Best Non-DLR Walking Hotel & Shuttle Hotel

[consultant]

Planning a trip second week of April. All our vacations I research the heck out of where to stay, what to do, where to eat, etc. I found www.tripadvisor.com to probably be one of the best if not the best place with the most reviews on hotels (Expedia is not bad either). This forums is also obviously a big asset.

Last time we stayed at the Marriott Residence Inn Anaheim Resort, the newer high-rise one about 4 or 5 blocks south of Disneyland on Harbor. We got a one two bedroom with kitchen for about $130. Great deal. Full breakfast included in the morning. It was about a 1/2 star below what we are use to as we're use to paying closer to $200-$250/nt (depending where we are, Hawaii, etc.)

We took the big shuttle bus that stopped at three hotels. It wasn't bad but we did get a little tired of waiting for the bus, especially at the end of the day waiting to come back. The hotel was definitely too far to walk, especially with small kids being 4+ of those huge Harbor Blvd blocks.

So this year I decided we want to stay within walking distance. There's no way I'm paying $275/night for a hotel room at the Paradise Pier. Granted all the three DLR hotels right now are at rack rates for week after Easter. Grand Californian is over $400, for a hotel room?!? Give me a break.

So here's my short list:

WALKING DISTANCE HOTELS:

Camelot Inn & Suites - Recently renovated, has 1 and 2-bedroom suites, but it is still an old motel essentially with pretty basic digs (3 star might be stretching it for this place.) Right across the street from the Main Gates. Can get a 1-bedroom suite for $159/nt. Reviews are consistently very good (but you have to try to figure out what kind of digs the reviewer is used to staying in - what is 5 star for one person can be 3 for another.) No wireless Internet (I'm a freelance Internet consultant so Internet connectivity is a must but we'll only be here for 3 days so I can survive with dial-up. What hotel still uses dial-up? Are they that clueless the wireless is pretty much a standard thing in most hotels and you are and a competetive disadvantage if you don't have it? Clueless management worries a little here.) Tiny pool, but the kids will be fine with it.

Candy Cane Inn - The hands down favorite. Has its own shuttle but appears to be only 1 block to entrance (10 min walk). $119 for hotel room (we prefer condos/suites - nice to put the kids in their own room or living room while we watch TV in the bedroom at night - they'll be so tired they'll sleep right through the TV though and we are only spending 3 nights for this leg of the trip.)

Of noteable mention but didn't make my cut at this point for walking distance:

Howard Johnson - Reviews are very uneven. This appears to be a 'nostalgic' favorite with a lot of people who had good experiences in the past (some way past like myself when I stayed there 20+ years ago) or have really bought into the HoJo brand name. But it appears your experience here is a crap shoot and in general they are really riding on their name as the resort appears to have been slowly going downhill a bit. Do they even have suites?

Fairfield Inn - A motel that looks like a high rise hotel. Pictures of the rooms are a little scary (VERY basic motel accomodations). Good location and clean rooms with decent beds is about all this place has going for it. Which is not bad. No suites?

Best Western Park Place Inn-Mini Suites, Park Vue, and other motels right across the street from the main entrance - All seem to be the same story. Your average (clean) basic motel type room with mediocre pool. You're essentially paying for location location.

I wonder if Disney has some sort of influence over the City of Anaheim that is making it very difficult for a developer to come in and buy and demolish a couple of these motels that are right next to each other and then build something that is close to the quality of a DLR hotel (maybe a half notch down) but a much better value. I'm surprised after all these years and all the development of the streets around Disney that it appears to be the same mediocre motels across the street?

HOTELS NOT WALKING DISTANCE:

Doubletree Guest Suites - Everyone loves this place essentially because it's brand new. (Who doesn't like a brand new hotel?) Great reviews - really comfortable beds. This place is a ways down the Blvd like the Marriott we stayed at. What I can't find is much feedback about the shuttle service. It sounds like the same Greyhound type service that services more than one hotel. As I said, I want to avoid this but this place sounds very appealing.

Marriott Residence Inn Maingate - Too bad this one is a little too far to walk with small children. It's a good place to stay if you need more than a hotel room. This is an older Residence Inn though. Does anyone know if they have their own shuttle and if so is it frequent/on-time?

