HELP - Good Neighbor Hotels

[squirrel]

I'm staying at the BWPPI again.

The location is great. I thought breakfast was good and had many choices(they have since added more hot items) and the room was large. Staff was friendly.

 

[disneegrl4eva]

OP- The HoJo seems to be the most popular here on the boards. I can tell you that the HoJO is the only place my family stays when visiting DLR.

We keep coming back because:

The awesome ET/Retro Discount rates starting at $59/night.

problem with that is the OP is coming in Oct. or Nov. and the retro rate is not available...in fact, we looked at AP rates for last day of Nov. and 1st dec. and they are running $110 a night on up...if OP doesnt have a discount available to them they are going to run into a higher bracket...imo OP, you would be better off possibly doing a Priceline bid for Disneyland North area and the usuals are Hilton, Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn and Red Lion...and you probably will be able to get them for about $75 a night for that time of year...yes, you would have to get the ART shuttle but imo its no big deal using it..in fact, if you get Red Lion, their shuttle stop is right outside the door

We are thinking about the Anaheim Plaza Hotel. Seems to have gotten pretty decent reviews both on here and Tripadvisor.

ok im not sure how they have good reviews to be honest..its not somewhere i would pick...ive been in there once..about 2 years ago to meet up with someone and just in the little bit of time I was there I couldnt wait to get out...everything was just so dingy and ugh...unless they have done recent renovations and me personally, I havent heard about any...heres an option..if you are looking lower price range, look at the above comment and try that or BW pavillions is a decent hotel...didnt use to be that great but it has come a long way

 

[lorieintucson]

Here is a general question: do you find that reservations will free up and change at the GN hotels as the dates get closer? I originally had HoJo booked for our October trip a month and a half ago and the only room they had available was the two double standard. I didn't mind the price, but i would have gladly spent the money on at least a two queen, or the bunk beds in a themed room. Does HoJo book *that* far in advance for the kid suites and I just missed out? I ended up switching to the FFI, proximity and not wanting to get the bottom of the barrel at the HoJo. I also usually book packages, and the Costco package didn't have HoJo available.

so my question is: if you are booking a GN hotel, do you book a la carte, and if so, will you book at a couple of properties in the early planning stages just to no-obligation reserve your room and then 'release' your rooms once you nail down the details, thereby allowing more rooms to come available?

 

[chrissiecutie]

Here is a general question: do you find that reservations will free up and change at the GN hotels as the dates get closer? I originally had HoJo booked for our October trip a month and a half ago and the only room they had available was the two double standard. I didn't mind the price, but i would have gladly spent the money on at least a two queen, or the bunk beds in a themed room. Does HoJo book *that* far in advance for the kid suites and I just missed out? I ended up switching to the FFI, proximity and not wanting to get the bottom of the barrel at the HoJo. I also usually book packages, and the Costco package didn't have HoJo available.

so my question is: if you are booking a GN hotel, do you book a la carte, and if so, will you book at a couple of properties in the early planning stages just to no-obligation reserve your room and then 'release' your rooms once you nail down the details, thereby allowing more rooms to come available?

Yes, the HoJo does book THAT far in advance. Which can be really difficult if you don't know you're going until 4-6 months out. I've heard folks book the Kid's Suites up to a year in advance since there's only like 12 of them.

My advice if you KNOW you want the HoJo, is to book whatever they have avail at the best price avail to you. And then, keep checking back! I have seen them release ET/Retro Rates up to a week prior. And since people cancel reservations or make changes to the number of days, rooms free up all the time.

I booked 2 months ago for our Oct stay and the only price avail to me was $126/night. I have never paid this much to stay here...but I will continue to check on the ET/Retro Rates and hope that the price will come down or that they will open up a few of my dates. Then it's just a matter of giving in house res a call and changing it. Keep in mind that the ET card will get you a 15% discount on the best avail price too, if the Retro Rate isn't avail.

As far as booking several GN hotels and then canceling...well, it's up to you really. I have done this for other non Disney vacays, and it's worked just fine. But since I always know we will stay at the HoJo, I don't have this issue while visiting DLR. I would just caution that you know exactly what each hotel cancellation policy is prior to making several different reservations.

It would probably be much easier for you to narrow it down to just 2 hotels. If you enjoy the Hojo and that's your top pick but you don't want to pay the higher price or get stuck in a double double room, then find another acceptable hotel that has a lower price for the room you want. Then just wait and see what happens between the 2. Make sense?

