Best Stay for Hilton points

[amw]

I want to book a stay in Anaheim on Hilton points. My husband is working in LA and this will be a mini-family vacation. We're interested in comfort, rather than proximity. He's not opposed to shuttle, but would actually prefer to just drive to the parks.

Breakfast is a bonus, although he does qualify for "club level" if that's available. Nice pool would be a bonus.

Choice:
Hilton Convention
Embassy Suites S
Doubletree
Hampton Inn

I know the Hilton would probably be the most luxurious - but am concerned it's too business-y. We've stayed at Hamptons before -- we're not hotel snobs. What is a good choice for family of 4 with a 11 and 9 year-old? (Ignoring proximity/transportation as an issue)

They're all the same point value.

 

[gokdog]

I want to book a stay in Anaheim on Hilton points. My husband is working in LA and this will be a mini-family vacation. We're interested in comfort, rather than proximity. He's not opposed to shuttle, but would actually prefer to just drive to the parks.

Breakfast is a bonus, although he does qualify for "club level" if that's available. Nice pool would be a bonus.

Choice:
Hilton Convention
Embassy Suites S
Doubletree
Hampton Inn

I know the Hilton would probably be the most luxurious - but am concerned it's too business-y. We've stayed at Hamptons before -- we're not hotel snobs. What is a good choice for family of 4 with a 11 and 9 year-old? (Ignoring proximity/transportation as an issue)

They're all the same point value.

We stayed at the Hilton in March for a single night on HHonors points and felt like it was a fair reward for the points. The hotel itself was nice, but the Gentleman at the front desk went out of his way to take care of us because of the reward travel. Disney view room, Free Internet, Discounted meal coupon. It was a large hotel, my only beef was the parking rate and structure, took a while to find a spot and it was not cheap, $15 per night as I recall. I am also staying at the Hilton again in 2 weeks, booked through Costco at a really great rate, so that should be somewhat of a good endorsement.

We stayed at the Doubletree the year before for 6 nights and really enjoyed our stay. We booked a suite, as the same rate as a single was going to be at the Hilton at the time and really enjoyed the extra space, although it was only one bathroom, so still had that to deal with. We also got some free breakfast coupons upon check in (due to HHonors) and the daily cookies snacks (for 6 of us) was very nice and saved us a few bucks.

If I had to choose, I would say the suite was the nicer room, but the Hilton was a tad closer, so all things being equal I would pick the Doubletree.

We also considered Homewood Suites, which is another Hilton property, but although I still have the reservation for our December trip open, I am probably going to stay on property for that trip, the free breakfast just is not worth the 3+ miles.

Cheers,
Dave

 

[marciemouse]

We've stayed at the Hilton and really loved it. Booked through priceline, and were given a free upgrade to Disney view room. They just remodeled their pool area, making it even more kid friendly. We took our 3 year old, and we never felt out of place, in spite of many conventioneers. Unlike the PP, we had no problem with the parking. Got a spot right by the elevator and left the car there for the entire trip. We did use the ART shuttle. Cheaper and less hassle than parking at Disneyland. The breakfast buffet looked AWESOME, too. This was a solid 4 star hotel. I think you'd be pleased there.

 

[nana50]

I love the hilton. I have stayed there over 15 times over the past few years. It is my go to hotel if I can't afford an onsite hotel.

 

[KelsiesMommy]

We're Hhonors members and almost ALWAYS stay at Embassy Suites South! The Doubletree that's closest to the parks on Harbor is also very nice and with Club level you'll get free breakfast in the a.m.

 

[amw]

We're Hhonors members and almost ALWAYS stay at Embassy Suites South! The Doubletree that's closest to the parks on Harbor is also very nice and with Club level you'll get free breakfast in the a.m.

I think Club level only qualifies you for 2 free breakfasts per room, unless the hotel is equipped with a club lounge. We are staying with a club lounge in LA while DH works, so for the few days in Anaheim, it can be more basic.

I am leaning away from the Hilton ... just to feel more "family" ... kids just want a free breakfast (as they'll still be jet-lagged and up extra-early) and a pool to jump into.

I'm leaning towards Embassy, Hampton, or Homewood.

Did you shuttle from those locations or did you drive?

 

[Hound 109]

Do any of these Hilton family hotels have a dedicated shuttle?

If not, I would NOT stay at a Hilton family hotel on a DLR visit. (any more than i would stay at a Hampton or Doubletree if i was visiting WDW).

Better to stay ON site.... or in a hotel on Harbor Blvd (a 5-7 walk away)....then have to fool with an ART bus or to fool with DLR parking.

I love Marriot family hotels & Hilton family hotels. Have mega rewards points available with each. But would never stay at a hotel (at DLR) that prevents me from walking 5-7 min. to get to the turnstiles.


(I want to think the Hyatt has it's own shuttle & I've enjoyed the Candy Cane's dedicated shuttle).....but no way would i put my family thru the ART process 4 times a day or the DLR parking lot process 4 times a day. Note - I'm a firm believer of enjoying the DLR early mornings in uncrowded bliss & taking a mid day rest to avoid DIS meltdowns.


I know that many enjoy the hotels mentioned above....but thought i'd add a dissenting opinion for your consideration.

 

[DebbieB]

I've stayed at the Homewood on HH points. It's OK but as someone who usually stays on Disney property, the shuttle can be a pain. When I stayed there last December they shared with the Crown Plaza & Sheraton. It ran every half hour from both the hotel & DL and was always on time. I like to take an afternoon break so that's 4 shuttle trips a day.

