Opinions Needed on Sherton Anaheim & Sheraton Park Hotels

[Lives4Disney]

Hi, after giving it MUCH thought I am having tons of second and third thoughts about staying at the GCH. My room rate (just the room, exluding the tickets) thru AAA (room & ticket package) is $800/nt. I have tons of trouble justifying that rate for a hotel I have never stayed in and don't feel thrilled to have booked. Maybe I'll feel differently once I see it for myself (and then I would know to stay there next trip), but I don't want to stay there and be sick with regret that I am paying $800/nt for it. KWIM?

I can stay basically for free with SPG points at either Sheraton. Which is better - nicer, larger rooms, better ammenities & hotel services, nicer/newer, closer to the park entrance (I prefer DL entrance over DCA)???? I am talking Sheraton Park or Sheraton Anaheim.

OR, is there a better good neighbor type hotel choice?? I have the funds for a fabulous stay, but I am not sure the GCH - or any hotel will be worth $800/nt. I love the Grand Floridian and stay there several times a year in the main building concierge, but always get either an AP rate or AAA rate and have never had to pay $800/nt for it. As much as I love the GF, I wouldn't!!

Any thoughts or suggestions?? It is coming down to my final payment date on my AAA package, so I am getting committment phobic and cold feet!

PS...I used the planning services for 6 dining reservations....if I cancel my package, would these be cancelled, too?? I would hurry to rebook!!

THANKS! I am starting to feel good about maybe not staying GCH, but having more reasonable options. I think that's a sign.

Lives4Disney

 

[newfamilyman]

I guess it comes down to what you can afford. If you can afford the Grand Californian, nothing else comes close to it. Obviously using SPG points to stay at the Sheraton Anaheim will save you $800/night, but it's hardly the same experience. I don't think anyone else can tell you what you can afford, so it's just a matter of justifying that expense. You didn't say what kind of room you were booking; if it is a concierge room, that would save you some money on breakfast and buying drinks in the parks. But I think the bottom line is that if you can afford it, then you'll have no problems doing it, but if you can't afford it, you probably won't be very pleased with the experience. Good luck in making your decision.

 

[Lives4Disney]

I guess it comes down to what you can afford. If you can afford the Grand Californian, nothing else comes close to it. Obviously using SPG points to stay at the Sheraton Anaheim will save you $800/night, but it's hardly the same experience. I don't think anyone else can tell you what you can afford, so it's just a matter of justifying that expense. You didn't say what kind of room you were booking; if it is a concierge room, that would save you some money on breakfast and buying drinks in the parks. But I think the bottom line is that if you can afford it, then you'll have no problems doing it, but if you can't afford it, you probably won't be very pleased with the experience. Good luck in making your decision.

You're right. We always have fabulous all out spring break vacations and money isn't an issue..... I just don't WANT to pay $800/nt. I don't think a 4 nt stay is worth $3200 - I think paying that is foolish, so that answers it for me. I'd rather regret not staying there than regret paying too much and not being happy with it. I just think Disney room rates are getting out of hand. I have always stayed concierge and onsite at WDW, this will be our first offsite experience. GCH is just not a resort that excites me from what I have seen online and I can't talk myself into it. I appreciate all the Disers' help and info they have shared with me.

Does anybody know if my dining will be cancelled??

Thanks,
Lives4Disney

 

[disneegrl4eva]

Does anybody know if my dining will be cancelled??

Thanks,
Lives4Disney

I dont think it will...vacation planning just booked it for you as a service because your going to be a guest...they've done that so you should still show it booked....as far as the sheraton, I stayed one time at what is now Sheraton Park back when it was Coast Anaheim and I really didnt like anything about it...Im sure this one would be fine because it has Sheraton touches...However, I stay almost every trip at the Sheraton Anaheim and I absolutely love it...the staff, the hotel layout, the comfort and also they have the lobby set up as if there were 2 separate living rooms both with fireplaces, a really nice bar and gardens, the beds are to die for and they have an excellent shuttle to the park..They do have a restaurant on site but I have only used it once because I like to eat my meals in the park...I wouldnt hesitate to book that one especially with points you lucky thing you!

 

[Lives4Disney]

I dont think it will...vacation planning just booked it for you as a service because your going to be a guest...they've done that so you should still show it booked....as far as the sheraton, I stayed one time at what is now Sheraton Park back when it was Coast Anaheim and I really didnt like anything about it...Im sure this one would be fine because it has Sheraton touches...However, I stay almost every trip at the Sheraton Anaheim and I absolutely love it...the staff, the hotel layout, the comfort and also they have the lobby set up as if there were 2 separate living rooms both with fireplaces, a really nice bar and gardens, the beds are to die for and they have an excellent shuttle to the park..They do have a restaurant on site but I have only used it once because I like to eat my meals in the park...I wouldnt hesitate to book that one especially with points you lucky thing you!

Lynn, thanks so much for all that info. The Sheraton Anaheim looks lovely enough- especially paid for with points. I am sure the GCH is beautiful, but I would rather see for myself if it is worth $800/nt or not. If I love the GCH, I can book it next trip without having any "reservations".

