Anaheim Hotel/Restaurant Experts -- Questions

[Mary Popppins]

Hello, We will be at a conference in San Diego, and hope to stay in Anaheim for a few days with my 11 year old girl and 15 year old boy. We are Disney freaks and have been to Disney World iin Florida every year since they've been born, and to Disneyland twice -- not recently. Since, we're here, we'll do it again.

Please share your advice on where we should stay. We like:
- 3-4 star hotels, not budget
- Will consider Disney hotels, but think staying outside the parks is more affordable
- If outside Disney, we want it to be CLOSE, with a shuttle service to either park.
- Of course, we would need a nice pool!!!!! We are from the northeast, and swimming is a treat!!!!
- Also -- restaurants you would recommend that are FUN -- interactive for the kids -- but good food.

Your sage advice, please.
Thanks!

 

[RalphMouth]

without a doubt I suggest the Howard Johnson's Anaheim

not a four star hotel - but very clean, 10 min walk to DL (it's right accross the street) and has a nice pool area with good landscaping -

Mimi's restuarant sits nextdoor-

Downtown Disney has a Rainforest Cafe that children will love-
don't miss out on the Blue Bayou inside DL in New Orleans Square. The Blue Bayou is actually inside the beginning part of the Pirates ride.

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

My choices are:

Howard Johnson shuttle/or walking distance
Sheraton (nicer hotel)
Coast
Ramada Inn Maingate (economy) w/in walking distance
Tropicana (w/in walking distance)
Residence Inn Maingate (suite property)

I have a link at the top w/Good Neighbor hotels that includes some pictures, including pools.