Does anyone NOT like the HOJO?

[Disney Mama 2 Two]

I'm just curious because I've been literally loosing my mind with all these hotel choices and I can't find a bad review of the HOJO....I've read some think the walk is a bit much but I think 5-7 minutes is okay or we'll take the ART I'd think.

So has anyone stayed there with the Disney view balcony room? Is this a balcony you can actually go out on and then watch the fireworks from?

Thanks so much...I feel a ton closer to making my decision.

Dawn

 

[caimakale]

I stayed there and hated it. We were put on the second floor of one of the two story buildings. There are no elevators in those buildings, and I had to lug 9 suitcases up the extremely narrow stairs to our room. IMO, the rooms don't look like they have been updated since the 1970's. Yellow beadspreads, orange curtains. The bathrooms are a pink and blue checker pattern and the room smelt like a nursing home.

I do agree it was very clean, but it's not something I will ever want to revisit.

 

[Simba's Mom]

I wouldn't say I hated it, but I really didn't like it. I was also in one of those two story buildings (not Disney view, garden view) and there were no doors on any of those buildings, which made me less than happy about security(that's one of the reasons I'd gone with a hotel with what I thought were indoor corridors, security). Also, one night I needed ice, and not only was the ice machine in my building not working, but the ice machine in the closest building (where a note on the ice machine in my building said to go) was not working. So I had to go to 3 ice machines before I got ice. Also, that skylight thingy I had in my room-grrr! There was no way to block the light from it, so my room was like daylight at 6:45 in the morning. Sure beats a wake-up call! Since I know that the buildings Ho-Jos has offer no more security than outdoor corridors, that means I could consider other hotels equally. HoJos no more offers that advantage to me.

 

[Disney Mama 2 Two]

Okay...back to square one I guess. So if I am getting a room with the 2 Q beds and pull out sofa...Disney view with balcony will that be a room near the freeway? I'm so confused...I really thought I could save some money by staying off site but honestly if there is a chance the rooms will be "nasty" I won't have a good time...I know you spend the majority of time at the parks but I just can not sleep in a gross bed or shower in a moldy shower.

I'd love more review...good or bad!

Thanks!
Dawn

 

[CherCrazy]

The best view we ever had of Disney was from the Dolphin. Our room overlooked Spaceship Earth and the fireworks at night. We'll never forget it.

The money we spent is long forgotten, but the memories of that stay will be with us forever. Good luck in your decision

 

[caimakale]

In all fairness, I do admit the room was clean and things seemed to be in good repair. (No Mold)

I am extremely picky because I am in the apartment business and I oversee maintenance operations in 4 states for my company, primarily on A or A+ type product. I do have what I consider, higher than normal standards. This is because we strive to provide the best product out there. I have been trained to pick things apart, and even when I am on vacation, I still do this.

Even by my standards, the rooms were extremely clean. Housekeeping and maintenance seem to keep them up well. They should have put in an air freshner though to try and replace that smell.

The only amenity we used while there was the laundry. It was in the basement of one of the towers and in my opinion, a joke. It's definitely not something a nice hotel would allow. It's a very small room, 3 washers and 4 dryers I think with a few chairs to site in while you wait. It appears they had to build a very small room by the laundry room for housekeeping. When you go to wash, you pass by workers cleaning bedding.

 

[lntsmom]

I guess it depends on what you expect. You can see that some of the members here have the kind of money to spend that allows them to have very, very high standards.

I'd love to stay at a $350 a night hotel, too, but if I waited for that, my kids would never get a chance to go to Disney. I also approach travel with the concept that I'm buying a trip, an experience, not a fantasy. Things will go wrong. If the worst that happens is that I have to try three ice machines before finding ice, I'm not going to be upset.

I paid $65 a night at HoJos. We had a room on the bottom floor of one of the two floor buildings. It was clean. I am very sensitive to smell, and I didn't detect any moldy or musty smell. The beds and linens were clean, as was the bathroom. I can't even tell you the color scheme in the bathroom. To be honest, if I were so persnickety that I wanted the bathroom decorated to my taste, I'd stay home. What mattered to me was that the bathroom was clean and that it was in good working order..and it was!

