Need advice on where to stay???

[moonbill2002]

We have reservations at the Embassy Suites currently and are okay with staying there but am curious if there is something less expensive and suited to our family of 5. Let me tell you what we need/are look for:

We have a 14 yr, 11 yr old, and a 3 yr old. The 3 yr old needs to take a nap in the middle of the day so we really need a room that preferably has a separate bedroom/living area for him to sleep (he won't go to sleep if there is noise or distraction happening!).

We don't care if it's within walking distance; we are driving down so we will have our vehicle. Last time we stayed within walking distance (across the park) and frankly, it was a LONG walk for my little 3 year old (the now 11 year old) after long hours in the park.

We are paying $1174 at the Embassy Suites from Aug 13-19th and that's also with a Kids Eat Free deal at every meal as well, which might save us some additional money.

We don't care about internet but we would like things such as a microwave and refrigerator in the room. A decent pool is a must as well but it doesn't have to be a fancy one...lol.

I would like to hear from you guys any suggestions or advice about other places to stay. We are considering the Comfort Inn Maingate because it has 2 rooms but are not sure if it's a decent place to stay. The Anaheim Holiday Inn Resort also looks nice. Thanks in advance!

 

[droptop68]

I am going in October and this hotel is on top of my list. They have a shuttle that runs often and they have the free buffet breakfast. Thought it was better to get a good meal before going to disneyland rather than a pastry. I am still looking at other options though

 

[kiwitravel]

We stayed at the America's Best Value Inn on Katella last trip and we loved it... One bedroom suite was about $90 per night and included a fridge and microwave. Really nice pool and as a smaller place (only 40 rooms) very uncrowded... About a 15 minute walk so still an option (we walked every day) Free parking, breakfast and Wifi... It wasn't the flashest of places but very clean and quiet. Only negatives were the tired decor, donuts and danishes for breakfast...

We would definitely stay again as the price was amazing

 

[Cagirl767]

You could try Homewood Suites on Harbor Blvd. Your total would be $1033.20 but that doesn't include parking. There is a complementary hot breakfast every morning and Monday-Thursday there is also a complementary Manager's Reception which is a light dinner that starts at 5:00. The suite includes a kitchen: micro, large fridg, stovetop- no oven, dishes, pots, pans.

 

[mrswh]

Check out the Hyatt Orange County. About a mile up Harbor. Great hotel - super clean, recently remodeled, beautiful rooms and lobby. Shuttle runs reliably every half hour. Refrigerator in room (I can't recall if there is a microwave - I am guessing not), right across the street from Target, full service Starbucks in the lobby, and kids eat free at lunch and dinner. It sounds like a two bedroom queen suite (two rooms - King & 2 Queens + living room in between) would be great for you but I think it would be a little more expensive than what you now have booked. Check out the "suites on sale" deals. Maybe a kids suite or 1 bedroom suite would be a good deal for you. The pool is not super fancy but it is clean!

http://orangecounty.hyatt.com/hyatt/hotels/index.jsp?null

 

[moonbill2002]

Thanks for the replies! The Hyatt was the other place we were looking at....it would be about the same but without the kids eating free, which does save us some money but then we ask ourselves how much are we REALLY going to make the trip back to the hotel just to eat there (just so we can have 2 of the 3 kids eat free...the 14 year old doesn't qualify as a "kid")?

I REALLY hate making decisions like this! LOL. The hotel we stayed at last time was perfect but I think it's since changed names, etc. It was across the street from Disneyland (I think Mimi's was a short stroll away) and you could see the fireworks. I had thought it was a Ramada and a tower hotel (not a little motel). But it wouldn't work anyways because we now have another kid and the rooms would simply be too small!

Thanks for the input...if anyone else has any other suggestions, please keep them coming! I've already taken the ones for Mousewait and Ridemax....how awesome are those?!? LOVE both of those little programs

 

[HydroGuy]

Thanks for the replies! The Hyatt was the other place we were looking at....it would be about the same but without the kids eating free, which does save us some money but then we ask ourselves how much are we REALLY going to make the trip back to the hotel just to eat there (just so we can have 2 of the 3 kids eat free...the 14 year old doesn't qualify as a "kid")?

