Anabella or Fairfield or Candy Cane or ...???

[nancy drew]

Hello all. We are trying to finagle a trip to DLR this summer (last minute!) and I am having the hardest time biting the bullet on where to stay. This is a budget trip, lots of PB&J and granola bars and snacks from home. But, we need a hotel/motel that feels "nice". I'm not talking about something that will feel like the GCH, but something that feels like we are on vacation as opposed to feeling like we are swimming in a parking lot, you know?

The Anabella looks like a nice option, and the price is right, but the reviews on Trip Advisor are mixed. Lots of reports of mold, rust, hair, etc. Anyone stay there recently and have an opinion one way or another?

The Fairfield looks like another option, though it is more pricy. I am familiar with the location, having stayed at the HoJo, and am totally fine with it. Is it worth the extra money compared to the Anabella?

HoJo seems too expensive for what it is, and the vibration of the highway was quite unsettling last time we were there.

Hilton Anaheim is another possible option, but the rooms have no mini-fridge, which might be a deal-breaker as I was going to have cereal/milk in the room for breakfast for the kids.

Any other good options that I am missing? Walkable, relatively nice so we feel like we are on vacation, affordable, clean, etc.?

Edit:

Adding the Candy Cane to the discussion as a strong possibility. Thoughts?

 

[palenskec]

We haven't stayed yet, but do have the Anabella booked for November. The reviews are very mixed, but I have a few friends that have stayed there with no complaints, and the price was great for us. We are not super picky, so as long as its clean and we sleep okay - I'm good!

Good luck with your decision ... I had such anxiety about picking the "right" place and also looking for value and budget.

I'll be looking forward to what others have to say as well ...

 

[M&Mmum]

I had the exact same problem. We stayed at Annabella last year and really liked it. The pool area is nice and we had a room with the separate sleeping area for my son. Worked out great as I could get up early to get ready and he could catch some extra zz's. This July we are going to go with the Fairfield for a change. We walked half the time from the Annabella (cutting through GCH) and used ART the other half. There are two close restaurants that although not gourmet are okay for a budget meal. My only complaint was you paid for wifi and it was very hit and miss.

 

[jcarwash]

For my upcoming trip, I'm reserved at Best Western Park Place Inn for my second stay there.

The hotel is nice, the included breakfast is decent, and the location is the big thing. It's so close.

The lineup I tend to see recommended includes:
Fairfield
Hojo
Candy Cane Inn
Best Western Park Place

 

[okstate_angel]

A little hint on the Fairfield... we are hotel snobs and generally prefer Marriott properties, but I am also a cheapskate (bad combination)... I read on this board about Marriotts lowest priced guarantee and managed to save some serious money by doing just a little research.

First I looked for a website that had prices lower than what they showed on Marriott's for the same property, same room, same dates.. once I found one I booked the room through marriott, then submitted a low price guarantee form through their website and in less than 12 hours I had an email from Marriott letting me know they were confirming my hotel stay at the new rate. What they do is take whatever price you found it for online (that was less than what they were selling it for) and then give you an additional 25% off. We were staying at BWPPI, but this deal gave me the Fairfield for less than BWPPI... just takes a little patience (we had BWPPI as a backup if it didn't work)

 

[nancy drew]

Thanks for the input so far! Good to know about the Fairfield and the lowest price! Awesome advice!

I'm now throwing the Candy Cane into the ring for consideration. We would be in a "premium" room which has a fridge, microwave, free in-room breakfast, and there is a dedicated shuttle if we want to use it. Price is comparable to Fairfield. More than Anabella. Thoughts?

 

[longtimedisneylurker]

Thanks for the input so far! Good to know about the Fairfield and the lowest price! Awesome advice!

I'm now throwing the Candy Cane into the ring for consideration. We would be in a "premium" room which has a fridge, microwave, free in-room breakfast, and there is a dedicated shuttle if we want to use it. Price is comparable to Fairfield. More than Anabella. Thoughts?

I would pick the Candy Cane in a heartbeat. Candy Cane is a nice little motel. We have stayed there several times. The continental breakfast is decent for getting started in the morning. The grounds are well kept, and the rooms are clean. We like the option of the free shuttle which runs very reliably. Also, parking is free at Candy Cane.

Fairfield was just ok to our family, and we haven't tried the Anabella.

 

[superlarz]

Ive stayed at the Anabella recently a few times now. I have had no problems. Extremely nice hotel staff, clean rooms, nice pool area.

 

[tiffjoy]

A little hint on the Fairfield... we are hotel snobs and generally prefer Marriott properties, but I am also a cheapskate (bad combination)... I read on this board about Marriotts lowest priced guarantee and managed to save some serious money by doing just a little research.

First I looked for a website that had prices lower than what they showed on Marriott's for the same property, same room, same dates.. once I found one I booked the room through marriott, then submitted a low price guarantee form through their website and in less than 12 hours I had an email from Marriott letting me know they were confirming my hotel stay at the new rate. What they do is take whatever price you found it for online (that was less than what they were selling it for) and then give you an additional 25% off. We were staying at BWPPI, but this deal gave me the Fairfield for less than BWPPI... just takes a little patience (we had BWPPI as a backup if it didn't work)

Can you share a little more info on this? we like the Fairfield but don't feel the prices are worth it (we used to stay there for less). I booked the Annabella, which will be our first time there. Purely for location and knowing what we are getting, I'd rather do FFI if I can get it for cheaper. Did you use kayak to compare prices? I'm not finding anything cheaper than Marriott site except through amoma, which I've never used and lists a "quadruple room," so I don't know how marriott would match that as the description isn't one on their site.

