Highland Gardens Hotel

Highland Gardens Hotel sits at 7047 Franklin Avenue in Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, on a residential-feeling block just north of Hollywood Boulevard and a short distance west of the Hollywood and Highland complex. The location puts visitors within walking distance of the Hollywood Walk of Fame, the TCL Chinese Theatre and the Dolby Theatre, and the Hollywood/Highland Metro B Line station provides a rail link to Downtown Los Angeles and Universal City without the need for a car. The property is a low-rise motor hotel dating from the mid-twentieth century, with rooms arranged around a pool and garden area rather than along a single corridor, giving it a relaxed, retro character that differs from the high-rise hotels around Hollywood Boulevard. It is best known for a piece of rock history: singer Janis Joplin lived in the hotel in 1970 and died in one of its rooms, a fact that continues to draw music fans. Guest rooms include Standard Queen rooms and Kitchenette rooms, the latter useful for longer stays or families who want to prepare simple meals. Rates generally range from about $110 to $200 per night plus taxes, making it one of the more economical places to stay in Hollywood. Amenities include an outdoor pool, free Wi-Fi, on-site parking, which is valuable in an area where parking is expensive, and kitchenettes in some rooms. There is no large on-site restaurant, so guests typically eat at nearby cafes and restaurants along Hollywood Boulevard, Highland Avenue and Franklin Avenue, or use their kitchenette. The service style is straightforward and no-frills, geared toward budget-minded tourists, groups travelling to events at the Hollywood Bowl and independent visitors. Rooms are modest and decor can feel dated, so travellers expecting a luxury experience should adjust expectations, while those prioritising location and value may find it suitable. Street noise from Highland Avenue and nearby entertainment venues can affect lighter sleepers.