HoJo's, Candy Cane Inn, or DLR

[wvdislover]

We're in the process of planning our first trip to Disneyland this Feb. We're trying to decide which hotel to stay at (2/11-15). We're looking at HoJo's or Candy Cane Inn, since everyone here seems to really like those hotels, and they're a WHOLE LOT CHEAPER than the DL hotels are-- I don't know if the DL hotels are really worth spending 2 or 3 times as much to stay at Right now, it'll be just me and DH. I'd love to bring our DD's 7 and 11, too, but DH and I have a business trip beginning on the 15th that doesn't include kids, so I'd have to fly them back home. They're NOT ready to fly on their own yet (DD11 has Asperger's Syndrome) and I don't have anyone to fly them home, so... I need the help of the Disneyland "experts" out there! TIA! Oh yeah, we DO have an Entertainment book, so that may help us decide, too.

 

[trodrigue]

That is a tough one. It could be really romantic to stay onsite, but again, maybe better to splurge when you have the kiddos. That HOJO Entertainment rate is phenomenol and everyone raves about it. I am staying there for the firstime Feb. 14-21. I have stayed at CCI and really enjoyed it, but it is double HOJO's rates and the rooms are very small.

 

[bumbershoot]

Well, since HoJo has the Entertainment Book rate for all your nights except for the 13th, and you can get a disboards member 15% discount, I personally would say HoJo.

Then again, the Disney hotels have some sort of an appeal. Philosophically I don't like staying there, but we stayed at PPH in Sept of '07, and we're staying there for 2 nights in early December. But in full disclosure, I thought it would be better in September, and with the special AP holder rate for our upcoming trip, it's actually almost the same cost as HoJo and any other hotel is that weekend (the other hotels are insanely expensive, IF they have availability).

So that's my full disclosure.

When you stay onsite, the benefit many like is that you get access to every Magic Morning during your stay (including check-in day if you're there mega-early and check-out day, if those days are MM days of course) b/c of being a guest, and that's nice.

CCI has breakfast and a shuttle, and those are good too!



OK I'm not helping at all, LOL. Just for $$ I'd take HoJo; you can get a lot of souvenirs for those kids by staying at HoJo instead of onsite!

 

[pixiewings71]

HoJo is always my first choice when paying for a hotel in Anaheim. (we have timeshare pts so sometimes we stay for free). Love the HoJo, especially that Ent Rate. Our next choice is CCI for the free breakfast and shuttle. I've never stayed at the DLH but have stayed at the PPH and GCH both of which I loved. I just hate spending that much $$ for the Disney hotels, especially since the only one (IMO) that is worth it is the GCH.

 

[wvdislover]

Thanks for the info so far! Anyone else?

 

[PrincessTrisha]

Just got back - stayed at both the CCI and DLH - hands down, I'd go with the CCI (although I'm sure Hojo's is nice too).

I hurt my knee just before my trip and having that shuttle back and forth to the park was super convenient. The CCI also has very pleasantly decorated rooms, and good service.

Although I would never consider staying off property at WDW, at Disneyland, I will never consider staying on site again - it wasn't very convenient (long walk to the park - although the monorail was nice in the morning when going to DL), service was okay but felt a little more like a number than a person.

If I didn't really want to do the parks but wanted nice dining and a great pool, I'd stay at the DLH (Steakhouse 55 is incredible) but for seeing the parks, stay at the CCI, take the shuttle, stock up on drinks at the 7-11 around the corner and enjoy the money you saved somewhere else.

 

[DLSuperVet]

The Hojo is relatively close and I hear it's very inexpensive. I don't think I'd stay there personally because it's so close the 5 freeway. I think there are other hotels closer to the gates that offer competitive rates especially if you're a member of AAA.

 

[avalon451]

With the Ent rate for most of your stay, HoJo, hands down. You can't get that nice of a hotel anywhere in walking distance for such a good price. DLH is just about the same distance, unless you get a room in the closest tower-- then it's maybe 300 feet closer to the gates. And you'll pay about half or a third the price at HoJo. Also HoJo has free parking and internet.

