Hi,
We've stayed at the following, using
Disney Vacations and booking separately:
Only the Tropicana is rated an Economy grade. The rest are rated Moderate but it seems all the Motel / Inn are priced "moderate" but give "economy" accomodations. You are paying for the convenience. Basically these are adequate rooms: for the most part they are "clean, comfortable, and functional without frills - " see The UnOfficial Guide to
Disneyland book.
The only hotel worth the extra money is the Park Inn International, in my opinion, it's large rooms, with whirlpool tub, refrigerator, fold out sofa - it's worth it all. Only downfall, the front service wasn't that friendly, but then most of these hotels are pretty cold. I would give only the Tropicana a good rating of service, maybe that's why we keep going there, it's also one of the first to book.
Carousel Inn and Suites (2x) - standard room has microwave and refrig - continental breakfast - mainly pastry, and piece of fruit and coffee or juice. Only complaint is the luggage storage room is some distance from the check in counter (if you are not able to check in right away or check out early) they hold your luggage but the room is unlocked and no security which means anyone could back their car up and take all your stuff !! Other then that it was a short walk across the street to the park, no shuttle needed. Restaurants from McDonald's to sit down style all seconds away!
Tropicana Inn (sister to Park Inn) (3 or 4x) next door to Carousel - room, no extras, still good deal, very convenient, the suites are probably nicer and the staff is always nice. They keep the luggage "locked" in a room.
The Ramada now known as something else. Located on left side, next to Mc Donalds, don't know what their new name is. The door shook everytime the next door closed their door. The ground floor is very noisy. The room was small for a "moderate" and no bell service. We were dropped off by the main road cause of construction and had to walk (very far with large bags) to the hotel entrance (still no help) and then they gave us the wrong room, req. handicap room. Had to move again with no available bell service (said by the front desk) too much hassle, not worth anything. Hopefully the new owners have sent their people to customer service workshops!
Best Western Park Place Inn, good, I believe they have breakfast at the restaurant next door, but small pancakes or egg/sausage. After you buy the juice you might as well go to McDonalds. Still, would stay at again.
Wouldn't stay at the Best Western Stovall's Inn again, poor condition (but they may have renovated) the door locks were broken, the wake up call was an hour late, almost missed our bus and flight. Only two locations for food, junk restaurants, had to catch the shuttle, took too long. I guess we're just spoiled having stayed on Harbor Blvd all the time.
Once booked Ramada Maingate Saga Inn and then read a lot of negative stuff about the place. Called Disney Travel to change the hotel and was told by the representative that she had heard "things" about them also. WHYYYY Disney continues to do business with them is beyond me.
Park Inn International is good, same great location across the DL entrance and all that entails.
Our next trip we're going to try the Park Vue Inn, $49 a night
AAA rate. During the week of Christmas and New Year. It's a deal we can't beat.
If you don't mind the shuttle and want more of a "hotel" try the Anaheim Marriot or the Hyatt next to the convention center. During the holiday week the Anaheim Marriot has a special of $79 a night!! If you buy your tickets and hotel separatly it's a much better deal the the Disney travel. We used them in the beginning (1990-97) but now all the pieces don't make much of a deal and better bargains are found if you have the time to search the net. Good luck and remember be flexible and have fun, it's vacation time.
I'M GOING TO DISNEYLAND!!!
