Name: Safari Inn Burbank-Universal, a Coast Hotel
Address: 1911 Olive Avenue, Burbank, California, United States of America, Burbank, California, US
Price range: $125–$264 per night
Rating: 8.83

What guests think

Safari Inn, a Coast Hotel, delivers a clean, retro stay in a convenient Burbank location, with many guests praising friendly staff, heated pool, and a free shuttle to Universal Studios and the airport when reserved in advance.

Common drawbacks include street and neighbor noise from thin walls or windows, tight on-site parking, and beds that some find firm or smaller than expected. Rooms are simple-to-updated with a vintage vibe; many lack in-room microwaves, though a communal unit is available in the laundry area. Expect a straightforward, good-value base near the studios with a classic feel.

Facilities

Cleanliness

Rooms

Service

Location

Dining

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Facilities

Heated pool, rooftop deck, free shuttle to Universal Studios/Burbank and free on-site parking are big positives; laundry is available and a communal microwave is in the laundry room. Parking is tight, and shuttle slots can fill, so reserve early.

Related guest reviews

8

Angela

Nov 26, 2024

·

Stayed 4 nights

Very conveniently located within walking distance of many food options and other facilities. Staff were always friendly and helpful. It was great to be able to book the free shuttle service to Universal Studios and the local airport (not LAX!) Laundry facilities onsite were also good.

10

Micah

May 24, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Great hotel for universal studios! Free parking was great! All the staff was great! Will definitely stay again

10

Justin

Nov 4, 2025

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Stayed 2 nights

Clean room and property in a nice location. We like to stay at places that aren't big name brand hotels/motels and Safari was perfect for our 2 day trip to Universal. Free airport and park shuttle service was a nice perk too. Staff was very friendly

8

Brianna

Aug 31, 2025

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Stayed 2 nights

Good value for our trip to Universal. Close to the park and convenient. Free parking on site and my kids enjoyed the pool.

8

Lori

Jul 1, 2025

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Stayed 1 night

As expected from an upgraded retro motel. Very appropriate for the area. Close to many conveniences. The only drawback- check in time of 4:00 precluded using the pool or sundeck before a dinner reservation😢.

10

Sara

May 17, 2025

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Stayed 2 nights

Nice family hotel. Ideal while visiting Universal Studios Hollywood visit, shuttle service is a plus. Free parking

10

Austin

Apr 9, 2024

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Stayed 2 nights

Had a great stay. Rooms were clean, bed a little hard, pool nice and warm! Great free shuttle to Universal Studios. There was a refrigerator in our room and a microwave in the laundry room, don’t think it mentions that on hotels.com

10

Lou

Aug 18, 2025

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Stayed 5 nights

Convenient base for exploring LA, clean and tidy, pool fab, shuttle to Universal / Warner Brothers excellent, staff helpful. Would stay again.

8

Heather

Sep 1, 2025

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Stayed 4 nights

Very clean rooms, dated property, but charming and clean. Attentive very friendly housekeeping staff. Lots of ambulance activity, facility in the area..sirens at night. Several quick food options within walking distance along with a drug store. Shuttle service was a big reason for us booking…property could benefit from a second shuttle, if you don’t have a schedule pre booked your options are limited…the single shuttle is popular. We had our days planned and scheduled prior, but wasn’t able to make any changes due to other visitors already having the drivers time. Paying for ride shares was not an expense we had planned on. Pool was good and refreshing to wrap up our trip. All of the staff was very friendly. Overall great stay at this quaint property.

8

Rebecca

Nov 7, 2025

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Stayed 5 nights

Parking lot is tight, but available. No iron/board in room, had to ask for at desk. No microwave in room, only communal in laundry room, ick. Staff very nice. Towels small and rough, one is not enough per person, especially when one washes their hair. Location is awesome, and free shuttle to Universal Studios very welcomed perk.

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Cleanliness

Reviews repeatedly highlight very clean rooms and well-kept grounds with regular housekeeping. A few note occasional odors or minor wear and towel quality issues.