I REALLY hate making decisions like this! LOL. The hotel we stayed at last time was perfect but I think it's since changed names, etc. It was across the street from Disneyland (I think Mimi's was a short stroll away) and you could see the fireworks. I had thought it was a Ramada and a tower hotel (not a little motel). But it wouldn't work anyways because we now have another kid and the rooms would simply be too small!

Thanks for the input...if anyone else has any other suggestions, please keep them coming! I've already taken the ones for Mousewait and Ridemax....how awesome are those?!? LOVE both of those little programs

It was probably Hojo's

 

[MickeyBA]

I'm not sure how much you would save with the kids eat free option. The one we stayed at most recently had a fairly overpriced menu for those who had to pay for what they got. Not that great either. I didn't feel like the savings really added up. Especially don't know if it would with so many other options around where the kids could eat for under $5 or even share off of someone else's plate.

Have a fun trip!

 

[kiwitravel]

It was probably Hojo's

i was thinking Fairfield....

 

[Hwyprincess]

We usually stay at the carousel inn and suites. They have some rooms with hardwood floors. Are really nice and super comfy beds. Also super close to parks so you can walk and not waste time waiting for shuttles or pay $$ to park your car and take a tram.

 

[candygirlIRE]

I am going in October and this hotel is on top of my list. They have a shuttle that runs often and they have the free buffet breakfast. Thought it was better to get a good meal before going to disneyland rather than a pastry. I am still looking at other options though

Ditto! We are going in Oct as well and will be staying at Embassy Suites NORTH location (because they have an indoor pool).
We stayed at the Embassy Suites SOUTH location last year (April) and thought it was wonderful. The shuttle there is pretty good (every 15mins I think) and the breakfast is SOOOO worth it when you have a family. Load up on food in the morning!
We are not staying at this location in Oct due to the fact the pool is outdoor, we didn't get to use it at all in April as there was some light rain while we were there (we only stayed 2 nights). I think you will be fine in Aug regarding the pool.

My parents always stayed at Embassy Suites (many locations) throughout the 80's and 90's - as a family they felt the small extra cost was out weighed by the large breakfast and free managers reception of snacks (and drinks) in the evening. I totally agree with them!

I think I know the deal you are on where kids eat free... we did a similar one last year where we got a $50 visa pre-paid card and something else (can't remember, but I think it was a free meal at the restaurant??) -- that was great because as we drove, we used the $50 on gas!!


Like you we will drive to Disney every day this time around instead of taking the shuttle, however if you are staying at the SOUTH location, do give the shuttle a go, it was good!
At the NORTH location I was told that the shuttle is only every Hour, so we are going to just drive, thinking it will be easier with the baby (was just preggers last year, so that wasn't an issue).

 

[candygirlIRE]

You could try Homewood Suites on Harbor Blvd. Your total would be $1033.20 but that doesn't include parking. There is a complementary hot breakfast every morning and Monday-Thursday there is also a complementary Manager's Reception which is a light dinner that starts at 5:00. The suite includes a kitchen: micro, large fridg, stovetop- no oven, dishes, pots, pans.

Are they run by the Hilton properties like Embassy Suites are??
They sound familiar

 

[Cagirl767]

Oh yah, they are a Hilton property and as far as around DLR, Homewood is a nice updated property. They offer the free dinners (tacos, hot dogs, wine,etc) in addition to the hot breakfast. They have their own dedicated shuttle. The GM is great there too. Having two small kids, it's our hotel of choice in the DLR area. We like the in suite kitchens too for occasionally preparing a meal. This Homewood is also on the same property as Oggi's which has great take out, Joe's Crab Shack, Red Robin, Starbucks and across the street from Target- one time it unexpectedly ended up being so cold, we had to go buy jackets there.

Just made my November ressie!

 

[LynGregory]

Check out the Hyatt Orange County. About a mile up Harbor. Great hotel - super clean, recently remodeled, beautiful rooms and lobby. Shuttle runs reliably every half hour. Refrigerator in room (I can't recall if there is a microwave - I am guessing not), right across the street from Target, full service Starbucks in the lobby, and kids eat free at lunch and dinner. It sounds like a two bedroom queen suite (two rooms - King & 2 Queens + living room in between) would be great for you but I think it would be a little more expensive than what you now have booked. Check out the "suites on sale" deals. Maybe a kids suite or 1 bedroom suite would be a good deal for you. The pool is not super fancy but it is clean!

http://orangecounty.hyatt.com/hyatt/hotels/index.jsp?null

I would echo what has been said about the Hyatt.....we are from the UK and are coming again in a couple of weeks........this will be our 4th time there and this year we are staying for 22 nights.......would we stay there for that long if it was less than outstanding?? Cannot recommend this hotel highly enough.