Do you walk to DL from the Sheraton Anaheim? If you drive, is parking a pain?

Lives4Disney

 

[disneegrl4eva]

Do you walk to DL from the Sheraton Anaheim? If you drive, is parking a pain?

Lives4Disney

never gah lol...I always take the free shuttle they have...let me think here...I know it runs every half an hour and they are very prompt...dont drive..its a waste of gas and time...do yourself a favor and let someone else do it for you...oh and also, they have a cute little deli in the hotel and they actually serve deli food, ie sandwiches, salads, even have huge hunks of lunch meat they slice for you to buy to make your own sandwich I guess they also have gorgeous desserts, haagen daaz ice cream, and all kinds of muffins, fruit, juice, coffee, soda, etc....

 

[Lives4Disney]

never gah lol...I always take the free shuttle they have...let me think here...I know it runs every half an hour and they are very prompt...dont drive..its a waste of gas and time...do yourself a favor and let someone else do it for you...oh and also, they have a cute little deli in the hotel and they actually serve deli food, ie sandwiches, salads, even have huge hunks of lunch meat they slice for you to buy to make your own sandwich I guess they also have gorgeous desserts, haagen daaz ice cream, and all kinds of muffins, fruit, juice, coffee, soda, etc....

Lynn, thanks! You are getting me excited about this decision. I still have to call the AAA Agent and tell her I am cancelling.

This sounds like a very nice hotel! I love Sheraton/Westins and their heavenly beds are fantastic. This room is over 500 sq ft and that makes me feel better than the "too small" and "cramped" way some have described the GCH rooms.

Is the shuttle crowded (do you wait for several packed ones to leave/return before you can get on??)

Thanks for sharing all your info.

Lives4Disney

 

[disneegrl4eva]

Is the shuttle crowded (do you wait for several packed ones to leave/return before you can get on??)

Thanks for sharing all your info.

Lives4Disney

no no not at all...Ive never had to wait for another one...they have 2 kinds of shuttles...one is the regular 20 seater or something and they also have a regular bus...that way they dont have to do that...also ask them to put you in a room by the pool (c wing) those are the nicest

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

I've visited the Sheraton Anaheim, and have photos in the sticky thread at the top.

I really like that hotel - it looks like a castle, and is elegant inside. The lobby has a koi pond running through it, and it has the nicest Non-Disney grounds in my opinion. Also the rooms are some of the largest in the area. Note, though, that there is a $10/night parking charge. Also, there is a complimentary shuttle that will take you to the parks' entrances.

Webmaster Pete & some of the team recently stayed at the Sheraton Park Hotel, and they were very impressed with it. This hotel has been completely refurbished since it was the Coast, so keep that in mind when you make your decision. I do believe that guests will rely on the ART shuttle to get to the parks. It is too far to walk.

 

[disneegrl4eva]

I've visited the Sheraton Anaheim, and have photos in the sticky thread at the top.

I really like that hotel - it looks like a castle, and is elegant inside. The lobby has a koi pond running through it, and it has the nicest Non-Disney grounds in my opinion. Also the rooms are some of the largest in the area.

hey Mary Jo those are really good pics but just wanted to add that since the renovation of the hotel Sheraton Anaheim, the hotel is completely different...the koi fish is outside and they have this HUGE aquarium in the middle of the lobby...hopefully someone can get some updated pics because these dont do it justice...I will try and get over there next weekend and see if I can take some

 

[Amy&Dan]

I love the GCH but think $800 a night is ridiculous! I think you are making the right decison and that Sheraton looks really nice, much more so than most of the other offsite, nearby hotels/motels. I really hope to stay there someday. I think you made a wise choice. I have to say that as much as I love GCH and DLH they are not worth what you often have to pay. And since you were waffling on this anyway (GCH vs. WDW Deluxe's) I think you will be more excited for your trip knowing you aren't paying so much. You will have a great trip, enjoy!

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

hey Mary Jo those are really good pics but just wanted to add that since the renovation of the hotel Sheraton Anaheim, the hotel is completely different...the koi fish is outside and they have this HUGE aquarium in the middle of the lobby...hopefully someone can get some updated pics because these dont do it justice...I will try and get over there next weekend and see if I can take some

Hmmm, methinks a good research trip is due then. I had forgotten that they refurbished it. The koi pond used to be inside & outside - but an aquarium now? Not quite the Ahwahnee, but very cool.

 

[MATTERHORN]

Why is it so much? I just looked up a few different dates (end of March, beginning of April) and found the Grand from 4/1-4/7 for $420 per night and you got the $150 gift card on Expedia. If you really want to stay there, check some different venues and it could be 1/2 the price.

Otherwise, disregard this if you've made up your mind, just wanted to give you some other options.