Related guest reviews

6

NELSON

Feb 26, 2024

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Stayed 2 nights

We need to changed room because it was all hairy around the room. Dirty floor and pillows smells. Maybe they did not clean the room just bath.

10

Michele

Sep 26, 2024

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Stayed 3 nights

One of the very few places that still have daily cleaning. Came back to beds made and clean room everyday!

10

Tracy

Apr 22, 2024

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Stayed 4 nights

Booked here because of its iconic reputation being in the movies, and for the shuttle. It was a great base to visit Burbank and the shuttles to and from the studios were ideal! My girls used the pool daily and the staff were super friendly and helpful. Some noise at night from checking in guests and a busy road but we were so tired it didn’t effect our stay. Very clean and comfortable. Would definitely stay here again!

10

Cindy

Mar 31, 2025

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Stayed 4 nights

This was such a great retro California inn. The staff were wonderful and accommodating. The rooms and property were comfortable and exceptionally clean. It was convenient to get around the city.

10

Robert

May 27, 2025

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Stayed 2 nights

It was a great stay and very clean

10

Clint

Aug 27, 2025

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Stayed 2 nights

Room was clean and quiet. The staff are very friendly and helpful.

6

Andriy

Jul 29, 2025

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Stayed 2 nights

There was a strange smell in our room

8

Charles Steven

Aug 11, 2025

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Stayed 4 nights

The Safari is a charming mid-century flash back. Very clean and comfortable and convenient to everything in the valley. Only criticism is the towels, though they say are 100% cotton, they aren't as absorbent as one would expect. I suspect that they are laundered with a fabric softener which affects their absorbency. Small criticism. Everything else was charming.

6

Toni

Mar 25, 2025

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Stayed 2 nights

We decide to stay there because my husband wanted to see where some of his favorite movies were made. The room could been cleaned better. The beds were uncomfortable. I suggest the facility look into memory foam mattress pads for more comfort. There were nets flying around the room the our entire stay. The shuttle to universal studio is a plus staff was great.

10

Ma Eloisa

Aug 17, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Staff are excellent and making sure our room is clean everyday! Even when you not told them to change linens and towels, we were surprised everytime we would get in the room from our trip that the room is neat and tidy.

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Rooms

Rooms are basic-to-updated with a retro vibe; some are spacious, but several guests report thin walls/windows, street or upstairs noise, and firm or smaller (full) beds. Many rooms lack closets and in-room microwaves.

Related guest reviews

6

Michael

May 16, 2024

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Stayed 2 nights

Our stay was nice and quiet. The front office staff was very nice. The hotel room itself wasn’t anything special and the beds and pillows were pretty uncomfortable, but everything was clean and it served its purpose.

8

Gina

Jul 29, 2025

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Stayed 3 nights

We were really impressed with the front desk staff as they were knowledgeable and very friendly. We were also able to book the shuttle to Universal and Burbank airport (the shuttle returning from Universal was already full). We did not find the beds comfortable and there was a lot of noise from outside as there was a large gap at the bottom of the door.

8

Molly

Mar 12, 2025

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Stayed 2 nights

Fine hotel. Loud AC, small window. Fire engines and cops loud outside.

10

Kenneth

Sep 29, 2025

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Stayed 3 nights

Fair price for a decent room, nothing too modern but everything i wanted for the price. Clean, good room service, ok spring matress.

6

Chris

Nov 22, 2025

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Stayed 1 night

Cons: Biggest con is the street noise. The windows in the room are thin and you can hear everything! Do not stay here if you are a light sleeper. The ladies at the front desk could have been warmer & nicer. Plus watch out for those palm trees in the dark parking lot. Almost hit them. Bad lighting. Pros: Location is close to a lot of attractions, free parking & the free shuttle service was great!

6

Michelle

Mar 5, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

The sign had letters out on both sides. I was disappointed not to see it all lit up, that is the coolest part of this hotel. The room was fine, clean, hard surface floors, the double room has double beds, not queens which was weird because the room is large enough for two queens. Overall it was okay and served our purposes. Safe, quiet neighborhood and the Frontier Wok restaurant across the street had good food.

