the following joints to enjoy a quality meal with locals:
- Foxy's Restaurant: Locals love Foxy's Restaurant for its hefty portions and beautiful, relaxed atmosphere. Head to Foxy's to dig into Southwestern comfort foods like homemade guacamole or fajitas, American classics like burgers and wraps, or breakfast delights like chocolate French toast. With a menu that's several pages long, you're sure to find something to whet your appetite at Foxy's.
- We're Pouring: Locals rave about this hidden gem north of busy downtown. We're Pouring is a restaurant and taphouse that specializes in pizza, sliders and craft beer. What could be better than a 30-beer-long tap list, great food and a comfortable, low-key setting?
- Trap Fried Chicken: Want a casual setting and some of the best fried chicken in Glendale? Trap Fried Chicken is a must-try for hot fried chicken bursting with flavor. Get yourself a chicken slider smothered in secret sauce, a side of crispy grilled corn and a frosty lemonade — you won't regret it.
- Tacos Cancun: For outstanding, reasonably priced Mexican food in Glendale, head to Tacos Cancun. Generous portions, yummy ingredients and spicy sauces make this place stand out. Try their popular fish tacos, asada fries or the Cancun quesadilla for authentic flavors.
Things to Do in Glendale
Glendale offers visitors a way to explore some of the best attractions in LA. Just a short drive from downtown, you can explore the Los Angeles Zoo, the Autry Museum of the American West and the expansive Griffith Park. Venture a bit further and hit Universal Studios in Hollywood or Dodger Stadium for a game.
Nevertheless, Glendale has a character of its own, and there's plenty to do right within the city. Here are the top attractions in Glendale that are worth checking out:
- Alex Theatre: Alex Theatre is a Glendale landmark. This historic theater has been entertaining Glendale folks since 1925. Today it's a world-class performing arts center where you can stop to see a film, concert, musical, dance performance or admire its glamorous art deco designs.
- Glendale Galleria: Glendale Galleria puts this city on the map as a shopping destination. This massive shopping center houses the first Apple and Disney stores, as well as over a hundred other stores and eateries to make any shopaholic content. Find new additions to a classy wardrobe at one of the upscale retailers, and fill up on tasty ice cream at Creamistry.
- The Americana at Brand: Still itching to shop after a trip to the Galleria? Cross the street and head to the Americana at Brand, a luxurious complex of shops, restaurants and entertainment. Here you can shop the latest fashions and beauty products in the elegant boutiques, enjoy world-class bites in one of the restaurants, catch a blockbuster hit at Pacific Theatres, tour the property via a complimentary trolley ride, or enjoy a magnificent water show at the dancing fountain. Even if shopping's not your thing, you can still enjoy a trip to the Americana.
- The Museum of Neon Art: The Museum of Neon Art strives to illuminate the past, present and future with electric art, and has reached out to the public for over 30 years to spread the importance of preserving historical signs. Stop in this one-of-a-kind museum to lose yourself in the glow of mesmerizing neon exhibits. You might even sign up for one of their classes and learn how to make neon art of your own.
If you already shopped till you dropped and want to break away from the hustle and bustle, you'll find that Glendale has plenty of underrated gems. Here are some spots that are perfect for exploring the Jewel City:
- Brand Library and Art Center: The Brand Library and Art Center, located in Brand Park, is a gorgeous public library that offers something for everyone. Here you'll find a range of free services like concerts, films, workshops, art exhibits and much more. Check out their current art exhibits, sign up for a crafts class, or get ready to watch a concert — all in a breathtaking setting at the base of the Verdugo Mountains.
- Brand Park: As if the library doesn't offer enough to keep you busy for a day, there's also Brand Park. This 31-acre park offers picnic areas, hiking trails, jaw-dropping mountain views, a playground and more. It's the perfect place to get exercise or relax with a good book outdoors.
- Doctor's House Museum and Gazebo: Another Brand Park attraction is the Doctor's House Museum and Gazebo. This house, built in 1888, is open for tours every Sunday. This once-home of silent film star Nell Shipman is a fun way to spend two hours and explore a historic property.
- Forest Lawn Cemetery: The Forest Lawn Cemetery is not your typical resting place. Since 1906, Forest Lawn has been a Glendale landmark and is home to an art museum and two of the largest religious paintings in the country. While here, visit the Great Mausoleum to be awe-struck by the stained glass recreation of the Last Supper, or view "The Crucifixion" painting, which is 195 feet long and 45 feet high, housed in the Hall of Crucifixion-Resurrection.
- Adams Square Mini Park Gas Station: Want to check out a historic gas station that's been turned into a neighborhood green space? That's what Adams Square Mini Park is all about. This 1936 gas station is now a place to enjoy peace and quiet for Adams Hill residents.
- Vintage Arcade Superstore: Want to take a trip down memory lane right into the mouth of Pac-Man? Make sure to visit the Vintage Arcade Superstore when you stay in Glendale. Here you'll find the largest selection of used arcade classics and pinball machines in the state. Browse for fun or arrange to take your favorite one home.
Where to Find the Top Hotels in Glendale, California
Glendale isn't called the Jewel City for no reason. This LA gem sparkles when it comes to fun things to do, scenic beauty and friendly people. With its mix of old-school bars, upscale boutiques and breathtaking parks, it's no wonder residents love to call Glendale home. Visitors also have it made if they stay in Glendale. Whether you're looking for the best hotels to stay in Glendale or nice hotels nearby, you won't be disappointed. From luxury digs to cozy budget accommodations, there's a great hotel for everyone near or in Glendale.
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