HoJo, Peacock, or Portofino?

[bookgirl2632]

This will be my first time visiting DLR, so I've been researching hotels in the area. I have it narrowed down to the HoJo, Peacock, and Portofino. They all seem to be nice resorts and fit our needs perfectly, not to mention our wallets. Being a party of four adult women, we definitely want queen beds in the room. Double beds just aren't roomy enough.

So, any thoughts or reviews on these three hotels? I would greatly appreciate the help.

 

[avalon451]

You'll find a lot of fans of HoJo on these boards. Of the three you named, it's the only one that's really in easy walking distance of the parks. They have very comfortable beds, great staff, and nice grounds. Portofino and Peacock are probably a bit nicer, more boutique hotels, but for me, the proximity in combination with comfort and great value wins.

Hope you will enjoy your first trip to DLR! There's a really good sticky thread at the top of this forum with lots of good tips and links, Hydroguy's Tips compilation. You'll find more lodging info there, as well as differences between DL and WDW, etc. http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1520483

 

[Kayla's Mom]

Another huge thumbs up for Hojo -- we never stay anywhere else!

 

[bluegrizzlies1]

Hojo you cant beat the entertainment rate at 59 bucks or 79 bucks

 

[ScooterL]

I've stayed at Portofino and been in a room at HoJo - and I'd say the rooms themselves are about equivalent, though at Portofino I think you get the fridge and microwave in each room. HoJo definitely has a closer location, though - Portofino is probably 5 minutes further walking.

Not to muddy the waters, but doesn't Candy Cane Inn have queen beds in their rooms, also?

 

[Doe]

I've stayed at Portofino and been in a room at HoJo - and I'd say the rooms themselves are about equivalent, though at Portofino I think you get the fridge and microwave in each room. HoJo definitely has a closer location, though - Portofino is probably 5 minutes further walking.

Not to muddy the waters, but doesn't Candy Cane Inn have queen beds in their rooms, also?

We just stayed at Portofino Mar 15-20 in their deluxe room. No fridge or microwave in our room.
It was an easy walk to DL and we never took the hotel shuttle (I think it is $4 a day per adult). Clean hotel, friendly, helpful staff. Comfortable beds. When we first arrived housekeeping had forgot to leave soap and the tissue box was empty but a quick call and they had it right up. No biggie. It's a short walk to the Gardenwalk area where there are great places to eat!

 

[mystic_path]

You'll find a lot of fans of HoJo on these boards. Of the three you named, it's the only one that's really in easy walking distance of the parks. They have very comfortable beds, great staff, and nice grounds. Portofino and Peacock are probably a bit nicer, more boutique hotels, but for me, the proximity in combination with comfort and great value wins.

Hope you will enjoy your first trip to DLR! There's a really good sticky thread at the top of this forum with lots of good tips and links, Hydroguy's Tips compilation. You'll find more lodging info there, as well as differences between DL and WDW, etc. http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1520483

100% AGREED!!! Everything said here is totally on the ball. I mean out of the 3 I have only stayed at the Hojo, so I cant give a review on the others, but I will definitely vouch for the location, staff and everything else that goes with this hotel. It would be my number one pick.

 

[Tasscrapper]

I've stayed at the Peacock and liked it but we needed a place to sleep 6. If it was just me and some friends I would try HOJO's if I could get the entertainment rate because of the location.

 

[LuLusApple]

We have Portofino booked for April 12-19.
We booked it because of the kids suite and $ for what you get. Fridge, microwave, bunk beds, 2 tvs. And we opted for the art system mostly for the ride home. WDTC said Portofino is the first stop on the way back. We'll see if that is true

I am sure you will have a great time no matter which hotel you stay at

 

[bookgirl2632]

What is the entertainment rate and how do I get it? Right now, I'd probably be booking with a AAA rate. We're going in mid-August, if that matters.

 

[Belle Ella]

You'll find a lot of fans of HoJo on these boards. Of the three you named, it's the only one that's really in easy walking distance of the parks. They have very comfortable beds, great staff, and nice grounds. Portofino and Peacock are probably a bit nicer, more boutique hotels, but for me, the proximity in combination with comfort and great value wins.

Hope you will enjoy your first trip to DLR! There's a really good sticky thread at the top of this forum with lots of good tips and links, Hydroguy's Tips compilation. You'll find more lodging info there, as well as differences between DL and WDW, etc. http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1520483

Ditto to that! I haven't been to the other 2 but we just got back from 3 nights at HOJO and I am definitely going back for my next trip. The room was clean, the beds were comfy, the staff was great and the walk definitely was a big plus.

Hm, and if you don't do the entertainment rate, get the mousesavers rate if you can. It's just a touch better than the AAA.

 

[avalon451]

What is the entertainment rate and how do I get it? Right now, I'd probably be booking with a AAA rate. We're going in mid-August, if that matters.

HoJo runs this incredible 50% off rate through the Entertainment Book (that book of coupons and two-fers, etc.) It's only available at this particular hotel, so you won't get it by calling their international reservation line. You need to call the hotel directly and ask for IN HOUSE reservations, M-F, 9-5 pacific time. Lorealle or Jennifer will help you, they are wonderful! So kind and helpful.

They usually have the rate mostly for slower seasons and weekdays. Right now, I don't think they're showing the rate as available for ANY days in June, July or August. (here's the website: http://www.hojoanaheim.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=13&t=14 ) However, keep in mind that they add in dates as they get closer-- sometimes just a couple of days before! It depends on how full they are, how their bookings look. For example, there were NO dates last year for July, but around June 30th, suddenly they added over a dozen July dates. So you can book a room, plus an alternative, and if the Ent rate shows up, you can call back and get it adjusted. Also, even if the rate is not available for all nights of your stay, you can always get the DISboards rate of 15% off for the other nights.

The Ent rate is $59 per night for a standard room, $69 a night for a deluxe room, and $79 a night for a premium room with a Disney park view, in the building 1 tower. The website has more details as to what amenities come with each room. In general, you get free parking and internet, super comfy beds, and a fridge. Deluxe and premium rooms have microwaves as well.

You don't have to have the whole Entertainment book to get the rate; just the card that comes with it-- so if you don't want to buy a book, you can purchase just the card off the internet for a few bucks. Also, if you do buy the book, you don't need the one for Anaheim-- any area will do, your own area, or the cheapest one, whatever.

We stayed in room 1713 last October, top floor of building 1, with a balcony and a wonderful view of the Matterhorn (if fireworks had been running during the week, we'd have had a prime view).

And that's my HoJo knowledge in a nutshell!

 

[cccdisney]

What is the entertainment rate and how do I get it? Right now, I'd probably be booking with a AAA rate. We're going in mid-August, if that matters.

Here is a link to the HOJO site that gives the Entertainment rate info.
http://www.hojoanaheim.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=13&t=14
You need to speak with IN HOUSE reservations which is open M-F during typical business hours. They don't list any August dates right now but they do add dates regularly. I know I stayed at HOJO (with the ent rate) last mid-August.
You can always book the room at the 15% off (DIS rate) and then call and have the rate changed if it becomes available.