Sheraton Park - This one appears to be just across the street from the Candy Cane Inn so it is still only a one block walk (with an extra intersection.) So this is borderline walkable. Mixed reviews on this one but mostly good. It is pricey though and looks like no 1-bedroom suites.

Sheraton Anaheim - This place sounds pretty good but I don't like the location on the North End of the Park. Can you see the fireworks very well? Are there restaurants withing walking distance?

Anabella Inn - This is billed as upscale/pricey. Reviews are a little uneven. Maybe not a great value. The walking distance is actually not that much farther than the Paradise pier judging from Google Earth. Problem may be that it is more of a Convention Center location and appears there are not any restaurants like Millies, McDonalds, etc. within a short walk??


I'm a little leary staying at the Carousel, but if I want walking distance in a large 1 bedroom suite then this looks like the best choice (maybe only choice?)

Have I overlooked anything? If I could find something more upscale that had a fabulous, exclusive shuttle service (like the Candy Cane Inn) then I'd consider that. I still may go with the Candy Cane Inn and hoof it the extra 150 yards and be okay with a hotel room for 3 nights. But in that case I'd also look for last minute deals on a DLR hotel room (probably Paradise pier although the walk is just as far as Candy Cane.) Supposedly the rates can drop 7-14 days prior to the travel dates. I doubt that will happen though for the week after Easter.

Any insight/suggestions is greatly appreciates. Thanks!

 

[hlbtimes2]

The only one on your list I've stayed at is the Candy cane. We really like. We have our 3rd stay booked with them for April. The distance is not a bad walk, the shuttle is great, the breakfast is good, fresh and plentiful, the grounds are pretty and well cared for.

We stayed at the PP as a family, and prefer the candy cane. The walk to the PP with small children after 12-15 hours in the park was just too far for us.

 

[c&m]

We are also looking into the Anaheim Marriott, Sheratons or the Doubletree Guest Suites for our July 2007 trip.

I read in Tripadvisor.com that the ART trolley services the Doubletree Guest Suites, and runs every 20-25 minutes. I've also read that some people have walked the distance from the Doubletree to the park, saying it takes about 15-20 minutes. Hope this helps!

 

[Amy&Dan]

I stayed at the Camelot back when it was still called the Park Inn. I normally stay at Marriotts, Hiltons, Hyatt's and the occasional mom and pop place if I am on a road trip and desparate. I have also stayed at all three Disneyland Resort properties and all levels (though not all resorts) of the WDW onsite resorts. This motel is very close. It is very moteley (not a word I know). It has no charm or landscaping since it sits on a very narrow stretch of property. It does have a small forgettable pool until at night when that pool deck becomes a great place to watch the fireworks.

NOw what I can tell you with a more recent twist is that this motel is now run by the same people who operate the Tropicana which is two motels down, nearer to the crosswalk of Disneyland and I stayed there 11 months ago. For me, there was no comparison. The Tropicana is closer, the rooms are brighter (the Park Inn/Camelot's rooms were very dark) and its also been recently rennovated. The Tropicana's pool area is much nicer (but still an older, square motel pools). I do know the Tropicana has suites too. The Tropicana also has some nice landscaping touches and just feels a little less like a parking lot area than the Camelot does. I am not sure how the Tropicana rates on tripadvisor vs. the Camelot, I know when I checked reviews on Friday as I researched our upcoming offsite nights in June, it was ranked 26. I didn't check the Camelot because although it was fine, I like the Tropicana much better. So if I am wanting to stay in the crosswalk area, this is the one I would pick although I have only stayed at three (Hojo, Tropicana and Park/Camelot).

In the end it was between the HoJo, Tropicana, Sheraton and Candy Cane and I chose Candy Cane. For the nicer, expanded free breakfast and the fact it has remained in the top two on Tripadvisor for some time. I just didn't want that longer walk to the HoJo and I didn't want to run the risk of a freeway room (we will be arriving very late and didn't want some leftover room). I also just had to see what all the hoopla is about. The Sheraton got nixed because it was going to be $100 more and they charge for parking which irritates me. The Tropicana only lost out because I want to try something different with a better free breakfast.

I also have wondered why somebody hasn't built a nicer hotel right there. Maybe because the owners of those motels have a nice cash cow going. Why sell when they can keep these older motels, many that are not part of any well known chain going based upon their excellent location. Disney would only want to put something in there if they could buy up the whole strip which won't happen. So in the end, they make money so have no reason to sell.

