Hotel decision paralysis -- Del Sol vs. Best Western Raffles

[mel2014]

I'm taking my kids (7 and 9) to Southern California solo for a week of amusement parks from August 11-18. We're starting and ending with stays near Knott's Berry Farm to use our season passes there, but will be in Anahaim from August 13-16. Definitely going to the parks August 14 &15, maybe the 16th (debating between Raging Waters and third Disney day -- we were at Disneyland Paris for 2.5 days in January and will be at Tokyo Disney for 4 days in November, so part of me thinks 2 days is enough).

No one sleeps well when my kids try to sleep in bed together, and I'll have to sleep with one of them at our other hotels, so I promised them bunk beds for the Disneyland portion of our stay.

I originally booked at the Del Sol Inn for proxmity/price, but I'm tempted by the Best Western Raffles because:
(1) They will have their own room so I can get ready while they're still sleeping and keep the lights on in "my" room while they nap.
(2) Overall space is much bigger, which we all might appreciate during a week of togetherness.
(3) Breakfast is much better (though this can also be a con -- if there's a good breakfast, I feel the need to linger and eat vs. rushing to the parks). If we don't do Disney the third day, we should have time for a relaxed breakfast
(4) Looks a little nicer, although there are some pictures online suggesting that Del Sol has had some renovations recently -- new carpets, bedspreads, tile in the sink area.

Price is virtually identical. We won't have a car, so parking fees are irrelevant.

The big downside to the Best Western is distance. We're midday break people and especially with summer heat, extended hours, and MaxPass, I'd rather take the time for a break midday and be able to power through a late night than cut out early. I know we can take the Toy Story shuttle, or could Lyft in a pinch (my son will be 3 weeks short of his 8th bday and I don't think any Lyft driver is going to insist he have a booster), but there's a lot to be said for proximity. The farthest away we've stayed before is the Quality Inn on Manchester.

What would you choose?

 

[darph nader]

To me the big thing would be the distance. At the end of the day,that can be quite a hike. Of course I'm old and have a bad knee.

 

[amyg1975]

I always base my decision on location. At the end of the night, I want to be as close as possible!

 

[kkmcan]

I think that the breakfasts aren't that much different. Also factor in the time it takes to go back and forth to the BW Raffles for your break. We've stayed there several times (and we do take breaks as well) and its fine but it does add 20 minutes for walking to the shuttle and riding over to the park. Now think of that 4 times per day. The only reason we ever really stay that far away is because it always comes out cheaper when I book.

 

[StarlitNight05]

I always opt for closest as well. This is particularly true during a summer visit -- that extra time can seem like an eternity in the summer heat!

 

[biochemgirl]

There will be time lost in either walking or waiting for buses if you go BW. But it sounds like your family will be better rested. Perhaps you can skip the afternoon breaks and break in the parks or DTD? We like to do a leisurely late lunch somewhere, or sit in the quiet air conditioned cartoon theater on Main Street, or hang out in the empty tables next to the bread tour in DCA. Those are my secrets to getting off my feet and cooled off mentally and physically. I've practically napped to the soundtrack of vintage cartoons more than once ;-)

 

[goooof1]

location, location, location.....!

 

[mel2014]

All right, you've all convinced me to stick with my original choice of Del Sol. Now I just need to decide on 2 or 3 Disney days.

 

[smartlabelprint]

All right, you've all convinced me to stick with my original choice of Del Sol. Now I just need to decide on 2 or 3 Disney days.

3 ;P

 

[Epek]

The renovations at the Del Sol are really nice! I was there 4 years ago and then just last night- a world of difference in the rooms. You won’t be disappointed.

 

[DizneyMommy]

I’m just stuck on the fact your 7 and 9 year olds nap! What is your secret???

 

[goooof1]

at least 3 days....4 (or 5) if you can!

 

[WillowHaven]

Sounds like you already made your decision, so I'm a little late.

We decided to stay at Raffles for our upcoming trip in August. It appears that there's an ART stop almost in front of the hotel, and that route runs every 20 minutes. The extra time needed to get to and from the park was worth it for us to have the extra space.

 

[mel2014]

I’m just stuck on the fact your 7 and 9 year olds nap! What is your secret???

Haha, I'd say it's a combination of chronic sleep deprivation and threats. They don't get enough sleep on weeknights and won't sleep in on weekends, so they're pretty tired by midday. Usually if I make them lay down and threaten to withhold fun evening acitivites, they'll nap. My husband is a big napper. I, on the other hand, can't nap. It totally screws up my evening sleep.