3 1/2 * Hotel for Disneyland

[Airb330]

My boyfriend is a bit of a hotel snob, and I am trying to plan a trip for March 28- April 1. So far the Embassy Suites South, Anaheim Hilton, Hyatt Regency, Anaheim Marriott all seem to fit his tastes. Any recommendations? I am leaning towards the Marriott as it seems close to DTD, cheap concierge upgrade for breakfast, and looks ok overall. I haven't been to DL since I was 7 and my eyes are tired of looking at hotels.com, google maps, and tripadvisor! We'll either book everything separate, DL.com, and I am emailing Dreams Unlimited now since they did such a good job on my Disney World trip this year. Thanks!

 

[JadeDarkstar]

what about hojos?

 

[avalon451]

If he's a hotel snob and you can afford to splurge, you might just try the Grand Californian. It's a lot more, but it sure is nice. We did it for our first trip, and while I wouldn't do it again because of the cost, we're glad we did.

I prefer to stay within walking distance so as not to be dependent on shuttles or ART. However, of the hotels you listed, I like the look and the price of the Hyatt the most. Also, it has its own free dedicated shuttle, which is unusual. The others depend on ART, which can be ok but you have to pay for your pass, and it's not as reliable or consistent. (it's been reported that they take a 2 hour midday break!)

Hope that helps!

 

[Airb330]

If he's a hotel snob and you can afford to splurge, you might just try the Grand Californian. It's a lot more, but it sure is nice. We did it for our first trip, and while I wouldn't do it again because of the cost, we're glad we did.

I prefer to stay within walking distance so as not to be dependent on shuttles or ART. However, of the hotels you listed, I like the look and the price of the Hyatt the most. Also, it has its own free dedicated shuttle, which is unusual. The others depend on ART, which can be ok but you have to pay for your pass, and it's not as reliable or consistent. (it's been reported that they take a 2 hour midday break!)

Hope that helps!

The Disney hotels are definitely out of our price range. I think we'd be willing to pay up to $180 a night. We got our airfare for $40 from BWI (US Air bumped us so we had a good coupon) so we cna splurge a bit. I would be fine staying at another place, but he feels more comfortable with a Hilton 3* type of place, so I'll deal with it. ART definitely seems shady, so thank you on the Hyatt info. I am 99% positive the Hyatt is on hotwire for 92$ a night for our dates. We may just do that.

 

[disneyfaninaz]

You might want to consider The Candy Cane Inn. It has free breakfast and a dedicated shuttle. The staff is very nice and the rooms are clean.

 

[ter-moo]

There are two Sheratons--The Sheraton Park and the Sheraton Anaheim--that might fit the bill. The Sheraton Park is a 10-15 minute walk that I think two adults could easily do. The Sheraton Anaheim has a shuttle, but is also within walking distance of the parking structure, so you could catch the shuttle from there, too.

You might also want to call Disney and see if there are any deals you could get with the Paradise Pier Hotel. It's the only one that would fit in your price range, BUT only if there's a special deal. Your dates are pretty popular ones, so I'm not sure whether there will be, but it's sure worth a try!

One last place to try is the Fairfield by Marriott. It's a very close walk, (across Harbor from the parks) and might satisfy his taste in hotels.

 

[JadeDarkstar]

180 a night you might be able to get pp or dlh

 

[CrazyDuck]

what about hojos?

Hojo's at 2.5* is a whole * short of this guys 3.5* need!

Hotels > 3.5*:

4*
GCH
Anaheim Marriott

3.5*
Sheraton Anaheim
Anabella
Menage
Hyatt Regency
Anaheim Marriott
Embassy Suites
Hilton Anaheim
Sheraton Park
Crowne Plaza
Hilton Suites
Doubletree

Other than GCH I think Anaheim Hilton may be the closest. Just skip across Katella and into the Timon parking lot and catch the parking tram!

 

[Tyr23]

I've stayed twice at the Embassy Suites South and while it's a nice hotel with great breakfast/afternoon managers reception, it's a bit of a distance from DLR. If you have your own car, it's probably not a big deal, but if you are relying on a shuttle, it can seem like miles and miles

 

[chelseagirl_lv]

We'll either book everything separate, DL.com, and I am emailing Dreams Unlimited now since they did such a good job on my Disney World trip this year. Thanks!

have you checked out aaa? they have a dedicated team for travel planning for DL, and the vacation package comes with a bunch of options (MM, free parking).
My vote is for Marriott. We are staying at the Marriott Suites, which is a couple of blocks away from DL, but that is ok, we are getting a great deal on the suite, and the beds are extra comfy!!
Good luck!

