How do you decide where to stay?

[TheZue]

We stayed on site last time and it ruined us lol! Anyways breakfast doesn't really come into it for us, we end up doing character meals for a couple of breakfasts and there is always some premium for going with a hotel that offers it; for example look at the price differences if the two best westerns on harbour. I get annoyed if we pay a premium for breakfast and we end up eating elsewhere.

The things that do matter to us are location, cleanliness, and this trip we really want the early entry each day. Also we are celebrating my sons birthday and I don't want to do the covert shopping/wrapping thing on vacation so the extra services like in room celebration are a huge factor with staying on site this time!

 

[rsleleux]

Do they usually have fall discounts? Should I wait and try to get a DLR hotel? I already bought the plane tickets but haven't made a reservation on a hotel stay mainly because I haven't decided on where to stay yet and probably because I REALLY want to stay on property but it's $700 more!

 

[wvnative]

Our needs change each trip as well. Location is always the biggest factor so I like the ones on Harbor. If one of the kids is going (broke college students who's parents are no longer footing the vacation bill) we opt for a cheaper place. My daughter has stayed at just about every hotel with me. My Dh will stay wherever I want. We like Desert Inn when I can get a good rate. Our Fav is HOJO. We do Anaheim Plaza frequently too because my DH smokes and they have the big patios. It's usually cheap too and the walk isn't any worse than walking from HOJO's.

I have Anaheim Plaza booked for our next trip but I'll continue to check prices on the others we like. We'd like to stay a little closer but have to keep the DD's budget in mind and would prefer to stay in the same hotel.

Breakfast and the pool are not considerations for us because we generally bring our own breakfast and/or have our favorite spots in the park to do breakfast. After being in the pool business for so long, we don't do public pools and we prefer to spend our time in the park.

 

[profa]

I can totally relate. I researched and researched before choosing for our first trip last month. I ended up w/ two , yes two hotels. It worked for us though.
We stayed two nights at hojo becuase I really wanted to have the pirate's cove for the kids to play, especially since we there in the morning of our off day before going to the beach.
The hojo seemed close but we only had to walk to DL and back twice and I was glad that #2 was across the st and 5 min closer when we walked 4x. So we moved on our beach day to the Desert inn suites because w/ 3 kids I wanted to have separate rooms for part of our stay. The HOJO room actually seemed more spacious and was definitely nicer. But this one had micro/and fridge. The boys slept in the first space that was a hide a bed w/ TV then there were two qns in the main rm. There was a light breakfast and that was nice to get us going. I was happy w/ the choice and DH was too even though the HOJO was much nicer. That 5 min closer made the difference w/ 3 kids 8 and under. They boys used the pool there one day. It was indoors which I wasn't as thrilled about but we didn't have much free time at that point anyway. Beds were good at both.

 

[sunny45]

Our needs change each trip as well. Location is always the biggest factor so I like the ones on Harbor. If one of the kids is going (broke college students who's parents are no longer footing the vacation bill) we opt for a cheaper place. My daughter has stayed at just about every hotel with me. My Dh will stay wherever I want. We like Desert Inn when I can get a good rate. Our Fav is HOJO. We do Anaheim Plaza frequently too because my DH smokes and they have the big patios. It's usually cheap too and the walk isn't any worse than walking from HOJO's.

I have Anaheim Plaza booked for our next trip but I'll continue to check prices on the others we like. We'd like to stay a little closer but have to keep the DD's budget in mind and would prefer to stay in the same hotel.

Breakfast and the pool are not considerations for us because we generally bring our own breakfast and/or have our favorite spots in the park to do breakfast. After being in the pool business for so long, we don't do public pools and we prefer to spend our time in the park.

How do you like the Anaheim Plaza? MY DH is also a smoker, is the patio right off your room? How far was the walk to DL?

Any information would is appreciated. Tripadvisor reviews, as usual, are mixed.

 

[pinktink83]

If you have small children who need naps, its imperative to stay very close to the park, imo. We really liked Desert Inn & Suites...if you book a few months ahead of time you get a really good deal and its literally across the street.

If you've got cash to spend, stay at the GCH.

 

[esc38372]

I love nice hotels, but we chose to stay at the Carousel Inn during our recent DLR visit because of the proximity to DLR. It was so nice to be able to wake up, get ready, and be at the parks really soon.

The Carousel room was definitely not super-luxurious, but it was totally fine. The kids actually told me when we walked into our room that it was their favorite hotel room!

I would stay at the Carousel Inn again, but DH is not sure. He did not enjoy the beds (I thought they were fine, but he is very picky and really only sleeps well on our Tempur-Pedic at home).

If $$$ was no object, I would stay at the Grand Californian, but since that's not the case, the Carousel Inn suited us just fine!

