Anyone stay at the Annabella?

[humboldthny]

Would love to hear any feedback about the Annabella....including what transportation is like to the parks and is it really a doable walk into the parks?

 

[bzkds]

I've stayed there a couple of times. I didn't care for it, but others in our group loved it.

Our first trip, the hotel was overbooked because of a convention and it was very difficult to find parking, cars were being towed away, etc. The hotel is a series of smaller buildings, and our room was in the farthest building in the rear of the property, backing up to the convention center service area (think trash trucks at 6am). We were on the 3rd floor and there are no elevators. Kind of a pain for lugging suitcases. Our door nearly hit the bed, space was very tight. Other families in our group were in a more central area with larger "family" rooms and they were very happy. Everyone seemed to enjoy the pool and onsite restaurant.

Our second trip, we were in a closer building so the walk to the room was better.

There is an ART stop right in the front next to Tiffy's restaurant. The walk over, if you go down Disneyland Dr/West (towards the Grand Californian/Downtown Disney) is pretty. If you go the other direction, Katella to Harbor, it seems much farther. Either way, the walk is really too far for my comfort, especially at night.

Tiffy's restaurant was nice for breakfast and late night snacks.

HTH

 

[MickeyFan18]

We have stayed at the Annabella a few times now and it is pretty nice. The walk is doable, but is a good distance to travel especially if you have little kids. We never used any transportation tho, so I can't be any help with that.

 

[Nonsuch]

...The hotel is a series of smaller buildings, and our room was in the farthest building in the rear of the property, backing up to the convention center service area (think trash trucks at 6am). We were on the 3rd floor and there are no elevators. Kind of a pain for lugging suitcases. Our door nearly hit the bed, space was very tight.

We had in a similar 3rd floor room, and will never stay there again
That visit showed us the value of staying on property

 

[bumbershoot]

Yes, and we love it! We've stayed there 3 times and have enjoyed it more each time.

We always request the first floor, to make sure we get the wood floors. I didn't even know there were buildings with 3 floors, I don't remember seeing them!

The staff were incredibly kind to us when DS got horribly tummy-sick in the middle of the night, right before our planned Mother&Son One Day Blast (following an awful family reunion). Gave us the same rate as long as we needed it (since there was NO way we were getting on a plane the next evening, let alone going to the parks that day and we were just holing up until he was better) and tried as best they could to help me with sheets etc in the middle of the night, when our bed covers were nearly ruined.

As long as you aren't carrying a child (I don't mean pregnant, but actually carrying a kid in your arms) and as long as you're a reasonably good walker, the walk is fine. Once you've crossed Katella and are heading towards PPH and the Grand, it's a lovely, lush walk that's on half of a giant Hidden Mickey (if you see the satellite view of that street, you'll see what I"m talking about). And you start your Disney day by entering the main doors of the Grand. Since I find the lobby of the Grand to be the best part of that hotel, I like that.

Or you can take ART, but I've never done that.

 

[NiceOneSimba]

I've stayed there twice while attending conventions, both times with a group of teenagers. I've been impressed both times. We stayed because it was close-ish to the convention center. For me, the walk is doable, but when I come with my family, which includes a 3.5-year old, I prefer one of the closer Harbor hotels.

The first time, we stayed in the first building that backs up onto Katella, right behind the office. I know there was some road noise, because Katella is busy, but it didn't bother me or any of the kids. Those were queen-queen rooms, I think, and had the hardwood floors. Rooms were comfortable!

The second time, we stayed in Mission Suites. They were plenty big, and we LOVED the little room with the daybed. I would seriously consider staying there again as soon as my DD is old enough to do a little more walking.

I do think it may depend on what building you are in what your experience is. But we've been pleased both times!