 

[chrissiecutie]

problem with that is the op is coming in oct. Or nov. And the retro rate is not available...in fact, we looked at ap rates for last day of nov. And 1st dec. And they are running $110 a night on up...if op doesnt have a discount available to them they are going to run into a higher bracket...lucky you! I booked 2 months ago and the best i could do was $126/night. My advice is if you know you want the hojo, then book it at the best price you can and then keep checking back. Although, i hear they are sold out now for this time frame



ok im not sure how they have good reviews to be honest..its not somewhere i would pick...ive been in there once..about 2 years ago to meet up with someone and just in the little bit of time i was there i couldnt wait to get out...everything was just so dingy and ugh... i'm with you here. I am not a fan of this hotel, blech!

c

 

[C&B Young]

We're going to Disneyland for the first time ever in December and decided on BWPPI. Had originally booked the Desert Inn, but reviews for BWPPI seemed to be more favorable.

 

[nnyl_irret]

Ugh, I keep looking at the options and we still haven't made a decision. I really wanted HoJo but it's booked solid for the dates we need
I know my daughter is going to want to swim everyday so I'd love to have a decent pool for her. We're not high maintenance so the hotel doesn't need to be fancy just clean.

 

[sunny45]

This decision on where to stay is really tough. No sooner I think I like one place, then another place comes along that is either equal to or better than that current place I like both in price and ratings/reviews.

It's just my DH and I, we will be in the same hotel 7 nights, most of the 7 days we will only need a place to sleep and shower. Every day we will be either at the parks or on a tour for over 8+ hours.

I thought I had it narrowed down about a week ago, then found a few more hotel/motels that were cheaper that got decent reviews. Then other people shot down a few of those places adding in a few other places that I hadn't looked at yet and they were nice.

Now my list is longer and getting more complicated as the days/weeks go on. Thank goodness I still have time to decide.

Our main concern is that it's clean and no bugs. But this is our first visit and we don't want the place we chose to be the thing that made us hate the trip.

We can't book yet since we aren't coming until next summer but this decision really is tough. We want the best, cheapest place we can get, preferably within walking distance.

The mixed reviews really drive you crazy. You get 4 reviews that love a place and one that says it was a filthy place and they will never return. Then the next several reviews are all good then the next one says they will never go back again it was the worst hotel they ever stayed at!!! Drives you nuts.

From all of our travel experience we take most of that with a grain of salt since everyone's opinions are different and have almost cancelled reservations because of reviews and later were glad we didn't after finding the room fine.

It's just totally mind boggling finding the place we finally want to book! Maybe even more so than when trying to plan a WDW trip.
Just my 2 cents for today

 

[Magalex]

This decision on where to stay is really tough. No sooner I think I like one place, then another place comes along that is either equal to or better than that current place I like both in price and ratings/reviews.

It's just my DH and I, we will be in the same hotel 7 nights, most of the 7 days we will only need a place to sleep and shower. Every day we will be either at the parks or on a tour for over 8+ hours.

I thought I had it narrowed down about a week ago, then found a few more hotel/motels that were cheaper that got decent reviews. Then other people shot down a few of those places adding in a few other places that I hadn't looked at yet and they were nice.

Now my list is longer and getting more complicated as the days/weeks go on. Thank goodness I still have time to decide.

Our main concern is that it's clean and no bugs. But this is our first visit and we don't want the place we chose to be the thing that made us hate the trip.

We can't book yet since we aren't coming until next summer but this decision really is tough. We want the best, cheapest place we can get, preferably within walking distance.

The mixed reviews really drive you crazy. You get 4 reviews that love a place and one that says it was a filthy place and they will never return. Then the next several reviews are all good then the next one says they will never go back again it was the worst hotel they ever stayed at!!! Drives you nuts.

From all of our travel experience we take most of that with a grain of salt since everyone's opinions are different and have almost cancelled reservations because of reviews and later were glad we didn't after finding the room fine.

It's just totally mind boggling finding the place we finally want to book! Maybe even more so than when trying to plan a WDW trip.
Just my 2 cents for today

Same situation! We do have one DS(11) will be 12 on our trip next July 2013. Will be our first trip to DL/SoCAL. Here is my list we are considering: Good neighbor motels(unless I can get PPH)
1. Howard Johnson's-Premium 2 Queen in bldg 1
2. Candy Cane Inn-Deluxe room
3. Fairfield Inn
4. Camelot Inn & Suites
5. Park Vue Inn
I had looked at the websites of the Ramada at the Park, Sheraton at the Park, Marriott Anaheim & Hilton Anaheim
But I think my DS will really think it is cool to just walk across the streets to the parks because we are always on the bus at WDW.

 

[sunny45]

Same situation! We do have one DS(11) will be 12 on our trip next July 2013. Will be our first trip to DL/SoCAL. Here is my list we are considering: Good neighbor motels(unless I can get PPH)
1. Howard Johnson's-Premium 2 Queen in bldg 1
2. Candy Cane Inn-Deluxe room
3. Fairfield Inn
4. Camelot Inn & Suites
5. Park Vue Inn
I had looked at the websites of the Ramada at the Park, Sheraton at the Park, Marriott Anaheim & Hilton Anaheim
But I think my DS will really think it is cool to just walk across the streets to the parks because we are always on the bus at WDW.

