In the mid-1920s, the Lockheed Aircraft Company built a plant that brought jobs to the growing city. The 20s also brought with them the motion picture business when the first company, First National Pictures, was established on a 78-acre site. Not long after its establishment, the company was purchased and renamed Warner Bros. Other movie companies also moved into the area, including Disney and Columbia.
Over the years, the face of the city has changed through growth, innovation, and technology. Today, Burbank maintains its place in history as a haven for movie studios, and TV studios have been added to the lineup that makes Burbank a true entertainment center.
While Disney and Warner still play a large role in the Burbank landscape, other companies that call Burbank home include ABC, Nickelodeon Animation, Yahoo!, and the Cartoon-Network Studios.
The city celebrated its 100th birthday in 2011.
When to Visit Burbank, CA
The peak season in California is the summer months of June through August, when tourists, families, and overseas travelers make their way to the Golden State. During these months, crowds are the heaviest at top attractions. This means higher rates for hotels and resorts and the possibility of no rooms being available.
During the spring months of March through May, the area blooms with color and temperatures — though cool — are ideal for outdoor activities.
Autumn is another beautiful time of year to visit when mild weather prevails. The autumn season runs from September through November.
When visiting Burbank any time of the year, you can expect relatively moderate temperatures — even during the winter. The city receives approximately 286 days of sunshine each year. The high temperature in the summer averages 89 degrees. Wintertime is tolerable with low temperatures averaging in the mid-40s. Burbank receives no snow and an average of 23 inches of rain annually.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Burbank, CA:
Averate Rates by Star Rating
Below we've posted 3 graphs displaying average nightly cost patterns by star rating class in Burbank, CA. Analyze these illustrations to determine the most cost effective months to make a reservation in Burbank for upcoming travels.
Luxury Hotel Options in Burbank, CA
4 Star Average Prices: $179.40
Best Western Plus Media Center Inn & Suites puts guests near major attractions such as Disney®, Universal Studios®, and the Walk of Fame. While staying at Best Western, you'll enjoy a complimentary continental breakfast each morning, high-speed internet to stay connected, and a pool and fitness center to unwind after a day of business meetings or sightseeing. Rooms are equipped with satellite TV, a desk, a dataport, a chair, and a comfortable pillowtop bed. For snack time, there's a coffee maker, microwave, and refrigerator. Guests have access to the guest laundry, a safe deposit box, fax services, a computer, and he 24-hour front desk.
It doesn't get any better than the Residence Inn Los Angeles Burbank for convenience. Located in the middle of downtown, it puts you just minutes away from local attractions. Well-equipped studios and suites have fully equipped kitchens to handle all of your cooking needs, and the separate sleeping and living areas are spacious with contemporary furnishings and accessories. Pet-friendly rooms also include free Wi-Fi to stay connected, an LCD TV, and an iPod docking station. Fuel your energy level each morning with a complimentary full breakfast and enjoy the Residence Inn Mix™ for socializing with other guests three nights a week.
Affordable Hotel Options in Burbank, CA
3 Star Average Prices: $155.17
Extended Stay America Los Angeles/Burbank Airport has what it takes for business and leisure travelers to feel at home. The pet-friendly hotel offers several floorplans to fit your needs for however long you plan to stay. Suites have fully equipped kitchens with everything you need. Other amenities include complimentary wireless internet, a work desk, and a flat screen TV. Relax at the pool, soak in the hot tub, or use the fitness room. For your convenience, an on-site coin laundry is open around the clock, and you can pick up a free grab-and-go breakfast each morning. The hotel also offers free airport shuttle service.
Holiday Inn® Burbank Media Center is conveniently located less than 15 minutes from several TV and movie studios and Dodgers Stadium. It is also within walking distance of area dining, movie theaters, and shopping. Each room provides a pleasant stay with triple-sheeted beds and your choice of pillow types. The HD TV with on-demand movies, free internet, and stereo keep you tuned in to entertainment. A mini refrigerator, coffee maker, and microwave handle snacks, while a work desk, lamp, and speaker phone handle business. Guests have access to the business center, fitness center, pool, arcade room, restaurant, two bars, and on-site self-laundry facilities.
