Tropico Motel

401 W Chevy Chase Dr, Glendale, CA 91204, Los Angeles, United States

2-star hotel

Guest rating: 3.2 / 5

Overview

Tropico Motel is a low-key, 2-star roadside-style motel in Glendale (Los Angeles area) at 401 W Chevy Chase Dr. It’s located about 2 miles from Interstate 5 and is positioned as a simple, practical base for exploring major LA attractions. The property has a public rating of 3.2/5 from 121 reviews.

Rooms

Rooms are straightforward and have exterior entrances. Standard in-room features include free Wi‑Fi, flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, dining areas, minifridges, and en suite bathrooms; upgraded rooms add sitting areas. Guest feedback is mixed, with some noting spacious rooms and nicely sized bathrooms, while others report issues such as odors and worn/dirty conditions.

Parking

Complimentary parking is provided. Reviews suggest the parking area can feel tight, so larger vehicles or late arrivals may want to plan accordingly.

Location & Nearby Highlights

The motel sits within reach of Griffith Park-area sights, including the Autry Museum of the American West (about 2.5 km), Los Angeles Zoo (about 3.0 km), Griffith Park (about 3.1 km), and Griffith Observatory (about 4.0 km). Iconic Hollywood destinations are also nearby, such as the Hollywood Sign (about 5.6 km), Dodger Stadium (about 6.9 km), the Hollywood Walk of Fame (about 7.3 km), Hollywood Bowl (about 7.6 km), TCL Chinese Theatre (about 8.2 km), and Universal Studios Hollywood (about 8.5 km). Downtown arts stops including Walt Disney Concert Hall (about 8.8 km), The Broad (about 8.9 km), and MOCA (about 9.0 km) are within a short drive.

Best for

Tropico Motel fits budget-minded travelers who want a simple Glendale base with quick driving access to Griffith Park sights, Hollywood attractions, and downtown museums. It may also suit guests who prioritize basic in-room essentials like Wi‑Fi, air-conditioning, and a TV plus the convenience of free parking, rather than a full-service hotel experience.

Travel tips

If you’re arriving late, consider confirming your reservation and room type in advance, as some guests report check-in issues and room-type substitutions. With Griffith Park, Hollywood, and downtown attractions several kilometers away, most visitors will find a car or rideshare the easiest way to get around. Parking is free, but reviews indicate spaces can be limited, so earlier arrival may help.

What guests say

Reviews commonly describe the motel as basic and functional, with positives around room size, air-conditioning, and bathrooms. Staff/management are also mentioned favorably for politeness and service. Negative themes include cleanliness and upkeep concerns (e.g., odors and worn/dirty interiors) and occasional frustration with late-night check-in handling and room-type availability. A few guests note inconsistencies with expected in-room items and limited parking capacity.

Check availability · Booking links may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you. Affiliate disclosure