Red Lion or Hilton Anaheim

[aristocat65]

I am attending a work conference in Costa Mesa in December, so a friend from work and I are going to tack on an extra day and go to Disneyland. I need a hotel for the one night in Disneyland. DH and I have splurged in recent years and stayed in the Disney hotels, but this is kind of last minute and they are super expensive for December of course. I am considering Red Lion Inn or the Hilton Anaheim as I can get a super deal at either thru LMT. Which is closer to walk? I stayed at the Hilton over 20 years ago and they had their own shuttle then, so we didn't walk. We have very little time so I want to make the most of it.

On another note, we plan to go Sunday December 12th from opening until about 5 as we fly home that night. Do you all think it is worth park hopping? I realize it will be super busy (we usually avoid busy times, but in the area and how could I resist a visit to Disneyland?!). I have been many times and seen it all, but my friend hasn't been for many years. Maybe we should stick to Disneyland? I love California Screamin though and would hate to miss it.

 

[Bud Ice]

Hilton is very solid, I'd stick with it. Tho I will say Red Lion is solid as well.
For 8-10 hours, I like having both parks available.

 

[SomeGuyInOz]

Both are easy enough to walk from if you are reasonably fit. I used to stay at the Hilton Anaheim pretty much once a week and always walked to and from the park - roughly an easy 10-15 minute walk. On the really hot days, and sometimes if I was feeling a little lazy, I'd walk into the Toy Story Car Park and take the shuttle bus from there - it's totally free! It's no faster but you get to sit in an air conditioned bus ;-) You also have the option of paying for the ART bus - they are quite regular and stop pretty much right at the Hilton, though I never bothered with that. Although I've never stayed at the Red Lion, given the choice I think I'd prefer to stay at the Hilton.

In regards to the Park Hopper - for a one day ticket it's an extra $56 for a Park Hopper (ie: $99 for a single park ticket or $155 for a park hopper ticket). That's a lot of extra money just to go on Screamin', but then it depends on if it's worth it for you personally. I'd probably do it ;-)

 

[grnflash]

Omg, the Hilton all the way. These 2 hotels are not really comparable. The HIlton is waaaaaay nicer. Way. The Red Lion is just ok. Good enough but nothing special at all. The corridors feel kinda industrial to me. The pool is super blah. No hot tub. The lobby is basic. The Hilton is rated in the same star category on some sites but it's a vastly better, nicer hotel.

 

[aristocat65]

Thanks everyone for the input. I think I will go with the Hilton. Also thinking of getting a 2 day ticket without hopper and hitting DCA on Sat night and spending Sunday all day at DL. Not much more than a single day hopper.

 

[grnflash]

Thanks everyone for the input. I think I will go with the Hilton. Also thinking of getting a 2 day ticket without hopper and hitting DCA on Sat night and spending Sunday all day at DL. Not much more than a single day hopper.

That is a super plan! Have fun

 

[SomeGuyInOz]

Thanks everyone for the input. I think I will go with the Hilton. Also thinking of getting a 2 day ticket without hopper and hitting DCA on Sat night and spending Sunday all day at DL. Not much more than a single day hopper.

Yeah, that's a great plan. Then you can also see the awesome Mad T Party band ;-)