Favorite Off-Site Hotel

[quiltymom]

Jack, do you mean Residence Inn Maingate, or Ramada Inn Maingate?

Or am I confused?

Oops. Didn't know about the other. My review was for the Ramada Inn Maingate. Sorry to confuse it!

 

[milan15]

My personal favorite is the Best Western Stovall's Inn.
It's right on the corner of Katella and West street and a really easy walk to the parks.

The one thing we really love about this hotel is it's location. You get to walk through DTD before going to the parks. Some may not like this, but I really think it's awesome. You also get to go through the GCH's main lobby... which is slightly depressing.

As for the actual hotel itself. The rooms are wonderful, the breakfast is great (though I'll admit, my standards are low) and the staff is very helpful and friendly. They are on getawaytoday, typically the cheapest or second cheapest hotel on there

If you are looking for cheaper, look here or at Quality Inn and Suites At the Park just a little further down. Both have been great for us and pretty cheap compared to other hotels in the area.

 

[smiles33]

My kids were 2 and 5 when we went last September and we all LOVED HoJo's Kids' Suite. If you can, book EARLY (like maybe 10 months in advance?) because there are only 12 or so Kids' Suites. Two connecting rooms, two full bathrooms, plus the fun bunkbed and sofa for the kids. There's also plenty of room for a double stroller!

If both kids are in a double stroller, then the walk is only a big deal for the parents. I made 7 round-trips in 3 days and did get shin splints. However, I was also racing all over the park to get FP so I could single rider during the girls' naps, so it's possible if we had stayed on-site I still would have the shin splints. Read my TR for more details!

Have fun!

 

[whoopsiedoodle]

My kids were 2 and 5 when we went last September and we all LOVED HoJo's Kids' Suite. If you can, book EARLY (like maybe 10 months in advance?) because there are only 12 or so Kids' Suites. Two connecting rooms, two full bathrooms, plus the fun bunkbed and sofa for the kids. There's also plenty of room for a double stroller!

If both kids are in a double stroller, then the walk is only a big deal for the parents. I made 7 round-trips in 3 days and did get shin splints. However, I was also racing all over the park to get FP so I could single rider during the girls' naps, so it's possible if we had stayed on-site I still would have the shin splints. Read my TR for more details!

Have fun!

Thank you so much! I read your review and am starting to lean towards this plan! I really need to talk it over with DH but he's not ready to discuss it yet It's nice to know that it's less than 10 min with a stroller. Speaking of which. How did you manage with your double? What did you do with it while on the rides? I'm a total DL novice!

 

[ALTkids]

I wouldn't necessarily call it our favorite, but the Anaheim Plaza is kind of our go-to option. Inexpensive, rooms always available, and most importantly, a short walk to DL. The rooms are large with patios/balconies. The pool is HUGE! Plenty of parking.

 

[Amy&Dan]

I am in this same dilemma. If the Disneyland or Grand Californian rooms looked even roughly commiserate with their price tag I would pay the prices, huge as they are, and be done with it, but even the remodeled DLH, which seems far more appealing decor and size-wise, just has a real "motel" quality to me ... And no matter how beautiful the pools and grounds and short the walk, I can't picture paying $400+/night for motel-quality rooms. (Bless Disney for trying, though.)

Currently we are looking at the Hilton Anaheim or (despite the above) the Disneyland Hotel, though we can get a suite at the former (more than double size room as DLH) for half the cost of the latter.

I did have a question in here (not just a rant ... Can you rent for cash (like you can in DisneyWorld) the DVC units at the Grand Californian?

Yes you can rent points for the Villas at the GCH but its hard to do since there are so few units which drives down the market for rentals.

I do not find the rooms at the DLH or the GCH anywhere near motel like. They both have interior corridors and at the GCH you do have a balcony. The furnishings are very nice in both. They also both have room and valet service, full serve restaurants as well as quick serve restaurants and yes themed pools with cabanas, bars and waitstaff to take your order. To me that is way beyond the scope of a motel.

I do agree that onsite hotels at both WDW and DL are sort of in a class all their own which is why they can't be easily compared to other chains whether you are talking hotel or motel.

Even the value resorts at WDW to me can never be called a motel. A motel does not usually have themed pools, concierge services to help guests with anything they need and lovely grounds.