P.S. You asked about restaurants and the Sheraton Anaheim. I know there is some Spaghetti Station across the street and there is a restaurant onsite as well as a little deli type place. Other than that I don't know.

 

[I Heart Disneyland!]

I've had several friends stay at the Candy Cane Inn and they all raved about it.

 

[disneyochem]

I would say to stay at the Candy Cane Inn (CCI). I know that you said you liked suites--so do we. What we do at CCI is to get adjoining rooms. Then you can put the kiddies to bed and still have some adult time. One nice feature (be sure to ask at the front desk if the rooms are available) at CCI is that some rooms on the second floor open up to a little 'garden area.' Just patio furnture situated in a little alcove on the walkway but it sure adds to the room.

 

[consultant]

Well I took a closer look at the Tropicana. Recent reviews are consistently good. I found one very objective review regarding the 3rd floor Executive Suite. It supposedly has a good view of the park from the Lanai. It is $210/night. I went ahead and booked it. You can also get a Family Suite for the same price. The difference is with the Family Suite you get a Kitchen (which we don't need) and it is in the back of the place (so I assume no deck with a view) wheres the Exectutive Suite has fridge and microwave but no kitchen, but you get the view. A little pricey. But based on your review and the reviews of others I think the extra $50 a night will be worth the view, being a little closer, and a brighter (albeit aging motel-type) room.

I stayed at the Camelot back when it was still called the Park Inn. I normally stay at Marriotts, Hiltons, Hyatt's and the occasional mom and pop place if I am on a road trip and desparate. I have also stayed at all three Disneyland Resort properties and all levels (though not all resorts) of the WDW onsite resorts. This motel is very close. It is very moteley (not a word I know). It has no charm or landscaping since it sits on a very narrow stretch of property. It does have a small forgettable pool until at night when that pool deck becomes a great place to watch the fireworks.

NOw what I can tell you with a more recent twist is that this motel is now run by the same people who operate the Tropicana which is two motels down, nearer to the crosswalk of Disneyland and I stayed there 11 months ago. For me, there was no comparison. The Tropicana is closer, the rooms are brighter (the Park Inn/Camelot's rooms were very dark) and its also been recently rennovated. The Tropicana's pool area is much nicer (but still an older, square motel pools). I do know the Tropicana has suites too. The Tropicana also has some nice landscaping touches and just feels a little less like a parking lot area than the Camelot does. I am not sure how the Tropicana rates on tripadvisor vs. the Camelot, I know when I checked reviews on Friday as I researched our upcoming offsite nights in June, it was ranked 26. I didn't check the Camelot because although it was fine, I like the Tropicana much better. So if I am wanting to stay in the crosswalk area, this is the one I would pick although I have only stayed at three (Hojo, Tropicana and Park/Camelot).

In the end it was between the HoJo, Tropicana, Sheraton and Candy Cane and I chose Candy Cane. For the nicer, expanded free breakfast and the fact it has remained in the top two on Tripadvisor for some time. I just didn't want that longer walk to the HoJo and I didn't want to run the risk of a freeway room (we will be arriving very late and didn't want some leftover room). I also just had to see what all the hoopla is about. The Sheraton got nixed because it was going to be $100 more and they charge for parking which irritates me. The Tropicana only lost out because I want to try something different with a better free breakfast.

I also have wondered why somebody hasn't built a nicer hotel right there. Maybe because the owners of those motels have a nice cash cow going. Why sell when they can keep these older motels, many that are not part of any well known chain going based upon their excellent location. Disney would only want to put something in there if they could buy up the whole strip which won't happen. So in the end, they make money so have no reason to sell.

P.S. You asked about restaurants and the Sheraton Anaheim. I know there is some Spaghetti Station across the street and there is a restaurant onsite as well as a little deli type place. Other than that I don't know.

 

[gregdan]

The Candy Cane Inn was perfect! I learned about CCI from these boards and Trip Advisor. The shuttle, breakfast, the grounds were absolutely fine. The rooms are not big as we were told, but that's ok. The front desk staff was ok, but we were warned.(They were sufficient, not wonderful.) I would highly recommend this, esp. for $109. nite with AAA. We didn't feel like we missed out
on Disney stuff.