One thing that I do care about is noise. If a building is noisy, I can't sleep and that severly impacts the next day. We had a tiny bit of noise our first night...but it ended before 8. After that, I never heard anything.

I guess it all comes down to how much time you really plan to spend in your room. We went to California to visit the beach and Disneyland. If I wanted a vacation where the accomodations were part of the attraction, I'd rent a lodge in Colorado or go to Great Wolf.

I'm relatively old and fat, and was traveling with two kids. The walk didn't hurt any of us. The ART was there when needed. The front desk help and the ladies in the gift shop were extremely friendly and helpful. I honestly don't have a single complaint about HOJO's.

From your question, it sounds as if you are looking for perfection. I don't think there's a hotel in the Los Angeles area that would have a 100% positive rating.

So, my answer is, if you're one of the lucky folk who have money to burn and your trip will be a disaster if you find your room color scheme not to your liking, book the high end hotel room. It will be an insurance policy of sorts.

If you are on a budget, or if your sense of stewardship of your money makes you reluctant to spend more on a hotel room for a night than many American earn in a week, go for HoJos.

BTW...I never even considered paying more for a fancy view. We were going there to go to Disneyland, not sit across the street and look at it. Why not just plan to be at the park for the fireworks, and ask them for a quiet room away from the freeway????

 

[lntsmom]

If you only see them from across the street, you're going to miss 90% of the show. You need to be in the park...in the Hub...to get the full effect. The show involves projected images, fire, lazers, and special fireworks that have to be seen from that specific view to be fully appreciated.

 

[funnygarcia]

The smaller buildings have gone thru a rehab in the last year, things may have changed.
I have stayed in building one (closest to hotel desk building) and building two (by the quiet pool) several times.
The Disney view w balcony rooms are in building one, they face towards DL (the non view ones face the freeway),
We stayed in one of the view rooms on our last visit. Some have skylights, so if you are sensitive to light it may be a problem for you.. I get up early for work anyway (and on Central Time normally) so the skylight was not a problem for me.
I liked the view, had a nice view of the monorail, matterhorn, overlooked Hojo's pool and rooftops of the smaller bulidings. Room was quiet with the balcony door shut.
This chart might help you
http://www.hojoanaheim.com/pdf/room_layouts.pdf

You can make room requests via email

stay@hojoanaheim.com

or contact Willie (manager)

william.simpson@hojoanaheim.com

 

[Disney Mama 2 Two]

Holy, I never thought by asking people honest advice about hotel options that I would get flamed so badly. I am having a really hard time with all the different choices in lodging while taking my first trip to Disneyland with my family. I am not "one of the lucky folk who have money to burn and your trip will be a disaster if you find your room color scheme not to your liking" which is why this decision is such a major one to me. I am sorry to those of you who have respectfully answered my questions about Disneyland lodging if I have come off as anything other than a mother of 2 taking my first family trip to DL on a budget but of course wanting to have the best time possible. I value the many different opinions on this board and have really not a lot of other sources for honest feedback on these choices, however I feel there is no reason at all to attack me personally on any level for asking questions.

No I do not plan on sitting in my hotel room everynight to watch the fireworks but I do have 2 children under 5 and I think it is unreasonable to asssume we could go everynight to see the fireworks and I think the Disney view would be a great added bonus...as I write this though it upsets me that I would have to defend my choice to anyone.

So I'll sign off and continue my search for the right hotel room for my family trip and again I thank all those who have provided tons of help to me.

Dawn

 

[atakaratemom]

I agree Dawn that the response was a little harsh. I totally understand wanting to make sure you make the right choice in a hotel. We have made the wrong choice before and it really does impact your enjoyment. Have you checked a website call tripadvisor.com. You can find lots of reviews for HOJO and other Disneyland area hotels there. I have found it very helpful when trying to make hotel selections. Good Luck!

