BLVD Hotel and Studios Universal-Hollywood, an Ascend Collection Hotel · Studio City

Where to begin? Immediately after booking, I received an email that there were some renovations going on. They would do their best to make sure it didn’t impact us and thanks for our consideration. As we booked this day before, we figured we’d try it and see what it looked like. Here’s what that meant: no working elevator, and there’s no porter so carry your bags. Also, the room did not have working heat or AC. They brought in a portable AC unit which barely kept it at about 76°, so it was better simply to open the door and let the outside air come in at night. Since they had a space heater sitting there as well, it appears they’re not going to have heat anytime soon for the coming winter. The staff was fine, the bar was fine, the website said nothing about parking, which is convenient and covered and on property. It is walking distance to Universal, the Baked Potato, and several restaurants. But, at nearly $400 a night, it was overpriced for the value I received.