Last minute trip. Ho Jo's or Candy Cane Inn???

[famouschinesec]

Today is Thursday, just found out my college aged daughter and I are going on Sunday. That's right 2 1/2 days from now. Flights are done. We are in and out of LAX, so I've decided on having a town car for transportation instead of renting a car. Any suggestions on companies on this one? The rates all seem to be similar, just looking for recommendations for or against any particular company. Was going to bid a hotel on priceline as the Doubletree comes up regularly at $50, but I can get HoJo's for $119 or Candy Cane in for $124 and I would be able to walk to the parks. I believe Candy Cane includes breakfast. Would love for some input one way or the other. My head is spinning.

 

[Brady's Mom]

With the prices so close it might be worth going with Candy Cane. Don't they have their own dedicated shuttle? That's a very nice perk when you've been commando in the parks all day.

We love HoJo, but would try Candy Cane if the price was right.

 

[SKWDW]

Today is Thursday, just found out my college aged daughter and I are going on Sunday. That's right 2 1/2 days from now. Flights are done. We are in and out of LAX, so I've decided on having a town car for transportation instead of renting a car. Any suggestions on companies on this one? The rates all seem to be similar, just looking for recommendations for or against any particular company. Was going to bid a hotel on priceline as the Doubletree comes up regularly at $50, but I can get HoJo's for $119 or Candy Cane in for $124 and I would be able to walk to the parks. I believe Candy Cane includes breakfast. Would love for some input one way or the other. My head is spinning.

The hot tub at the HoJo is a fabulous way to wind down after a long day at the Parks. I'd go HoJo. It's not much of a difference in walking for adults and I prefer the HoJo.

 

[LavenderPeach]

We've never stayed at Hojos but love CCI. Both hotels are about the same distance from DLR but CCI has a free shuttle. They also have a free breakfast and free parking.

 

[famouschinesec]

The reason I'm looking at both of these is that they are supposed to be an easy walk to the parks. Is that not the case? Yes Candy Cane does have their own shuttle. Both get very good reviews; just was wondering if there is any appreciable difference one way or the other. We will not have a car, so relying on our feet and any kind of shuttles. Does one have a better view than the other? Better amenities (Ho JO pool looks awesome, but we probably will not be using the pool)?? Easier walk to out of the park dining? I can do WDW with my eyes closed but this is another story.

 

[longtimedisneylurker]

We've stayed at Hojo a dozen times and Candy Cane three times. I would go back to Candy Cane for sure if I could find prices comparable to Hojos. So my vote in this case would be to go with Candy Cane since there is such a minimal price difference. Candy Cane offers one of the nicer continental breakfasts and does have a shuttle, so those are pretty good perks for your extra $5 per night. The walk is no further than Hojos, just from the other direction, and it is a pleasant walk that doesn't require you to cross Harbor since you're already on the Disney side of Harbor.

 

[famouschinesec]

We've stayed at Hojo a dozen times and Candy Cane three times. I would go back to Candy Cane for sure if I could find prices comparable to Hojos. So my vote in this case would be to go with Candy Cane since there is such a minimal price difference. Candy Cane offers one of the nicer continental breakfasts and does have a shuttle, so those are pretty good perks for your extra $5 per night. The walk is no further than Hojos, just from the other direction, and it is a pleasant walk that doesn't require you to cross Harbor since you're already on the Disney side of Harbor.

Thanks so much. Exactly the kind of advice I'm looking for. Anybody else out there? The hot tub at Hojos does sound wonderful though.

 

[skiingfast]

Hojo is great with the entertainment rate. That's the reason it gets so many rave reviews. Without that itis just a good hotel.

Candy Cane get great reviews, merited on it's ammenities, not cheap rates.

Is Hojo closer, yes by about 1-2 minutes walk. But doesn't have the free shuttle when your feet are asking for a ride, one of the extras CCI provides.