2 Star Average Prices: $94.20
Best Discounts in Burbank, CA
Portofino Inn is an excellent choice for business and leisure guests and those in charge of planning group events. The hotel has an average group discount of 26.9 percent and a group booking rating of 8.9/10, making the hotel a practical resource. Recently restored rooms are well-appointed with modern décor, premium bedding, black-out drapes, desks, TVs, microwaves, refrigerators, and comfy pillowtop mattresses. The hotel provides several free amenities as well, including a sumptuous breakfast, high-speed internet access, and parking. Guests also have access to a computer, speakerphones, voicemail, and tour assistance to help you get where you want to go.
When staying at Safari Inn, expect excellent service, comfortable rooms, and plenty of guest amenities. The vintage retro-styled hotel is centrally located, so you're just minutes away from major attractions. The hotel offers standard rooms or a choice of suites with free Wi-Fi and access to a laundry service, room service, daily housekeeping, and a 24-hour front desk. Relax at the outdoor pool or fitness center or enjoy the comfort of the lobby's fireplace. A free shuttle goes to the airport and nearby studios. Safari Inn has a group booking rating of 10/10 and an average group savings of 11.6 percent.
Best Value Options in Burbank, CA
The Hotel Amarano is a pet-friendly establishment located in the heart of Burbank's entertainment area. You'll be just minutes away from studios, attractions, shopping, and dining, making it a good choice for business or leisure travelers. Beautifully decorated rooms and suites are warm and welcoming with plush bedding, Italian linens, lounge chairs, and luxurious bath products. Enjoy the flat-screen TV, in-room safe, coffee maker, mini bar, small fridge, and wireless internet. Relax under a poolside cabana, enjoy breakfast at the Garden Room, savor the fine dining menu at Privato, or visit the Library Lounge for cocktails and lighter fare.
The upbeat Coast Anabelle Hotel provides excellence in guest services and amenities. Stylish suites provide an oasis of comfort. Each suite features cozy terry cloth bath robes, Starbucks coffee, down comforters, a flat panel TV, a mini refrigerator, and a nightly turn-down service. Enjoy a refreshing swim in the heated outdoor pool or a thorough workout at the fitness center after a day of touring Hollywood and visiting theme parks. For your dining pleasure, Olive's Bistro and Lounge serves a menu of delectable selections for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The hotel even provides a complimentary roundtrip shuttle service to Burbank Airport.
Things to Do in Burbank, CA
When visiting Burbank, a favorite way to spend the day is at a studio taping. They're free, and you get to be part of the show. Tours of film and TV sets, studios, soundstages, and backlots take you to see firsthand where your favorite shows are created.
Shopping abounds in Burbank with a creative menu that boasts everything from mod and eclectic to classic and contemporary. Area venues include Empire Center, Magnolia Park, Burbank Town Center, and the chic boutiques of downtown Burbank.
Burbank is less than 30 minutes from Los Angeles and Hollywood, which opens up even more opportunities for things to do. Two attractions not to be missed are the famous Hollywood Sign and the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Visit Universal Studios, the historic Capitol Records Tower, Griffith Observatory, and the Los Angeles Zoo.
Plan a visit to The Dolby Theatre for live performances. Pantages Theatre on Hollywood and Vine is a vintage theater from the Golden Age showing movies and Broadway entertainment. The Chinese Theatre is located on the historic Hollywood Walk of Fame, and the Greek Theatre at Griffith Park features live entertainment.
When your plans bring you to Burbank, whether on business or pleasure, there's no limit to your entertainment options. With many of the hotels being centrally located near major attractions, you can easily spend the day touring the studios, watching the filming of a show, or enjoying a nearby theme park.
An array of restaurants, cafes, and shopping venues add to the list of things to do, whether you are traveling on business or pleasure. With Los Angeles and Hollywood just a short drive away, you have the best of three locations for on-going entertainment, concerts, cultural diversity, sporting events, and much more. Burbank has an interesting history, entertainment for all ages, and outstanding hotels, and the city is well worth a visit to explore its many avenues to exciting locations.
'It's not about what you achieve. It's about what your intentions are. As long as you know you are in the right, nothing much should matter.,
Blake Lively, a popular young actor from Burbank, CA, thus explains her life philosophy. This attitude of being in the right and not expecting much in return from life is certainly a rewarding one in itself, and that sheds some light on how the thought process of people living in and around Burbank.
Burbank, in itself, does appear to be inconsequential, little town “ just like hundreds of others in the United States. But look closely and you will be quick to see that it has contributed a lot to the development of America, both economically and culturally.