8

Bernardino

Jun 2, 2025

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Stayed 2 nights

The beds were small and the door wouldn’t seal so bugs came in

8

Heather

Sep 1, 2025

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Stayed 4 nights

Very clean rooms, dated property, but charming and clean. Attentive very friendly housekeeping staff. Lots of ambulance activity, facility in the area..sirens at night. Several quick food options within walking distance along with a drug store. Shuttle service was a big reason for us booking…property could benefit from a second shuttle, if you don’t have a schedule pre booked your options are limited…the single shuttle is popular. We had our days planned and scheduled prior, but wasn’t able to make any changes due to other visitors already having the drivers time. Paying for ride shares was not an expense we had planned on. Pool was good and refreshing to wrap up our trip. All of the staff was very friendly. Overall great stay at this quaint property.

8

Jennifer

Mar 7, 2024

·

Stayed 3 nights

Its on a very busy road and its very noisy in the rooms

6

Adrianna

Jun 18, 2024

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Stayed 3 nights

Check in was easy, I did have to leave a $250 deposit. If you have a car they will give you a parking pass but it is free parking. The parking lot is small so if you own a big truck or van you will find it to be tricky. The room was clean but the beds are NOT queen size but more full. Which made it a little uncomfortable to share. The beds are not comfortable at all! Very stiff! The bathtub is a little slippery, they provide a mat for you but it’s small. My boyfriend still slipped and fell on his behind. There is room service available everyday so if you do not want them making your bed and going in there while you are out just place the “do not disturb “ sign. The neighbor hood is fine, a few bums here and there but no one bothered us. We went for a walk to Starbucks, McDonald’s, CVS and grocery outlet and we were harassed by anyone. The pool is clean and slightly warm. We played our own music and took our own drinks down. There weren’t any issues until they did say something about our small little JBL speaker being too loud. Which was annoying because we were out there for almost 6 hours before someone had to say something. The pool is from 3ft to 8ft deep. Plenty of seating and there is an upper deck. For the amount of money they charge a night ( we stayed 3 nights) I wouldn’t stay again. The beds were too stiff and the parking situation was a hassle. Plus when they gave us a warning for having music (on low volume).

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Service

Staff and shuttle drivers are frequently described as friendly, helpful, and professional, with quick check-in and assistance scheduling rides. A few guests reported policy or billing frustrations and one unresolved security complaint.

Related guest reviews

10

Danielle

Aug 27, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Great place to lay your head down for the night. It was clean and served a purpose. FYI- if you plan to use the shuttle, make sure you reserve it way ahead of time. Time slots fill up fast too. Staff was very friendly and helpful. Location is not bad either.

10

Lisa

Feb 14, 2025

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Stayed 3 nights

The staff went above and beyond. We were traveling with a U-Haul and called ahead to inquire about parking. The staff members parked. Their cars on the street to hold space for us. They were amazing. Would absolutely stay again.

10

Linda

Nov 28, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Great people!

10

Aubrey L

Nov 28, 2024

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Stayed 3 nights

Every single staff member was incredibly nice! They went above and beyond to answer questions and help with their shuttle service.

2

Joanne E

Oct 10, 2024

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Stayed 3 nights

We stayed here for three nights. On the final day of our stay my purse was stolen from the pool area. The only reason I even brought my purse to the pool area was because there was no room safe. When notified of the theft, front desk staff was unhelpful, seemed unconcerned and were unable to view any camera footage. They told me I would need to talk to the manager on the next business day, the day that I was flying home. I’ve spoken with the manager once since the incident and was told the cameras would be reviewed and I would get a return call. That was two days ago and I’ve not heard anything yet. I tried calling the manager again today. I was told she wasn’t in her office and was connected to her voicemail. And again, no return call. This hotel clearly does not care about their guests or their safety. I would think twice before making a reservation here!

