I need help with off site Hotel!!!!!!

[Mrs. Bee]

I just picked some random dates in June. I found hotels from $62 a night and up.

The Anaheim Plaza is $91 a night. I think I left a link for that one in an earlier post.

 

[damiel]

Now back to the Ho Jo. When does the pool close and reopen. Will it be closed May 25-28? We've got to have a pool wherever we stay. So that will be a huge deciding factor.

The HO Jo has two pools. The quiet pool is under renovations now and when it is finished the other pool will go into renovations. From what I hear it will be awsome when it is all done.

 

[Raidermouse]

The HOJO entertainment rate is not always available.I could not get it online and called since I knew my dales were at the end of "value" season and got it, but here is something lifted right of their forum site.


Currently, the Entertainment Rate is available at the full discounted rate of $59/$74 per night + tax for the following dates:

February 2008:: N/A
March 2008:: 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 9th, 10th, 11th
April 2008:: 6th, 7th, 8th, 28th, 29th, 30th
May 2008:: 5th, 6th, 7th, 11th, 12th, 13th, 14th, 15th, 21st, 22nd, 23rd, 24th, 25th, 26th, 27th, 28th, 29th, 30th, 31st
June 2008:: 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th
July 2008:: N/A
August 2008:: 18th, 19th, 20th, 21st, 22nd, 23rd, 24th, 25th, 26th, 27th, 28th, 29th
September 2008:: 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th, 13th, 14th, 15th, 16th, 17th, 18th, 24th, 25th, 26th, 27th, 28th, 29th, 30th
October 2008:: 1st, 2nd, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th, 13th, 14th, 15th, 16th, 17th, 18th, 19th, 20th, 21st, 22nd, 23rd, 24th, 25th, 26th, 27th, 28th, 29th, 30th, 31st
November 2008:: 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th, 13th, 14th, 15th, 16th, 17th, 18th, 19th, 20th, 21st, 22nd, 23rd, 24th, 25th, 26th, 30th
December 2008:: 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th, 13th, 14th, 15th, 16th, 17th, 18th

If the dates that you are looking to stay with us are not listed, you are still entitled to a 15% discount off the best available rate for the room type you are booking. Just give our In-House Reservations a call at 714-776-6120!

 

[reynmagsmom]

we r staying st the Fairfield Inn 3/31 to 4/6 and have heard very good things...we have also stayed at Castle Inn and Suites and Howard Johnson while i really like HoJo's the walk was just too far ... the fairfield is just a tad closer so im hoping it will be bit better we have also stayed at a few hotel farther away but we got fairfield thru getawaytoday for a great price so we went with it...ill let u know how it was when we return

 

[lookingforward]

I called the hotel directly and they were really nice, but no go for the first week in august. She stated that the Entertainment rate at that time is a simple 15% off, which basically covers the California and local tax. I am torn between HOJO and Candy cane, both are about the same price. HELP!

 

[DangerMouse]

I called the hotel directly and they were really nice, but no go for the first week in august. She stated that the Entertainment rate at that time is a simple 15% off, which basically covers the California and local tax. I am torn between HOJO and Candy cane, both are about the same price. HELP!

Well, here are the major benefits of each:

Candy Cane:

Dedicated Shuttle
Cont. Breakfast

HoJo:

Nicer pool areas (a LOT nicer if they finish the pirate ship theme refurb by Aug)
Larger rooms
inside corridors
MiMi's Cafe right across street

Both have lovely landscaped grounds, excellent customer service and they are the same walking distance to the parks (10 min). You'll have to decide which ammenities are most important to your family.

 

[mAlien13]

I called the hotel directly and they were really nice, but no go for the first week in august. She stated that the Entertainment rate at that time is a simple 15% off, which basically covers the California and local tax. I am torn between HOJO and Candy cane, both are about the same price. HELP!

I know there are a lot of points of view on this, but I thought I'd throw my two cents in. We have not stayed at the HoJo, although my DBF has and she raves it! We did stay at the CCI, largely due to the great reviews on the boards and Trip Advisor...we were extremely disappointed. The shuttle, for us, was much more of a hardship than an added convenience. Trying to leave the park, bolt at the end of a long day with little ones and their tired feet, trying each day to make it in time for their "constant 20 min cycles," which was honestly NOT true in our experience, was just not worth the trouble. In six days, we took the shuttle home once. We watched it leave as we dashed for the stop a few times, then we waited several times, but it never returned in less than 35 minutes while we were there. It was just easier for us to walk, although that was difficult for my mother. We now feel that it would be better to stay at one of the hotels right across the street than try to find a good shuttle. The mornings were better, as long as we didn't mind getting in line for the shuttle very early to make sure we got a spot on the first one. We took the shuttle in the morning three times.

