Hilton Anaheim Convention Center

[justinslot]

Bumping this thread just because I wanted to talk about this hotel since I'm thinking about Disneyland since I'm going next month: pretty much everyone agrees this hotel has been declining over the years. I remember thinking that myself during my last stay; there was some sort of decay around the faucet in the tub, and I remember thinking the room was sloping down from the window to the door. When I first started going there it was nice...I think this was around the time when a parking structure was built next to the hotel that robbed the balcony rooms of their Disney views. I hope I am remembering this right, because I think that's when the decline began, and my theory is the ownership lost interest in the property without the ability to sell fireworks rooms.

My question is: how does Hilton let what I think is supposed to be their, I don't know, top hotel in the area to get this bad? I mean I can't think another Hilton around Disneyland that would be considered a higher tier brand than this one, even though you're going to have a better stay at the Home2 Suites or similar. Why let a Hilton franchisee not keep up an important property? As long as the convention center is there and captive con guests keep passing through, the ownership doesn't care how bad the property is doing?

(I am fortunate enough to be staying at the Westin next month, an actual super nice hotel that puts the Hilton to shame.)

 

[BrianL]

Bumping this thread just because I wanted to talk about this hotel since I'm thinking about Disneyland since I'm going next month: pretty much everyone agrees this hotel has been declining over the years. I remember thinking that myself during my last stay; there was some sort of decay around the faucet in the tub, and I remember thinking the room was sloping down from the window to the door. When I first started going there it was nice...I think this was around the time when a parking structure was built next to the hotel that robbed the balcony rooms of their Disney views. I hope I am remembering this right, because I think that's when the decline began, and my theory is the ownership lost interest in the property without the ability to sell fireworks rooms.

My question is: how does Hilton let what I think is supposed to be their, I don't know, top hotel in the area to get this bad? I mean I can't think another Hilton around Disneyland that would be considered a higher tier brand than this one, even though you're going to have a better stay at the Home2 Suites or similar. Why let a Hilton franchisee not keep up an important property? As long as the convention center is there and captive con guests keep passing through, the ownership doesn't care how bad the property is doing?

(I am fortunate enough to be staying at the Westin next month, an actual super nice hotel that puts the Hilton to shame.)

I can't really speak to the specifics of franchise contracts or renovation schedules, however, the good news is that the Hilton Anaheim is undergoing a multi-million dollar renovation to be completed next year:

https://www.ocbj.com/tourism/hotels/hilton-anaheim-announces-multi-million-renovation/

There is public information from multiple sources about it. Hopefully everyone will find the newly updated hotel much more enjoyable.

*Full Disclosure: I do work for Hilton.

 

[justinslot]

Thank you BrianL. I did not know any of this, glad someone decided enough was enough.

https://www.anaheim.net/DocumentCen...-County-Business-Journal-Hilton-Anaheim-71524

"When renovating the individual rooms, Bocci said the focus is introducing a moreresidential feel during the stay, “to look like part of the guests’ home.” This includesconverting 70% of the hotel’s tubs into showers."

You know, I really dislike the de-tubification of hotels. People want tubs on the road! I guarantee a hotel tub is cleaner than my tub at home!

I, ummm, did not know this either: "Renovations began last week following four years of planning by the hotel owners, Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA)."

 

[BrianL]

Thank you BrianL. I did not know any of this, glad someone decided enough was enough.

https://www.anaheim.net/DocumentCen...-County-Business-Journal-Hilton-Anaheim-71524

"When renovating the individual rooms, Bocci said the focus is introducing a moreresidential feel during the stay, “to look like part of the guests’ home.” This includesconverting 70% of the hotel’s tubs into showers."

You know, I really dislike the de-tubification of hotels. People want tubs on the road! I guarantee a hotel tub is cleaner than my tub at home!

Yeah, I actually prefer tubs myself, but I can tell you that guests overwhelmingly favor standing showers and do perceive tubs as dirty or "gross." I agree with you - it's certainly cleaner than mine!

*Disclaimer: I work for Hilton.

 

[crystal1313]

Wow! Excited to see the finished results. Thanks for sharing!!

 

[OlliePop27]

Thank you BrianL. I did not know any of this, glad someone decided enough was enough.

https://www.anaheim.net/DocumentCen...-County-Business-Journal-Hilton-Anaheim-71524

"When renovating the individual rooms, Bocci said the focus is introducing a moreresidential feel during the stay, “to look like part of the guests’ home.” This includesconverting 70% of the hotel’s tubs into showers."

You know, I really dislike the de-tubification of hotels. People want tubs on the road! I guarantee a hotel tub is cleaner than my tub at home!

I, ummm, did not know this either: "Renovations began last week following four years of planning by the hotel owners, Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA)."

I too find the trend interesting. I do understand from a sanitary and perception standpoint.

My biggest source of confusion is Disney also converting tubs to showers in renovated rooms in FL and CA. They cater to families, and tubs undoubtedly are easier with little kids.

I realize lots of people without kids stay in Disney hotels, but it's interesting just because it's an important demographic for hotel stays.

 

[monkeypat83]

I too find the trend interesting. I do understand from a sanitary and perception standpoint.

My biggest source of confusion is Disney also converting tubs to showers in renovated rooms in FL and CA. They cater to families, and tubs undoubtedly are easier with little kids.

I realize lots of people without kids stay in Disney hotels, but it's interesting just because it's an important demographic for hotel stays.

I agree with little kids a tub is a necessity. I have 3 kids that are 5, almost 3 and 7 months and we are going this Christmas and the final deciding factor on which Disney-owned hotel to stay at was the ease of getting a room with a tub. We decided on the Disneyland Hotel because almost all the rooms have tubs and after a long day in the parks throwing the kids in a warm tub is way easier than me having to get in the shower with them to get them warm and clean.

Regarding the Hilton and the races: I know we don't know the exact course for the up coming February races but based on last years starting/finishing location how convenient is the Hilton and how long does it take to get to the start/finish line from there.

 

[emmybee]

The renovation is long overdue. We stayed a couple of times prior to covid when our budget did not allow for onsite stays. It was definitely worn-down shabby back then which was a strange juxtaposition when compared to the beautiful lobby. It was also the site of our most hair-raising stay as we had the displeasure of having the worst, disruptive, drunken neighbors. Not only did my husband witness some domestic violence, but prior to their rowdy behavior in the hallway, we were wondering if the women were "ladies of the night" who somehow had a screaming baby in their room....? They were a hot mess of a group, and management didn't seem very inclined to take care of that problem.

Happily, the Westin is right next door, and we don't have a problem with the walk when Disney hotels are a little too rich for our blood. My daughter and I would rather do the Westin than Pixar Pier any day.

 

[CoachBeard]

I've stayed there a few times. Most recently in March and had a gigantic corner room. I'm also staying there in a few weeks, I found a great rate. Last time I used Hotwire and got an awesome rate. Plus, the ART bus is right there.