 

[grumpy's fan]

I have stayed at HoJo's and CCI but not DLR. I will always choose HoJo over CCI. I stayed at CCI once and, while I enjoyed the free breakfast, did not like the customer service at this hotel. We had a few problems during our stay (like the maid using my toiletry items as her hair (which was black) was in MY HAIRBRUSH!! Yick!! ) and an issue with a lost item and the front office did not help at all. They didn't even care. Whereas I have always had great service at HoJo (who just went out of their way to find my daughters favorite toy that she left with the towels and went to housekeeping!) So its HoJo's for me! Plus the ent rate is a perk!

 

[eeyore3847]

I have never stayed at the CCI. but have stayed onsite and at hojo's. The only good thing between the 2 is the price. I say you always get what you pay for at the hojo's. everytime we check in it is always grumpy people. we always drive in and are excited to be in disney and then the front desk people at Hojo's always seem annoyed to be working. This last trip - last week- a blonde curly hair girl was seriously the rudest check in person ever. never cracked a smile. seemed annoyed to be there. We have stayed at the hojo's 3 times and they are always annoyed and never seem friendly. we only go back for the savings. At least at disney when we stay are always wonderful, friendly nad helpful. so that is just my opinion. Hojo's on the phone is so wonderful booking and then when you get there are seriously a different feeling. The whole 3 days when we went to the lobby I looked to see if that girl was ever smiling... ummm nooopppee!
Lori

 

[Amy&Dan]

I very much enjoy the three onsite hotels at Disneyland. The Disneyland Hotel is my personal favorite, I love the grounds, the pools, the oversized rooms with the Disney touches and find the walk up Downtown Disney to be very doable. It takes ten minutes at a leisurely pace. That said, the GCH is probably the most deluxe of any Disney owned hotel with the possible exception of the GF. It truly is a deluxe level hotel with all the amenities that I find some of the onsite WDW deluxe's lacking (turndown, truly upscale bedding, that sort of thing). I do agree that staying onsite in Disneyland isn't key. Howevery, just know that staying offsite, while very nice and quite convenient is a more of a motel stay. Not in a bad way, but with the exception of the Hojo, I can't think of any offsite Disneyland property that has a resort feel to it at all (I am talking about the hotels in walking distance there on Harbor). The offsite motels on Harbor are comparable in price to a WDW moderate but nothing at all like a moderate. The Hojo is the closest to that since it has grounds, a themed pool area and the rooms are very oversized, it also has wonderful customer service based on my stays and dealings with them. But a few of the rooms do border the freeway and some people find the noise and vibration very annoying. You can avoid that by paying the extra fee for a theme park view room or noting on your reservation to be put away from the freeway buildings. The other buildings are very quiet. Its really a very nice place to stay. Candy Cane does have a very nice expanded breakfast and the shuttle is really nice. It doesn't have the grounds and oversized rooms the Hojo has however.

I also like both the Tropicana and the Best Western Park Place Inn. Both of those are literally two minutes from the turnstiles, they both have basic freebie breakfasts and the location can't be beat. But no grounds and very much a motel feel. But nice and clean and CLOSE! But again, if you like to spend time at your hotel the Hojo has a lot offer. It really is lovely.

Bottom line, Disneyland is inside a big city. So any hotel, on or offsite you will feel much more connected to a city. The DLH has some lovely grounds, a wonderful pool area and koi ponds and fountains that I really like. But its hard sometimes to justify that pricetag! If you can afford it, I would say go for being onsite, but know that you will enjoy the parks just as much staying offsite. And any of the hotels you mentioned are all very easy to get to from the parks. You will love how close everything is! No boats or busses needed. Have a great trip!

 

[Hojoanaheim]

everytime we check in it is always grumpy people. we always drive in and are excited to be in disney and then the front desk people at Hojo's always seem annoyed to be working. This last trip - last week- a blonde curly hair girl was seriously the rudest check in person ever. never cracked a smile. seemed annoyed to be there. We have stayed at the hojo's 3 times and they are always annoyed and never seem friendly. we only go back for the savings. At least at disney when we stay are always wonderful, friendly nad helpful. so that is just my opinion. Hojo's on the phone is so wonderful booking and then when you get there are seriously a different feeling. The whole 3 days when we went to the lobby I looked to see if that girl was ever smiling... ummm nooopppee!
Lori

This makes me so sad to hear!

That is definitely not the way that we want you to be treated when you stay with us!