I am only focusing on the shuttle so much because it really is the only benefit over the HoJo. I would not recommend you let that swing you. There were several other problems with our stay, but I don't want to hijack the post. You can pm me if you have more questions. Like I said, we have not stayed at the HoJo, but we are considering it for our May stay.

 

[Mrs. Bee]

i noticed you went to DL in June of last yr? how was the weather and the crowds? we are going june 5-12.
mousiemom

if you go to http://www.wunderground.com/tripplanner/index.asp you can type in anaheim and the dates you're going. It will give you the historical weather for those dates for the past few years. It will give you at least a rough idea of what to expect.

here's the beginning of what it says for june 5th-12th...

The Average High Temperature is 75 F with a historical range of 66 F to 89 F
The Average Low Temperature is 61 F with a historical range of 52 F to 68 F
The Average Daily Precipitation is 0.00 with a historical range of 0.00 to 0.01
Average Cloud Cover is mostly cloudy
There is a 65% chance of a Cloudy Day.
The Average Wind is 4 mph with a historical range of 0 mph to 7 mph
The Average High Dew Point is 58 F with a historical range of 48 F to 65 F
The Average Low Dew Point is 53 F with a historical range of 23 F to 61 F

It then goes through each june 5th-12th since 1997.

 

[kiwitravel]

We did stay at the CCI, largely due to the great reviews on the boards and Trip Advisor...we were extremely disappointed.

Friends of ours stayed there for exactly the same reason and were also disappointed. It isn't a bad hotel just not as good as the hype some give it and there are better value places that are closer.

Haven't heard of too many dissappointed with HoJos, we have stayed at Carousel and Tropicanna and would stay again, really liked the closeness but will consider HoJos next trip as well.

 

[lookingforward]

I know there are a lot of points of view on this, but I thought I'd throw my two cents in. We have not stayed at the HoJo, although my DBF has and she raves it! We did stay at the CCI, largely due to the great reviews on the boards and Trip Advisor...we were extremely disappointed. The shuttle, for us, was much more of a hardship than an added convenience. Trying to leave the park, bolt at the end of a long day with little ones and their tired feet, trying each day to make it in time for their "constant 20 min cycles," which was honestly NOT true in our experience, was just not worth the trouble. In six days, we took the shuttle home once. We watched it leave as we dashed for the stop a few times, then we waited several times, but it never returned in less than 35 minutes while we were there. It was just easier for us to walk, although that was difficult for my mother. We now feel that it would be better to stay at one of the hotels right across the street than try to find a good shuttle. The mornings were better, as long as we didn't mind getting in line for the shuttle very early to make sure we got a spot on the first one. We took the shuttle in the morning three times.

I am only focusing on the shuttle so much because it really is the only benefit over the HoJo. I would not recommend you let that swing you. There were several other problems with our stay, but I don't want to hijack the post. You can pm me if you have more questions. Like I said, we have not stayed at the HoJo, but we are considering it for our May stay.

Thanks for your input! We are only staying there for one night before checking into the Disneyland resort so I am going to go with HOJO's simply because it is really close and the staff was really nice when I called. The hotel looks fine for us. We plan to go to downtown disney for dinner and call it a day the first night. I am actually contemplating just staying there for the entire three nights and saving over $600. We'll see. I might check out more reviews. It is SO MUCH cheaper than disney resorts!

 

[mAlien13]

Thanks for your input! We are only staying there for one night before checking into the Disneyland resort so I am going to go with HOJO's simply because it is really close and the staff was really nice when I called. The hotel looks fine for us. We plan to go to downtown disney for dinner and call it a day the first night. I am actually contemplating just staying there for the entire three nights and saving over $600. We'll see. I might check out more reviews. It is SO MUCH cheaper than disney resorts!

Glad to help. I would definitely consider staying off-site to save that much money. In Orlando, there is such an advantage to staying on-site, but at DLR there really isn't as far as I am concerned. There is the fun of being immersed in all things Disney, but everything is so close together there, that we just end up thinking it is more fun to have that money for fun in the park, rather than a resort hotel that has little more to offer than the ones located just beyond the gates!

That is a personal perspective issue, though, and either way, you are going to have so much fun! I hope all your plans come together just how they should!