 

[Disney Mama 2 Two]

I agree Dawn that the response was a little harsh. I totally understand wanting to make sure you make the right choice in a hotel. We have made the wrong choice before and it really does impact your enjoyment. Have you checked a website call tripadvisor.com. You can find lots of reviews for HOJO and other Disneyland area hotels there. I have found it very helpful when trying to make hotel selections. Good Luck!

Thanks Mary...I am going to check out tripadvisor and continue my search. I appreciate the understanding with making the right choice regarding hotels..there sure is a lot to choose from out Disneyland way!

 

[Disney Fans]

Hey Disney Mama of two,
I also have been researching about hotels and even asked on this web site also. I also have two children 5 and under. Here are the three hotels that I would say look good and the reasons why from what I have researched.
1) I think HOJO would be nice for the reason why you could watch the fireworks because lets face it when the kids are little like ours -I think if would be nice to be able to see the fireworks as you are putting them to bed or after they have already fallen asleep. I think for me that would be the only reason for staying there and I heard the pool and splash area is nice.
2) I think the Candy Cane Inn would be nice also due to the fact that the hotel is smaller, has there own shuttle to go back and forth which is nice for us who again have little ones tired at the end of the day of inbetween for that matter. LOL And they include a Breakfest with there room price and don't charge extra for juice and a few other items that HOJO charges extra and also have a pool and have GREAT reveiws.
3) If I have enough money saved then I might stay at DLH or DPH just for the fact of making everything all Disney because thats what we have done at WDW and its just makes the trip even more to remember.
Hope this helps!

 

[abby]

We went last year and stayed at the DLH, I am thinking of booking another trip but budget wise, am thinking of staying off site. From all I have heard, HOJO's with a disney view would be ok. One thing I loved about the DLH is that my dd (then almost 5) would fall asleep and I could watch fireworks out my window. (OK so I had to look out the tiny balcony and look to my right) but it was great. HOJO's would likely be a good choice, as would the DLH if you could afford it. (I'm waiting for the 2006 specials to come out). Have a great time, and don't let other poster's get you down.

 

[LucyKate]

For what it's worth Dawn, I DON'T think Intsmom was having a go at you, but at the earlier respondents.

For the record - I earn quite a decent wage, and in my former job used to travel with a politician and always stay 5 star - I therefore appreciate a bit of luxury and when I go on holiday, I want to splurge and won't put up with substandard accommodation to save money.

BUT I also want to get good value for our money. I put a lot of research into our Disney holiday (from Australia) and decided I couldn't justify the price charged by the Disney hotels and after reading great reviews here and on tripadvisor chose the HoJo.

We were not disappointed. We paid more for the Disney premium view room (because we could afford to, and wanted something a little special) and it was superb - For about $US70- we got a nice big room, great service a short easily manageable walk to the parks, a great restaurant across the street, great heated pool, visble and friendly security, good on-site shop and a good look at the fireworks. But even the rooms in the 2 storey buldings have now been renovated and should be fine.

I am a very light sleeper and did not notice the traffic noise.

As mentioned - the firework view from outside is only a fraction of the show, but when the fireworks are late and you have two tired kids, it's a pretty good second best option.

HoJo is suffering a bit of a backlash because of its success. It rates so highly people assume it must be 5 star and then get disappointed when they discover no chocolates on their pillow or spa bath in the rooms.

It's not 5 star but for what it is is, it's brilliant - an affordable, extremely well run, clean and close 3 star hotel that is great value for money in anyone's currency.

 

[Disney Mama 2 Two]

For what it's worth Dawn, I DON'T think Intsmom was having a go at you, but at the earlier respondents.

For the record - I earn quite a decent wage, and in my former job used to travel with a politician and always stay 5 star - I therefore appreciate a bit of luxury and when I go on holiday, I want to splurge and won't put up with substandard accommodation to save money.

BUT I also want to get good value for our money. I put a lot of research into our Disney holiday (from Australia) and decided I couldn't justify the price charged by the Disney hotels and after reading great reviews here and on tripadvisor chose the HoJo.

We were not disappointed. We paid more for the Disney premium view room (because we could afford to, and wanted something a little special) and it was superb - For about $US70- we got a nice big room, great service a short easily manageable walk to the parks, a great restaurant across the street, great heated pool, visble and friendly security, good on-site shop and a good look at the fireworks. But even the rooms in the 2 storey buldings have now been renovated and should be fine.