10

Kevin Rhen

Jul 20, 2025

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Stayed 2 nights

The staff is super friendly and accommodating (specially Dawn or Don) and the shuttle service was really good. I would definitely comeback. thank you

10

Rona

Jul 15, 2024

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Stayed 4 nights

Valerie let us checked in a lil early when we arrived on 07/11/24. All the staff including the drivers were very polite, friendly and hospitable. The complimentary shuttle to Universal Studio and Burbank Airport is another reason to come back and pick the same hotel. Our room 224 was clean and bigger than Anaheim Hotel (previous hotel). The area is quiet and very accessible to all Uber ride and just close to burbank downtown. We’ll definitely come back recommend Safari Inn to our friends.

10

bryan

Nov 24, 2025

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Stayed 1 night

Receptionist was very very exceptional and made our stay that much better. Please give her flowers and all the praise she deserves.

6

Bradley

Apr 23, 2025

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Stayed 6 nights

There was some confusion with my bill at the end of my stay…charged me $50 for “Tax”….then said something about my deposit not getting the full amount…they never gave me a receipt of my stay showing all final charges. Room rates were about $100 a night.

4

chris

Sep 12, 2024

·

Stayed 3 nights

Female staff would not allow us to store our luggage at reception on day of checkout for any time at all, not even for two hours, room did not have any dishcloth, dishwashing detergent, nor a frypan. We were told room made up every three days, we stayed for 4 nights and room was not serviced at all. Manny at reception was a star, checking us in, giving local advice and making some of the missing items right.

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Location

Convenient Burbank base close to Universal, Warner Bros., the airport, and walkable spots like CVS and restaurants. Area generally feels safe and practical for getting around.

Related guest reviews

10

Robert

Aug 29, 2025

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Stayed 4 nights

Great location, close to all of Burbank’s restaurants and activities. Excellent daily room service, even though we didn’t request. Also, the air conditioning was very responsive. Very comfortable bed. We will stay here again.

10

Danielle

Oct 14, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Love the Hollywood history at this hotel! The room and bathrooms were clean, and the front desk was pleasant and professional. It was super close to Universal Studios too

10

charmaine

Mar 6, 2025

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Stayed 1 night

Central, clean, and stores around the property. Near Universal Studios.

10

William

Nov 19, 2023

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Stayed 3 nights

We've stayed here before and really like the convenience and quite, safe feel of the neighborhood. easy to get to freeway, or to get around without the freeway. Great California vibe with pool and sundeck. Nice views of mountains and close to Burbank airport.

10

Jillian

Dec 1, 2024

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Stayed 4 nights

Great location, central to most things. Food is close by. Free parking & shuttle to universal and other close areas!

8

JOSE

Aug 2, 2025

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Stayed 6 nights

Nice views, nice area

10

Chris

May 14, 2024

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Stayed 3 nights

Cheap and cheerful. Basically a motel to the north of Los Angeles in a good location for Universal. Giid size clean rooms with a CVS close by and various takeaway options within 5-10 mins walk

10

Danielle

Aug 21, 2025

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Stayed 2 nights

Great location, free parking. Clean and friendly staff.

10

David

Sep 28, 2025

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Stayed 3 nights

Comfortable beds and pillows. Good location for most attractions.

10

Michael

Jun 25, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Great place. Close to everything.

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Dining

No on-site breakfast; many guests use the sister property's Olive’s Bistro next door, sometimes with vouchers or room-service delivery, and most found it good. Overall dining feedback ranges from positive to mixed, with plenty of nearby casual options.

Related guest reviews

10

Alesia

Feb 23, 2025

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Stayed 2 nights

We absolutely loved this hotel. This was an anniversary trip for us and we used Expedia to book, so we didn’t really have any experiences to go on, just a budget. When we checked in, the woman at the counter was absolutely the nicest person I’ve ever met. She explained everything, let me know where all the amenities were, and reminded me to let her know if we needed anything at all. I sent my hubs to the office for an extra blanket (one complaint, the bedding is one sheet and a thin, kinda scratchy blanket) and they immediately sent him back with one. The pool was lovely, we enjoyed a night time swim after a long day of walking. The restaurant associated with the property was yummy and reasonably priced (and we could charge to the room so that’s awesome!) and they also delivered breakfast to us in the morning. The breakfast we had was delicious. It was like we were eating in a restaurant but it was room service so that was nice, but kind of expensive ($18 for french toast is ridiculous) and then they have a service fee and you need to tip. So those items ended up costing $50. Yummy. But we ate out the second day. It was nice to have the option. All this to say I was absolutely stay again. The price was better with Expedia than booking alone so that will be what we do again. But we will stay again. Absolutely top notch.

