Help with offsite hotel

[Crazy4Disney06]

I was wondering if I could get some advice on an offsite hotel room for our two night stay prior to checking into the Villas at Grand Californian in December.
I have narrowed it down between 3 places, but not sure which would be best. Our choices are:
Fairfield Inn (across the street)
Hilton Anaheim (2 blocks)
Desert Palms Inn and Suites (150 Yards)

All of them seem to be within the same price range. I have stayed at Fairfiled Inn, however that was back in 1998 so I don't remember it much. We do want to be within walking distance with a 2 year old and 11 year old, but also want the best "bang" for our buck so to say.
Thanks for any advice.

 

[hlbtimes2]

Out of those, I've only stayed at the Fairfield, so I can't really give you an comparison between the 3. But, I will say the Desert Palms is NOT 150 yards from the enterance to the parks. It might be 150 from the back corner of DCA, but thats no where near the actual enterance.

What kind of "bang for your buck" are you looking for? Beautiful hotel, comfy bed, free breakfast, walking distance, shuttle....what is important to you?

 

[Crazy4Disney06]

Out of those, I've only stayed at the Fairfield, so I can't really give you an comparison between the 3. But, I will say the Desert Palms is NOT 150 yards from the enterance to the parks. It might be 150 from the back corner of DCA, but thats no where near the actual enterance.

What kind of "bang for your buck" are you looking for? Beautiful hotel, comfy bed, free breakfast, walking distance, shuttle....what is important to you?

Mostly nice accommodations within walking distance. We are staying in a 1 bedroom Villa at the Grand Californian later in the week and this trip is to celebrate my graduation from nursing school, so we really don't want a Super 8 type of feel. Not too worried about free breakfast, or a shuttle....mostly walking distance and "this is worth the money" type of feel.
I've never stayed at the Desert Plams, I only got the location from the Disneyland website (via Costco), when getting a quote for prices.

 

[BELLEDOZER]

The Hilton Anaheim is a really nice hotel, but to advise you it's a 15 to 20 min walk to DL. While your older child wouldn't have a problem with the walk, a stroller would be recommended for your younger child. There's a 7-11 on the corner of Katella and S. Harbor that's great for cheap water and snacks that's onroute to and from the parks, which comes in handy. It's a really nice hotel with what looked like a really good water play area for the kids. We stayed there during a trip in Sept/11 and had a great time there. Hope that this helps you out.

 

[hlbtimes2]

Desert Palms is *probabaly considered* walking distance, but its kind of far. Its past the Candy Cane. Its further then I would want to walk after a day in the parks. I've walked to the candy cane when I've missed the shuttle, but I wouldnt want to walk it every time.

Fairfield is ok. Its about the same as the Best Western Park place inn or the park vue which are both a little closer to the park enterance. I've stayed at both of them in the past year. Nothing fancy, but no complaints either.

My family is bugging me to stay at the Candy cane again. Its their favorite in the area, but you can't book them thru Costco.

 

[etronixhub]

I think Desert Palms Inn and Suites is nice. Just little far about 15mins walk.

Fairfield Inn Anaheim is located about a five minute walk from the entrance to Disneyland, just across Harbor Boulevard.

I will advice you go for Desert Palms Inn and Suites. They have shuttle services.

 

[GrandBob]

As the others are saying, the only one that's very comfortably walking distance is the Fairfield. The other two can be walked, but are a bit of a hike.

-Bob

 

[abbie13_15]

My mom and I stayed at Fairfield last June and thought it was just fine. Didn't really use any amenities from the hotel. Just really needed a place to stay and sleep. The beds were comfortable and all rooms have been renovated. I think we went and ordered breakfast one morning and it was your normal fast food breakfast but they had other options. Walk was just perfect. Only about 5 minutes. So nice after a full day in the park and could see the entrance of the hotel.

 

[hlbtimes2]

I will advice you go for Desert Palms Inn and Suites. They have shuttle services.

I dont think they have their own shuttle. Does anyone else know for sure?

 

[DisneyJamieCA]

We have stayed at the Hilton and while it is 2 blocks, it is 2 Disney blocks, which are incredibly long. I wouldn't stay there with small children. And also, while the hotel is nice, the elevators take forever!

We've also stayed at the Desert Palms which is nice, but pretty basic. It's also a decent walk, but closer than the Hilton.

 

[Crazy4Disney06]

Thanks everyone, I think at this point I am leaning towards the Fairfield...mainly for the proximity to Disneyland!

 

[taaren]

I've stayed at both the Fairfield Inn and the Hilton, and visited my brother's room at Desert.

Another vote for Fairfield Inn, both for walking distance and "niceness". The Hilton when I stayed was not up to what I expect of Hilton standards, seemed like it needed a refurb, worn carpet and tired looking linens, etc. That combined with the distance, though it was walkable, would definitely make me go for FFI.

 

[Goofy_Mom]

name your price from priceline is my go-to when HoJo is booked. I'll never spend more then $75/night again. I love it!!! You may not be within walking distance, but they all have shuttles that pick you up outside the hotel lobby and drop off inside the pedestrian entrance. Plus, you're staying at a 3 1/2 star hotel with intirior corridors.

When you go to enter your perameters, you'll need to make sure you enter the correct dates, check the boxes for numbers 5&6 for the area you want (north and south disneyland), check the boxes for 3 1/2 & 4 star hotels, and enter your starting bid at $69/night. Only once have I ever paid more with this strategy, and that time was $75/night. Good luck