I have forwarded a copy of this to our Front Desk Manager, and I will follow up with her to see if we can find out who the offenders are and make sure that it gets straightened out right away.

I am really sorry that you had this experience, and I just want to thank you for bringing this up here, and please never, ever hesitate to let a Manager on Duty know when you see things like this.
Lorealle

 

[DangerMouse]

I have never stayed at the CCI. but have stayed onsite and at hojo's. The only good thing between the 2 is the price. I say you always get what you pay for at the hojo's. everytime we check in it is always grumpy people. we always drive in and are excited to be in disney and then the front desk people at Hojo's always seem annoyed to be working. This last trip - last week- a blonde curly hair girl was seriously the rudest check in person ever. never cracked a smile. seemed annoyed to be there. We have stayed at the hojo's 3 times and they are always annoyed and never seem friendly. we only go back for the savings. At least at disney when we stay are always wonderful, friendly nad helpful. so that is just my opinion. Hojo's on the phone is so wonderful booking and then when you get there are seriously a different feeling. The whole 3 days when we went to the lobby I looked to see if that girl was ever smiling... ummm nooopppee!
Lori

I wonder if outside of the grumpy front desk person, you believed HoJo was a good value (i.e., rooms, beds, grounds, amenities, pool areas, etc.)? I can't think of anywhere else within walking distance that has large rooms with new beds/bedding, free parking, micros and fridges, gorgeous grounds and a Pirate themed pool area for kids, and offers it at an incredibly discounted price, like HoJo does.

I'm sorry you encountered a grouchy HoJo employee. Personally, I've only been greeted by extremely friendly and helpful workers there.

 

[eeyore3847]

I wonder if outside of the grumpy front desk person, you believed HoJo was a good value (i.e., rooms, beds, grounds, amenities, pool areas, etc.)? I can't think of anywhere else within walking distance that has large rooms with new beds/bedding, free parking, micros and fridges, gorgeous grounds and a Pirate themed pool area for kids, and offers it at an incredibly discounted price, like HoJo does.

I'm sorry you encountered a grouchy HoJo employee. Personally, I've only been greeted by extremely friendly and helpful workers there.

I believe that the hojo is an ok value. I think the price is resonable. One time we stayed there and we were given a corner type room and it was cramped. I do not worry about the room as much because we are at the park so much. there was no roll away bed at all and my 2 year old slept in his stroller for 5 days and the fridge was not working. so that trip, no I thought it was crappy. And there was no room for the roll away even if it had it. But for the price how can I complain. This last trip we got building 4 and that was a big room and my son got to slep on a roll away! That was a plus this time!
The pirate theme is cool really, but we do not go to DL to swim. We have never used a pool in 4 years of going to DL.
and unless you upgrade there is no microwave and we do not use it since we eat almost 100% at the parks.
I do like the short walk, but not all the street sellers on the way. That is not hojo's fault but honestly it is annoying.
We will probably book hojo's again, but that is due only to it's prices.
Free parking yes is a plus.
you know if you had met this lady this last time you too would have commented on her. She honestly looked like she was annoyed to serve us or be at work. When I asked her if it was possible to have early check in, she said "no, check is at 3 and that is when you can come back." and it was said so snotty. When I asked where our room was she said "building 4" - I asked where that was - she literally sighed and then showed me the map.
now when my MIL arrived 20 minutes later and checked in with someone else her room was ready. When I asked them to check ours, the lady told the gentleman "I just told her check in was at 3". So yeah , I let it go and I could have told her to smile and lighten up a bit. Maybe she was having a bad day, but when we went to ask a question on directions to the beach, she pointed her finger at someone and asked them to help us. so either I have too much disney happyness in me and she was annoyed by my sparkling personality or she is naturally rude! It does not throw me off of the hojo as this is not the first rude check in person I have come across there. Our first trip there was wonderful. the last 2 everyone seemed a tad irritated to be working there. Though I will say the bellman/guy whom helps with baggage was there last trip as well as this one and he seems nice. But then again I got my own baggage to my room.

Lori

 

[DangerMouse]

Lori, since you plan on staying there in the future, can I recommend crossing Harbor at Manchester in order to avoid the "street sellers"? You won't find any on the West side of Harbor.

I can't believe your kids don't enjoy the Pirate's Cove. I know I wil have a hard time tearing mine away, even in the winter months. We just drove by with them in October (weren't staying overnight), and they begged to go in and play.