 

[Amy&Dan]

Well I took a closer look at the Tropicana. Recent reviews are consistently good. I found one very objective review regarding the 3rd floor Executive Suite. It supposedly has a good view of the park from the Lanai. It is $210/night. I went ahead and booked it. You can also get a Family Suite for the same price. The difference is with the Family Suite you get a Kitchen (which we don't need) and it is in the back of the place (so I assume no deck with a view) wheres the Exectutive Suite has fridge and microwave but no kitchen, but you get the view. A little pricey. But based on your review and the reviews of others I think the extra $50 a night will be worth the view, being a little closer, and a brighter (albeit aging motel-type) room.

I hope you like it! If not, you can blame me! But seriously, it was a nice place to stay. And I remember seeing those balconies towards the front, facing Disneyland thinking that would be a nice set up. We really liked it and I have noticed that recent reviews on tripadvisor have been very positive. Have a great trip and let us know how it goes! And yes its a motel, but also an updated motel in an awesome location!

 

[poconoboatniks]

We stayed at the CCI in Dec '06 and had a very nice experience. The walking distance was perfect, even after a long day in the park. The shuttle was great on the late nights.

Pocono

 

[GIGI&MIMI]

We also loved the Candy Cane Inn. The room was clean, free parking, and good breakfast selection. With thought the staff was great. They gave us large trash bags for the rental strollers when it rained and had a great selection of local resturant menus to choose from. We also stayed at the Carousel Inn, just across from the main gate and it wasn't bad for the price.

 

[Bareacuda]

We have stayed all around the park including all DL Hotels.

Our recent stay was at Park Vue. Newly renovated this past summer. Im not sure about breakfast, there is an IHOP right next door.
Park Vue's exit is the cross walk to the main entrence to the park. I don't know if you can get any closer then that. Besides DLR.
It's a good neighbor hotel on Disney's list. We really dont use our hotel much, it's for a great night's sleep and a hot shower in the morning and off we go to the park.



(PS: it's my 200th post! )

 

[AuntieM03]

I really like the Candy Cane Inn, last time we stayed at Park Vue because it is so close but we were very disappointed. It seemed kind of dirty and it was very loud. Maybe we got a non-renovated room.

 

[munchkinsmom]

Out of all the hotels we've stayed at around the DLR, the HOJO is our favorite. Our last visit there was in August 2006. Everytime we stay there, we request the same room over and over and we are never disappointed. The room we use is a one bedroom suite, so to answer the OP's question about whether there are suites at the HOJO, the answer is "Yes!"

Here's a link to the layout of all the rooms at the HOJO:

http://www.hojoanaheim.com/pdf/room_layouts.pdf

If you check out page two of the PDF, the layouts of both suites are shown. We stay in the SNK suite, which has a really nice view of the Matterhorn, Monorail and the fireworks at night. The grounds are kept up nicely and it's like staying at a hotel, not a motel like some of the other places to stay on Harbor. They renovated the lobby last year and some of the grounds/parking/common areas so it's been updated. The pool areas are also clean and kid-friendly. The staff is approachable and accomodating. Esther, who takes care of the room we stay in does a great job cleaning it and every time we come back in the early afternoon, it's made up. There's nothing I dislike more when I'm staying at a hotel than coming back to a room that hasn't been fixed up. Never been a problem for us at the HOJO.

My DH loves the free in-room high-speed internet access, which we use to catch up on e-mails in the PM after the kids go to bed and to check out the menus of restaurants in the area so we can order take out. Hotel parking (which is free) is never a problem when DH comes back from picking up dinner. He always finds a place, even during the high capacity times.

While I've not stayed at the CCI because of our need for a suite, we have stayed at the Castle Inn and Suites, which is right across the street from the CCI, so we're very familiar with the walk. The walking time/distance to the HOJO from the DLR's entrance is, IMHO, equal to the CCI's. While they do not have a free shuttle, the Anaheim Resort Transit shuttles serve the HOJO, which costs $3/day for adults (kids free). We NEVER take the shuttle, though. We just walk and we're back at the hotel within 7-10 minutes.

 

[junglejoy]

Hojos and CCI are about the same walking distance if that is your criteria for not considerint Hojos. I remember it actually being a tiny big closer - 20 steps or something. This would make the Fairfield Marriott closer than CCI.

