Fairfield versus Park Vue Inn

[Donathius]

We're planning a surprise trip to Disneyland for our DS4 and DD2. DS4 will be 5 the week before the trip and my wife's birthday is the week of the planned trip. We're planning on the first week in November and the trip plan is to get into town late on Sunday and go right to bed, then we'll get up Monday morning and tell our son what we're doing that day. Grandma and grandpa will be staying in another room of the same hotel and will meet us there so we're hoping this will be a seriously epic trip for our kids.

Now for my question - I hate staying far from the pedestrian entrance on Harbor Blvd. I just have to stay in easy walking distance and it will definitely help being that close with little kids. I stayed at the Park Vue Inn twelve years ago with a couple friends back in college and found it fine for 3 single guys, but I wouldn't stay there with my family (small rooms, wasn't very clean). However the TripAdvisor reviews make the Park Vue sound like it's had some good TLC in the last 2 years so I'm willing to give it the benefit of the doubt.

The other hotel I'm looking at is the Fairfield Inn. The rooms seem bigger and, frankly, I like the fact that it has a name like Marriott behind it. However, I do dislike the lack of an included breakfast but maybe we could just get some cereal and milk and do breakfast in our room.

As far as pricing is considered the Fairfield is only $50 more for the 4 nights we're planning on staying. For a 4-day trip to Disneyland I'm not going to sweat over $50 if we have a nicer place to stay. So as far as just having a decent place to sleep and relax what does everything think my best option would be?

 

[DopeyLisa]

We have recently stayed at both and I would choose Park Vue hands down. The rooms are recently remodeled, the staff was great and the breakfast is really good, complete with make your own waffles. The walk really can't be beat either! We thought the Fairfield was very dirty and the staff was rude, but others on here do like it. It did not seem like a Marriott to us...

 

[tarheelalum]

Park Vue has cleaned up its act since you were last there. With small kids they are probably going to want to take a nap during the day and you cannot get any closer than the Park Vue Inn. Also their free hot breakfast and free parking can't be beat. I recommend you stay at the Park Vue. It's a great value when you consider everything it offers and it's location is priceless.

 

[Indiana Scott]

We have stayed at both as well and would also choose PVI.
We dont even compare prices anymore.

 

[Cal-Pie]

On a previous trip we stayed at PVI and my inlaws stayed at FFI because they felt more comfortable staying at a Marriott property. Once we got there and the saw the proximity of PVI, they wished they had stayed with us.

 

[lalasmama]

Haven't stayed at Fairfield, but PVI is our go-to place! Like others have said, they recently remodeled. The pictures on their website actually look like their rooms! The hot breakfast is actually good, and hot! They have lids for their coffee cups (so, easy travel cups for kids in the morning when, at least my DD and grandbabies are more likely to spill their drinks). So flippin' close to the entrance! I'll admit Coldstone may factor in to my decision, too, as nothing beats some ice cream and a soak in the hot tub after a Disney day! The rooms are clean. The towels actually cover my plus-sized self. Rooms seem spacious, and there's many room types based on your needs (2 queens, 1 king jacuzzi, queen and bunk bed, 2 queen suite with fold out couch and kitchenette [our favorite], and there may be others). Always plenty of hot water, though the water pressure can be lacking. Oh, and so silly but so nice is their docking area on the desk--USB ports all ready to go for charging electronics! Of course, it can get a little loud, especially around breakfast time on a late-opening morning, but I'm at Disneyland, so I'm already up and around and getting ready, so the marathon of kids running to get food doesn't disturb me Their pool and hot tub have always been crystal clear as well, with an ample supply of pool towels nearby.