Here’ my review on the Home2 Suites Montebello., I hope you learn more about this hotel and also get to visit it one day too. Listen, if you’re planning a massive Southern California trek, especially with the new Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift coaster absolutely cranking at Universal Studios, you know that the biggest challenge isn’t the height of the rides, it’s the height of the hotel bills and the length of the traffic jams.
Finding a spot that doesn’t cost a fortune but still puts you in striking distance of the magic is an absolute mission. After our first whirlwind day hitting the tourist traps in Hollywood and Beverly Hills (which you can check out in my Honest Aussie Guide to Day One here), we needed a base that could actually handle a large family without us ending up on top of each other.
We eventually pulled up to the Home2 Suites Montebello just as the sun was setting. Arriving at dusk was actually a stroke of luck, the building’s modern facade looks fantastic under the evening lights, and it felt like a genuine oasis after battling the sprawling LA freeway system. Navigating the rental car shuffle at LAX with a mountain of gear is a rite of passage for any Aussie family travelling, but once we were in our hire car, the drive to Montebello was straightforward.
It’s a roughly 34km (21 mile) run that can take 40 minutes if the traffic gods are on your side, or a solid 90 minutes if you land during the peak hour crawl. Timing our arrival for that twilight window meant we missed the worst of the gridlock, and seeing the hotel’s warm glow as we pulled in on the first day in LA made the long haul flight feel worth it.
The Property: Quick Stats and Facts
The Home2 Suites Montebello is a relatively new addition to the area, having been built in 2018. It’s a modern, eco-conscious property owned by the Hilton family of brands, which gave us peace of mind regarding quality and service.
- Check-in: 3:00 PM
- Check-out: 12:00 PM (Noon)
While the hotel offers a generous midday checkout, we actually didn’t need to use it. On our last morning, we were in for an early breakfast, load up the hire car and out the of the car park by 6am to make our way back to the airport for the next leg of our trip to Canada. It was a quick turnaround, but the efficiency of the front desk and the vibe of the lobby, even at dawn, made it easy to get moving without a fuss.
Why We Picked Home2 Suites Montebello
When you are travelling with a large group from Australia, your transport strategy and local amenities are key.
- The Location: It’s a perfect middle ground. It was a 40 minute drive to Universal Studios and roughly 40 minutes to Disneyland in the other direction.
- The Essentials: Being just a short drive from an Albertsons Supermarket was a lifesaver. We stocked up on water and snacks immediately, which saved us hundreds of dollars inside the parks.
- The Parking: This is a huge win. Most hotels in Los Angeles charge $40+ US a day for parking, but here it was completely free.
The Room: Space for 10 Suitcases and a Huge Family
Let’s be real: packing for a big family for a trip to the States and then on to Canada is a mission. Between the main checked bags and the carry ons, we had roughly 10 suitcases in total. I was worried the room at Home2 Suites Montebello would feel like a game of Tetris, but the layout was a pleasant surprise.
We were able to stand all our gear upright behind the far bed and still had heaps of floor space to move around the desk and kitchenette. The room itself was quite dark, but honestly, that was a blessing. We weren’t there to admire the view, we were there to crash.
As you’ll read, after our final day at Disneyland, we got back to the hotel and I only managed two hours of sleep before we had to pack the car and head to the airport. Because the room was so quiet and dark, those two hours felt like a proper reset before our next adventure.
Breakfast: Waffles versus Eggs
The breakfast here is a big part of the draw, but you have to know how to navigate it. My family are huge fans of the waffle makers—they’ll happily stand there and wait for that fresh, golden smell every morning.
Me? I’m an egg man. I was happy to find they had plenty of protein filled hard-boiled eggs ready to go, which is a much better fuel source for a day of walking 20,000 steps than a pile of syrup.
A word of warning, watch out for the sugar in everything! The bread is noticeably sweet and the pastry selection is huge. Stick to the eggs if you want to avoid the mid-afternoon theme park slump!
Travel Times to Major Landmarks
| Destination | Travel Time (Approx.) | Why Go? |
| Albertsons Supermarket | 5 mins | Stock up on snacks and water. |
| Citadel Outlets | 10 mins | Great for American brands and retail therapy. |
| Universal Studios Hollywood | 40 mins | Ride the new Hollywood Drift coaster. |
| Disneyland Resort | 40 mins | The happiest place on earth. |
| Griffith Observatory | 40 mins | Best views of the Hollywood Sign. |
| Santa Monica Pier | 60 mins | Iconic beach vibes and the Ferris wheel. |
Final Verdict: My Home2 Suites Montebello Review
Overall, I can’t recommend the Home2 Suites Montebello enough for families who are doing the California Parks tour. It strikes that perfect balance of being modern, spacious, and extremely practical. Having the kitchenette and that extra floor space for our 10 suitcases made the logistics of a large family trip so much easier to handle. Even when the schedule was at its tightest, like that 2 hour nap after Disney, the hotel never felt like a stress point.
What makes this spot a winner is the sheer convenience of the surrounding area. Beyond the major parks, you’re just a stone’s throw from the Citadel Outlets if you need some retail therapy, and Dodger Stadium is within an easy drive. For families who want more than just a bed, having an Albertsons supermarket nearby means you can maintain a bit of a routine (and keep the budget intact) while still being close to the Hollywood magic.
Whether you’re visiting the Santa Monica Pier, trekking up to the Griffith Observatory, or just need a reliable launchpad before heading off to the Great White North, this property delivers. It’s clean, it’s quiet, and most importantly for us, it doesn’t charge you for the privilege of parking your hire car. Just keep an eye on that LA traffic, stick to the boiled eggs at breakfast, and you’ll have a crackin’ time!