 

[LisainCalifornia]

I have always heard such good things about Candy Cane Inn--which is amazing because it is one of the oldest hotels near Disneyland. It is sort of a retro "motel" with outdoor halls. The rooms tend to face the parking area, as that is just the kind of motel it is. They have very lush landscaping (mature trees and plants that are very well maintained) that makes the hotel look more inviting. It is a very sweet looking motel with lots of personal service. I have heard that the shuttle drivers are very nice and they go above and beyond to provide you service. Since it is a relatively small motel, the shuttle doesn't get that crowded--like in other hotels. The rooms are known for being very clean, yet small. There is a Subway restaurant across the street, as well as a 7-11 next door. California Pizza kitchen is walking distance away, along with some other shops and restaurants. The walk to Disneyland is similar distance as the walk from Hojos, but it is a sheltered, landscaped walkway and you don't have to cross the street as it is located on the Disney side. People pay a bit more to stay at Candy Cane Inn (with exterior hallways and small rooms) because it is a very "charming" place despite it's limitations. Customer service is top notch in a casual, personal sort of way (so not stuffy--more homey). Free breakfast that is served outside by the pool, but you can take a tray and bring it back to your room. I have heard that the internet connection at the Candy Cane in can be very slow or spotty. The pool is small but very nice looking with no roaring freeway in the background. Nice hot tub, too.

Howard Johnsons is clean and comfortable with larger, more modern rooms. The beds are very nice (pillowtop), and you can pay a little more to get a Disney facing view. There is a Mimi's next door, and a few doors down is McDonalds. The walk is about 10 minutes to the gates, but it is 10 minutes down a busy, crowded urban street. You are RIGHT next door to the freeway, so if you open a window or the sliding glass door, be prepared for the deafening sound. I could barely hear it with the door closed from building 1 (disney view) and found the hotel to be pretty quiet. It has interior halls like a regular hotel, so you are sheilded from the outdoor sounds quite a bit. While I felt perfectly safe in the hotel itself, there were a few nights when we stayed there and my daughter and I were walking home very late from the park that I felt a little nervous. It is the farthest hotel on the strip, and although there were a lot of people around us starting out on our walk, by the time we got past the Fairfied Inn people really dropped off and we were often walking alone. I often wished for a shuttle at the hotel, and think it would be a great thing for them to offer. Internet works well, and they have Keurig coffee makers in the room (both very big bonuses!). The only time I really see people coming here to complain about Hojos is when they get the cheapest room and it is located right next to the freeway side. If you going to stay there, pay a little extra to avoid that, because I think it is a big deal to many people even if they thing they won't mind it initially. The freeway can really ruin it, I think.

Hope that information helps you to make your choice!

 

[Hummingbird15]

I like the Candy Cane, but I've never stayed at HoJo's. They both are walking distance, but after walking all day in the parks, that walk can feel looong...and the Candy Cane's private shuttle sure is nice! I also liked Candy Cane's breakfast.

 

[AustinTink]

Hojo is great with the entertainment rate. That's the reason it gets so many rave reviews. Without that itis just a good hotel.

Candy Cane get great reviews, merited on it's ammenities, not cheap rates.

Is Hojo closer, yes by about 1-2 minutes walk. But doesn't have the free shuttle when your feet are asking for a ride, one of the extras CCI provides.

I agree with all of this post. I chose the CCI for our next trip. It was a tough call between CCI and HOJO, but the shuttle won out in the end.

 

[famouschinesec]

All of the positive Candy Cane reviews won out over the Ho JOs's hot tub. Thanks so much for the replies in such a timely manner. We are booked into Candy Cane Inn for 3 nights starting this Sunday. Now have to start looking at Disneyland Plans.

 

[LisainCalifornia]

All of the positive Candy Cane reviews won out over the Ho JOs's hot tub. Thanks so much for the replies in such a timely manner. We are booked into Candy Cane Inn for 3 nights starting this Sunday. Now have to start looking at Disneyland Plans.

They have a hot tub at Candy Cane Inn as well, and I think it is even better because you don't have to hear the freeway while you are in it.

Have a great trip and be sure to tell us how you like it when you get back!

 

[marvel]

I just wanted to thank Lisa for that comparison of the two hotels. It was very accurate and detailed. I wish others would read this when the want to provide a review of the hotels. It really was fabulous.

We stayed at HOJO's and never at CCI and the review of HOJO was spot on. We stayed in the family room which is next to the freeway (after reading reviews says the noise wasn't that bad) and the noise is very very loud. The pool is great, the staff are too, and the new rooms are ok for the price.

