Parking at Desert Inn & Suites

[Butterfly123]

We are staying at Desert Inn & Suites this summer for the first time. I'm wondering if those of you with experience there can tell me what the parking situation is like. Enough spaces? Tight spaces?
Thanks!!

 

[Kindermouse]

I generally arrive early since I drive in from Nor Cal and I want to make use of arrival day and beat some of the traffic-that said I have always been able to self park here. They have some parking spots in the general parking area at street level as well as an underground parking garage-I believe the valet parks all the cars that have to go in the underground garage. The spots are tightish but so are all of the spots at all of the places across the street from DL. I actually much prefer their parking situation over others (eg Del Sol has even smaller spots and less of them and I have had major issues with Tropicana valets).

 

[Cal-Pie]

Definitely not enough spaces, and the valets just double park everyone they don't have space for. So even if you get a space, you might still have to have the valets move another car before you can get yours out. Not my favorite parking situation, but as the previous poster mentioned, not uncommon on Harbor.

 

[kirstie101]

Definitely not enough spaces and they are definitely tight. You pay for parking but you can use valet for free so that helps find a spot.
But it can be slow getting your car out. IMO its one of the biggest drawbacks to staying there. But if you're the type to park your car and just leave it for the whole trip then its not really a big deal.

 

[EmmersIsTheMommy]

We occasionally self parked, but usually it was full enough they had their valet park it. It was fine. I was SOOOO worried the first time but each time we've gone it was totally ok. The valets were super sweet and fun guys each time. Even when our car was 'buried deep' we got it in a good amount of time. No complaints from us.

 

[Butterfly123]

Thanks for the info. It helps me plan...get enough groceries, etc. before we check in to avoid midweek trips to Von's if possible.
Do you all tip the valets there? I assume yes. How much? I'm not used to valet parking at a motel.

 

[nikerbokers]

Considering I had a dismal stay there, I'll say the valet workers were very courteous and helpful. The parking spots were tight but honestly we only grabbed the car once when we stayed there.

 

[nikerbokers]

And we did tip the valets. $3-$5

 

[Aurora_Australis]

We self parked and must have just hit a good time as there were a few vacant spots. Tight spaces but not unusual for a lot like that. Didn't use the car the whole time but nothing was double parked when we went to leave either.

 

[NannyBeBe]

The parking is one of the reasons we stopped staying at this motel. We moved to HoJo. Their parking lot is the best on Harbor, in my opinion.

 

[EmmersIsTheMommy]

Thanks for the info. It helps me plan...get enough groceries, etc. before we check in to avoid midweek trips to Von's if possible.
Do you all tip the valets there? I assume yes. How much? I'm not used to valet parking at a motel.

We tried but they always took off super fast. The last day we took it in to the front desk and said it was for the valets LOL

 

[Butterfly123]

Considering I had a dismal stay there, I'll say the valet workers were very courteous and helpful. The parking spots were tight but honestly we only grabbed the car once when we stayed there.

Oh dear, I'm sorry that your stay was dismal!! I'm keeping my fingers crossed that we like it.

 

[Kindermouse]

Oh dear, I'm sorry that your stay was dismal!! I'm keeping my fingers crossed that we like it.

Its not the Disneyland hotel but if what you are looking for is a clean inexpensive place to rest your head it should fit the bill. However opinions can be so different. My one place that I declared my never-again-not-staying-in-that-hell-hole place on Harbor other people say that they liked just fine and would say again. Go figure. On our last stay here we were all in agreement though that is time for the DI&S to start thinking refurb but still not on the never again list.

Word of advice about DI&S-depending on what you are looking for room wise. The rooms at the front of the building seem a bit nicer/better kept and they get housekeeping services earlier in the day (on our last stay we were in the back and we had housekeeping showing up after 5:00pm). However my room in the back was quieter. In the back I didn't hear kids running around in the morning shouting to each other which is a pet peeve of mine, particularly on the morning after a party or other late night in the parks. I do not want to hear 6:30 am rope droppers when I didn't get to sleep until 1:30 in the morning.

 

[Butterfly123]

Its not the Disneyland hotel but if what you are looking for is a clean inexpensive place to rest your head it should fit the bill. However opinions can be so different. My one place that I declared my never-again-not-staying-in-that-hell-hole place on Harbor other people say that they liked just fine and would say again. Go figure. On our last stay here we were all in agreement though that is time for the DI&S to start thinking refurb but still not on the never again list.

Word of advice about DI&S-depending on what you are looking for room wise. The rooms at the front of the building seem a bit nicer/better kept and they get housekeeping services earlier in the day (on our last stay we were in the back and we had housekeeping showing up after 5:00pm). However my room in the back was quieter. In the back I didn't hear kids running around in the morning shouting to each other which is a pet peeve of mine, particularly on the morning after a party or other late night in the parks. I do not want to hear 6:30 am rope droppers when I didn't get to sleep until 1:30 in the morning.

We are looking for clean, close, and space! We are trying the C1 suite, so already I know it will be second floor, not top floor like I prefer. But it's one visit trying something new, and with five adult sized people the space (and 1 1/2 bathrooms) will be nice. Most of my experiences on Harbor have been fine, average motel experiences. I don't expect luxury accommodations so I don't get disappointed. I appreciate your insight! Thanks!

 

[nikerbokers]

Oh dear, I'm sorry that your stay was dismal!! I'm keeping my fingers crossed that we like it.

I hope you like it- I know some that don't like where we like to stay so it's all depending on each experience. Have a great time!!!