Good luck with your decision-making. I was super-nervous about my choice until we actually got to our room and I had finished checking for bedbugs (no signs, whew!)

 

[Dobie]

Broke Dobies stay at the Sheraton Anaheim, because they like the free shuttle, the pool area, the big rooms, the free shuttle, the Starwood Points, and the free shuttle.

Flush Dobies stay at the Paradise Pier, so that they can make one phone call for all their food appointments, and buy lots and lots of ****, charge it to their room, and have it sent to the hotel, thus eliminating all psychological barriers to buying lots and lots more ****...

 

[rsleleux]

We have staved at GCH twice and last time at DLH. Or next trip will be staying at Fairfield becausse of the proximity. We started with both of my boys 2&4 in a double stroller, so proximity and staying in the Disney bubble was our priority (thus, GCH). But our last trip to GC had the magic dulled a bit when we went to get ice and found someone perhaps couldn't get their room door open and used the ice room as a bathroom. (note: finding random poop at a Disney hotel does result in a discount). Some things can't be unseen so we were game to to the newly remodeled DLH for holidays last year. The rooms were new and amazing and I somehow got a killer fall deal two weeks before Christmas. (seriously only $400 more for four days than a GN motel on harbor).

This time I didn't want to wait for fall specials to be released, and with the boys older 4 &6 we are going to cross the street and try off prop. (I also wanted to get another beach vacation weekend in this summer) for the same trip I am saving $1k by doing FFI. I needed somhting still close enough to use a stroller (not going to mess with folding and unfolding the BOB anc dealng with lunch bags- we bring food due to DS's food allergies--on shuttles) And it had to be at least as close as DLH. I know there really isn't a real difference in distance, so I'm hoping that FFI will be worth the price difference. Funny thing is that I still don't consider PP worth the money... If it is DLR is is going to be GC or DLH. (or maybe FFI, or ?)

I hope it works out for you and I! We decided to go with FFI also since the rate was too good to pass up! We go to WDW every year around Mardi Gras since my son is out of school and we always stay onsite and take advantage of the dining plan! I wouldn't do it any other way! We can drive to WDW and we have to fly to DLR so our 4nt/3day parkhopper trip to DLR is as expensive as our 6nt/7day parkhopper trip to WDW! I'm impressed my husband even agreed to this weekend trip to celebrate my son's birthday since we just went in May but we missed out on Carsland so that is why we are going back! My son is a huge fan!

 

[hlbtimes2]

Broke Dobies stay at the Sheraton Anaheim, because they like the free shuttle, the pool area, the big rooms, the free shuttle, the Starwood Points, and the free shuttle.

So its safe to assume that the free shuttle is important to you?

 

[JadeDarkstar]

we have stayed all over.
1st time was at camolot inn with a package from dl site.
It was good, nice breakfast, nice beds, big rooms.

we have done hojos twice.
Nice beds no breakfast good price when ent rates available

this last time we went to travle lodge on disney land drive.
ok beds, not the best comfy. breakfast worked. hated waiting for shuttle Art system but it worked.

this time we are staying at quality inn near hojos. 69 a night and one free night with getaway today package.
we know some ppl complain about the walk and the rooms are small but we dont need alot for us. I am cheap this trip because im spending 360 for tour+party for my sons huge bday gift)
we are also doing cct once just to check it out and get woc fast pass.

it may not be the best choice but it will work and has breakfast. this time we are not doing any chr meals (in less we stick with gk for sons bday if we can come up with it)
(right now i'm canceling it but by next month ill know if we can keep it)

Also for the one scared of the bed bug registry. even gch has had 8 bedbug hits in the last year. Its common at hotels. and quality inn has had 2 in the last year. Hojos has had none that we have seen.

 

[blackjackdelta]

We set a budget for the week trip, line item everything out, look for the best and closet place to stay, and make the reservations. This year we were going to stay at the GCH, but two more decided to come along so to keep within the budget, we have now moved to the DLH at the suggestion of a friend...I am a perk addict.

Jack

 

[kylie71]

We set a budget for the week trip, line item everything out, look for the best and closet place to stay, and make the reservations. This year we were going to stay at the GCH, but two more decided to come along so to keep within the budget, we have now moved to the DLH at the suggestion of a friend...I am a perk addict.

Jack

LOL!!!


We always stay at the best priced, nicest place we can afford.
We have stayed onsight everywhere except for the GC... that is a huge dream of mine... someday, I hope!

I've stayed up and down Harbor over the last 35 years...
Our faves are:
RI Maingate, RI GG, HoJo, and Fairfield Inn...