 

[NorthernCalMom]

We've stayed at the Ramada Inn Maingate before. The breakfast they served last year was hard boiled eggs, toast, danish, instant oatmeal, cereal. Milk and coffee. It seemed like a good deal at first, but my picky kids decided they no longer liked the breakfast after day 2. They did love the pool, though. This might be just a case of nostalgia, but it seemed to me last time that their service wasn't as good as it had been in years past (breakfast room didn't open at the time they said a few mornings, rooms were a bit dingy... I guess if we had paid more we could have gotten "premium rooms).

 

[Airb330]

I totally get it. Even though we don't spend much time in the room on a DLR vacation, I need a nice, new hotel (not motel). We have stayed at the Hyatt OC several times, and it is the only offsite hotel I'd consider. It is very nice, recently remodeled, nice restaurant, full service Starbucks in the lobby and outstanding guest service. Check out the 2 bedroom queen suite - perfect for a family of four. King room with bathroom plus another room with 2 queens for the kids, with a living room in between. And only one door that opens to the outside. It is a great setup especially if one or both kids need an afternoon nap. And, IMO, very reasonably priced. I think the Hyatt is nicer than the GCH; we only stay at the GCH bc we are spoiled by the convenience.

The Hyatt does have a pool - nothing spectacular but good for splashing around. The price you pay for all this is that you would not want to walk to the parks. Too far. They have a shuttle that runs every 30 minutes - very reliable and it's a 5 minute ride. You do have to fold up your stroller.

I know most will disagree, but I actually prefer taking a shuttle to crossing six lanes of traffic with little kids. And the nicer accommodations were worth it to me.

I would highly recommend spending a few hours reading reviews on Tripadvisor and looking at photos for wherever you decide to stay. Nothing worse than being disappointed in your hotel when you've been looking forward to a fun Disney vacation! (OK there are worse things, but it can be a bummer).

Whatever you decide, have a great trip!

You sound just like us. We always need a nice, newer hotel, even if we are in the parks all day! We did the Hyatt (before the renovation) in 2009 and loved it! We did the Hilton last time. We used Priceline and last minute travel for each trip respectively. I think you'd like the Hilton. I liked it slightly better since its closer and I thought the pool area was a little better.

Hilton or Hyatt for an off site hotel for sure, unless we were using starwood points...then that Sheraton Park looks "ok".

 

[Malcon10t]

We've stayed there 4 times in the past. It's nice, basic, and a 10 minute walk to the turnstyles (not counting bag check). Basic and filling continental breakfast, enough to eat our fill so we can hit the park running.

They must have changed their fare. We've been staying at the Residence Inn Maingate the last 7 years and they have a full hot breakfast (eggs, meat, biscuits and gravy, pancakes, waffles, french toast.)

I love the staff, and we do on occasion get someone above us who stomp around, but to me, it is more the people not the hotel. The hotel is laid out like a small apartment complex. They have "Manager's Specials" a couple nights a week with burgers or nachos, and they have fire pits and BBQ areas. When we take the younger nieces and nephews, they love going to the play area.

For us, it is our number one choice.

 

[S. S. Columbia]

^ Malcon10t, there was some confusion about the "RI Maingate" in this thread.

In post #3, Jack's positive comments were about the Residence Inn Anaheim Maingate -- 1700 South Clementine Street, Anaheim (DISlink) (wikimap).

In post #8, quiltymom mentioned the continental breakfast for the Ramada Inn Maingate -- 1650 South Harbor Boulevard, Anaheim (DISlink) (wikimap).

HTH

 

[blackjackdelta]

They must have changed their fare. We've been staying at the Residence Inn Maingate the last 7 years and they have a full hot breakfast (eggs, meat, biscuits and gravy, pancakes, waffles, french toast.)

I love the staff, and we do on occasion get someone above us who stomp around, but to me, it is more the people not the hotel. The hotel is laid out like a small apartment complex. They have "Manager's Specials" a couple nights a week with burgers or nachos, and they have fire pits and BBQ areas. When we take the younger nieces and nephews, they love going to the play area.

For us, it is our number one choice.

I would stay at the GCV if I could get in but this time no..The RI Maingate is very nice, never a single problem, the meals save me about $50 just for breakfast alone. They grocery shop for you and put everything away. I have never stayed at Hojo, they lack the extra's my family requires.

Jack

 

[soniam]

Walking distance is something that I go back and forth over! I *think* I would prefer walking distance since our kids will still be nap-age and we will probably have to do the mid-afternoon return to the room. I also think it would be nice to be close incase one of them has a full meltdown (cause you just never know!) and needs to quickly be taken out of the situation.