I wouldn't hesitate reporting your poor customer service experiences to Johnathan Whitehead. He's the general manager at the HoJo and will take your report very seriously. They truly don't want people to come away feeling like you are.

 

[eeyore3847]

Lori, since you plan on staying there in the future, can I recommend crossing Harbor at Manchester in order to avoid the "street sellers"? You won't find any on the West side of Harbor.

I can't believe your kids don't enjoy the Pirate's Cove. I know I wil have a hard time tearing mine away, even in the winter months. We just drove by with them in October (weren't staying overnight), and they begged to go in and play.

I wouldn't hesitate reporting your poor customer service experiences to Johnathan Whitehead. He's the general manager at the HoJo and will take your report very seriously. They truly don't want people to come away feeling like you are.

we started to cross there the last day, to avoid all the people asking for anything...

Well we have season passes to water world every summer and my parents have a heated pool, so it is not a super big thing to us. we go swimming all the time in AZ. But my kids are thrill seekers and love those rides at DL, so they would rather be in DL then in the Pirate cove.

I am not a big write or contact someone type of person. Not sure what will come out of that and I certainly do not want to be resposible if anything happens to the girl. Honestly it is just something we come to understand with the hojo. and like i said we will stay there again because of the low price it offers. We are barely at the hotel and try to spend as much time as possible in the park. Besides When I called to book for this last trip and told them about the room that my son had to sleep in a stroller for 5 days I got a "sorry" and nothing more. If they would have reduced the price of the room for the inconvienece that would have been nicer than a "sorry". But he is 2 and will never remember where he slept. I just know now to aske for building 4 like where we stayed this last time and I know it will not happen again. You live and learn!

Lori

 

[DisneySuiteFreak]

I do like the short walk, but not all the street sellers on the way. That is not hojo's fault but honestly it is annoying.

Street sellers? I've not noticed any street sellers in the last 8 years or so that we've been staying at Hojo. I only go in the winter, so maybe that's why I haven't seen them? What are they selling?

 

[smiley_face2]

Yes, I don't like being bothered by the sellers either, but I feel badly for them at the same time, just trying to make a living. they are selling light up twirly things, the kind you can buy in the park, other toys, one time a fellow who had cut his own cd had a player you could listen to his music and buy it from him. They get you at the stop light waiting to cross over to the entrance. Just a polite no thankyou and smile is all you need to do, they won't pester anyone.
We had been staying at HoJo's over the years since 1991. Considered it like our own vacation home. Our kids grew up on our vacations there, we have pictures of them from the time they were 3 till they were adult. Were always made to feel welcome, had gotten treats left in our room for us, like a little thermal lunch bag with the HoJo's emblem on it which had a trail mix. water, and a stuffed Minnie (in one room) Mickey (in the other room) and some fruit. That was down to Willie I know. We always had nice rooms, and good beds. That changed this last stay in July. I emailed ahead to say it was our second honeymoon and how excited we were to be going there, especially after having stayed so many times before. The people at the check in desk, I should say the girls there, were not overy friendly. The fellows they had always seemed very friendly and helpful. We were put into a room that was older, and were very unhappy. I called down to see about switching but was told the hotel was full. We were supposed to be staying about 8 nights. The bed was so bad I could hardly walk the next day. I resorted to taking tylenol every day we were there. They made a mistake in the amount they were charging us I discovered when I checked our account on the television. I took my emails down to the lobby to show them the rate we were supposed to be getting charged. It was changed, but without any sorry for the inconvenience, and leaving me standing in the lobby for far too long while it was fixed. We finally could not stand the bed and the bad shower, and the postition of the room and checked out early. Because we checked out early, they charged the actual room amount to my credit card, but left the hold for the longer term stay on it for a few days as well. If I did not have a high limit and were on a tight budget we would have been in dire straights with all that on our card. Upon check out, the girl I spoke to about checking out early was like you said Lori, quite abrupt... no "how did you enjoy your stay, or thankyou for staying with us, or come back again" I wondered if they somehow knew I had called another hotel in the area (The Disneyland Hotel) and were not happy about it and that reflected in the attitude. Like my hubby said, when they were trying to build up the business, and when Willie dealt with reservations, you felt special, like they really cared if you were there with them. Now it felt more like you were inconveniencing them with your stay. I know that a few years ago at tripadvisor they were ranked number one in anaheim, but now have slipped to number 4. When we checked into the disneyland hotel, it was such a huge shocking difference in the way were greeted; we would not take a chance on going back to HoJo's again for fear of the mistakes on our bill and card, the unpleasant attitude, and the possiblilty of getting a bad room and not being able to switch.
Like Lori said, after hearing the child slept in his stroller... they should have at least left a little gift in the room upon check in, or a free upgrade... something! It's so sad really, our last stay before this was so good, and I do love the gardens and pool. Perhaps I should do as Dangermouse suggested and forward this to Jonathen. This next trip at the end of this month into January, we are trying out the Candy Cane Inn. I've read so many good things about it, and they are ranked number 1 at trip advisor. Their price which is actually a lot less for this trip than HoJo's includes an expanded continental breakfast, and a private free shuttle to the park. I'll be letting everyone know what it was like when we get back.

