Help with hotels Thanksgiving week!

[yupikgal]

Hi everyone!! So excited, although still kind of amazed, that my daughter and I are going together (no one else!) to Disneyland during Thanksgiving week. Normally I would NOT have chosen that time frame, due to crowds, etc. and especially being sort of last minute, but her work schedule allows it, and she's already got the time requested and approved, so big crowds and claustrophobia, here we come!

Anyhoo, as soon as we started seriously planning it, I started booking hotels. I always do this, I like to have several to choose from, so I book cancellable reservations.

Preferences; 2 Queen beds, walking distance (normally stay across the street, but it's slim pickens or high prices right now) I am trying to stay in the $1000-1200 range with taxes.

So far here are our reservations, and some other choices;

Anaheim Islander and Suites, near Gardenwalk. This one is one that my daughter and her husband have stayed at before, and have been fine with it. This is what I consider a budget hotel, it's the least of the 4 I booked so far, and it includes a small continental breakfast. We could take ART from here. We have it booked for $722 total.

Ayres Orange Hotel: Not sure if it's been remodeled or if it's newer, but it looks very updated, and has good reviews. The other one that has very high reviews is the sister property in Anaheim by the Honda Center, either sounds good to me. They both include a nice sounding breakfast spread, and an evening reception. They both have the ART shuttle, which we would definitely utilize from this hotel. The price is $876, taxes included.

Sheraton Park: This one is right down the street off Harbor, so I think it's a good contender. I've thought about staying here several times in the past. $1,029 with taxes.

Tropicana Inn & Suites: I had "reservations" (pun intended) about this one since I saw reviews on TA, along with pictures of roaches, which I despise!! I ended up booking it, however, because I saw pictures of the newly remodeled rooms, and they look great! The newer reviews seem to be giving it a high thumbs up. The price I booked for this is $1022 with taxes, which doesn't include any breakfast, but it's right across the street!

Ok, those are ones I've actually booked. Now here are some other contenders, that I am considering, although maybe at a slightly higher price point, and not having stayed at some, I'm just not sure.

Ho Jo's-Have stayed here several times. I prefer Building 2 by the "adult" pool in the back, although I guess any room would be ok, and closer to the main road. I haven't checked the rate lately, but they had some rooms for $143/night recently.

Hotel Indigo-close to the Anaheim Islander, but would shave off about 5 minutes walking time, and it has high ratings, contemporary decor, which I like. No breakfast included, but it sounds like there are options both in the hotel, and surrounding area, including a CVS on the corner. $1049 with taxes

Holiday Inn Express & Suites; This is in the $1200 range, which is the highest I want to go, it includes breakfast, has contemporary furnishings, I think it's fairly new. Has anyone stayed here, and is it really close enough to walk? It looks like it's behind Ho Jo's??

This is probably it as far as other choices. FYI, we will be taking a shuttle from LAX, not that it really matters, since they are all in the same area, and none of them would include the shuttle. We will be getting to LA early, like 530a, but by the time we get our bags and get a shuttle, it may be as late as 7:30a, just not sure if anyone would check us in that early regardless.

Thanks for ANY help you can give!! I just need to make up my mind, and cancel the rest.

 

[kirstie101]

The new Holiday Inn is just past/behind Hojos, you are correct. Have never stayed there though but I dont think it adds much time at all onto your walk.

As for Hojo's they usually have their Christmas tree and decorations up by Thanksgiving so thats another little holiday touch if you're into that

 

[pblack]

The only one i've stayed at out of your list is the Tropicana. We enjoyed it. The beds were comfy, rooms were a tad small but that wasn't a huge issue. Being almost right across the street is the major plus. Even though they don't have breakfast, they do have McD and Panera next store, plus there only little convenience store. My vote would be Tropicana.

 

[ParkHopper1]

I have stayed ay the HIE...yes, it is brand new and very nice. Very walkable to the gates, I also stay at the Fairfiled which is closer didn't think twice about the HIE distance when there.

I have also stayed at the Indigo back when it was the Holiday Inn Express...that felt like a bit of a hike but still very walkable. We had AP's with parking at the time and opted to drive in to M&F garage after the first day (wanted to start at DTD anyway).

