Anaheim Desert Inn -- A Review

[kristenhh]

Here is my review of the Anaheim Desert Inn & Suites:

Dates: May 8-May 12, 2007

Who: Me (37)
Sister in Law (38)
DD (12)
DS (5)

Room: Parlor Suite (sleeps 6)

The Parlor Suite consists of 2 rooms: The first room you enter, the “Parlor” has a TV on a dresser and a couch with a Double size pull-out bed. This room is great for kids, but I would not suggest the bed for adults. I slept on the pull-out the first night, and it was uncomfortable! My kids took turns on it the rest of the nights, and because they weigh less – it did not bother them. I put one child on the pull-out, and the other used the couch cushions to make a bed on the floor. There was room for them to share the pull-out, but they were unwilling! There was a wall fan in this room that blew from the main room so they could have some cool air. This room is also a really nice buffer for the other room – you don’t hear everyone stomping by your door.

The main room is separated by a full wall with a door. This room had 2 queen sized beds. It also had a desk, dresser space, and a “bigger than a dorm room” fridge and microwave. This was a nice big room with plenty of space. The sink was separated from the bathroom which allowed for multiple people getting ready. The Queen beds were comfortable and we didn’t have any complaints. Except maybe scratchy towels. Everything was clean and in good shape.

Breakfast: They do have a breakfast every morning which consists of: oranges, danishes, white or wheat bread for toast, coffee, milk, orange juice, or raspberry lemonade. I knew it was limited so we brought our own cereal for some days and had danishes the other days.

I would definitely come again – the location and price are excellent. It is especially good for large families/groups.

 

[hrhlaurie]

Thanks for the review - I had the same size room booked but then upgraded to the larger Suite B since it has 4 queen beds and 2 full baths. Also, my dh and I would have been the ones on the pull-out couch so I decided to pay a bit more and upgrade!

What you didn't mention, and what mattered to us, is that you can easily walk to the main gates in 4 - 5 mins. with no shuttle bus hassle. I don't like waiting for a bus and perhaps it's full and getting on and off, etc.

I hope our stay goes equally as well in a few weeks!

 

[Mom2micayla]

We were there some of the same days (6th-10th).

We like the DI too. Nothing fancy but you can't beat the location nor the prices. You just have to be diligent and watch b/c they adjust their prices a LOT! We had a family parlor suite. Originally booked for $179. Checked back a few days before our trip and it was down to $129. I've even seen it as low as $99.

 

[camouseketeer]

Thanks for the review and the tips about the beds. We'll be there the first weekend in June in a Parlor Suite.

Did anyone use the pool? How did it look?

For the breakfast, did you bring your own cereal to the breakfast room? Would that be ok, or did you just bring milk back to your room?
Are there jams for the toast?

Thanks for the details.

 

[kristenhh]

Thanks for the review and the tips about the beds. We'll be there the first weekend in June in a Parlor Suite.

Did anyone use the pool? How did it look?

For the breakfast, did you bring your own cereal to the breakfast room? Would that be ok, or did you just bring milk back to your room?
Are there jams for the toast?

Thanks for the details.

We used the pool -- it was small, but fine. My 2 kids were the only ones in it on the afternoon they went. It is also inside, which I like, because I did not have to put on more sunscreen. They also had a hot tub and my feet sure enjoyed it!

You could totally bring your cereal down to the breakfast room. We took ours up, but there was not a good table, and I wish we had gone done. My daughter just brought a bunch of cups of milk up on a tray.

Yes there was jam for the toast -- and margerine.

 

[kristenhh]

Thanks for the review - I had the same size room booked but then upgraded to the larger Suite B since it has 4 queen beds and 2 full baths. Also, my dh and I would have been the ones on the pull-out couch so I decided to pay a bit more and upgrade!

What you didn't mention, and what mattered to us, is that you can easily walk to the main gates in 4 - 5 mins. with no shuttle bus hassle. I don't like waiting for a bus and perhaps it's full and getting on and off, etc.