We have not been to DL and are planning a trip there ourselves for next summer. This thread has been very informative. We just got back from a trip to WDW. So take my advice for what it's worth. We stayed at the Polynesian and went back almost every day for my son, 6, to take a nap mid-day. I would be inclined to stay onsite. It seems that it would be much easier and faster to get between the park and your hotel that way. WDW is much larger though, so maybe it isn't as bad as I think.

That said, we will be staying offsite but within walking distance or short shuttle. We will only be there 3 days on our way to Hawaii (might as well stop since we have to fly through LA to get to Hawaii anyway. I would rather spend the extra money towards an ocean view room in Hawaii. Plus, with such a short visit and my son being older, we may not come back to the hotel mid-day much.

I have really been dreading finding the hotel too. The reviews on TripAdvisor have been so mixed. WDW was easy. I told my husband before we got married, 14 years ago, that we had to stay at the Polynesian for our first trip to WDW. I said it would be expensive, but I was giving enough warning that we had time to save. I had dreamed of staying there, since I visited WDW as a child.

As far as bed bugs, any hotel can get them. If you really want to save yourself the worry, put all of your clothes in a tied garbage bag inside of your suitcase. Plus, it will keep your contents from getting sopping wet when they leave your luggage on the tarmac due to rain (ask me how I know). Keep clothes that come in contact with the furniture or bed in a separate garbage bag from your clean clothes. The garbage bag plus heat may also kill any that decide to hitch a ride home. Be sure to check the room. Look at the previously posted website to find out how to find them. Then enjoy your trip. Once you get home, if you are really paranoid, leave the dirty clothes inside the black garbage bag and set them in the sun or better yet, in the trunk of a car parked in the sun, for a day. That's how someone I worked with killed his.

 

[revwog1974]

We have not been to DL and are planning a trip there ourselves for next summer. This thread has been very informative. We just got back from a trip to WDW. So take my advice for what it's worth. We stayed at the Polynesian and went back almost every day for my son, 6, to take a nap mid-day. I would be inclined to stay onsite. It seems that it would be much easier and faster to get between the park and your hotel that way. WDW is much larger though, so maybe it isn't as bad as I think.

You should look into this. Unless you are talking about the GHC, a lot of the "off-property" motels are closer or just as close than the Disney hotels. So "distance" becomes just another factor you should consider.

 

[mrswh]

put all of your clothes in a tied garbage bag inside of your suitcase. Plus, it will keep your contents from getting sopping wet when they leave your luggage on the tarmac due to rain (ask me how I know). Keep clothes that come in contact with the furniture or bed in a separate garbage bag from your clean clothes. The garbage bag plus heat may also kill any that decide to hitch a ride home. Be sure to check the room. Look at the previously posted website to find out how to find them. Then enjoy your trip. Once you get home, if you are really paranoid, leave the dirty clothes inside the black garbage bag and set them in the sun or better yet, in the trunk of a car parked in the sun, for a day. That's how someone I worked with killed his.

OP will correct me if I am wrong, but I'm guessing she is looking for a place to stay where she doesn't have to keep all her clothes in a garbage bag.

Yes, any hotel can get bed bugs - the difference is that the hotels with superior customer service (so typically the higher end hotels) will be working harder to keep them out. That's why you will see fewer complaints about bed bugs from the nicer hotels and more from the cheap motels.

 

[ryleeranger]

I am on the hunt for the best room within walking distance! We just got home from a week at Anaheim Plaza and I thought it was terrible. My kids are 1 and 5 and the location was good because we were able to walk back in the afternoon for naps or swimming, but that was the only plus. Carpets were FILTHY, the staff was not friendly, the rooms smelled terribly bad. We will not be returning.

We are going back to DL in September and I'm considering the PPI or PVI. Sounds like Residence Inn Maingate gets pretty good reviews too..

 

[smiles33]

Thank you so much! I read your review and am starting to lean towards this plan! I really need to talk it over with DH but he's not ready to discuss it yet It's nice to know that it's less than 10 min with a stroller. Speaking of which. How did you manage with your double? What did you do with it while on the rides? I'm a total DL novice!

The Baby Jogger City Mini double was awesome. Pushed easily, both girls could sit and relax and the crowds weren't so bad in September so the only time we had any difficulty was after WOC when it was super crowded. Even then, I just moved slowly and I still never hit anyone (I got hit by a man pushing his wife in a wheelchair and that HURT!).

