Hotel Decisions, Decisions, Decisions...

[diskids2]

First let me say that since I love planning trips I am having a GREAT time planning this one.

My family (DH, 51..DD,20... DDBF, 24...DS, 16) and I (ok ok 48) will be going to California, for the first time, next summer.

Our plan is to stay in the Universal Area for two nights and do Universal Hollywood along with various sites in Los Angeles. Then we are off to four nights in San Diego and then four nights in Anaheim for the sole purpose of visiting Disneyland!

As a WDW Vet, I am LOVING, LOVING, LOVING this new planning experience.

So the purpose of this post, other than saying "Hi" is to find out what the difference is betwen Deluxe and Premium rooms at the Candy Cane Inn.

Also, I have read mixed reviews on Trip Advisor for the Desert Inn and Suites. I liked the idea of the two bedroom Suite (I think it is C2) and the cost is about $600 less than two rooms at the Candy Cane Inn. I liked the idea that it is closer in distance as well, although the CCI has the shuttle.

I was wondering if anyone has experience with either or both and can do a review comparison for me.

Other area hotel suggestions would be welcome as well.

Thanks!

 

[skiingfast]

User PinkBudgie has a great report on the CCI.


I'll see if I can find a link.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2532780

 

[tinksdreamwishes]

Hi! Welcome to the Disboards- I can not comment on Candy Cane Inn- but I have stayed at the Desert Inn and Suites- it was great walking distance and very clean. However- you said you were going in the summer- and I dont think I would stay there in the summer because they have an indoor pool. It is small and super stuffy in there. We used it in Nov- and it was ok. The spa was super small. I heard the Candy Cane has a great pool. I also believe the difference between the deluxe and premium rooms are newer beds- but not sure.

I am sure somebody will tell you this- so I might as well say it- you might want to get an entertainment card for a great rate at the HOJO's. The walk isnt so bad, they also have a shuttle run by ART. And the pool is nice, rooms are great! Have fun planning!

 

[JosieGirl71]

Hojo's is always a great but it is the same distance from DLR as CCI. Another choice would be Tropicana Inn. They are right across the street (closer than Desert Inn) and have a two room suite with a kitchen between the two rooms. My understanding is they have been newly remodeled. My SIL and her family stay there every trip and they really like it.

 

[cirquelovers]

I'd be happy to give my .02$.

As for the CCI, the difference between deluxe and premium is that in the premium rooms you get a room at the back of the property, have a dvd player, get a welcome basket,small, and you can get breakfast delivered instead of having to walk up to get your own.

I do prefer the deluxe rooms for my family over a standard room. The little bit of extra space really comes in handy for a family. I always just go get breakfast for my family with the tray under the coffee maker. The shuttle is wonderful when your feet hurt or you just don't feel like walking anymore! The staff is great and the groundskeepers do an amazing job and are very friendly.

As far as the Desert Inn goes, I find the hotel much older, not as well kept, the breakfast wasn't good and parking was a nightmare, also only one car per room no matter the size of the room. The room was bigger but it wasn't near as nice or as comfortable as CCI, IMHO.

My computer is bugging out so I'll post this before it disappears on my

 

[kailuagirl]

What a great vacation you are planning!! I've never stayed at CCI, so can't help you there. But with the much older kids, if it was me, I would want to stay at a place that is close to the parks, so that if I wanted to go back to the room, I'd feel safe and comfortable with them returning or leaving on their own, maybe within walking distance. The hotels right across the street can't be beat for location, and the reviews from HOJO's on here are outstanding. As for the pool, ask the girls about it and see if they are actually going to be using the pool, they might want to just hang out in the parks the whole time. Good luck with your decision and plannings

 

[diskids2]

Thank you everyone! I'm going to check out PinkBudgie's review and to check out the Tropicana Inn. I'll also look at HoJO's.

Being able to walk back and forth is critical since I want the kids to be able to do that without taking the rental car. Are they still kids, LOL! To me they will always be!

 

[skiingfast]

Thank you everyone! I'm going to check out PinkBudgie's review and to check out the Tropicana Inn. I'll also look at HoJO's.

Being able to walk back and forth is critical since I want the kids to be able to do that without taking the rental car. Are they still kids, LOL! To me they will always be!

FWIW from any of these places mentioned you won't need to take a car to the parks. In fact if you do you might just end up walking more.

 

[1disneynutt]

Have you considered the Park Vue Inn? It is also right across the street. Free breakfast which includes hot items and also an evening reception (free snack food) I am planning on staying here next year, almost the same info as you except I will have my mom with me instead of my husband. I am planning on getting the room that has 2 queens in one room and 1 queen in the other. Have never stayed here myself but have a friend that did. I think for the price it sounds great.

 

[diskids2]

Have you considered the Park Vue Inn? It is also right across the street. Free breakfast which includes hot items and also an evening reception (free snack food) I am planning on staying here next year, almost the same info as you except I will have my mom with me instead of my husband. I am planning on getting the room that has 2 queens in one room and 1 queen in the other. Have never stayed here myself but have a friend that did. I think for the price it sounds great.

Thanks for the idea...I'm off to check it out!