Your list is pretty much the same as mine. I also have included these:
Anabella Hotel
Anaheim Plaza Hotel
Red Lion Hotel
Best Western Plus Pavilions
Del Sol Inn
Embassy Suites Anaheim South (not within walking distance but shuttle $4/day-free made to order breakfast & manager reception every night) AAA rate of $116/day

I am sure this list will change as the weekend continues!!!

 

[Cielei]

The embassy suites is really a nice place to stay, and we enjoyed our stay when we were there a few years ago. We went in early may during off peak season for that trip.
The downsides that you might want to consider while making your choice are:
1. The bus wasn't always on schedule and filled up rather quickly in both directions.
2. The breakfast was rather crowded; so, allow extra time in your plan for breakfast.
3. Unless you are a very active family and really like to walk, it isn't really a walkable distance - We walked it more than once (I readily admit that I am entirely too impatient ) - this comes into play when the bus isn't right on schedule and you just missed it and it won't be back for an hour or it's filled up and your ready to get home.

I'm sure you'll have a wonderful trip no matter where you choose to stay!

 

[sunny45]

The embassy suites is really a nice place to stay, and we enjoyed our stay when we were there a few years ago. We went in early may during off peak season for that trip.
The downsides that you might want to consider while making your choice are:
1. The bus wasn't always on schedule and filled up rather quickly in both directions.
2. The breakfast was rather crowded; so, allow extra time in your plan for breakfast.
3. Unless you are a very active family and really like to walk, it isn't really a walkable distance - We walked it more than once (I readily admit that I am entirely too impatient ) - this comes into play when the bus isn't right on schedule and you just missed it and it won't be back for an hour or it's filled up and your ready to get home.

I'm sure you'll have a wonderful trip no matter where you choose to stay!

Thank you for that information. I can see me being the same way (impatient) and missing the bus and not wanting to wait around for the next one and end up walking back to the hotel, sore feet, tired body, DH being grumpy, and me wishing I had stayed closer and being mad at myself for not booking someplace else. This is a real good reason to maybe take this one off the list or move it to the bottom for now. I really just want to be able to walk back and forth if I have to and even a few times a day too.

Enjoy you trip in a few days!!

 

[sasywtch]

ok im not sure how they have good reviews to be honest..its not somewhere i would pick...ive been in there once..about 2 years ago to meet up with someone and just in the little bit of time I was there I couldnt wait to get out...everything was just so dingy and ugh...unless they have done recent renovations and me personally, I havent heard about any...heres an option..if you are looking lower price range, look at the above comment and try that or BW pavillions is a decent hotel...didnt use to be that great but it has come a long way[/QUOTE]

I'm sorry you did not have a good stay at the Anaheim Plaza. I've stayed twice and my daughter 3 times and have always gotten a nice room. It was huge and a very large bathroom/sink area. It is our go to place at $59 a night.

 

[nnyl_irret]

problem with that is the OP is coming in Oct. or Nov. and the retro rate is not available...in fact, we looked at AP rates for last day of Nov. and 1st dec. and they are running $110 a night on up...if OP doesnt have a discount available to them they are going to run into a higher bracket...imo OP, you would be better off possibly doing a Priceline bid for Disneyland North area and the usuals are Hilton, Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn and Red Lion...and you probably will be able to get them for about $75 a night for that time of year...yes, you would have to get the ART shuttle but imo its no big deal using it..in fact, if you get Red Lion, their shuttle stop is right outside the door

ok im not sure how they have good reviews to be honest..its not somewhere i would pick...ive been in there once..about 2 years ago to meet up with someone and just in the little bit of time I was there I couldnt wait to get out...everything was just so dingy and ugh...unless they have done recent renovations and me personally, I havent heard about any...heres an option..if you are looking lower price range, look at the above comment and try that or BW pavillions is a decent hotel...didnt use to be that great but it has come a long way

Is October a bad time to visit DL?

 

[snowy76]

Just back from 5 nts at Fairfield. Marriott's website listed it at $169/night but we it it on Last Minute Travel for $116 including parking. Location was perfect (I thought HoJo looked just a little too far when we were walking back to our hotel... But maybe that's because I was tired LOL). I was there alone with DS6 and felt totally safe and comfortable. The free WiFi was useless but the rooms were clean, staff was super friendly and helpful. We liked the access to the market in the mornings and evenings (wished they were open for midday breaks but McDs worked for that). I'd totally recommend it!

 

[quiltymom]

We've stayed at three Good Neighbor Hotels, and here's my thoughts.

