Question re: security @ HoJo

[J. Galt]

Hello all!

My family and I are taking our first trip to DLR in Nov. We have kind of settled on HoJo (although, we are still kicking around a split stay @ DLH). I'm new to the HoJo DL scene (and to be honest, new to the motel scene... my family didn't take many family vacations together due to my dad's job, so when we went, we went all out. I don't think I have ever stayed in a motel in my life). I understand the concept of a motel, and I understand that the HoJo doesn't necessarily fit the standard motel image (for example, they have interior corridors, I've heard). But for those that have stayed there... what security measures are in place? Are the grounds open to anyone walking by on Harbor or is there a gate of some sorts? Do they have security cameras? Do I need to worry about my family being accosted in the pool area by a bum? I hope I'm not offending any HoJo fans (I know there are lots on this board) or Anaheim locals... I truly am just trying to get a sense of what to expect here. I'm so used to the WDW onsite experience (all planned and controlled), I'm just not sure what to expect of DL offsite.

Thanks for any insights!

 

[tortugaverde]

I am no expert on DL hotels or the Hojo. I have however, stayed in plenty of hotels in my life time. From the Hilton to the Motel 6 and even some "off" brand motels.... I have been on many a road trips coast to coast

From my personal experience, most hotels/motels do not have security cameras. Or, if they do... they are out of sight. The ones that are in dangerous neighborhoods however... tend to have them up front at the desk.

Bars on the front door, also bad.

I have only stayed at one motel with obvious security. When I asked the guard how the neighborhood was, he said there were drugs and prostitutes (good thing we were only there for an 8 hour sleep!)

Perhaps the others had them... just not parked right out front.

In ALL of my hotel stays I have NEVER had anything stolen, broken or felt unsafe in any way! I have never met anyone by the pool... except fellow travelers.

You will be JUST FINE

 

[snoodledoo]

We just stayed there last weekend (our 2nd visit). At no time did we feel unsafe. I didn't notice any security cameras. One of the evenings we were returning from the parks, we did pass a security guard roaming the parking lot.

 

[DisneySuiteFreak]

Part of the reason we only stay at Hojos when in Anaheim is because my husband refuses to stay at any other motel in the area. Most (if not all) of the rest of the motels are open corrider, park in front and walk right up to the room type of motels. DH, being very safety conscious, does not like that at all. Hojos Bld 1 has interior corridors. I'm not sure about the rest as we only stay in Bld 1. In addition to the above, I just don't feel it's worth it to spend the extra money that it costs to stay onsite in DL because it's NOT like staying onsite at WDW. The rooms at DL are a lot smaller than Hojos rooms. Some of the rooms at GC can't even fit a rollaway for an extra person (5 in a room) -- they have to sleep on the floor. Talk about roughing it! Also, the walk from DL seemed longer to get to the front gates than the walk from Hojos.

I've not noticed any security cameras or bars on windows in Hojo. We've always felt safe, even walking back at night by ourselves long after the park has closed. If you have valuables that you are not comfortable leaving in the room, they do have Safe Deposit Boxes at the front desk. Last time I used one, it was free, and what I left in the box was a whole bunch of money I had won in Vegas. I didn't feel comfortable leaving several thousand dollars in the room unattended, and I wasn't about to walk around the park w/ it either. It was one of those better safe than sorry/common sense situations. We've never had any issues w/ security/safety in Anaheim or at Hojos and we've stayed there every year since about 2001. However, it is a major metropolitan city, and just up the street from Disney there are buildings w/ bars on the windows, so be safety conscious and alert to your surroundings just as you would in any city and you should be fine.

 

[J. Galt]

Thanks you guys... you are making me feel much better. Anyone else have any additional advice to add?