Where to Stay off-site at DLR?

[BieberFever]

We have been to DLR twice in the last few years and have stayed at both the Staybridge and Cortona. I wasn't overly impressed with either and am looking for recommendations on a place to stay with our family. My have 3 little ones so my requirements are: CLEAN, suite-style where I can shut a door/curtain where kids are, on-site parking, access to a shuttle or ART. restaurants near or free breakfast.

I know most of the hotels are old so asking for a 'new' one is laughable, but would prefer a newer one or one that does significant updating. A new coat of paint does not count as updating to me!

Thanks Y'All

 

[croppincolburn]

We are going to try Howard Johnson's this time. Hopefully the weather will be warm enough (end of March) to use the cool pool/water area. I hear kids love it. A lot of people love Candy Cane Inn. It is always booked when I look.

 

[skiingfast]

You should say closer so you can walk, this may be very pleasant compared to your previous stays.

I like the CCI but would suggest for you.
Asking for a suite at many of the across street locations including the Park Vue Inn and Carousel Inn.

 

[MickeyFan18]

Stayed at just about all of those... The pool at the HoJo is nice, but the kids kept telling us it was too cold. It was November/December and I guess they don't heat it. Candy Cane used to be our family hotel, but they got too pricey for us. Lately we have been using the Anaheim Plaza. Not the fanciest hotel, but all rooms have connecting doors so that's a plus, it's a short walk to the park, and there are plenty of restaurants nearby. Oh, and they have a huge pool by hotel standards!

 

[BieberFever]

Thanks for the info so far. I have always heard good things about CCI but I was hoping to get a bigger room with bunkbeds or something so I can put the kids to bed and prepare for the next day. I should also mention that we are happy taking a shuttle or ART as we have never had a problem with it, so that is not an issue. Also, we don't care about the pool as we never have time to use it and we have an awesome one in our neighborhood so that is not a requirement.

My main concern is cleanliness and a real air conditioner.....the ones at Cortona were like swamp coolers and everything always felt damp and our clothes never dried from going on Grizzly River Run!

 

[LisainCalifornia]

Thanks for the info so far. I have always heard good things about CCI but I was hoping to get a bigger room with bunkbeds or something so I can put the kids to bed and prepare for the next day. I should also mention that we are happy taking a shuttle or ART as we have never had a problem with it, so that is not an issue. Also, we don't care about the pool as we never have time to use it and we have an awesome one in our neighborhood so that is not a requirement.

My main concern is cleanliness and a real air conditioner.....the ones at Cortona were like swamp coolers and everything always felt damp and our clothes never dried from going on Grizzly River Run!

In that case, I would pick Howard Johnsons--because they have central air. Many of the "motel" style motels across the street have those swamp type coolers, and I hate them too! They do have a "kids suite" that would probably work really well for you--it has bunk beds.

 

[Desiree Y]

I just booked the HoJo a couple hours ago and they were sold out of Kids Suites Unless someone knows of a magical super secret way to get a sold out room... if so, I'm all ears! hehe

 

[Laurawill]

I just booked the HoJo a couple hours ago and they were sold out of Kids Suites Unless someone knows of a magical super secret way to get a sold out room... if so, I'm all ears! hehe

Just to change your travel dates... That's too bad you weren't able to get the room you wanted.

 

[BayAreaMom]

We have been really happy with the Howard Johnson Kids Suite. There are two full size rooms- one with a K, the other with a bunk and a twin fold out sofabed. The only bummer is that there isn't a kitchenette, just a smallish fridge and micro. The bunk room is the "outside" room but we put our 2 yo in a Pack N Play in the King/inside room so we stay up later in the bunk room. Wish the rooms were swapped though- we are also nervous about the 5 yo being in the outside bunk room alone, so one parent sleeps in there with her.

BUT otherwise, HoJos is great- we have stayed at the other so-called suites as Desert Inn & Suites and Park Vue and they were basically just 1-2 star motor motels.

 

[BayAreaMom]

Just to change your travel dates... That's too bad you weren't able to get the room you wanted.

Bummer- there are only 14 and they sell out quickly. Its rare that a cancellation might come up.

My best advice is just to book this suite as far out. I've done so (as much as 9 months out) and I've actually gotten the cheapest rates that way.

 

[Desiree Y]

Bummer- there are only 14 and they sell out quickly. Its rare that a cancellation might come up.

My best advice is just to book this suite as far out. I've done so (as much as 9 months out) and I've actually gotten the cheapest rates that way.

We ended up booking the QQ with Disney view in building 1. My kids are small so we'll fit just fine and I know they're going to love playing in the water feature (praying it will be warm enough.) The kids suite would have just been icing on the cake since we're celebrating my daughter's 10th birthday (she would have thought it would be cool to have a separate room) and our wedding anniversary (a tad bit of privacy for me and hubby) but we'll be just fine in the QQ.. I'll just keep hoping and looking for a cancelation.