 

[DisneySuiteFreak]

Wow, sorry to hear of your bad experiences. We've only had good experiences while staying at Hojos. Like you, we used to get treats in our room unexpectedly sent from Wille Simpson. We didn't know him on a personal level, but I figured since we were regulars and went every year and he knew I posted on several different Disney boards that's probably why he gave them to us. It was a nice, personal touch. One year we got a beautiful Disneyland Xmas ornament. We've never had any customer service or personnel issues at Hojos even in recent years, in fact they went over the top to help us with things they didn't have to help with like finding a Notary Public or accepting and sending Fed Ex packages for us when we simply asked where the nearest Fed Ex office was. Please don't take this the wrong way; I'm not writing this to downplay any of your experiences, just sharing our experiences.
I've been wanting to try CCI, but DH really likes Hojos DL facing rooms because they have interior corridors and none of the other cheaper motels along Harbor have interior corridors. We still like Hojos, but we liked it better when you could stay in a DL facing room for the $59 a night Entertainment card room rate.

Yes, I don't like being bothered by the sellers either, but I feel badly for them at the same time, just trying to make a living. they are selling light up twirly things, the kind you can buy in the park, other toys, one time a fellow who had cut his own cd had a player you could listen to his music and buy it from him. They get you at the stop light waiting to cross over to the entrance. Just a polite no thankyou and smile is all you need to do, they won't pester anyone.
We had been staying at HoJo's over the years since 1991. Considered it like our own vacation home. Our kids grew up on our vacations there, we have pictures of them from the time they were 3 till they were adult. Were always made to feel welcome, had gotten treats left in our room for us, like a little thermal lunch bag with the HoJo's emblem on it which had a trail mix. water, and a stuffed Minnie (in one room) Mickey (in the other room) and some fruit. That was down to Willie I know. We always had nice rooms, and good beds. That changed this last stay in July. I emailed ahead to say it was our second honeymoon and how excited we were to be going there, especially after having stayed so many times before. The people at the check in desk, I should say the girls there, were not overy friendly. The fellows they had always seemed very friendly and helpful. We were put into a room that was older, and were very unhappy. I called down to see about switching but was told the hotel was full...
...This next trip at the end of this month into January, we are trying out the Candy Cane Inn. I've read so many good things about it, and they are ranked number 1 at trip advisor. Their price which is actually a lot less for this trip than HoJo's includes an expanded continental breakfast, and a private free shuttle to the park. I'll be letting everyone know what it was like when we get back.

 

[eeyore3847]

Street sellers? I've not noticed any street sellers in the last 8 years or so that we've been staying at Hojo. I only go in the winter, so maybe that's why I haven't seen them? What are they selling?

well there are people trying to lure you in by selling a time share. Our trip in October it was crazy!!! They were super annoying. everyday non-stop. Then there is the light up - guy at night. he is harmless. Then there was a couple whom asked for money sitting on the bus stop to everyone. then there was a guy screaming- literally screaming - that "jesus will save us - we are sinners." That was the last straw for me. In october it was non- stop. On our April trip it was non-stop. This last trip at turkey week it was toned done, but I was already previously annoyed.
oh and one day we crossed this past trip and a homeless man was yelling at us for unknown reasons. but enough to make us pick up our pace and hurry to the safety of disney!