 

[amw]

I know that many enjoy the hotels mentioned above....but thought i'd add a dissenting opinion for your consideration.

Free is Free.

 

[Hound 109]

My husband is working in LA and this will be a mini-family vacation. We're interested in comfort, rather than proximity.

Given your situation & assuming you won't want to maximize Walt's experience..... (by being near the first in line at the turnstiles & by taking a nice mid day break).....the Hilton is probably a good choice.

Free is Free.

In some cases, yes. But time is money & wasted time on a vacation is an expense many of us (who prefer DLR over WDW) want to avoid.

Since there are LOTS of WDW vets who post here & read these forums for tips (& many of us have Hilton Honors points & Marriot Rewards points)....it should be mentioned that taking a bus (or driving & parking) is a WDW vacationer mindset & that those who want to get the most out of Walt's park (over a 3-4 day visit) should stay at a hotel where they can use their feet. (onsite or on Harbor Blvd)

Plus.....those Honors & Rewards points don't go away......they can also be used at a beach or mountain resort where one actually spends alot of time at the resort/hotel grounds.

The only Hilton or Marriot hotel within walking distance is the Fairfield. Nice enough motel....but a huge point redemption waste for what one gets.

The Hilton will probably work for you.....but free is not free for those who wants to be at the parks at rope drop, take a mid day break, & avoid logistical issues.

 

[Jynxed]

In the ideal world, everyone would choose the grand Californian over any other hotel... But we all live in a world where money rules a lot of choices. I am staying at the convention Hilton in a few days (on company dime for a convention- gasp) so can not give you my first hand experience but I have read many reviews online, and aside from minor hiccups to peoples trips, most enjoyed their visit.
From what I read, it can be a good half hour walk to DLR, but shuttles are decent enough and being a WDW regular, I can not imagine it worse then WDW bus service, if it is we will deal with it. After all, we would not even be going to DLR if we were not staying at the Hilton.

 

[amw]

Since there are LOTS of WDW vets who post here & read these forums for tips (& many of us have Hilton Honors points & Marriot Rewards points)....it should be mentioned that taking a bus (or driving & parking) is a WDW vacationer mindset & that those who want to get the most out of Walt's park (over a 3-4 day visit) should stay at a hotel where they can use their feet. (onsite or on Harbor Blvd)

We've already been to DLR before, stayed at the Hyatt, and had a lovely time. Was at the resort before rope-drop everyday while using their shuttles. DLR is not the focus of our trip to CA this year (we just did 2 weeks at WDW in March), but I can't be that close and not go!

I'm just interested in getting personal feedback on the Hilton line of hotels ... not on having an "onsite" versus "walking distance" versus "other" debate.

 

[Hound 109]

We've already been to DLR before, stayed at the Hyatt, and had a lovely time. Was at the resort before rope-drop everyday while using their shuttles. DLR is not the focus of our trip to CA this year (we just did 2 weeks at WDW in March), but I can't be that close and not go!

I'm just interested in getting personal feedback on the Hilton line of hotels ... not on having an "onsite" versus "walking distance" versus "other" debate.

understood. sorry i hijacked your thread.

Have a great time & say hi to Toady for me.

 

[dalstitch45]

We've already been to DLR before, stayed at the Hyatt, and had a lovely time. Was at the resort before rope-drop everyday while using their shuttles. DLR is not the focus of our trip to CA this year (we just did 2 weeks at WDW in March), but I can't be that close and not go!

I'm just interested in getting personal feedback on the Hilton line of hotels ... not on having an "onsite" versus "walking distance" versus "other" debate.

I like the Hilton at Convention Way. It does have a dedicated ART bus, or you can take the Marriott bus across the street. The Embassy Suites South is also nice. Their bus has a dedicated stop in front of the hotel, and serves the Hampton and Hilton Garden which are all in the same location. With a family, I think you might do better with the suites at Embassy. Plus, the kids will probably enjoy the lion roaring in the Embassy atrium. You can also get Disney views at the Hilton and Embassy. I have stayed at both. You can't go wrong with either.

 

[amw]

... hhhmmmm ... still debating.

Can anyone who has stayed on points at the Hilton let me know what the breakfast is like? (He is Diamond, but I think that qualifies for 2 adult brekkies. Anyone know what is offered for kids and cost?)

Also, has anyone stayed at the Hilton and simply walked over to the "Toy Story" parking for the shuttle? Google says it's a five-minute-walk.

I'm still leaning towards 4 free breakfasts at the other locations ... but would have to do my research on the ART.

 

[ddwlms]

If "club" level equates to executive suites, stay at the Hilton. Executive suites come with free happy hour, which really amounted to free dinner (including alcoholic beverages) for us, with a beautiful view of DLR. We stayed there for a conference / family vacation and did not think that it was not "family" at all.

 

[mrsmoore]

I think I remember reading one of the Embassy Suites has its own shuttle, and they have a free breakfast.

We stayed at the DoubleTree Suites a couple of years ago and it was very nice! If I remember correctly kids ate free in the resturaunt with a parent. Also, we walked it, and it wasn't that bad, I can't believe the Hilton is any worse of a walk. I liked the DoubleTree because we had a suite, so extra space. And, you can't beat the DoubleTree cookies!!