The Shertaon is deceptive...it is quite a walk to the gates.

HIE would be my vote for the prices you listed..but I like proximity and hate shuttles.

 

[jcourtney]

The only two I've stayed at are HOJO and Tropicanna. Of the two, I would definitely pick Tropicanna first, mainly for proximity. I found both hotels fine, but not fancy. Probably not nearly as nice as a brand new Holiday Inn but I think that staying across the street makes it worth it. The only reason to stay at HOJO is if you have kids and want to get use of the splash park.

 

[yupikgal]

Thanks for your input everybody!! I think I'm ruling out Ho Jo's since we've been there, done that, and you are right, we DON'T need the splash park. Leaning towards Tropicana for the proximity, but my daughter keeps reminding me of the $300 that we would save by staying at the Anaheim Islander, although we would be having to take ART on a daily basis, and the other thing I am concerned about is my back. I like a comfortable bed, and I'm just not sure that they have upgraded/changed out their mattresses at that budget hotel for a while. I guess I could call the hotel directly to ask.

 

[707MickeyGirl]

Thanks for your input everybody!! I think I'm ruling out Ho Jo's since we've been there, done that, and you are right, we DON'T need the splash park. Leaning towards Tropicana for the proximity, but my daughter keeps reminding me of the $300 that we would save by staying at the Anaheim Islander, although we would be having to take ART on a daily basis, and the other thing I am concerned about is my back. I like a comfortable bed, and I'm just not sure that they have upgraded/changed out their mattresses at that budget hotel for a while. I guess I could call the hotel directly to ask.

Maybe consider the Candy Cane Inn as well. Super comfy beds, clean rooms, free breakfast, free dedicated shuttle, and still within walking distance. We've stayed there a few times and love it. We usually walk to the parks and shuttle back.

 

[Luv Bunnies]

I would go with the Tropicana for the short walk to the parks. With the crowds that week, the ART buses will be crowded. We are going the first part of that week and I booked a suite at the Anaheim Desert Inn right across from the DL entrance. I also like having the option to return to the hotel during the day if we need to rest.

 

[GenGen22]

The only one on your list I have stayed at is HOJO and I really liked it. Beds were very comfortable. I have heard good things about Sheraton but have never stayed there. I agree with 707mickeygirl about checking Candy Cane inn.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

The Sheraton Park is one of our go to hotels for the parks. We always get good service and have very good/great stays there. The walk is no problem for us (no mobility issues, no strollers). And we like that the walk takes us right by the A Mart, 7-11, and CVS on the way back so we can pick up snacks and drinks for the room or for the next day. You can also walk to the Toy Story lot from the Sheraton and take the free shuttles to/from the parks. The Hotel Indigo has gotten good reviews on these boards. There is a new Starbucks across the street, as well as the Walgreens and CVS very close by.

 

[yupikgal]

Maybe consider the Candy Cane Inn as well. Super comfy beds, clean rooms, free breakfast, free dedicated shuttle, and still within walking distance. We've stayed there a few times and love it. We usually walk to the parks and shuttle back.

I just checked, unfortunately they are sold out for the first night and a couple of nights within our dates

I would go with the Tropicana for the short walk to the parks. With the crowds that week, the ART buses will be crowded. We are going the first part of that week and I booked a suite at the Anaheim Desert Inn right across from the DL entrance. I also like having the option to return to the hotel during the day if we need to rest.

I'm still strongly considering this one, but I'm still freaking out about all these cockroach posts! There was one on Yelp from as recent as August!

The only one on your list I have stayed at is HOJO and I really liked it. Beds were very comfortable. I have heard good things about Sheraton but have never stayed there. I agree with 707mickeygirl about checking Candy Cane inn.

We have stayed at Ho Jo's several times, but never at Sheraton. CCI is not available, darn!

The Sheraton Park is one of our go to hotels for the parks. We always get good service and have very good/great stays there. The walk is no problem for us (no mobility issues, no strollers). And we like that the walk takes us right by the A Mart, 7-11, and CVS on the way back so we can pick up snacks and drinks for the room or for the next day. You can also walk to the Toy Story lot from the Sheraton and take the free shuttles to/from the parks. The Hotel Indigo has gotten good reviews on these boards. There is a new Starbucks across the street, as well as the Walgreens and CVS very close by.

