Please help me pick an OFF SITE hotel from this list.

[ErinsMommy]

I've read Hydroguy's thread (which was super helpful) as well as tried to get into the "reviews" but the reviews aren't of the hotels I'm mentioning below - plus there's a big "ad" that covers up the page when I click on the link and I can't read anything!

With that said, I put the below hotels in order of MY preference, but looking for reviews if any of you have stayed. Things that attract our families are: being easily walkable to both DCA and DL (think Contemporary to MK as the farthest stretch we would be comfortable walking especially after a long day at the park), a nice sized pool to relax in/have the kids be able to be kids on days off or at night (the Courtyard Anaheim and Grand Legacy both have my attention in this area). Included continental breakfast are bonuses, but just want someplace close to sit down before and after long days.

We're looking to go from 8/29-9/6 but will be in the Hollywood area for the first 3 nights to enjoy Universal and the Hollywood area attractions, then packing up and going to the Anaheim area for DL and DCA from 9/1-9/6.

Thanks so much!

Courtyard Anaheim Theme Park Entrance
Grand Legacy
Park Vue
Best Western Plus Anaheim Inn
Best Western Stovalls Park Place Inn
Camelot Inn & Suites
Tropicana Inn & Suites

 

[Going2DisneyAZ]

Courtyard Anaheim Theme Park Entrance

It works perfect for our family. My two sons will not share a bed anymore so it works great for us, even though it's a little bit pricey. It beats getting 2 rooms or a suite elsewhere

 

[skippytx]

I'm a fan of the Tropicana due to it's proximity to the parks, but it doesn't meet your needs as far as the pool goes, or the continental breakfast. They have a pool, but it's small and in the middle of the parking lot, like most motor court style motels built in the 50's and 60's.

The Courtyard Anaheim is about 1/4 of a mile from the harbor crosswalk to DLR. It's another 1/4 mile from Harbor to the center of the Esplanade, so you'd be about 1/2 a mile total walking. We stayed at the Fairfield which is next door our first DLR trip and it wasn't too bad of a walk. It's closer to Panera and McDonalds as well which is nice.

 

[Going2DisneyAZ]

here are my notes from my last trip report....

Courtyard Marriott Theme Park Entrance. Loved it. Four Beds, two showers, water park, indoor hallways, 8 minutes to security. The price is a little higher but with teenagers refusing to share a bed having the bunk beds saved us from a suite or two rooms so keep that in mind when comparing prices.

Add, the gift shop has reasonably priced sundries and snacks. Starbucks coffee in the lobby cafe.
There is also a Mimi's cafe in the parking lot for the times you are sick of park food or need to grab something near the room. You can get food to go if you want to eat in your room. We did not eat more than coffee and fruit from the hotel's restaurant but there is one if needed. The pool area was really fun. The walk was fine for us; even though I am overweight and suffered from bad blisters the whole trip due to poor choice of shoes the first day.

We are staying there a third time this coming March.

 

[crystal1313]

I have not stayed at the Courtyard Marriott yet, but if budget wasn't an issue, it would be my first choice. From looking online, I like the room layout a lot. My boys aren't teenagers yet, but are also not really wanting to share beds anymore (12 and 10) just like @Going2DisneyAZ mentions above. So the extra beds would be nice. I also think the bathroom layout is fantastic. The pool is an added bonus! Plus is it s newer hotel.

I have stated at the Grand Legacy many times. Depending on your kids ages, the pool is really nice. It has the beach entry so it gradually gets deeper plus a splash pad. And it's heated. I would warn to be careful what room category you choose as the older rooms are smaller and well, older! LOL. I would try to pick something in the newer buildings they built. I have not stayed in the new building at the very front where the rooftop bar is located. Not sure what impact the noise from the bar would have on those rooms. I have stayed in the newer building in the very back of the hotel. It was really nice. We stayed on the highest floor and didn't have any issue with nose from the parking lot (except for fireworks, which is to be expected).

In terms of walking distance, you can use google maps to see how far the walk will be. I don't think the walk is bad at all. Both hotels have a lot of food choices near by as well. The Grand Legacy has a bunch of places in the front of their hotel. I would be mindful of extra fees, etc when looking as well. Grand Legacy used to have free parking,but not any more. I would maybe sign up for their specials as I get emails fairly often from them for deals.

All of the hotels you listed usually get pretty good reviews here on the dis. If pool is really important, you will have to narrow down from the Marriott and Grand Legacy as I think they would have the best pools.

Have a great trip!

 

[ErinsMommy]

Thanks so much everyone!

 

[kristensideaoffun]

The Courtyard would by far be my choice above all the others. We have stayed there many times and is our favorite off-site hotel. The pool is nice for all ages, and the restaurant is good. I do not recommend purchasing anything that isn’t coffee or pre-made in the mornings if you are in a hurry. I have always experienced very, very slow service there during peak times. It can be frustrating when you are in a hurry to get to the parks (I’m talking 20-30+ minutes just to get your food). When we stay there, I now put in a mobile order for Panera as we are leaving our room. It’s ready by the time we get there and then we either sit down and eat or eat on the go.

Two hotels I didn’t seen on your list but I think should be considered would be the Springhill Suites and Residence Inn by the convention center. These are my go-to hotels when the Courtyard’s prices rival staying onsite. They are walkable. We will often walk to the parks in the mornings (takes about 10 mins) and, if we are too tired to walk, take a Lyft back when we are done for the night (it is about $5). Both hotels have good-sized rooms, some with bunk beds, and great breakfasts with a large spread of items (eggs, protein, waffles, oatmeal, toast, fruit cereal, yogurt, etc). All of the Residence Inn rooms have kitchens. These two hotels share amenities with each other. The Residence Inn has a large rooftop pool with a huge hot tub (they say it is the largest in the area), splash pad, cabanas, and fire pits. The Springhill Suites has a much smaller rooftop pool, but the pool and patio area have a theme park view where you can watch the fireworks. Staying in either hotel will give you access to both pool areas.