 

[moonbill2002]

Thanks everyone! Hubby is seriously reconsidering to the Hyatt....does anyone know about the fitness rooms/gyms at either the Hyatt or Embassy Suites? He is a fanatic about working out and I also hit the gym 5 days a week. We are on vacation but I'm training for several 5k's and also an event called the Tough Mudder. Since we will be on vacation for close to a week, I still need to be doing some sort of training. Anyone have a clue about the workout facilities??

 

[Huff]

We love to stay at the Radisson Suites near Knotts Berry Farm. It is about 5 miles from DLR but very quick and easy drive. The rooms are large. The main bedroom area has 2 queens or one king. There is a seperate living room area with its own TV, mini-kitchen and sofa bed. Free hot breakfast buffet (pancakes, eggs, omletts, cereals, fruit etc). Free shuttle to/from DLR but we prefer to drive. Also, free parking compared to most DLR area resorts charging $10-$15/night parking.

Hotwire often has this hotel for about $65 although the name is not given. It is the only Suite hotel in the Buena Park area so its easy to determine.

 

[Magalex]

Because all the great remarks about the Hyatt I am very curious about the hotel. We will be making our first trip to DL next July 2012. We don't want to rent a car. The only motel I was even interested in closer to DL is Candy Cane Inn. But I would also like to consider a nicer hotel. How on the shuttle times? Do we need to make daily reservations for spots on the shuttle? Can we come back in the afternoon to the hotel if need be? We are use to the convenient WDW transportation system. Are there other restaurants near by?

 

[Cagirl767]

You can take the shuttle whenever you want from Hyatt. I think they're every half hour. No ressies, just wait in line.

Hyatt has an Italian restaurant there and another on site. Just down the street a little ways (very close) is Oggi's Pub, Joe's Crab Shack, Red Robin, Outback. They other way there is a Buca De Beppo.

We didn't have a good experience at Hyatt. Customer service was terrible and rude. Aesthetically, it is a nice property though. Probably the nicest outside the DLR.

There are many nice hotels in the area: Homewood, Embassy Suites, the Residence Inns, Hilton.

 

[candygirlIRE]

Oh yah, they are a Hilton property and as far as around DLR, Homewood is a nice updated property. They offer the free dinners (tacos, hot dogs, wine,etc) in addition to the hot breakfast. They have their own dedicated shuttle. The GM is great there too. Having two small kids, it's our hotel of choice in the DLR area. We like the in suite kitchens too for occasionally preparing a meal. This Homewood is also on the same property as Oggi's which has great take out, Joe's Crab Shack, Red Robin, Starbucks and across the street from Target- one time it unexpectedly ended up being so cold, we had to go buy jackets there.

Just made my November ressie!

Do they have an indoor or outdoor pool (or no pool)??
Do you know how much the shuttle is per day?
How often does it leave?
Parking cost for a minivan??

Thanks for answering questions - very helpful

We are booking hotel this week and now I am seriously considering this property as they are part of the same chain

Distance to drive to Disney?? Likely we will drive instead of shuttle, but I am curious about their shuttle.

Is their breakfast HUGE like at Embassy Suites?? Omelet station and all??


Thanks!!

 

[Cagirl767]

They have a heated outdoor pool, pretty nice, and also a little kiddie pool that is about a foot deep, not heated though.
Their shuttle runs every half hour and I think it was $12 for the four of us, under 3 is free. So I think it's $3. per person and $12 for parking, it's outside parking. I'd never drive to the park, that's one of the perks of staying there is to not hassle parking at DLR. They're very punctual and also share with Crowne Plaza if a bus is in repair or if there are no passengers waiting, i.e. one day we were waiting for a return trip from the Homewood shuttle and the Crowne Plaza driver saw us and brought us back early.

The breakfast isn't made to order, but there are a several hot items and buffet style, you can load up a tray and take it back to your room. I don't think ES lets you take back to your room? They have most things you can think of, but nothing extensive or gourmet, but you can make your own waffles that are pretty good. ES is better though. We also like it for the Manager's Reception.