 

[TripHHH]

I've stayed at both the Hilton and Embassy Suites South. Loved them both...but if push came to shove, I would probably pick the Hilton. Loved their room service...a hot, delicious breakfast wheeled into your room with linen table cloth and napkins...beautifully presented and delicious! Plus the breakfast was delivered 15 minutes after ordering!

 

[c&m]

Our family loves staying at the Hyatt and the Anaheim Marriott. They are good choices, if you want a 3* or 3.5*. I don't know if you'll be renting a car. If you are, both hotels do charge extra for self parking. I think Hyatt is around $14 per day and the Marriott is about $12 per day -- more if you want valet parking.

If you choose to drive to the parks, it is $12 to park for the day at the Mickey & Friends lot. The Hyatt does have the free shuttle. The Marriott is a mere 15-min walk to the front gates, if you want to walk it, or you can hop on the ART. We have done the walk many times before (back when our DDs were 3 and 6, so it is doable). However, after having some bad experiences with the ART, we have discovered driving was more cost efficient and time efficient for the 4 of us.

I think that if you are staying on a discounted rate (Hotwire or Priceline), it is worth going there, even if you have to add on the parking costs. Have a fun time!!!

 

[Gisele]

I rode ART, last month, and like I have stated in previous posts, elsewhere, I loved how easily it worked out for me, now granted, it is like any other transit system, where you do need to be mindful of the timetables, otherwise one will hopefully have a back up plan, in the event, of missing the last ART bus.
For me, ART was not "shady" in the least, the drivers were excellent,and they were on time, nor did I ever have to wait more than 10 minutes, if even that, and that was only because I had just missed the ART, as in, oh, no, there it is and wave at the driver as he passes by, for I am not close enough to be able to board my current mode of transportation.
The break during the afternoon, is between or was, anyway, last month, the hours of 1 p.m. - 2 p.m. If one is so adamantly against ART, so be it, I am not in that group, which I do not doubt for a second, is but a small one.
The ART has a pass for 3 days, for example, that is but only $8.00. Parking at Disneyland is $12 per day.

Now, when it comes to properties, I am really very happy with properties that are not 4 stars or greater, for I am so happy and excited to be able to visit Disneyland, that if I had to pitch a tent, in Frontier land in order to stay overnight, I would be open to it, in a flash, now that would be pretty cool. I believe my point has been made, if not, I am more than happy to reword, or rephrase anything that may cause one confusion, or consternation.

 

[MissLinds]

The Embassy Suites is a great place to stay, because not only are you provided with breakfast, but there is you can buy a pass to a shuttle that picks you up right at the hotel and drops you off at disneyland. i believe the shuttle comes every hour on the hour. i can't remember the exact times.

However, a really nice hotel is the Grand California over in California Adventure. It's a little pricy, but it is so worth it. It's a beautiful hotel and you really get a rustic feeling from it. There is also a pool with a slide, and a couple of really nice resturants, especially Napa Rose.

 

[jencav5]

My boyfriend is a bit of a hotel snob, and I am trying to plan a trip for March 28- April 1. So far the Embassy Suites South, Anaheim Hilton, Hyatt Regency, Anaheim Marriott all seem to fit his tastes. Any recommendations? I am leaning towards the Marriott as it seems close to DTD, cheap concierge upgrade for breakfast, and looks ok overall. I haven't been to DL since I was 7 and my eyes are tired of looking at hotels.com, google maps, and tripadvisor! We'll either book everything separate, DL.com, and I am emailing Dreams Unlimited now since they did such a good job on my Disney World trip this year. Thanks!