Thanks for your input, good to know!! I like the idea of being able to take the shuttle from the Toy Story lot, where is it in proximity to the hotel? Where do they drop you off at? Hotel Indigo has def been a contender from the start, but it's so close to the Islander, and $300 more, so we would probably end up staying at the Islander.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

...I like the idea of being able to take the shuttle from the Toy Story lot, where is it in proximity to the hotel? Where do they drop you off at? Hotel Indigo has def been a contender from the start, but it's so close to the Islander, and $300 more, so we would probably end up staying at the Islander.

If you look on Google maps, you'll see that the TS lot is basically across Harbor from the Sheraton Park. You'll exit the hotel, go south a bit on Harbor to the crosswalk, cross Harbor (going east), then go right into TS. The busses pick up and drop off not too far from the lot entrance. As for the price difference between the Hotel Indigo and the Islander, the Indigo was redone not that long ago (took over from another hotel), so things should be updated and in better condition. If that doesn't matter to you, then save some money!

 

[Geemo]

Have always enjoyed our stay at the Tropicana. The location is fantastic. The Cove mini-store has a nice breakfast bar. We grab something and head for the gates.
We'll stay there again on future trips

 

[Aussie Princess]

What about the Grand Legacy on the Park? I was helping my mum and sister find a place for there stay in a couple of weeks and got good rates for this one and they have the rooftop bar for the fireworks

 

[disneymum58]

We have stayed at the Tropicana twice. We were there in January and enjoyed our stay. We weren't in a renovated room, but the ones I peeked in the windows at looked lovely!
Our first choice is BWPPI though and often they have availability if you call direct even if their website says otherwise.

 

[yupikgal]

I have stayed ay the HIE...yes, it is brand new and very nice. Very walkable to the gates, I also stay at the Fairfiled which is closer didn't think twice about the HIE distance when there.

I have also stayed at the Indigo back when it was the Holiday Inn Express...that felt like a bit of a hike but still very walkable. We had AP's with parking at the time and opted to drive in to M&F garage after the first day (wanted to start at DTD anyway).

The Shertaon is deceptive...it is quite a walk to the gates.

HIE would be my vote for the prices you listed..but I like proximity and hate shuttles.

Well I haven't booked HIE yet, but I'm curious about the walk. When you walked to DL, did you head down towards Ho Jo then cross the street @ the light and then walked on the opposite side of where all the Harbor hotels are? How long did it take you?? Were you able to take breaks during the day and walk back easily?

If you look on Google maps, you'll see that the TS lot is basically across Harbor from the Sheraton Park. You'll exit the hotel, go south a bit on Harbor to the crosswalk, cross Harbor (going east), then go right into TS. The busses pick up and drop off not too far from the lot entrance. As for the price difference between the Hotel Indigo and the Islander, the Indigo was redone not that long ago (took over from another hotel), so things should be updated and in better condition. If that doesn't matter to you, then save some money!

Thanks for the explanation regarding the TS bus area. Yes, the extra $300 would come in handy at the parks for sure!

What about the Grand Legacy on the Park? I was helping my mum and sister find a place for there stay in a couple of weeks and got good rates for this one and they have the rooftop bar for the fireworks

I did consider this, but I would want to stay in a premium room to be closer to the front, except I read that there is noise issues from the rooftop bar, especially on the weekend, when we would be there. Although we may be at the parks anyway, and if you can't beat 'em, join 'em??

Since I wrote this originally, I also booked the Fairfield Inn, one of our old standbys. I see that it was just renovated this year, the rooms look amazing! So many choices, so little time to decide! I really just need to pick one already!!

We have stayed at the Tropicana twice. We were there in January and enjoyed our stay. We weren't in a renovated room, but the ones I peeked in the windows at looked lovely!
Our first choice is BWPPI though and often they have availability if you call direct even if their website says otherwise.

I love BWPPI! Wish it was available!! Tropicana is right next door though, so that's a plus!!