 

[Peachy0118]

We're booked at Stoveall's for April and booked it for the proximity and breakfast and price (since we will be spending so much money in-park, it is nice to have breakfast at least taken care of)

 

[mentos]

Tropicana Inn and Suites. Minimum number of active driveways to cross prior to the Harbor/Entrance crosswalk.

Also, nice clean/updated rooms (don't let the exterior fool you). Slightly overpriced mini-mart downstairs that's well stocked (don't bring the kids, the toys are $$$$$).

 

[BarlowFamily]

Another vote for Courtyard! We love the layout of the room, bunk beds, split bath etc...The water slides and pool were a hit with the 9 year old and 3 year old. We also enjoyed watching the fireworks from the pool deck at night. The kids were excited to see our hotel when we rode the monorail loop. It's the little things for them. The Courtyard doesn't have the breakfast included, but Mimi's is right in the parking lot and Panera Bread is just next door.

 

[StarlitNight05]

Of those choices I'd go with the following:

1) Courtyard Anaheim Theme Park Entrance
2) Park Vue
3) Best Western Plus Anaheim Inn

The Courtyard is very nice and the newest. It has interior hallways which is useful if any in your party are light sleepers. There is no free breakfast available (there is a cafe/Starbucks), but we like to order from Amazon Prime or walk down to CVS (and Uber back) to get water, snacks, beer/wine, and quick breakfast items. Honestly, we usually do this even if the h/motel has free breakfast since we like to get ready quickly and eat in our room.

Park Vue Inn would be another good option if you have a room toward the back (more quiet and the rooms seem better for some reason). Their pool isn't the greatest, but it's nicer than some of the Harbor Blvd pools. They offer free breakfast, but I have heard they no longer have hot items available.

I haven't stayed at Best Western Plus but I've heard good things. Not sure about the pool situation there. I do know they offer free breakfast. We've tried the slightly closer BW -- BWPPI. We like that one if we want something SUPER close.

 

[ErinsMommy]

The Courtyard would by far be my choice above all the others. We have stayed there many times and is our favorite off-site hotel. The pool is nice for all ages, and the restaurant is good. I do not recommend purchasing anything that isn’t coffee or pre-made in the mornings if you are in a hurry. I have always experienced very, very slow service there during peak times. It can be frustrating when you are in a hurry to get to the parks (I’m talking 20-30+ minutes just to get your food). When we stay there, I now put in a mobile order for Panera as we are leaving our room. It’s ready by the time we get there and then we either sit down and eat or eat on the go.

Two hotels I didn’t seen on your list but I think should be considered would be the Springhill Suites and Residence Inn by the convention center. These are my go-to hotels when the Courtyard’s prices rival staying onsite. They are walkable. We will often walk to the parks in the mornings (takes about 10 mins) and, if we are too tired to walk, take a Lyft back when we are done for the night (it is about $5). Both hotels have good-sized rooms, some with bunk beds, and great breakfasts with a large spread of items (eggs, protein, waffles, oatmeal, toast, fruit cereal, yogurt, etc). All of the Residence Inn rooms have kitchens. These two hotels share amenities with each other. The Residence Inn has a large rooftop pool with a huge hot tub (they say it is the largest in the area), splash pad, cabanas, and fire pits. The Springhill Suites has a much smaller rooftop pool, but the pool and patio area have a theme park view where you can watch the fireworks. Staying in either hotel will give you access to both pool areas.

Wow, thank you! i just looked at Residence Inn and LOVE IT! It has everything we're looking for!

 

[crystal1313]

Wow, thank you! i just looked at Residence Inn and LOVE IT! It has everything we're looking for!

I just checked it out too and... wow! Adding to my list of places to check out. Thanks for the tip @kristensideaoffun

 

[StarlitNight05]

Wow, thank you! i just looked at Residence Inn and LOVE IT! It has everything we're looking for!

RI is an awesome choice!!!

If you are looking in that area I'd also check out Hyatt House. They have family suites with a small kitchenette (not as big as RIs). They have a rooftop pool and free breakfast as well. And some of the most comfortable beds I've slept in!

 

[bardays]

RI is awesome! Great breakfast and large rooms! you can walk if you want to, but I like to shuttle back

 

[kristensideaoffun]

I just checked it out too and... wow! Adding to my list of places to check out. Thanks for the tip @kristensideaoffun

No problem! Hope you enjoy it as much as we do!

Wow, thank you! i just looked at Residence Inn and LOVE IT! It has everything we're looking for!

So happy to hear that! The shared amenities aren’t advertised, but all you have to do is go to the front desk at the Springhill Suites and ask for a pool key to watch the fireworks.

 

[lcp9]

+1 to Courtyard and I would also add Residence Inn convention center. We have a Marriott gig so we don't have experience with the other brands, but these two work for us very well. We have 4 kids - 8, 6, 4, 1 - and we love each for different reasons.

Courtyard - 5 min walk, bunk beds (so everyone has a bed), room layout makes excellent use of space (two showers, area by front door for a large stroller), water park.

RI - suites, full kitchen for grocery delivery (esp with a baby we have to have milk around/take snacks to park), free full breakfast, only about a 10-12 min walk.

Prices equal we take Courtyard purely for the bunk beds, but we have stayed at the RI a number of times and it's great. When we have a big breakfast like the one at RI (and also pack some cereal in paper cups for the toddlers/babies), we usually only need one meal at the parks.