 

[grumpymakesmehappy]

Thanks for your input! We are only staying there for one night before checking into the Disneyland resort so I am going to go with HOJO's simply because it is really close and the staff was really nice when I called. The hotel looks fine for us. We plan to go to downtown disney for dinner and call it a day the first night. I am actually contemplating just staying there for the entire three nights and saving over $600. We'll see. I might check out more reviews. It is SO MUCH cheaper than disney resorts!

That's exactly what I did. I had originally looked at staying at DL Hotel but then I started noticing how many people stay off site at DL. Personally I thought the benefits of staying on site at DL aren't as great as they are at WDW. In the end, it was not worth spending the extra money so we decided to stay at the Ho Jo.

Thank you so much to all of you who offered your advise. You've saved me a bundle! I booked the Ho Jo this afternoon using the entertainment rate. We decided to go with the Disney view and were able to secure a 74 a night rate for May 25-28. Once again, thank you all so much!

 

[mimmy42]

Hi! I've used this forum before and found such great help, that I'm trying again! I've just heard that the HoJo's anaheim had the pool closed to be redone into something amazing! The only problem is, will it be under construction May 10th on? My daughter and I are so looking forwards to our first disney trip, that I would be really disappointed if we had construction going on and a pool unavailable. Do I need to change hotels? I know it's a small matter, but does anyone know dates etc? I have great hopes for HoJo's but really want to be able to wander in peace and quiet when not in the disney crowds. 10 days is alot with construction and less pool space!

 

[50sjayne]

Hi! I've used this forum before and found such great help, that I'm trying again! I've just heard that the HoJo's anaheim had the pool closed to be redone into something amazing! The only problem is, will it be under construction May 10th on? My daughter and I are so looking forwards to our first disney trip, that I would be really disappointed if we had construction going on and a pool unavailable. Do I need to change hotels? I know it's a small matter, but does anyone know dates etc? I have great hopes for HoJo's but really want to be able to wander in peace and quiet when not in the disney crowds. 10 days is alot with construction and less pool space!

Pretty sure they have 2 pools.

 

[DangerMouse]

Hi! I've used this forum before and found such great help, that I'm trying again! I've just heard that the HoJo's anaheim had the pool closed to be redone into something amazing! The only problem is, will it be under construction May 10th on? My daughter and I are so looking forwards to our first disney trip, that I would be really disappointed if we had construction going on and a pool unavailable. Do I need to change hotels? I know it's a small matter, but does anyone know dates etc? I have great hopes for HoJo's but really want to be able to wander in peace and quiet when not in the disney crowds. 10 days is alot with construction and less pool space!

They do have two pools. Their newly remodeled garden pool will be open when you are there. They have done an amazing job keeping things relatively quiet during the garden pool remodel, and I would expect the same during the main pool remodel as well.

If you want to keep up on the dates of the HoJo pool remodels, check out their boards here: http://www.hojoanaheim.com/phpbb/viewforum.php?f=7&sid=17a65725fd561c043feeaba1d6e8aabf

Lorealle is doing a great job of keeping everyone updated of construction dates and happenings.

 

[Hound 109]

That's exactly what I did. I had originally looked at staying at DL Hotel but then I started noticing how many people stay off site at DL. Personally I thought the benefits of staying on site at DL aren't as great as they are at WDW. In the end, it was not worth spending the extra money so we decided to stay at the Ho Jo.

Thank you so much to all of you who offered your advise. You've saved me a bundle! I booked the Ho Jo this afternoon using the entertainment rate. We decided to go with the Disney view and were able to secure a 74 a night rate for May 25-28. Once again, thank you all so much!

This is the third time in this thread that I've read that the benefits of staying on-site at WDW is better than staying on-site at DLR.

I disagree.

The benefits of staying onsite at WDW allows you EMH & hooks you up with the bus system. The bad part about that is......for virtually every resort your forced to use the bus system & EVERYONE has EMH.

Staying onsite at DLR ensures that you will be able to WALK to the resorts & also ensures MM each day it's offered (& MM is much less crowded at DL than at WDW). Also with APs & also sometimes at certain times of year, the 3 DLR hotels offer good values. IMO, the DLH & the GCH are both Deluxe Hotels & the prices are in line with WDW deluxes. (imo the PP is a Mod/Deluxe & doesn't have a WDW equivelent....it's a great place if they have a deal...not so much if they don't). But ALL of them are provide walking thru DTD to the parks coming & going....great for convenience & great for "immersion".

