Hollywood FAQs
Have questions? Here are the answers to some of the most common enquiries we get. If you can't find the answer to your question here don't hesitate to contact us.
Hollywood Hostel FAQS
- How do I get to the hostel from Greyhound/Amtrak/ LAX airport?
- How do I get to Santa Monica and Venice Beach?
- Is the hostel located in a safe area?
- Are there bathrooms in the dorms?
- How do I get back to the airport?
- How do I get to Universal Studios?
- What is a semi-private room?
- What amenities do I get in a private room?
- Can I get a top or bottom bunk ahead of time?
- How can I make sure I get a quiet room?
- Can I check in early?
- Are there check in criteria for your hostel? Can i bring my child?
- May i bring visitors into the hostel?
- How do I get to Six Flags Magic Mountain?
- How do I get to Disneyland?
- How do I get to the Hollywood Sign?
- How do I get to Beverly Hills?
- How do I get to downtown Los Angeles?
- Does the hostel have a parking area?
Q: How do I get to the hostel from Greyhound/Amtrak/ LAX airport?
A: Click here for our directions page for complete information on getting to the hostel.
Q: How do I get to Santa Monica and Venice Beach?
A: Take our free shuttle which leaves the hostel Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at 10 a.m. If you would like to visit Santa Monica or Venice Beach on a day when our free shuttle does not run, please ask for bus or car directions at reception.
Q: Is the hostel located in a safe area?
A: In any large city you are not familiar with, it pays to use a little caution. We wouldn’t suggest that you take a long, lonely walk in the middle of the night, but as long as you use common sense you’ll be just fine. Los Angeles is just like any large city - some parts are better than others. Regardless, we take precautions for your safety. There is someone at the reception desk 24 hours a day, and each guest must present their room key to enter the hostel.
Q: Are there bathrooms in the dorms?
A: Yes, each of our rooms has its own private bathroom! If someone is taking their sweet time in your bath however, don't worry - there are also two common bathrooms that you can use.
Q: How do I get back to the airport?
A: Our receptionists can book you a SuperShuttle back to the airport. Just be sure to make a reservation at least 24 hours in advance. Our receptionists can also tell you how to get to the airport on the subway.
Q: How do I get to Universal Studios?
A: Buy your discounted admission ticket at the reception desk, then take the Metro one stop to Universal Studios. A free shuttle to the park entrance picks up from the Universal Studios Metro station every 15 minutes between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m.
Q: What is a semi-private room?
A: Our semi-privates are rooms with a double bed, which is connected to a four-bed dorm room with which they share a bathroom. There is a locking door between the semi-private and the dorm room.
Q: What amenities do I get in a private room?
A: Our private rooms have either a double bed or a bunk bed. Each room has satellite tv, airconditioning, comfy duvets, full bathroom, magnifying mirror and an iHome clock radio.
Q: Can I get a top or bottom bunk ahead of time?
A: We don't assign beds here at USA Hostels. All beds are on a first come basis. However, feel free to switch bunks if someone checks out.
Q: How can I make sure I get a quiet room?
A: We cannot assign beds ahead of check in, but be sure to ask the front desk staff at check in. Please keep in mind however, that we are in the entertainment area of Hollywood and on club nights there is some street noise.
Q: Can I check in early?
A: Our check in time for dorms is 11 am and for privates is 2 pm. If the bed or room type you booked is unoccupied and clean, then we will check you in early. However, check out is at 10 am and we are usually full so we cannot promise an early check in. You can however, leave your luggage in our secure storage and start your day right away!
Q: Are there check in criteria for your hostel? Can i bring my child?
A: Because we try to cater to travelers on a budget we do have check in regulations. At check in we ask guests to present either a valid passport or a current out-of-state American driver's license (other out-of-state government ID is also acceptable). Guests may also be asked to present proof of onward travel. People under the age of 16 are restricted to private rooms unless entire dorm is rented. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by a guardian.
Q: May i bring visitors into the hostel?
A: You are welcome to visit with friends on the hoste patio which has plenty of seating. However, visitors are not allowed beyond the reception area. This is for the security of all our guests who expect that we can identify everyone in our building and provide a secure environment. Please understand that there are no exceptions to this rule and we'll be happy to point out several cozy bars and restaurants you can take your visitors to.
Q: How do I get to Six Flags Magic Mountain?
A: Buy your discounted admissions ticket at reception and take our free shuttle that goes to Magic Mountain every Sunday at 9:00 a.m. (also Wednesdays in summer).
If you have a car while you’re in Hollywood, then buy your discounted admissions ticket at the reception desk any day of the week and follow the directions given on the Magic Mountain website.
It is possible to take public transportation, but we don’t recommend it as it takes several hours instead of the 45 minutes or so it takes by car or shuttle.
Q: How do I get to Disneyland?
A: Book a tour through the reception desk any day of the week. The tour price includes your round-trip transportation (about an hour each way) and park entry.
You can also take public transportion. Best to ask at reception after you check in.
Q: How do I get to the Hollywood Sign?
A: Take our Hollywood Hills and Runyon Canyon Walking Tour. Tours leave the hostel twice a week an hour and a half before sunset . You can also take the Hollywood Sign tour on Saturday at 11 a.m. The tour gets you as close to the Hollywood Sign as is legally possible. Bring your hiking shoes, both walks can get a little challenging.
If you'd like to go on your own, our receptionists can give you directions.
Q: How do I get to Beverly Hills?
A: Every Monday and Friday at 10:30 a.m. you can join one of our staff members on a guided tour of Beverly Hills and Bel Air. Otherwise, once you arrive, ask one of our hosts or receptionists for directions using public transportation.
Q: How do I get to downtown Los Angeles?
A: All it takes is a quick ride on the Metro.
Q: Does the hostel have a parking area?
A: While the hostel does not have its own lot, there is some free street parking, metered parking and several lots.Most lots charge $8 and up a day and do not have 'in and out' privileges. That means each time you take the car out, it's another charge. We do have a favorite lot that is only 2 blocks from the hostel at 1710 N. Cherokee Ave. Their website is www.parkingconcepts.com . and their phone is 213-746-5764.. When you arrive our receptionists can give you directions.Most metered parking is free from 8 pm to 8 am, BUT we don't recommend it because there are many parking regulations and you could end up with a ticket or towed if you misread the signs. .Free street parking is only a couple of blocks from the hostel. Just ask where that is when you arrive at the hostel and a receptionist will tell you. Again, please READ the signs so you don't get a ticket or towed.