I think we will stay at CCI next time.

 

[Hound 109]

Lots of good info in this thread. Also I think Pink Budgie has a great review of CCI (with pics) that would be good to review.

I like the CCI alot.....& offer a couple of opinions regarding the shuttle:

- It's great. Runs on time every half hour (i think).

- My experience is that it runs 5 min. late. (Great if you're running to catch it), but if you're tapping your toes wanting it to take off, be advised.

- If you're a "get to the park early" semi-commando (like me)....it will leave at 7:35 for an 8am opening. (or 6:35 for a 7am MM opening). This doesn't work for the "want to be first at the turnstile" person since the security desk will open at :30. It's best to walk the 9 min. & get to the Security tent at :20 in the AM if that's your goal. (a pleasant walk to start the day fyi).

- Also if you're an early bird, you'll likely take a mid day rest.....this is where the CCI is GREAT. Take the shuttle (with no crowds) back to the CCI in the early afternoon....& then back to the parks/DTD for your early evening touring...again the bus will be empty (just be aware of the departure times).

- If planning on riding the bus immediately after the fireworks (or at closing), expect a crowd (& possible waits). Like everything else at DLR, it's best to zig when all others are zagging.

When we stay at the CCI, we'll typically take the bus 3 times a day & walk one leg a day. Bus takes (at most) 5 min. to travel from the CCI to the DLR drop off & 2-3 min. to return to CCI. (& from the drop off it's a 1-2 min. stroll to Security & the turnstiles.)

Have a great time at the CCI & at Walt's Park.

 

[AustinTink]

Lots of good info in this thread. Also I think Pink Budgie has a great review of CCI (with pics) that would be good to review.

I like the CCI alot.....& offer a couple of opinions regarding the shuttle:

- It's great. Runs on time every half hour (i think).

- My experience is that it runs 5 min. late. (Great if you're running to catch it), but if you're tapping your toes wanting it to take off, be advised.

- If you're a "get to the park early" semi-commando (like me)....it will leave at 7:35 for an 8am opening. (or 6:35 for a 7am MM opening). This doesn't work for the "want to be first at the turnstile" person since the security desk will open at :30. It's best to walk the 9 min. & get to the Security tent at :20 in the AM if that's your goal. (a pleasant walk to start the day fyi).

- Also if you're an early bird, you'll likely take a mid day rest.....this is where the CCI is GREAT. Take the shuttle (with no crowds) back to the CCI in the early afternoon....& then back to the parks/DTD for your early evening touring...again the bus will be empty (just be aware of the departure times).

- If planning on riding the bus immediately after the fireworks (or at closing), expect a crowd (& possible waits). Like everything else at DLR, it's best to zig when all others are zagging.

When we stay at the CCI, we'll typically take the bus 3 times a day & walk one leg a day. Bus takes (at most) 5 min. to travel from the CCI to the DLR drop off & 2-3 min. to return to CCI. (& from the drop off it's a 1-2 min. stroll to Security & the turnstiles.)

Have a great time at the CCI & at Walt's Park.

Thanks for the shuttle tips, Hound! This summer will be our first stay at the CCI. I'm gathering up as much info as possible before then.

P.S. This Austin weather is killing me right now! Allergies!!!

 

[famouschinesec]

Great info. Yes, we are early, commando types and will want to be at the turnstyles to beat the crowd. We're both fit enough to handle the early morning walk plus the parks. We will be taking mid-day breaks as well, so sounds like we have similar touring styles. BTW, what kind of hound are you?

 

[DeluxePrincess]

Great descriptions everyone! We are researching a possible summer trip and these 2 places were top contenders. CCI is getting the edge for us as well, unless some great summer discounts from the DLR come out.

 

[LavenderPeach]

Lots of good info in this thread. Also I think Pink Budgie has a great review of CCI (with pics) that would be good to review.

My sister, pinkbudgie, has been pretty busy lately and hasn't had time to post much recently so here's the link to her CCI review:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2532780&highlight=candy+cane+inn+review+pictures

 

[ducky_love]

Does CCI still have those ancient keys? We stayed there our first time but my DH said it felt to "girly" for him. I really loved the place! Hope you have a great stay!