Fairfield or Anabella or Neither?

[jeeperwy]

We are thinking of staying off-site this time, but close enough that we don't have to have a car (we usually stay at the Residence Inn, Garden Grove). Both of these are similar in price for two rooms, but I don't know much about either one. Which would you pick? Or would you pick something else? I have read past posts about the BWPPI and others, but they are $1000-$2000 more for the same time period (Jan 4-9). I would like to stay at the DLH again, but I can't justify the $3000 more and less room!
So, WWYD?

Thanks,
Kari

 

[disney-super-mom]

Out of those two, I would pick Fairfield. It gets good reviews on Tripadvisor, and it's close to the front gates, so easy walking distance to and from the parks.

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

I agree. Fairfield is within walking distance from the entrance, whereas the Anabella is on the back side of California Adventure and would require a longer walk.

Also, you have more dining options on Harbor Blvd.

 

[RonnieJo66]

Another for The Fairfield


....we will be staying there in just over 3 weeks!

 

[PigletGurl]

im staying at the fairfield come November!!

 

[Hound 109]

I've stayed at the Fairfield & it's a good basic, clean motel room. I'd pick it over the Annabelle (even though I've heard the Annabelle is nice) because it's much closer. Other items to know:

- You walk right by McD's coming & going. We'd pick up McBreakfast Sandwiches (& eat at the front gate) or inexpensive chicken nuggets & ice creams (on the way back to the room mid day) ....just because.
- A non-descript pool.
- Breakfast is NOT included. (See McD's above)
- Millies is in the parking lot.
- Part of the Marriot family (fwiw).

No complaints & I'd stay there again (especially if staying on-site was cost prohibitive).

 

[Phalene]

I've never stayed at either, but will be checking into the Fairfield Inn next week

 

[lolinmr]

We just got back from DL and stayed at the Fairfield for our 4th time ! We had a couple of bumps this stay (has never happened before) but they were dealt with quickly and with courteous customer service.
I always feel safe staying there. The pool is not huge but I'm not there to swim. The beds are comfy, the rooms are clean, the staff is nice, and we stayed on the 7th floor and the had a bit of a view. The elevators co- operated too!!

 

[mom2twokids]

I have both of these hotels booked for our upcoming trip. I am having a hard time deciding as well. It seems easy after everyone's posts, Fairfield hands down. However, having an in room fridge is important to us if there is no breakfast served in the hotel. Fairfield doesn't offer that but Annabella does.
Is the walking distance really that much different? Also the Annabella has a twin bed separate from the main bed area, that is nice to have when we are taking our small kids with us.

 

[Phalene]

I just called the Anaheim Fairfield Inn yesterday and they told me they did have in room refrigerators.

I was planning on having some groceries delivered-can someone confirm that there are refrigerators?

 

[Hound 109]

I just called the Anaheim Fairfield Inn yesterday and they told me they did have in room refrigerators.

I was planning on having some groceries delivered-can someone confirm that there are refrigerators?

I hope someone posts on the fridge.....i can't remember if they have one.

Regarding the distance, if walking to DCA from the Annabelle (say in the afternoon) you can (probably slide in the GCA secret entrance) from Annabelle & save some steps.

But looking at the maps, Fairfield would be much closer to DL (which was always our first walk of the day in the AM & our last walk in the evening).

Tip to anyone staying at Fairfield. McDs is in their parking lot. In the morning (prior to EE) there was always a line of 3-5 people (families) which could cause a 10 min. delay. Normally no big deal, but if your antsy to get in line for EE rope drop..... the wait seems longer.

What i ended up doing is leave the room 10 minutes early (as DW, DW's sister & DS 8 finished dressing etc.) & ordered for them. Also would pick up nuggets or burgers on the way back to our room mid day (for our rest). Cheap food for the inevitable "i'm hungry" whining.

 

[grizbuzz]

We were at Fairfield Inn end of September, and yes, there were small refridgerators in the room. And coffee makers (one cup sized) as well. There is a little mini market on the first floor where you can get drinks, although they didn't have milk. But there is a mini-market nearby to get other food items.

We stayed in one of the view rooms, which had a great view of the matterhorn and space mountain. Also, there was a chair that made out into a bed in the room- in addition to the two queens.

Walk to Disneyland was easy. Lots of meal options nearby. Very convenient and comfortable.

 

[teach1abc]

We just got back from Disney and stayed at the Annabella. We thought it worked well for us but it is definitely nothing fancy. We stayed in the Casita suite. In the main room, there was a queen size bed (I think), a small desk, chairs, TV and mini fridge. In the vanity area, there was a small coffee pot and closet (separate from the bathroom). The second room was about the length of a twin bed. There was also a TV armoire in there. I would describe it as a large walk in closet but it was perfect for our three year old and it was nice having the option to shut the door so we could watch TV when he went to bed. The bathrooms were pretty nice. It looks like they just renovated. There is a little store across from the check in area that sells drinks, some snacks, bathroom supplies, and souvenirs. There were three restaurants really close by.

We got our park entrance tickets from AAA. I was happy we did that because it came with free parking in the Mickey parking structure. I think that the walk from the hotel looked far. The hotel said it is around a 15 minute walk. Being 18 weeks pregnant, I didn't want to spend that much time and effort walking.

That is all of the info describing the hotel that I can think of right now.

 

[lolinmr]

The Fairfield Inn does have fridges. Small, but fridges none the less! The big deal for was that is walking distance.

 

[stampinshauna]

I'd pick the Fairfield. It is your typical 2 bed motel layout and it isn't too far.

The Annabella has weird room layouts (as a previous poster described). If you're planning on 2 doubles or 2 queens in a room, you will likely be disappointed because they can stick you with a queen and a twin (which doesn't work for 4 people). They also didn't seem very family friendly--they cater a lot more to the business travelers. It is "just across the street from DCA" but that is the back side of the park so it is quite a walk.