I hope our stay goes equally as well in a few weeks!

You are right about the short walk -- that is probably the best part! I think you will be happy you upgraded to the bigger room. We stayed in the big suite a couple of years ago. The 2 bathrooms, and plenty of space were lovely!

The pull-out is definitely not good for 2 adults -- not even this one adult!

 

[camouseketeer]

Thanks for the quick answers!

 

[PrincessAbby'sMom]

Desert Inn & Suites is our plans are for December - the indoor pool got our eye. Question - I have been watching their prices & they have been very good for the past 4-5 months now. The suites ranged from $99 - $129 per night, etc. I just looked today & they are WAY up there.....whats the catch? Will they go back down or did I miss out? Any one??? HELP!!!! That was part of my budget....to split a suite w/my parents. Now if I have to pay that price - I don't know if we can go!!

 

[Mom2micayla]

Their prices fluctuate a LOT. So check back frequently. The beauty of DI is that you can cancel your reservations within 48 hours of the scheduled check in date and not be charged. So if you see a decent rate, go ahead and book it. They won't charge you then anyway. Then keep watching their site. If they lower their prices, rebook and cancel your existing reservation.

 

[PrincessAbby'sMom]

I have emailed them & have never gotten a response as to reserving & the cancelation policy, etc. But nothing......
Should I call for the reservations when I see a good rate or online is ok?

Thanks for the info - thats a big relief!

 

[hrhlaurie]

I always call the hotel directly after checking for prices on-line. I take the lowest on-line price I can find and see if they'll beat it. I saved $25 per room per night for our rooms in San Diego after finding lower rates on line.

If you book with them directly you know they have your reservation and you won't have the dreaded "lost reservation" that sometimes occurs with websites. Also, some websites charge you in advance and if you reserve with the hotel you do have the flexibility to change and cancel your reservation without penalty (unless its only a day or so before the check-in date.)

Oh, I just checked the current rates and the Type B suite went up $30/night since I booked mine! I won't be re-booking but instead sent a confirmation email for my dates and rates!

 

[Mom2micayla]

I've always just booked online. I've done it numerous times (as well as cancelled quite a few too!) and have never had a problem. You get a confirmation email right away. If you're still worried you can always call them after you get your email and just verify that you're in the system.

When it comes to canceling, I just call and say I want to cancel a reservation. They ask for the confirm. # and then ask why I'm canceling. Sometimes I say that you've lowered your price and I've rebooked, other times I've just made up and excuse. I've never once been given a hard time about canceling. They give you a cancelation number too which is nice.

 

[PrincessAbby'sMom]

Great!!! Thanks for all the advice. Now I just wait & see when the prices go back down! I knew I should have just reserved it & cancelled if needed, but they never e-mailed me back w/an answer, so I just wasn't sure of their policy (& then I just figured I had plenty of time...)

 

[wvnative]

I reserved our room for this weekend back in Feb. Today I got an additional email from them.

"We are delighted that you have chosen to visit our property the Anaheim
Desert Inn & Suites.

We look forward to creating a memorable vacation experience."

At least I know they know I'm coming. LOL My friends stayed here for a couple of weeks back in October and she said we'd like it. I think I just booked a small room since it's just the two of us. Glad you posted about the breakfast. We're bringing granola bars with us but we'll probably stop for milk/juice.

 

[melbarkwith]

We got home yesterday after 10 nights there (May 6-16) and I completely agree with everything you said.

It was nothing fancy, but clean and the beds were fairly comfortable. (Of course, we were so tired we probably wouldn't notice if they weren't!)

The front desk staff looked after our suitcases (didn't fit in their lockers) until our airport shuttle picked us up at 5pm. For some reason, we were not charged for a crib for DD, even though I had been told it was $6 per night. That was a nice bonus!

The best part by far was the short walk home from DL, particularly after the fireworks and Electrical parade. I could not imagine trying to get 3 tired little girls to walk any further!

Mel