Budget Hotel Recommendations?

[theworldneedscolor]

I'm having a trouble finding a hotel for my October stay that is within my budget. I was looking at the Motel 6, but I read some awful reviews on Trip Advisor about the cleanliness. So, of course, I came to the DIS for help!

What I'm looking for:
-low cost (preferably $100 or lower)
-cleanliness
-safety
-airport shuttle (or on supershuttle route)
-location

For location, I am fine if it is closer to a mile, but then I would need a shuttle service for the evenings. I don't feel particularly comfortable walking in some areas near Disneyland as a 18 year old girl by myself at midnight or later. The morning would be fine for walking. But if it was right across the street, like the Fairfield, I would have no problem walking both ways.

 

[Liltx]

Since its just you I would wait and bid on priceline. Choose 3 1/2 stars and you will be sure to get a nicer place for less than $90, maybe much less. You could also use the express deals. We just got the Sheraton Park for $78 a night. Could have got a better deal but we needed 7 nights.

Or try last minute travel club. There are codes for free membership.

 

[Liltx]

I've seen the Red Lion off and on for $90. Although they do have a fee and taxes would put it over $100. But you could use the Toy Story trams which would save you$5 a day. Maybe book something as a backup that can be cancelled and then check priceline express deals daily. The deal we got was only up for two days and now a 3 1/2 for the same dates is $98.

Better yet, do you have a friend that wants to go and split the room cost?

 

[kylie71]

Super Shuttle will stop anywhere you tell them to... when you make the reservation!
Try AAA discounts with Best Western... The Anaheim Inn, or the Raffles...
Also, the Anaheim Plaza is a cheap option, and easy walk..

Expedia is a good place to see all the hotels/motels in one place for availability.
Have a Great trip!

--Lori

 

[kirstie101]

Try Desert Inn and Suites. I dont know about your dates but we've gotten rooms there for less than $100 before. Its right across the street from the entrance and has a small but free breakfast. Very clean. We never had any problems there.

 

[Gisele]

I'm having a trouble finding a hotel for my October stay that is within my budget. I was looking at the Motel 6, but I read some awful reviews on Trip Advisor about the cleanliness. So, of course, I came to the DIS for help!

What I'm looking for:
-low cost (preferably $100 or lower)
-cleanliness
-safety
-airport shuttle (or on supershuttle route)
-location

For location, I am fine if it is closer to a mile, but then I would need a shuttle service for the evenings. I don't feel particularly comfortable walking in some areas near Disneyland as a 18 year old girl by myself at midnight or later. The morning would be fine for walking. But if it was right across the street, like the Fairfield, I would have no problem walking both ways.

Don't worry about walking by yourself, because normally there will be other tourists walking about as well. When I am by myself, I am not worried about it. I just am aware of my surroundings, like anyone should be. I will say though,.that if someone (Depending upon the particular scenario) asks me if I am traveling alone, I will say no, my friend is with me, or husband, Aunt or.... I feel safer that way, again, depending upon the situation at hand, that will determine my response.
Anyway, don't worry or be anxious about anything.

What are your dates? I will see what I might find during my internet travels.

 

[5forMickey]

" I don't feel particularly comfortable walking in some areas near Disneyland as a 18 year old girl by myself at midnight or later. The morning would be fine for walking. "

This is a very wise comment. We stayed at the Residence Inn back in the late 90's. The van dropped us off for early morning but I forgot some dining cupons. We decided that me and my 14 month old would walk back and get them while everyone else went in and rode the rides. When I walked back in the hotel the clerk and van driver just about had a heart attack and wanted to know how I got back, so of course I answered that I walked. They explained to me that I should NEVER do that walk alone or with baby by myself. They scared the tar our of me. They made sure they took me right back to the front gate and left me their cell phone number in case I wanted to leave again and a van wasn't there. That being said, I also do think you would be fine walking in a group back to the Fairfield, but I wouldn't go much further than that.

 

[Angrose]

Try cheaptickets.com and use the 20% off code "summer20". They are always running 20% off deals. For my dates in November they have Red Lion for $87, PLUS the 20% off. That is very good, and like PP said you can ride the shuttle from the Toy Story lot that is right next door. If you can spend a little more then try Tropicana, $119 on cheaptickets, plus the discount. It is almost right at the light on Habor. I stayed there for a solo trip in March and the location was perfect. Rooms were clean and I felt very safe staying there. I'm guessing they would have similar rates in October.

 

[Gisele]

" I don't feel particularly comfortable walking in some areas near Disneyland as a 18 year old girl by myself at midnight or later. The morning would be fine for walking. "

This is a very wise comment. We stayed at the Residence Inn back in the late 90's. The van dropped us off for early morning but I forgot some dining cupons. We decided that me and my 14 month old would walk back and get them while everyone else went in and rode the rides. When I walked back in the hotel the clerk and van driver just about had a heart attack and wanted to know how I got back, so of course I answered that I walked. They explained to me that I should NEVER do that walk alone or with baby by myself. They scared the tar our of me. They made sure they took me right back to the front gate and left me their cell phone number in case I wanted to leave again and a van wasn't there. That being said, I also do think you would be fine walking in a group back to the Fairfield, but I wouldn't go much further than that.