I've stayed at all the hotels you've mentioned. They are all nice, but, I would stay away from the Embassy Suites if your DBF is a "hotel snob". It is not the nicest Embassy Suites-the rooms are more used, etc... The breakfast, although included, was not that great. I'm not saying that it wasn't clean or isn't necessarily good, but it really is not the same caliber as the Marriott's, Hilton's or Hyatt. If you pick the Marriott Anaheim or the Hilton Towers Anaheim, you will have the option of walking thru the convention center walkway, across Katella, and into the Timon parking lot, where you can catch the free tram into the Resort. Both of those hotels are nice. I really like the Hilton, and they've just remodeled their rooms, but I would check to see if all construction is completed before booking there. The last time we were there (July) the whole lobby was blocked off and there were issues with water being turned off, etc....

Also, just an FYI, none of these hotels are really "close" to DTD. The 2 I mentioned that you can walk, will put you in the same place that the busses drop off, which is opposite of DTD.

 

[Disney Hot Mama]

Aren't those hotels listed only 3* hotels... I use Priceline often and bid on 3* all the time. I usually get either the Hyatt on Harbor in Garden Grove (just a short distance from Disneyland and a FREE shuttle - not ART) or the Crown Plaza in the same location.. I have gotten rates from 42.00 - 54.00 per night plus fees.. These are great hotels but I don't think they are 3 1/2 * hotels. The Hilton and Marriott are nice too.... they are also classified as 3* for bidding purposes. I prefer the Marriott over the Hilton for the staff and overall hotel too.....

 

[jencav5]

Aren't those hotels listed only 3* hotels... I use Priceline often and bid on 3* all the time. I usually get either the Hyatt on Harbor in Garden Grove (just a short distance from Disneyland and a FREE shuttle - not ART) or the Crown Plaza in the same location.. I have gotten rates from 42.00 - 54.00 per night plus fees.. These are great hotels but I don't think they are 3 1/2 * hotels. The Hilton and Marriott are nice too.... they are also classified as 3* for bidding purposes. I prefer the Marriott over the Hilton for the staff and overall hotel too.....

Yes, Priceline does classify these as 3*, and, according to Priceline, there is no star level above 3 in the Disneyland Area (again, their definition of DL Area). Other companies will put a different * level on the same hotels. The OP did list the hotels they were looking at, not just saying that they wanted 3 1/2*. I think all of the hotels they listed will qualify as that.

 

[Mycutekitties]

Just an FYI today I bid through Priceline's name your own price and got Hyatt Regency for $65.00 on 10/17. I was having a hard time finding a hotel within walking distance because they were all booked. So I tried name your own price and was pretty happy with what I got.

 

[Disney Hot Mama]

Just an FYI today I bid through Priceline's name your own price and got Hyatt Regency for $65.00 on 10/17. I was having a hard time finding a hotel within walking distance because they were all booked. So I tried name your own price and was pretty happy with what I got.

We stayed at the Hyatt last week. The front desk check in was friendly and we were not treated any differently because we used Priceline. The room was very clean, IPOD type alarm, nice pool for the kids to use, free shuttle every 30 minutes to Disneyland. Starbucks and Pizza Hut in the lobby plus another restaurant in the lobby with a kids eat free with each adult paying. Never ate there though but Starbucks was great for breakfast before hitting the park...
Enjoy your stay.

OP - good luck finding a hotel for your stay.... I think you will be happy if you use Priceline too....

 

[jencav5]

We stayed at the Hyatt last week. The front desk check in was friendly and we were not treated any differently because we used Priceline. The room was very clean, IPOD type alarm, nice pool for the kids to use, free shuttle every 30 minutes to Disneyland. Starbucks and Pizza Hut in the lobby plus another restaurant in the lobby with a kids eat free with each adult paying. Never ate there though but Starbucks was great for breakfast before hitting the park...
Enjoy your stay.

OP - good luck finding a hotel for your stay.... I think you will be happy if you use Priceline too....

We use Priceline all the time, too, which is why we've stayed at all the hotels listed by the OP and more. I just want to say to the OP: if your DBF is a "hotel snob", I would not use Priceline, but I would book directly thru the hotel of your choice. The reason for this is that there are a couple of hotels that Priceline says are 3*, but, IMO, they are not. The hotels are Holiday Inn Anaheim Resort, Hotel Menage & Anaheim Maingate (formerly Radisson Maingate). If you don't think you would be satisfied with any of those hotels, then I would not use Priceline, because there is the chance that you could get one of them. You can check out biddingfortravel.com to get more info on Priceline and to see what others are winning.