Yes, I was initially paranoid of my stroller being stolen so I bought a bike cable lock, but I never used it. I just left the stroller in designated stroller parking (except one time I put it on the side as I ran to grab a FP and a CM moved it). I planned to decorate it with the lime green Mickey Heads so other DISboarders would see it and no one would mistake my stroller for theirs (but I forgot them at home).

Have fun!

 

[smiley_face2]

I have been reading threads about different off-site hotels and I am just getting more and more confused. So I thought perhaps it would help if I asked for advice based on my personal preferences. While we can afford to stay on-site (and still might!) I think I would prefer to spend an extra day in the park and be able to eat and have a blast with the money saved by staying off-site. We have 2 small children (2 and 4 when we go). I am slightly picky about hotels we stay at. I like them to feel clean and newer. I would like there to be a pool that the kids can enjoy but it's not a breaking point. Obviously any food included would be awesome and the option to upgrade to a suite or concierge service would be welcome as well. Wow, do I sound like a total snob!? ANY advice or reviews or anything is welcome and THANKS!!

Seriously based on all you have said, I would go with the Disneyland Hotel. It is less expensive than the Grand, it just finished a huge remodel so the rooms are virtually new and in October I would bet the rooms would be a lot less than now. on the annual passholder site, the rates at the DL hotel for Oct. are from 270 - 293 a night. You will really feel part of Disneyland staying there and the waterslides and splash pool area look pretty awesome for little ones. We have not stayed since the big reno, but will be there in July. Having stayed more than 70 nights in various hotels in the area, there are some other nice ones, but nothing in walking distance that is a nice newer hotel type place. And maybe with the nice resort feeling of the place hubby will be more inclined to return? when you out of the hotel into Downtown Disney it is only a short walk to the monorail station to enter into DL. you get off in Tomorrowland, but can turn the corner and get on the train that goes all the way round the park with stops on Main Street, New Orleans Square, Toon Town, and of course Tomorrowland. Same for going back to the hotel at night. get on the train in what ever land you are in, get off in tomorrowland, hop on the monorail into Downtown disney, then a hop skip and jump to the hotel!

 

[DisneyFairytale]

Our favorite is the Embassy Suites in Garden grove IF and only IF we can get a good rate. Our next favorite is the Best Western next to Dennys. Another great one that is walking distance.

 

[DisneyFairytale]

I am on the hunt for the best room within walking distance! We just got home from a week at Anaheim Plaza and I thought it was terrible. My kids are 1 and 5 and the location was good because we were able to walk back in the afternoon for naps or swimming, but that was the only plus. Carpets were FILTHY, the staff was not friendly, the rooms smelled terribly bad. We will not be returning.

We are going back to DL in September and I'm considering the PPI or PVI. Sounds like Residence Inn Maingate gets pretty good reviews too..

I have to double up with you on this one. We stayed there in the fall and it wasn't the best stay we've had. Once we were moved to a different room it worked out well, but the first room they put us in, was way to small and the shower didn't even spit out hot water AND the shower head itself was so calcified we could barely even take a shower.

The other downside is they have very poorly assigned smoking areas so with any kind of breeze, both rooms would just smell like cigarette smoke.

They also had very pricey internet IF you chose to pay for it. Not returned there again.

 

[nana50]

I am in this same dilemma. If the Disneyland or Grand Californian rooms looked even roughly commiserate with their price tag I would pay the prices, huge as they are, and be done with it, but even the remodeled DLH, which seems far more appealing decor and size-wise, just has a real "motel" quality to me ... And no matter how beautiful the pools and grounds and short the walk, I can't picture paying $400+/night for motel-quality rooms. (Bless Disney for trying, though.)

Currently we are looking at the Hilton Anaheim or (despite the above) the Disneyland Hotel, though we can get a suite at the former (more than double size room as DLH) for half the cost of the latter.

I did have a question in here (not just a rant ... Can you rent for cash (like you can in DisneyWorld) the DVC units at the Grand Californian?

I love the Anaheim Hilton. It was our go to hotel for years, but the rooms aren't as beautiful or nicely appointed as the new DLH. I also like the Sheraton as they have a dedicated shuttle. I do not get all the hoopla about the hojo To me it is an old out of date 60's motel. Made me sad when I stayed there. To each their own I guess.