We have stayed at Desert Inn and Suites (wouldn't recommend), Park Place Inn (also wouldn't recommend) and Hojos which we highlyl recommend! They have a few suite rooms that are very large and not so expensive. Parking is never a problem and their pool is 2nd only to the DLH. Especially for the kiddos. Nice hot tub too, for us older folks! There is no breakfast, but we never want to take the time to go to breakfast. We either eat cereal in our room or a breakfast bar as we're walking to the parks.

 

[munchkinsmom]

Hojos and CCI are about the same walking distance if that is your criteria for not considerint Hojos. I remember it actually being a tiny big closer - 20 steps or something.

You're right! Here's an article that talks about the topic of how far hotels are to the DLR:

http://www.mouseplanet.com/articles.php?art=mm060329as

 

[Amy&Dan]

But again, the big advantages of CCI vs the HoJo are the free shuttle (that is the CCI's own, not the ART) and the free, expanded Continental breakfast. I like the Hojo too (and love it that its right next to Mimi's) but that walk, going uphill in parts, after 12 hours in the park, is not fun. At least with the CCI in June, we will have that shuttle to take us right there. And a word about the ART and the Hojo. At night, you literally will drive by the Hojo as you drive up Harbor to other motels. Then it swings around and drops at the Hojo last. Sort of a bummer that even though its the closest, its the last one dropped off on the route. And that $3 per person really adds up even if you buy the pass. When we stayed at the Hojo, we had my elderly father in law with us and that walk was very hard for him and I can imagine it would be with little kids too.

 

[junglejoy]

I've stayed at HoJos probably five or six times and don't ever remember walking up or down hill. Where is the hill?

As for the shuttles, we hate waiting for them. We always walk. We would beat any shuttle to CCI or Hojos unless it was waiting there as we walked by - and then we would jump on. But in our years of trips (10 trips in five years) that's only happened once.

To each his own. If you prefer the CCI, you should stay there. You won't be happy at Hojos. With our family size (three kids) we prefer the larger rooms at Hojos. I've always wanted to try CCI, but I can't give up the larger rooms a Hojos. I was just pointing out that walking-wise, Hojos is not further than CCI so if that is your reason for not considering it, it's not valid. But there's more to your reasoning and that's fine.

 

[Amy&Dan]

I've stayed at HoJos probably five or six times and don't ever remember walking up or down hill. Where is the hill?

As for the shuttles, we hate waiting for them. We always walk. We would beat any shuttle to CCI or Hojos unless it was waiting there as we walked by - and then we would jump on. But in our years of trips (10 trips in five years) that's only happened once.

To each his own. If you prefer the CCI, you should stay there. You won't be happy at Hojos. With our family size (three kids) we prefer the larger rooms at Hojos. I've always wanted to try CCI, but I can't give up the larger rooms a Hojos. I was just pointing out that walking-wise, Hojos is not further than CCI so if that is your reason for not considering it, it's not valid. But there's more to your reasoning and that's fine.

Okay to me it felt uphill, sorry didn't mean to offend. For the record, I like the Hojo, I need a shuttle for my fil. The walk to the Hojo didn't bother me one bit. I have been known to log in as much as 14 miles a day at WDW and DL and I don't bat an eye. But I'm not in congestive heart failure like he is so there you have it. I don't prefer the CCI (but most seem to), how can I, have never stayed there. I know you were pointing out that walking wise the Hojo is the same, and I already know that. Its just for some families like mine, there are different needs and that affects our stay. It wasn't a personal insult to you or the Hojo. I was merely saying that in spite of the fact that the two places are the same distance for some people the dedicated shuttle and the free breakfast are the deal makers. And the ART was a big pain for my family when we had to take it so I wanted to clarify that if you really need a shuttle don't think that the ART is a wonderful alternative to a free, private shuttle.

 

[munchkinsmom]

The only hill I can think of that exists near the HOJO is the ramp going up to the hotel complex. That is a bit steep.

With regards to comments about the walk distances between HOJO and CCI to the DLR...I had remembered reading an earlier post saying that the walk to HOJO was longer than CCI, and since it seemed possible that the OP eliminated the HOJO from consideration due to that assumption, I thought it was very appropriate for those of us who thought otherwise to mention it.