Did not care for the Desert Inn, Tropicana, Carousel, or the Anahaim Plaza, or Park Vue... the Red Lion is OK, nice view of the MFWOD, ...
but do like the Candy Cane.. for it's breakfast, and beautiful grounds.

Just do the best you can, for your budget... and have a BLAST!!!

Lori

 

[sandgrace]

We've stayed almost everywhere at DLR and we find that we really prefer the places right acrossed the street on Harbor. We like the Park Vue Inn, Desert Inn and Suites, Park Place Inn. They are all really very much the same, nothing special but they were clean and very close for naps or breaks and at the end of the day with tired feet. We've stayed at the Disneyland Hotel, Paradise Pier, and the Grand Californian and honestly they are farther away and since we never spend much time in our room it's not worth spending the extra money to us.

 

[SDDisneyFamily]

For my family it's all about location. We usually stay at the Desert Inn. They have both rooms and suites. We have stayed in both depending on how many of us go. It is right across the street from DL off of Harbor and you don't have to wait for a shuttle. We will be staying there in October for the Halloween fun.

 

[smiles33]

We stayed at the Disneyland Hotel for a wedding a few years ago and were seriously disappointed. Thus, when we went last September, I knew I wasn't going to pony up the money to stay there again. After extensive research here on DISBoards, I knew it was either Grand Californian or a Good Neighbor hotel within walking distance. Since I'm all about getting the most value for my money and my kids were then only 2 and 5 (meaning we had to return to nap every afternoon and I wanted a second room so the adult stuck in the room wasn't sitting in the dark), we lucked out getting our Kids Suite at HoJo. Thanks again to jory29, a member here who gave us her reservation at the Entertainment rate!

I can't sing its praises enough! I wrote a long and detailed review about the HoJo in my signature--yes, its standard rooms are similar to many of its Harbor Blvd. neighbors, but the Kids Suite is truly an unparalleled experience!

 

[jennabennabofenna]

Wherever is closest, nicest, and cheapest.

 

[yaya74]

So far choosing where to stay is the toughest decision to make among all the plannings that I have to do for our upcoming 4-days trip to DLR..
I am a Costco member so I booked my package through Costco Travel. The package includes Premium Character Dining which is something we definitely will do and makes the cost as affordable as if we booked all separately.

Early August, I booked FFI for its location. Then I found out the Stovall's has a 3rd night free offer and the reviews are great. So in mid August I changed my ressie from FFI to Stovalls and saved $200 plus the free breakfast inspite of the $8 parking fee. But later, I worried about the distance and DH was complaining too as we will be travelling with DD(4) and DS(1). And I found a report on bedbugregistry.com. I contacted the Stovall's in regards to that and haven't heard from them. I also have heard lots complaining about riding the ART.... So my search for the hotel continues... Then I found out the Carousel Inn also has the same 3rd-night free offer with free breakfast, free parking, hardwood flooring AND less than 10 minutes walk to the turn stile. No report on bedbugregistry... Though it is $50 more than Stovall's, I am now staying at the Carousel Inn.

My trip is 7 weeks away and I hope I am not changing my reservation again.

 

[julieheyer]

We're going mid Nov. our trip will have 4 days in DL, but broken into 2 stays of 2 days each. First half at Del Sol and second at Hojos. Reviews for both were good, walking distance, and my credit care points covered them! :free:

You have to prioritize what is most important to you (and how much time you spend in your room). We live in AZ so we don't care about a nice pool, we are in Anaheim for only 1 thing-DL! Walking distance was a to priority, free bfast is nice, clean is also important for us. Each person has to sort out their pros/cons for each option ($, location, amenities) then STOP shopping. You can drive yourself crazy looking for better and better deals. JMHO.

 

[seadd67]

We stay at the Candy cane Inn 2 years ago, we did because we read up that it was so close.well it was close, but still a good walk after a long day. This year(we will be at DL Oct the 2nd to the 8th) because we are doing this with not a lot of time to plan/save my priority was cost and convince. First cost, this was the most difficult, i had to narrow my choices from under 100. that left me with choices In the motel range, this was hard for me because i told my self i would stay at nothing unless it was going to be DLR or GC when ever i went back to DL.
Well I decide on a hotel??, i think its more a Motel, i decided on Good Nite Inn Buena Park about 8 miles from DL. It went for about 50.00 a night, so price Is good, no breakfast, no hot tub but from the reviews its a comfortable bed for the night and at the end that's all we really need. We will be out and about most of the time. Also i decided to rent a car,we will be going to San Diego and LA on this trip so i decided to go further to save a few bucks and drive to the park. Two of the days i will get free parking, we will not have to worry about walking back to the room. We will see at the end?, maybe better maybe more of a hassle at least i will know by the end right