BW Stovall's Vs Castle Inn

[mjlum]

My husband wanted to try something new & BW Stovall's looks a little nicer- although I like the renovated rooms at Castle Inn. Castle is about $50 less if I pay for the ability to modify. they both have refrig/microwaves.

Questions:

• We like being close to the parks - someone said the walk from Stovall's is the same distance. On the map, it looks further... Is the walk about the same?
• Are the rooms nicer/cleaner at Stovall's?
• Is it quieter on Katella vs Harbor?
• We have a double stroller - are the sidewalks narrower near Stovall's?
• Anything else to consider?

Thank you!!

 

[spacemermaid]

The walk from Stovall's is maybe a tiny bit longer, IIRC...but it's not a bad walk at all, especially since you can cut through the Grand Californian/DTD for most of the walk.

I've not stayed at the Castle Inn since 2007; back then, the rooms left A LOT to be desired, but recently they've been redone & judging from the reviews I've read and pictures I've seen, they look much better now. Stovall's has been my go-to property since 2008, and I find the rooms to be comfortable (love the comfy beds!) and clean.

In my experience, it's slightly quieter on Katella vs Harbor...not really that much difference, IMO.

Can't advise on the stroller/sidewalk situation.

Unless it's changed recently, Castle Inn doesn't offer a free breakfast. Stovall's has a free breakfast buffet that includes the usual cereals/pastries, fresh fruit, yogurt cups, and various hot items such as biscuits & gravy, pancakes, bacon, and scrambled eggs. It's nothing fancy, but it's plentiful and filling, and saves $$$ vs eating breakfast in the Park. Also, I LOVE the Stovall's pool area...there are two full sized pools, two hot tubs, and a small kiddie pool. All are surrounded by topiary animals like the ones around It's a Small World!

 

[tehvalerie]

We stayed at BW in 2011 and Castle Oct. 2015 and I'd prefer Castle. Neither were a bad walk (I did like cutting through the Grand Californian lobby walking from BW) but Castle does feel a little closer. Getting too/from BW is a little fussier because you have to pass through part of Downtown Disney and the GC. Our room at Castle had a window facing Katella and I didn't find it noisy at all. Same at BW where, if I remember correctly, the rooms face the parking lot and not the road anyway. The sidewalk is probably narrower coming up Disneyland Drive from BW but we don't have kids so I haven't put a lot of thought into it.

Honestly though you really can't lose no matter which you pick. I'd stay at either one again!

 

[mjlum]

Thank you both for your perspectives. I didn't realize there were 2 pools at Stovalls and a decent breakfast.

Thanks for setting our expectations on the walk. I booked Stovalls with free cancellation and waiting to see if I can find Castle for $100/nt with free cancellation.

 

[smartlabelprint]

If you're a Costco club member you can get $113 I believe at Stovall's for winter rate.

 

[clairebear1012]

does anyone have any current input on these 2 hotels? i am deciding between the 2, castle inn is $30 cheaper so price is not a deciding factor. i like everything i've seen about stovall's better except the location so would really love input about walkability to the parks (traveling with a 6 year old).