Best Family-friendly Suite Hotel near Disneyland

[micheluvscorgis]

We're considering taking a trip to Disneyland for our Fall Break this year (Oct. 15 - 20th).

We've been to Disney World before, but Disneyland is brand new to us. Truthfully, we'd prefer to go to DW for our vacation, but it's out of our budget right now. Since Disneyland is closer, we're assuming it will be less expensive and more appropriate for a get-away trip (3-5 nights) vs. the full seven nights we feel a full-fledged DW trip requires.

In the past, we've rented DVC points for our DW trips because we love staying on site to eliminate travel time and also to get the Disney Dining Plan, which we've found streamlines things and makes everything so much easier to deal with (even though it requires more planning on the front end). But I've heard that things are much more compact at Disneyland and that staying on site isn't as important there.

SOOOOO...I'm looking for suggestions about a family-friendly hotel on/near Disneyland property.

Thanks for all of your help!

 

[Crazy4Disney06]

We are staying at the Desert Palms Hotel and Suites prior to checking into the Grand Californian in December. One reason is the suites and another is they have a full breakfast buffet each morning for free.

desertpalmshotel (dot) com

 

[MommyLove]

Yes, there are places on Harbor that are actually a shorter walking distance than the Disneyland Hotel and Paradise Pier Hotel!

For our upcoming trips we are choosing the Kids Suite at HoJo (just past Mimi's on Harbor, very walkable) and the Double Queen/Bunk Bed Suite at Park Vue (right across the street from the DL entrance). While we've stayed at both hotels before, this will be our first time in these suites. There are other suites at hotels close by but I haven't investigated them much. Do a search for "suite" in this forum and you can find out a lot.

Also, don't do the dining plan at Disneyland. Not only will it not save you any money, you could actually lose money.

 

[micheluvscorgis]

Thanks!

Keep those suggestions coming!

I can never get too much good advice!

 

[theluckyrabbit]

We like the Candy Cane Inn. Continental breakfast is included (and delivered to your room, with the Premium rooms) and they have their own shuttle. The CCI is on the same side of Harbor Blvd. as DLR, so it is a straight walk, if you decide not to use their shuttle. While it isn't the shortest walk to DLR (that would be the Park Vue Inn), it is a short walk (you can see the Tower of Terror right behind the hotel). The staff is very friendly and very helpful. There is a 7-11 really close by, in case you need anything.

 

[miss.potatohead]

RI Maingate - family or loft suites, both would fit 4 people comfortably.
It's a little further than the Harbor hotels but no more than a 10 minute walk. It includes a rather good breakfast with hot meats, fruit, cereals, bread, bagels etc.

 

[MamaChelle]

Last year we stayed at Del Sol Inn. Its a decent sized room with 2 queen beds and also a bunkbed. I believe they also have 2 adjoining rooms but I think you have to pay for each room. The parking lot is small and sometimes you have to valet (same parking fee either way). It was decent and would book again if the rates are good.

This year we have the parlor suite C1 booked for december at Desert Inn and Suites. Just a hotel or 2 over from the crosswalk to Disney entrance. It's 2 rooms, 4 queen beds and 1 1/2 baths! Soooo much room. I know they also have rooms that hold up to 10 guests! I asked on here some experiences there and got some really good feedback so I really can't wait to go!!!

 

[smiles33]

The first question is whether you are willing to sacrifice time to drive/park. Read HydroGuy's tips for WDW vets and his other tips--including the one urging DLR guests to stay at a hotel within walking distance to save time. Of the walking distance hotels that offer suites, I have to say my research led me to HoJo and we loved it! Read my detailed review of our stay at HoJo's Kids Suite in the link in my signature. It's like getting two connecting rooms, as there are two full bathrooms (compared to some suites that don't have that or don't have full walls).

Have a great trip!

 

[theluckyrabbit]

If you are willing to use the ART shuttles, the Residence Inn has free breakfast, full kitchens, and they will do your grocery shopping (including putting groceries away). It is walkable, although it is further away than the hotels across from DLR on Harbor. But you can catch the ART there or at the Motel 6 next door. This property receives many good reviews from happy DLR visitors.