Safari Inn Burbank: Your Retro Hollywood Getaway

The Safari Inn Burbank offers one of the most convenient locations in Southern California, placing guests just minutes from major motion picture studios such as Universal Studios and NBC. Additionally, the hotel is only a short drive from Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, and the iconic Hollywood Strip. If you’re searching for Hollywood hotels with authentic film history, this classic property is an unforgettable choice.

The iconic mid-century neon sign outside the Safari Inn Burbank hotel

Beyond its amenities, the Safari Inn stands as one of Burbank’s best‑kept historical landmarks. Built in 1955, the hotel has preserved its original mid‑century charm, making it one of the few remaining properties in the city with true 1950s retro décor. Its iconic neon sign still lights up Olive Avenue, offering a nostalgic glow that instantly transports visitors back in time.

Furthermore, the Safari Inn is deeply woven into Hollywood’s entertainment history. The property has served as a filming location for major motion pictures such as True Romance, Coach Carter, and Apollo 13. It has also appeared in hit television series, including Six Feet Under, CSI: Vegas, Prison Break, Desperate Housewives, and Monk. Even the exterior has earned fame, appearing on album covers for well‑known rock bands like The Wallflowers.

Safari Inn Burbank: Classic Accommodations

Standard double bed room setup with mid-century decor at the Safari Inn Burbank
Double Standard Room

Safari Inn Burbank: Travel Details

Location:  Burbank, CA

Navigating Southern California traffic can be tricky, so choosing a well-connected base camp is essential for a stress-free vacation. The Safari Inn Burbank hits the absolute sweet spot for regional transit. Because it sits right in the media district, you can easily avoid the congested downtown core while keeping a direct route to the area’s best attractions. However, because the coastal cruise ports and LAX are a bit of a drive, I highly recommend pre-booking a private transfer through Welcome Pickups. It eliminates the stress of hailing an expensive rideshare or navigating LA highways with all of your heavy cruise luggage.

Distance from Airport:  Los Angeles Intl. Airport (LAX) approx. 35 mins. away | Burbank Bob Hope Airport (BUR) approx. 10 mins. away

Distance from Train Station: Bob Hope Airport Train Station -Amtrak Station (BUR) -approx. 10 mins. away

Distance from San Pedro Cruise Terminal: approx. 1 hr. 10 mins. away

Distance from Long Beach Cruise Terminal: approx. 1 hr. 16 mins away

Cruising out of Southern California? Whether you are heading out on a scenic Pacific Coastal itinerary or a Mexican Riviera getaway, managing your departure day smoothly makes all the difference. For an inside look at how premium lines handle your final morning, check out my essential guide to the Celebrity Cruises Extend Your Stay Program to stretch your vacation comfort right up to the final second.

Outdoor swimming pool sundeck and lounge chairs at the Safari Inn Burbank hotel

Over the years, the Safari Inn Burbank has welcomed countless writers, artists, and editors from across the entertainment industry. Even today, creatives continue to use the hotel’s retro charm as inspiration, often treating its nostalgic atmosphere as their personal muse. Beyond its ties to Hollywood insiders, the Safari Inn has also become a fun and memorable getaway for families and travelers seeking a touch of classic Hollywood during their Burbank stay.

Additionally, the hotel’s iconic neon sign has drawn visitors for more than 55 years. Its vintage glow remains one of the most recognizable sights on Olive Avenue, capturing the attention of guests and passersby alike.

For travelers eager to explore the magic of movie‑making, the Safari Inn offers unbeatable proximity to both Warner Bros. Studios and Universal Studios Hollywood. This convenient location makes it easy to pair your stay with behind‑the‑scenes tours, theme‑park fun, and all the excitement of Burbank’s entertainment district.

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Recommended Read: Are You Cruising for the Ship or the Destination? How to Choose Your Perfect Celebration at Sea

Karen Holmes, Owner & Travel Advisor 189 Market Journeys, LLC | Celebratory Cruise Travel Specialist Avoya Travel Affiliated | http://www.189MarketJourneys.com | Karen@189MarketJourneys.com

Affiliate Disclosure: Some of the links in this post may be affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you choose to book through them, at no additional cost to you. I only recommend hotels, products, and services that I have personally experienced or genuinely believe will add value to your travel planning. Thank you for supporting my business and allowing me to continue sharing helpful travel content.

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