Just booked a Hotel right next to the park..but help!!!

[chriscox]

Hi All!

I have just booked into the Anabella Hotel which is right opposite the park. I was just wondering has anyone stayed here...if so any good? It sure looks nice!

Secondly how far is it from Disney to Knotts, driving time?? Finally what is the closest and nicest beach near Disneyland. Since I want to visit one on our day not at the park!

Thanks
Chris Cox
That UK Disney Fan
www.nowt2do.com

 

[Michelle]

Hi Chris! I haven't seen the inside of the Anabella but from the outside it looks very nice. It's brand new and here is what I've read about it:

The Anabella is an extravagant mission-style hotel contained within 7 acres of lush, landscaped grounds. The hotel incorporates architectural elements that draw upon the heritage of authentic California missions. Elegant eaves and overhangs and rounded roof tiles accentuate the thick, white-washed adobe-like walls and squat arches which line the enchanting oasis of palm trees and blossoms. Private enclaves are found throughout the expansive grounds.

Property features:
* 358 elegant rooms with designer furnishings, fabrics, & linens
* Occupancy 5 max with no more than 3 adults per room
* One resort pool with a Jacuzzi and a separate pool exclusively for adults
* Indulgent modern athletic fitness center
* State-of-the-art business center
* Deluxe complimentary continental breakfast
* Complimentary shuttle service to the Disney Theme Parks and Convention Center
* Valet service
* Restaurant/bar
* Room service
* Nail salon
* Gift shop

In-Room Amenities:
* Lavish amenities including: granite bathrooms, refrigerators, hair dryers, tea/coffee makers
* Executive desks plus high-speed tele/data access including multiple lines, internet, & e-mail
* Modern entertainment systems featuring current movie releases
* Spacious rooms offering private bungalows with patios
* Kids suites
* Meeting facilities
* In-room safes

Knott's is only about 5 miles from Disneyland, about a 15-minute drive away.

There aren't any beaches particularly CLOSE to Disneyland, but there are several within a 45 minute drive. You might want to check out Mary Jo's post above about Newport Beach, as that is a very nice area.

Have fun!

 

[daannzzz]

A lady I work with went down to DL a couple months ago at the last minute and she booked her room at the Annabella. She was very pleased with the room and the look of the place. though it wasn't quite finished ...(landscaping was still going in). They didn't use the pool. It is located "across" from the park but is still quite a walk. It is next to the Anaheim convention center on Katella across the street from the roller coaster at DCA. To get to the entrance of both parks you have to walk either right or left over on Katella and then up Disneyland drive or up Harbor Blvd. For me a 10 minute walk and I walk fast.

 

[Luv2Roam]

If it is by the convention center/rollercoaster, then it would be good walk to the park. There most likely is a shuttle for it, I would think. The only downside I could see if you wanted to return to your room, or after a long day and you are tired already.....
That's why it is a nice place with many room perks. They need to offer perks because most want to stay as close to the entrance as possible. That's just MHO tho'.
And I think most of the hotels in that area have the same perks. We stayed at the Anaheim Desert Inn and had in room remote TV, phone, small frig, microwave, hair dryer & coffeemaker.
But I don't want to make it sound like it would a long walk. It would be a nice walk -- as in pleasant. Ten minutes sound reasonable. Then from the sidewalk start of the entrance is around another one long or two short blocks to the actual front of the parks.