Andrea

 

[Lives4Disney]

Thanks guys, for your input. Ya, doesn't matter that I can afford it, it is a ridiculous amt to pay for a room, concierge or not. PLUS, with a family of 5 chances are my son would be on the floor in a sleeping bag - and for an $800/nt room that was a real turn off. They couldn't guarantee a bed for him and no rollaway. He's a 16.5 yr old teenager so no bunk/trundle would be large enough for him. I thought that bed situatiuon was really crappy. There were a few other things I found out about the GCH that put me off a bit, too. Not big things, but for that kind money I want to be really happy there.

I went ahead and booked the Sheraton Anaheim. The rooms (deluxe rooms with their heavenly beds and 500+ sq ft) were just redone 6 months ago and they look really nice and modern. Traditional rooms were redone 3 yrs ago. On the Starwood website there are some really pretty pics of this hotel. I can kind of see that aquarium in the lobby that was mentioned. I think we'll be happy there and I feel good about my decision not to pay the GCH prices. Now I can even get a summer WDW trip in.

THANKS for the tips and reassurance!

Lives4Disney

 

[MATTERHORN]

Also checked March 21-26, $404 a night with $150 in gift cards. Four nights on expedia during most days in March - April is running about $1900 plus $150 back! Much less than the $800 a night quote.

 

[MATTERHORN]

Okay nevermind, we were posting at the same time. Sorry!!


Andrea

 

[Lives4Disney]

Why is it so much? I just looked up a few different dates (end of March, beginning of April) and found the Grand from 4/1-4/7 for $420 per night and you got the $150 gift card on Expedia. If you really want to stay there, check some different venues and it could be 1/2 the price.

Otherwise, disregard this if you've made up your mind, just wanted to give you some other options.

Andrea

Andrea, it isn't available at all for my dates. 3/28 - 4/1. I just saw your post and double checked on Expedia. NA. I see the $420/nt. I do concierge so that is what I booked, but I honestly think I am getting ripped off with this dumb AAA package because the total is $4K + and the tickets with the Disney deal are only $800 for our family, so the hotel is $3200 for 4 nts. I do not get that $150 card, either. I don't care about their silly AAA refillable mugs (Don't want to carry them around anyway) or the EE because we are not EE people, lol. My AAA agent fed me a line of BS that the enhanced FP were coming back - they were in "talks" to bring them back. THAT was really the only perk worth booking thru them and it didn't happen. Now, the only DL hotel available is PPH and honestly it does nothing for me. I could see paying $400, maybe even $500 for GCH, but $800 I am not comfortable with - especially since she (AAA agent) also misled me about some other things.

PLUS, I see concierge rooms on Expedia are listed at $700/nt (not available, but that is their rate) and you get that $150 card. I think AAA is a ripoff and I was lied to about the Enhanced FP just to get a booking, so I am not a fan of AAA right now. Agent called & left a message about me making my final payment (due in 2 wks) and I have felt very unsure of this AAA package for a long time now, so it really got me thinking I need to check into things and look at options so I am not fully committed.

I may kick myself after we see the GCH, but I can live with it.

Thanks for checking Expedia,

Lives4Disney

 

[Wendi2000]

I put your dates in on www.getawaytoday.com and deleted the tickets... room only is $1870. Not sure if you are checking out on 4/1 or if you are staying that night, so I included it (checking out 4/2). Of course, you would have to add concierge through the hotel directly (unless gat does that now, if they do, you'd have to call them, can't do it on the website). I don't remember the cost to add concierge... maybe $150-200??? Their prices include taxes/fees, they do charge a $15 fee though.

I absolutely LOVE the Sheraton Anaheim. The rooms are enormous and every member of the staff that I came into contact with was overly nice, friendly, and helpful. They really do go beyond expectations. The hotel and grounds are nice, and did I mention the gigantic rooms? The beds are fabulous too, and they have the really high shower heads (I'm tall, so that stuff matters).

The pool is definitely not as great as a property hotel pool though.

 

[Lives4Disney]

Wendi, thanks! That is something to consider, but I am feeling really good about the Sheraton now. My DH and I were just talking yesterday about this GCH stay, and he was thinking it's fine, he likes being spoiled on vacation...but I was just not feeling comfortable with it. The idea for a SPG option just popped into my head this morning and things moved in that direction. I didn't even know there was a Sheraton/Westin near DL.

I really wonder WHAT is up with this AAA package that I booked. Very strange that my quote is for $4K+ for room and tickets. I do not see any deal or value there at all. I am NOT usually a package booking person. I stear clear of them, but for some dumb reason got sucked into this AAA with it's supposed benefits and perks that really are not going to have any value to me.

Glad to hear another opinion that the Sheraton Anaheim is nice. I will just sleep on the Getawaytoday option and decide all by Monday. Thanks for giving me that other option.

Lives4Disney

 

[2GuysSeattle]

I agree that Disney hotel rates are getting out of hand. I am changing from DLH to Marriott Suites for less than half the price.....for a suite rather than a room, including full cooked breakfast. I am feeling good about my decision. I think it's a lot more important to stay onsite at WDW. Good luck with your decison.