 

[ImTooExcitedToSleep]

I did a review of the Fairfield Inn on the 05/29/14 podcast and will be doing a review of The Anabella on the 06/26/14 podcast. I'll try to remember to come back and put in a link when that's released.

 

[Blue32]

A little hint on the Fairfield... we are hotel snobs and generally prefer Marriott properties, but I am also a cheapskate (bad combination)... I read on this board about Marriotts lowest priced guarantee and managed to save some serious money by doing just a little research.

First I looked for a website that had prices lower than what they showed on Marriott's for the same property, same room, same dates.. once I found one I booked the room through marriott, then submitted a low price guarantee form through their website and in less than 12 hours I had an email from Marriott letting me know they were confirming my hotel stay at the new rate. What they do is take whatever price you found it for online (that was less than what they were selling it for) and then give you an additional 25% off. We were staying at BWPPI, but this deal gave me the Fairfield for less than BWPPI... just takes a little patience (we had BWPPI as a backup if it didn't work)

Can I ask what rate you ended up with by doing this? And what time of year? Thanks so much.

 

[tiffjoy]

I did a review of the Fairfield Inn on the 05/29/14 podcast and will be doing a review of The Anabella on the 06/26/14 podcast. I'll try to remember to come back and put in a link when that's released.

Thanks! I usually catch the podcast, but a reminder would be great!

 

[Daisybelle]

Our first few trips we stayed at the Candy Cane Inn and really loved it. It has very pretty landscaping and while not fancy, it is very well kept. If feels very safe, which I appreciated as a single Mom with a daughter. The pool is small but nice and the dedicated shuttle is great. We always walked to the park at the start of the day and it was a nice walk in the morning. It's on the same side of the street as Disneyland, which made it easier to get to. There's a 7-11 and a mini-mart right next door too.

 

[kylie71]

I have stayed at the Fairfield Inn twice since it has been a Marriott. It was built for the Ramada Maingate in the 1990's. That being said, I do not think its up to Marriott standards. Sure it has the Marriott bedding and furnishings, but it's not one if their better hotels. No free breakfast like most Fairfield Inn's... and their snack bar/coffee house, has hours later than a peron needs who is heading to the park first thing in the morning... Although their is a McDonalds in the parking lot, and a Millies, which I am not a fan of, and also a Mimi's that has gone down hill in recent years.

My vote is for Candy Cane Inn.... its a lovely little Boutique motel, with a free shuttle, and it is walking distance took about 10 min.
The flowers and little touches are amazing, the staff very nice... its family owned and operated.
The free parking and free breakfast which is also very good, out by the pool.... Its clean and updated. Get a Deluxe room, its bigger than the standard.
They all have white shutters and are bright and cheery.

Have a Blast!

--Lori

 

[crystal1313]

We LOVE CCI!! I would stay there again in a heartbeat. So close. Free parking. Fantastic breakfast with tons more options than most continental breakfast. Safe in the room. Room we had was super quiet. Loved it!

I would also keep an eye out for the Fairfield deal. I've never stayed there but have heard good things.

 

[CandyMouse]

My Family and I have been to the Park Vue Inn twice now and love it! We like having the bunk-beds and 1 Queen Rm. So close to Disneyland---right out to the crosswalk--maybe 5 min. to the gate. Free breakfast has lots of choices--including the waffle-maker ( kids love! ) Eggs, bacon, buscuits, sausage and gravy and cold cereals ect. It was good enough for us and got us going. We liked the pool too---smaller, but enough to cool off! Our rm. was updated this time with newer carpet, beds and drapes. The room was nice and clean both times and you get fridge, micro and small safe. We just went last April and the price was about the same as Candy Cane Inn. About $140-$150 a night I believe. Good Luck!

 

[cinderbellasmom]

I have stayed at the Fairfield Inn twice since it has been a Marriott. It was built for the Ramada Maingate in the 1990's. That being said, I do not think its up to Marriott standards. Sure it has the Marriott bedding and furnishings, but it's not one if their better hotels. No free breakfast like most Fairfield Inn's... and their snack bar/coffee house, has hours later than a peron needs who is heading to the park first thing in the morning... Although their is a McDonalds in the parking lot, and a Millies, which I am not a fan of, and also a Mimi's that has gone down hill in recent years.

My vote is for Candy Cane Inn.... its a lovely little Boutique motel, with a free shuttle, and it is walking distance took about 10 min.
The flowers and little touches are amazing, the staff very nice... its family owned and operated.
The free parking and free breakfast which is also very good, out by the pool.... Its clean and updated. Get a Deluxe room, its bigger than the standard.
They all have white shutters and are bright and cheery.

Have a Blast!

--Lori

Oh my gosh! Thank you for proving I'm not crazy Kylie71! I was just saying to my Dad last Sunday, "I think the Fairfield used to be the Ramada we stayed at in the 90's because in looking at all of our pics from that trip it looks like the same property!" DH, DD & I stayed at what is now the Ramada Maingate in 2012 and when we arrived I said to myself, "this isn't the Ramada we stayed at in '96!" At any rate, we booked through Costco for a Fall trip at the Fairfield at the high recommendations of a friend who's stayed multiple times. She & I have the same standards, wants/needs in a hotel so I took her advice. Plus, it's free parking through Costco and we're driving so I'll be bringing breakfast foods/snacks to keep in the room.

 

[Malcon10t]

Candy Cane gets my vote.

 

[mydisneyfix]

We just booked CCI for the first time based off DIS recommendations. Can someone tell me what time their breakfast hours are? We like to be in the park for RD but want breakfast first. Does CCI start breakfast early enough to still hit Rope drop?

 

[kylie71]

YES!!! I believe they start serving breakfast at 7am. I hit RD, after having a relaxed breakfast by the pool, at the CCI!!!

Have a great stay, you will not regret it!!

--Lori