Where were you staying that the hotel staff made that statement to you? Unless it is a high crime area, I find their words to be of an alarmist nature.
An individual can be alone or with a group of people, it doesn't matter, for if trouble finds you, you just have to handle it. When I was that age, I never had a problem with going anywhere by myself. That's not to say that on occasion someone didn't give me an attitude, but I never flinched or faltered, always stood my ground. I don't allow punks to disturb me anymore than necessary.

 

[Gisele]

Try cheaptickets.com and use the 20% off code "summer20". They are always running 20% off deals. For my dates in November they have Red Lion for $87, PLUS the 20% off. That is very good, and like PP said you can ride the shuttle from the Toy Story lot that is right next door. If you can spend a little more then try Tropicana, $119 on cheaptickets, plus the discount. It is almost right at the light on Habor. I stayed there for a solo trip in March and the location was perfect. Rooms were clean and I felt very safe staying there. I'm guessing they would have similar rates in October.

Those do sound like very nice discounted rates. I haven't looked too much at travel sites, but maybe I should. I have been able to obtain rates that were very good from hotels websites in the past.

 

[kylie71]

My sister and I, are in our 40's and 50's... we always travel to DLR together and have stayed many places and always walk at night... never feel nervous, but be aware of your surroundings.... sometimes some homeless at the bus stop across the street near the cross walk, but are harmless.
Walk briskly, keep to yourself, and you will be fine. Always a crowd leaving at all times, just join the crowd...

--Lori

 

[Astylla]

Our go to budget option is Super 8 on Katella. Highly recommend for a budget place that is easily walkable 15 minutes and typically rates are under 100 a night.

 

[vladimir p]

I will say though,.that if someone (Depending upon the particular scenario) asks me if I am traveling alone, I will say no, my friend is with me, or husband, Aunt or....

NO ONE BELIEVES YOU NOW!!!!


haha lol

 

[5forMickey]

Where were you staying that the hotel staff made that statement to you?

Residence Inn Maingate -- and their comments were actually quite a bit more harsh, and they meant what they said! They took very good care of use but from that point on, they made sure we never left unless it was by their van.

 

[jon18uk]

We stayed at the Fairfield Inm and it was very clean with refrigerators in rooms and only 5mi. Walk from the parks.

 

[Liltx]

Residence Inn Maingate -- and their comments were actually quite a bit more harsh, and they meant what they said! They took very good care of use but from that point on, they made sure we never left unless it was by their van.

Maybe there was a recent incident that caused them to react that way? I would always stay alert but the surrounding area where the hotel/motels are, seem perfectly safe. I've walked it alone and with a baby in a stroller and felt very comfortable. Any place on harbor or katella close enough to walk will be fine for you to walk. If you feel nervous take the shuttle or a cab.

 

[Gisele]

NO ONE BELIEVES YOU NOW!!!!

haha lol

Very funny!

 

[awinangie]

You're VERY SMART to pay attention to safety, especially traveling solo as a young woman.

In my mid-to-late twenties I traveled a fair amount on my own, both in the US and internationally (India, Thailand, & Mexico). It's just plain smart to limit going out on your own after dark. The sad reality is that you're at higher risk on your own as an 18 year old than I am in my 40s. Does that mean you shouldn't travel on your own? ABSOLUTELY NOT!!! Books have been written on the incredible benefits of solo travel. ESPECIALLY as a young woman, I believe. I'm a stronger, more fabulous woman thanks to my solo travel.

That said, you're going to DISNEYLAND. What a great environment for traveling solo!! A fabulous adventure in a very secure environment. Disneyland was my first solo trip, actually.

Can I suggest you consider sticking to the Harbor Blvd hotels? There are so darn many other people walking to these hotels that you'll never be alone. Desert Inn & Suites, Del Sol, and Tropicana seem to be the cheapest most of the time, I think... Desert Inn and Suites is my favorite. Looks like most nights in October are at $109/night, which is at least close to your preferred rate. (Make sure you have them take the parking fee off your bill.)

Fairfield Inn-Anaheim
Anaheim Camelot Inn & Suites
Carousel Inn and Suites
Tropicana Inn & Suites
Best Western Plus Park Place Inn - Mini Suites
. (here's where the crosswalk to the parks is...)
Park Vue Inn
Desert Inn & Suites
Del Sol Inn
Best Western Plus Anaheim Inn
Ramada Maingate at the Park

Regardless, I agree with your thought that you'll be fine at night in a shuttle. Or at the very least as long as you DON'T walk alone. Stick with your instincts. And stick with other people.

It'll be awesome!!

P.S. Super 8 on Katella does look like a great option. May check it out for my daughter and I some time. But for a young woman traveling solo... I'm concerned. Looks to me like other folks leaving the parks might peel off at the other hotels and you might end up on your own part of the way to the Super 8. If I'm wrong about that, then my recommendation is to go for it!

 

[MichaelaF]

We stayed at the Best Western Stovall's Inn and we were very happy with it. We payed $87 a night (after taxes) in March via Olotels.com. Clean, updated rooms, walking distance to the parks (it's across the street from the far corner of DCA/DTD parking lot), and includes a free (albeit not great) breakfast. Since most of the walking is on/near Disney property, I felt pretty safe walking to and from the parks, but it's also on the ART and SuperShuttle routes.

 

[mikedoyleblogger]

You might also check the HoJo (just north of the Fairfield Inn.) The run-of-house rooms (the basic rooms in the four low-rise buildings) are just as nice as the more expensive rooms, and the ART shuttle stops right in front of the hotel.