Hotel Amarano Burbank

This charming boutique hotel opened in 2002 and has a bright, SoCal ambience. The small lobby features lovely marble floors, fresh flowers, and large tropical plants that thrive in the California sunshine. The adjacent Library Lounge offers lots of quiet and cozy spots to relax. The secluded patio offers quiet spots to relax amongst lush landscaping and a fountain. Movie industry people are often seen here, including some celebrities. But, most guests are tourists visiting the nearby movie studios and other Los Angeles landmarks. This is a friendly and comfortable hotel that places a priority on service and providing an intimate stay. 

The Amarano is conveniently located for tourists, adjacent to Ventura Freeway (134) and just a five-minute drive from Warner Bros. Studio. It’s a safe area with residential streets and a diner, Starbucks, and grocery store across the street. It’s also within a 10- to 20-minute drive (without traffic) to Burbank Studios, Walt Disney Studios, Universal Studios Hollywood, Los Angeles Zoo, and Griffith Park. The Hollywood Walk of Fame and Hollywood Bowl are just a bit further, and Dodger Stadium, Staples Center, and Los Angeles Convention Center are 25 minutes by car. Downtown Burbank and its numerous shops and restaurants are 10 minutes away by car. Driving to LAX will take approximately one hour, but it’s only a 10-minute drive to Bob Hope Airport.

The hotel first opened in 2002 with 99 rooms and subsequently added 33 rooms in a 2008 expansion that also included the pool area. The original rooms were renovated in 2016, and plans are in the works to upgrade the 2008 rooms. As of 2017, the most recently-renovated rooms have a classic Hollywood Regency theme that’s overt but still tasteful. They can include large black and white photos, lamps that resemble movie production equipment, and decorative padded headboards covered in what looks like the script for “Casablanca.” The bright color palette is mostly white, with light gray and black contrasts. The gray carpet has light blue accents, and the beds have stainless reflective four-poster canopies. Large windows -- some rooms have doors that open onto private balconies -- make the cheerful rooms even brighter. 

Superior Rooms encompass 300 square feet. Deluxe and Executive Rooms (Kings and Double Queens) are larger still, and full suites offer 650 square feet of space that include kitchenettes with full-size fridges. Standard amenities in all rooms include microwaves, iPod docking stations, minibars, Keurig coffeemakers, safes, flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi. Bathrooms have lovely white marble vanities and either large walk-in showers (King Rooms) or shower/tub combos (Double Queen Rooms) -- both have rainfall showerheads. The rooms are generally quiet. Some rooms offer nice pool views but for the most part, views are unremarkable.

This upscale hotel has an excellent amenities package that includes a free shuttle to area attractions and the Bob Hope Airport. The Privato restaurant serves classic American and California cuisine for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Outdoor dining is available on the patio. The Library Lounge also has happy hour specials on appetizers and drinks. The fitness center is nicely equipped with several pieces of modern Life FItness cardio equipment, free weights, and a universal strength-training machine. The heated outdoor pool is a bit small for an upscale hotel, but it’s in a lovely private setting with a whirlpool, covered tables, and cabanas that can be rented. Bar service also is available at the pool. Valet is the only on-site parking option, and it’s expensive. Valet dry cleaning and laundry are among the concierge services, and self-serve laundry facilities are on site. The hotel has 2,000 square feet of function space as well as a business center with a computer and printer. Pets, including cats, are welcome with some restrictions. Please note that the hotel charges a hefty amenity fee daily that covers Wi-Fi, daily newspapers, in-room bottled water, and welcome beverages.