10

Jeremiah

Mar 29, 2024

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Stayed 3 nights

We chose this hotel because it is iconic. True Romance was filmed here amongst other movies and television shows. The rooms are renovated. The pool is heated. The shuttle service is amazing. The staff is very friendly. CVS is a short walk to stock up on drinks and snacks for the room. McDonalds is also a short distance to grab an easy breakfast.

10

Tally

May 16, 2024

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Stayed 1 night

Great spot, staff was friendly, rooms were clean and comfortable, and the restaurant was good!

8

Ginger

Oct 1, 2024

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Stayed 1 night

Clean comfortable staff were great. Excellent breakfast from Olives lounge delivered to your door

10

Nevelle

Apr 20, 2024

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Stayed 4 nights

Great hotel in convenient location. Check in was seamless, room big and beds extremely comfortable with good choice of pillows. Very clean room, cleaned efficiently each day. It was great to use Olive’s Bistro next door to the hotel, for delicious breakfasts and we dined there one evening too, which was equally delicious. All in all, a very pleasant stay at the Safari Inn.

10

Michelle

Aug 7, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

It is a retro motel, but it felt modern. Check in was smooth and parking was ample. The room and bathroom were clean. The bed wasn’t that comfortable, but I’m just used to my own bed. We got a 10% ofc voucher for breakfast at the restaurant next door. It was only 1 night, but we would stay again if we go to universal studios again.

8

Daniel

May 9, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

We had a good stay. The place is well located for visiting universal studios and other LA attractions like Santee Alley and Griffith Observatory. One caveat: the pictures make it seem like there’s a bar and restaurant on site but those are actually located across the street, at the Coast Hotel proper. The shuttle to universal studios was great! We liked the references (photos, etc.) that showed all the movies that have featured scenes with The Safari. The old Safari sign is so cool-it lights up the pool at night.

8

Scott L

Aug 9, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Restaurant next to property was nice , good service but food quality not the best

8

Martha

Jan 2, 2024

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Stayed 3 nights

Great property. Central location. Can use facilities at sister hotel, including restaurant. Should provide water in all rooms. Basic but clean. Nice staff. Parking tight and may be difficult if returning late hours.

10

Stephen

Dec 15, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at the Safari Inn. I needed 4 pillows to sleep and the staff provided me with billowy pillows and flat pillows like I needed. We had 2 wonderful evenings at the bar at the Olive Bistro with Dennis, the bartender and a gathering of friendly locals. We had breakfast room service twice and dined in the Olive Bistro twice. Ideal stay!

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Month	Average price
January	$131
February	$135
March	$142
April	$152
May	$152
June	$160
July	$175
August	$188
September	$181
October	$194
November	$162
December	$148

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
		1	2	3	4	5
6	7	8	9	10	11	12
13	14 $125	15 $141	16 $128	17 $166	18 $212	19 $246
20 $149	21 $134	22 $140	23 $167	24 $174	25 $228	26 $228
27 $166	28 $142	29 $156	30 $179

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
				1 $188	2 $222	3 $220
4 $167	5 $165	6 $170	7 $197	8 $193	9 $244	10 $228
11 $191	12 $161	13 $178	14 $208	15 $213	16 $264	17 $228
18 $183	19 $167	20 $169	21 $205	22 $199	23 $241	24 $216
25 $180	26 $162	27 $167	28 $173	29 $185	30 $227	31 $234

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Monthly average prices

About this property

Location

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Fabulous

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What guests think

Property Policies

Check-in instructions

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