I am a very light sleeper and did not notice the traffic noise.

As mentioned - the firework view from outside is only a fraction of the show, but when the fireworks are late and you have two tired kids, it's a pretty good second best option.

HoJo is suffering a bit of a backlash because of its success. It rates so highly people assume it must be 5 star and then get disappointed when they discover no chocolates on their pillow or spa bath in the rooms.

It's not 5 star but for what it is is, it's brilliant - an affordable, extremely well run, clean and close 3 star hotel that is great value for money in anyone's currency.

Thanks for the reply...I appreciate any response given in the right context. I don't know what exactly Instmom was "bothered" with be it me or other posters but I didn't start this thread for any bashing of anyone. Just for honest - good natured comments be it good or bad just not rude imo.

Again, thank you for your feedback and the HoJo is still one of the top on my list.

 

[Mortimer Mouse]

We just returned today from a 5 night stay at Hojo, we were in the tower 6th floor Disneyland view, just my experince so take it for what it's worth. Freeway noise was definitely a problem and my wife is a light sleeper not a good combo, tried to use the air conditioner to drown out the freeway noise but that was loud to imo. soda machine on our floor dispensed hot sodas, whatever was happening in the coordors you can hear it (doors closing, people talking ect.) the walk is about 10-15min. with a 5y.o. For the positives, the room and bathroom were clean, the game room was fun, the store seemed to have everything, and the pool area was nice and opened till midnight. we felt safe. pretty much a 2* hotel imo.
All in all we probably won't stay there again and i would recommend the Candy Cane Inn for about the same price. again just my observastions please don't flame.

 

[caimakale]

I think Itsmom was more bothered by my reply and was addressing me rather than the topic at hand.

I have stayed at 4-5 star hotels. But I have stayed at my fair share of 2-3 star hotels. I stayed at the HoJo because of the reviews I had seen on it. I figured all these people can't be wrong and why not save a few bucks. I think that was what was most disappointing. I was all hyped up thinking it was a nice place to stay. You only get one chance to make a first impression and making me lug my luggage up a narrow flight of stairs was a horrible first impression. Then the smell of the room finalized the deal. Maybe the towers are nicer, but it's not something I personally ever care to find out for myself.

I came on here giving my honest opinion and I guess that offended someone. Just because people "have money" doesn't mean we spend it frivolously. Can I afford to stay at an onsite hotel everytime I go, yes I probably could, but I don't like throwing money away just because I have it. Next time I go, I am leaning towards staying off site to save some money and I hope I can get an honest and fair opinion when I come on here and ask without getting ridiculed.

Disney Mama, I hope my replies have been helpful, I hope I didn't offend you...if I did it wasn't intended that way.

 

[clyde]

I haven't posted anything for awhile, so this looks like a great place to start!

I was reading this new thread, and then saw that the original poster was feeling flamed. I then went back and reviewed the other posters info and thought, "Hey, I should put my 2cents in".

What it appears to me, is that it is a matter of perspective. I took it in as a poster's honest reply addressing the fact that no two people are alike. She offered a comparison of sorts, indicative of how a "picky" person may perceive HOJO's and how she (as a non-picky person) perceived HOJO's. She wasn't making a judgement on either range of the spectrum, only validating that different people will have different expectations of the same hotel based on how they view their needs from a hotel.

Like I said, just my 2 cents, but for 99% of the time I have lurked in these boards there has been very little flaming and/or negative comments.

Jason

 

[Amberle3]

When comparing reviews, be sure to remember that (as someone pointed out) almost all the rooms have been recently refurbished. So unless you know the year of someone's visit then saying that the rooms were ugly etc doesn't really mean anything.

I stayed there in July, and I also stayed there in December. The only complaint I have about the property is that the bedspreads are somewhat slippery. The staff has been great, the beds were comfy, the location is great. You can actually see the fireworks from ground level in the parking lot if you really want to. It's definitely one of my favourite places to stay in Anaheim.