Known affectionately as the Media Capital of the World, Burbank houses a number of media headquarters that are influential in bringing and presenting news to America. Just take a look at these names and you will get an idea of what we are trying to put forth: Disney, NBC, ABC, Fox, Netflix, Warner Bros, Universal Studios, Columbia Studios etc.
Apart from bringing in enormous revenues to the state, Burbank also creates hundreds of jobs for local professionals, creating a social balance that's vital for the development of the society.
To experience all this wealth of industry, hard work and of course, natural beauty, the only option you have is to visit Burbank in person.
Budget Hotels in Burbank
The best and most prominent claim to fame that Burbank has is its ability to present a well-blended combination fun activities and natural retreats to its visitors. Because of this very ability, a constant stream of tourists can be observed flocking the city, making it imperative for the city to make proper arrangements for the accommodation of these visitors.
It's a well-known fact that tourists usually prefer cheap hotels over luxury ones, especially when they are intending to stay for long periods of time. It not only saves a lot of hard-earned cash for them, but also allows them to invest the saved money in local activities and more sightseeing.
Keeping that in mind, our top picks among various available cheap hotels in and around Burbank are:
- Travelodge Burbank Glendale is a popular inn-styled budget hotel that can best be described as a semi-luxurious lodging option. It's not overly cheap “ to be clear “ but its tariffs are not over the top either. A good collection of comfortable and spacious rooms, coupled with a good location allows visitors to reap the full value for whatever money they pay.
- Safari Inn is a similar option, but it's arguably a little less impressive in terms of the overall luxury quotient. But anyhow, tourists can give this a go if they want to stay closer to all the attractions in Burbank.
Luxury Hotels and Resorts in Burbank
California, as a state, believes in living life to its fullest. Great climate and living conditions further aid this motive, allowing Californians to reap the benefits of all that they have been blessed with. Going well with that flow of thought, it doesn't come as a surprise that Burbank boasts of a good selection of luxury resorts where you can check-in and just let all of your worries melt away. Bask by the pool and catch some rays, or pamper yourself with state of the art spas and saunas “ the choice is all yours!
Coast Annabelle Hotel and Courtyard by Marriott are two resorts that seem to provide all of these amenities to their patrons “ and then some! Luxury hotels in Burbank are indeed a touch more expensive than luxury resorts in other parts of the country, but that's to be anticipated in an expensive state like California.
Must Do Activities and Must See Sights in Burbank
Taking the discussion forward from Burbank hotels and their kinds, time is just about right to discuss sightseeing potential of Burbank. While Los Angeles “ a treasure chest filled with surprises in terms of sightseeing “ is never too far away from Burbank, the city itself is not too light on attractions, either.
However absurd it may sound, the most popular activity that draws tourists in to Burbank all year round is the opportunity to participate as members of audience in the filming of a variety of TV shows. From Oprah's Show to David Letterman Live and from Craig Ferguson's Tonight Show to Larry King Live, a number of popular TV shows have “ at one point of time or another “ filmed shows in Burbank, giving tourists an exciting shot at participating in television history.
If you have kids tagging along, Pickwick Gardens is the place to visit while in Burbank. It's got a huge ice skating rink and a bowling alley designed especially for kids.
Warner Bros Studio Tour will give you a chance to actually see how an enormously popular and powerful media house really works. From its rich archives to entertaining live shows, this tour is nothing short of a quick ride through America's TV and Film heritage.
Those interested in marital arts of various types and styles can take great pleasure in visiting the world-famous MA Museum where every bit of martial art history is preserved and put on display brilliantly.
Hotels Near Burbank Airport
Burbank has one domestic airport of its own, named Bob Hope Burbank Airport. It is well-connected to many cities in the United States and Canada.
Since the airport is not too far away from the city, looking for Burbank hotels that are relatively closer to the airport becomes a futile exercise.
Tourists are best advised to pick a shuttle taxi from the airport and down to Burbank city center to find a suitable hotel.
Burbank Weather: California Dreaming
Burbank exhibits a typically Californian weather and climate that is steady throughout the year.
Summer here brings thousands of tourists from across the country, while the winters are not without their share of tourist activity, either.
Tourists should, however, keep in mind that heightened tourist footfall during summer months often prompts hotels in Burbank to increase room tariffs by huge margins.