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.
)Once that happens, it's over except where the property is private and they cannot legally assemble to sell things without permission. It's not really something that is Hojos fault however, and if they are lined up all along the sidewalk like in Vegas harassing people, I'm sure the hotel operators are probably just as fed up with them as you are.
Unfortunately, one man's free speech is another man's pain in the rear, and the sidewalks are public places. As in Vegas and Hawaii, I just ignore them and keep walking; never bothering to make eye contact or act as if I hear a word they say. They could be talking to the wall for all I care.
Thanks for always being willing to listen to the customers in order to keep HoJo the very best place to stay in Anaheim. 
I've NEVER had anyone rude at the front desk, we always get chatted up with small talk, asked how we are doing, if they can help with anything. I love the HoJo staff!! 