The biggest difference is that DLR doesn't have the plethora of Mods & Budget hotels......& the nearby hotels/motels fill that bill nicely. (especially the Harbor Dr. "near the crosswalk" motels.) AND....even these less expensive hotels/motels are walking distance. (Giving them a huge logistical advantage over the mods & value resorts at WDW). But they don't deliver the "immersion" factor as much as WDW.

Like many (most) things. Lodgeing at DLR is much different than WDW. But I'd rather pay half as much fpr a Harbor Blvd. hotel/motel & be able to WALK to the park in 6 min. than pay twice as much for a mod at WDW & be forced to take the bus everywhere.

But the other side of the coin is...if immersion is important, & if someone is used to staying at GF or the WL, (& are used to paying $300 a night) then they could be "disappointed" in the lack of Disney by staying at a Harbor Motel (even if it saved them $1000 - $1500 on a 5 day trip). I've done both & I like/love both. Then again, my idea of a Disney trip is parks, parks, pool, one stroll (max) thru DTD, parks, parks & parks. So the DLR set up works for me much better than WDW.

Off soap box now.

 

[DangerMouse]

But the other side of the coin is...if immersion is important, & if someone is used to staying at GF or the WL, (& are used to paying $300 a night) then they could be "disappointed" in the lack of Disney by staying at a Harbor Motel (even if it saved them $1000 - $1500). I've done both & I like/love both. Then again, my idea of a Disney trip is parks, parks, pool, one stroll (max) thru DTD, parks, parks & parks. So the DLR works set up works for me much better than WDW.

Off soap box now.

Hound, I've done both (immersion at DLH and GCH) and off-site at HoJo. To me, I just didn't get the whole immersion thing at the DLR hotels. I just walked away feeling like I spent too much money -- and this was even with getting an awesome AP rate. I agree, if you are comparing DLR hotels to he ones directly across the street (Desert Inn, Park Vue, etc.), you are comparing apples to oranges.

But, give the HoJo a try after they have installed their totally new awesome pirate-themed Castaway Cove pool with slide this summer. Try to get their entertainment rate, where you come away paying $300 for four nights instead of $1,200+ and I think the whole immersion soapbox will just melt away. . .

 

[thumpermom]

The benefits of staying onsite at WDW allows you EMH & hooks you up with the bus system. The bad part about that is......for virtually every resort your forced to use the bus system & EVERYONE has EMH.

I'm sorry, but this is not correct. You are certainly not FORCED to use the bus system - you are free to drive your car if you prefer, and do not have to pay for parking at the parks. Also, EMH is for resort guests only.

 

[Hound 109]

I'm sorry, but this is not correct. You are certainly not FORCED to use the bus system - you are free to drive your car if you prefer, and do not have to pay for parking at the parks. Also, EMH is for resort guests only.

Yes you can ride in a car (or cab). But you can't walk, which was my point about the logistical ease at DLR vrs. WDW.

& Yes EMH is for guests only....thus the perk. MM is offered to "on site guests" each day it's offered. (similar perk).

My point was that staying on-site at WDW isn't superior to staying on site at DLR...in fact from my perspective, staying onsite at DLR AND/OR staying in a Harbor Blve. motel is superior to staying at at ANY WDW property (except for maybe the GF & the Poly).

 

[Hound 109]

Hound, I've done both (immersion at DLH and GCH) and off-site at HoJo. To me, I just didn't get the whole immersion thing at the DLR hotels. I just walked away feeling like I spent too much money -- and this was even with getting an awesome AP rate. I agree, if you are comparing DLR hotels to he ones directly across the street (Desert Inn, Park Vue, etc.), you are comparing apples to oranges.

But, give the HoJo a try after they have installed their totally new awesome pirate-themed Castaway Cove pool with slide this summer. Try to get their entertainment rate, where you come away paying $300 for four nights instead of $1,200+ and I think the whole immersion soapbox will just melt away. . .

I only bring it up for the WDW diehards who are not pleased when they have to walk by a McDs on their way to the park. If folks want the GF or WL experience at DLR, they can get it.

But......many (most) would rather use the $900 for other things after whey compare DLH to the HOJO though.

DM, i'm planning a late April or early May.....two day trip, & I'll either stay dirt cheap AP rate on site, or if not available....I'll pull out the trusty Entertainment Card.

(& the reason I would stay onsite wouldn't be for immersion...oh maybe a tiny bit... but it would be primarily for MM purposes. I wish MM was still on Monday though.)