Best Western Park Place Inn: We just returned from a stay there. My two big beefs with this venue is this: 1) the pool is the size of a postage stamp. It's incredibly small - max of 20 people; and 2) you must remove your car from the hotel parking lot by 3:00 p.m. the day you check out. So, if you have any plans to stay at the parks past that time, you will need to move your car over to the Disneyland parking lot. It's lost time at the parks when you are moving the car and an extra $15.00 parking fee on top of the $8.00 fee I paid to park at the hotel. It was a nice hotel and very quiet and convenient to the parks, but I'll not be staying there again.

Howard Johnson's: Nice hotel, best pool/water play area of the GN hotels. Longer walk, no breakfast. I've never been able to get a discount at this hotel, even though they advertise they have them.

Ramada Inn Maingate: Large pool, older hotel. Nothing special, but rooms are clean. You can hear the people in the room above you walking around, which is very loud when you're trying to sleep.

I may try the Candy Cane Inn our next trip - I've heard good things about it and it's my travel agent's favorite hotel.

 

[mouseymommy]

We've stayed at three Good Neighbor Hotels, and here's my thoughts.

Best Western Park Place Inn: We just returned from a stay there. My two big beefs with this venue is this: 1) the pool is the size of a postage stamp. It's incredibly small - max of 20 people; and 2) you must remove your car from the hotel parking lot by 3:00 p.m. the day you check out. So, if you have any plans to stay at the parks past that time, you will need to move your car over to the Disneyland parking lot. It's lost time at the parks when you are moving the car and an extra $15.00 parking fee on top of the $8.00 fee I paid to park at the hotel. It was a nice hotel and very quiet and convenient to the parks, but I'll not be staying there again.

Howard Johnson's: Nice hotel, best pool/water play area of the GN hotels. Longer walk, no breakfast. I've never been able to get a discount at this hotel, even though they advertise they have them.

Ramada Inn Maingate: Large pool, older hotel. Nothing special, but rooms are clean. You can hear the people in the room above you walking around, which is very loud when you're trying to sleep.

I may try the Candy Cane Inn our next trip - I've heard good things about it and it's my travel agent's favorite hotel.

We usually arrive before check in and we usually stay until 3 on check out day at BWPPI. I have always thought it was a perk that I didn't have to pay anything extra to park there after I had already checked out. Many places will charge you a full days parking to stay after check out, if they allow you to stay at all.

 

[belle'ssister]

We've stayed at three Good Neighbor Hotels, and here's my thoughts.

Best Western Park Place Inn: We just returned from a stay there. My two big beefs with this venue is this: 1) the pool is the size of a postage stamp. It's incredibly small - max of 20 people; and 2) you must remove your car from the hotel parking lot by 3:00 p.m. the day you check out. So, if you have any plans to stay at the parks past that time, you will need to move your car over to the Disneyland parking lot. It's lost time at the parks when you are moving the car and an extra $15.00 parking fee on top of the $8.00 fee I paid to park at the hotel. It was a nice hotel and very quiet and convenient to the parks, but I'll not be staying there again.

Howard Johnson's: Nice hotel, best pool/water play area of the GN hotels. Longer walk, no breakfast. I've never been able to get a discount at this hotel, even though they advertise they have them.

Ramada Inn Maingate: Large pool, older hotel. Nothing special, but rooms are clean. You can hear the people in the room above you walking around, which is very loud when you're trying to sleep.

I may try the Candy Cane Inn our next trip - I've heard good things about it and it's my travel agent's favorite hotel.

We love the Candy Cane Inn. The rooms are clean and nicely decorated. Not extra large but fine. They have an exclusive shuttle that is a big plus.

Breakfast is included - love the bagel "conveyor built". LOL.

Staff is friendly and helpful.

Pool is a decent size with plenty of cairs and tables. They have a hot tub also.

 

[rsleleux]

Is October a bad time to visit DL?

DLR is decorated for Halloween and maybe that is why it is so popular! That is when we are going! We ended up getting a good rate at the Fairfield Inn! We stayed at Hojo in May and it was OK but at the end of a long day at DLR, it seemed so far! The Fairfield is a little bit closer! I know what you are going through because we went back and forth for weeks on which hotel FFI and Sheraton Park but since we decided to go to Mickey's Halloween Party we decided to stay at FFI.

 

[jcarwash]

Howard Johnson's: Nice hotel, best pool/water play area of the GN hotels. Longer walk, no breakfast. I've never been able to get a discount at this hotel, even though they advertise they have them.

The big deal with Hojo seems to be the cheap "retro rates" that are offered during less busy periods. I don't see that they offer them during the summer.

Otherwise, there is a disboards.com discount code you can try with Hojo -- it is LNDB. From the research I was doing it provided a 15% discount. Mousesavers.com has a similar code.