"Sheraton Anaheim" status changing?

[Reepicheep]

Does anyone know what is happening to the Sheraton Anaheim? According to the Sheraton website:

Leaving Starwood on May 22, 2015

The Sheraton Anaheim Hotel will be leaving the Starwood system on May 22, 2015. Reservations for dates on or after May 22, 2015, will not be eligible for Starwood Preferred Guest membership benefits, award redemption or accrual.

Over Christmas, we tried out the Sheraton Park and Sheraton Garden Grove and had a good stay at each hotel. We had planned on trying the Sheraton Anaheim over the summer, too late now I guess.

I assume they won't be closing, or anything like that. Anyone know which chain (if any) they will be joining?

 

[figment_jii]

I don't think they're closing. It just sounds like they are leaving the Starwood program. A quick Google search indicated other properties have done so in the past, so it probably has to do with a change in ownership, contract negotiations, or something along those lines.

 

[Astylla]

I don't think they're closing. It just sounds like they are leaving the Starwood program. A quick Google search indicated other properties have done so in the past, so it probably has to do with a change in ownership, contract negotiations, or something along those lines.

This is correct typically. Starwood is basically the management company Sheraton is under. Starwood status is gained by staying at various Starwood properties and thus gains possible upgrades , points , credit card miles , etc for staying at Starwopod property. It seems as management will be changing hands but the hotels *should* remain open. It is always possible however they may renovate if the new owners feel so inclined.

 

[dmunsil]

I just called to ask - they're going independent. The receptionist wasn't completely clear on the new name, but thought it was going to be the Castle, which makes me wonder if it's being bought by the current Castle Inn & Suites (or has been owned by the same company the whole time). They both have a very similar faux-Tudor style, though the Castle Inn & Suites is a motel, and the Sheraton is a full-service hotel. She did say they would be open continuously. To make a reservation for after May 22nd, you have to either call their in-house reservations desk or use an online travel agent like Expedia or Orbitz.

This kind of thing happens regularly. Most hotels are not owned by the brand, they're owned independently and they contract with the brand. The brand provides marketing, a reservations web site, loyalty program, etc. In exchange, the hotel owners pay a variety of fees to the brand. It's basically like any other franchise.

Some hotels can't join certain brands because they don't fit the brand standards. For example, all Embassy Suites have to have their two-room suite layout. But lots of hotels could be any brand, if they want to be.

Similarly, many hotels are not managed by the owners, but by a management company that contracts with the owners to provide their services in exchange for fees and revenue share.

So for lots of hotels, there may be three companies involved: owners, brand and management company. Any of those could change at any time without necessarily affecting the other two.

 

[tarheelalum]

I hope the Sheraton Anaheim does not change much. We stay there often due to there great pet policy.

 

[SuzanneSLO]

I just called to ask - they're going independent. The receptionist wasn't completely clear on the new name, but thought it was going to be the Castle, which makes me wonder if it's being bought by the current Castle Inn & Suites (or has been owned by the same company the whole time). They both have a very similar faux-Tudor style, though the Castle Inn & Suites is a motel, and the Sheraton is a full-service hotel. She did say they would be open continuously. To make a reservation for after May 22nd, you have to either call their in-house reservations desk or use an online travel agent like Expedia or Orbitz.

This kind of thing happens regularly. Most hotels are not owned by the brand, they're owned independently and they contract with the brand. The brand provides marketing, a reservations web site, loyalty program, etc. In exchange, the hotel owners pay a variety of fees to the brand. It's basically like any other franchise.

Some hotels can't join certain brands because they don't fit the brand standards. For example, all Embassy Suites have to have their two-room suite layout. But lots of hotels could be any brand, if they want to be.

Similarly, many hotels are not managed by the owners, but by a management company that contracts with the owners to provide their services in exchange for fees and revenue share.

So for lots of hotels, there may be three companies involved: owners, brand and management company. Any of those could change at any time without necessarily affecting the other two.

I believe that the Sheraton Anaheim has failed to meet Sheraton brand standards for many years due to the lack of a club level. Many brands were waiving compliance during the recession, but it looks like they are no longer willing to do so. -- Suzanne

 

[dmunsil]

I believe that the Sheraton Anaheim has failed to meet Sheraton brand standards for many years due to the lack of a club level. Many brands were waiving compliance during the recession, but it looks like they are no longer willing to do so. -- Suzanne

They do have a club lounge and club rooms. There might be other ways they don't comply.

To be honest, it doesn't seem like Starwood would be wanting to lose one of their three hotels in the area (and one of only two within walking distance of the parks). But of course if the relationship wasn't good, there's only so far they'd be willing to go. I don't have any inside information. Their Tripadvisor scores are middling; that's got to cause some tension.

 

[SuzanneSLO]

They do have a club lounge and club rooms. There might be other ways they don't comply.

To be honest, it doesn't seem like Starwood would be wanting to lose one of their three hotels in the area (and one of only two within walking distance of the parks). But of course if the relationship wasn't good, there's only so far they'd be willing to go. I don't have any inside information. Their Tripadvisor scores are middling; that's got to cause some tension.

My error about the a Club Floor. It's obvious I haven't stayed here in a while. We prefer the Sheraton at the Park. -- Suzanne

 

[opus1guy]

They do have a club lounge and club rooms. There might be other ways they don't comply.

To be honest, it doesn't seem like Starwood would be wanting to lose one of their three hotels in the area (and one of only two within walking distance of the parks). But of course if the relationship wasn't good, there's only so far they'd be willing to go. I don't have any inside information. Their Tripadvisor scores are middling; that's got to cause some tension.

Not at all surprised. Not at all. This used to be a very nice Starwood and was my go-to hotel in the area most of my visits. Great staff, huge room size, lovely grounds and landscaping, well maintained facility.

But my last stay in July was absolutely awful. The room condition was deplorable (worn gross headboard, drawers that were broken, wall lamp cord holders just dangling off the wall, peeled paint, mold, etc, etc)...no way that room would meet Starwood/Sheraton brand standards. When I asked for another room I was treated like I was some unreasonable troublemaker. My Platinum 100 status carried no weight. They reluctantly gave me another room, which was only slightly better. Front desk used to have 1st rate service, but this last stay it was so noticeable that something bad was up that I checked out the next day and changed hotels.

Now I stay mainly at the Sheraton Park. Occasionally at the Sheraton Anaheim/Garden Grove.

Very sad that the owners seem to have taken the low road now. I would bet it was Starwood/Sheraton that said "You're giving us a bad name...we're outta here."

 

[Reepicheep]

Thanks for all the comments, everyone. And Dmunsil, you have gone above and beyond the call of duty by making a phone call on my behalf, instead of telling me "why don't you phone the hotel and find out, you cheap, lazy, son-of-a-Maleficent".

According to the unwritten rules of the "Sisterhood and Brotherhood of Disneyland Fans", I now owe you a favour. If you ever need a kidney, or need to have a bank loan co-signed, or something like that, then please let me know, and I'll instantly be at your side, just like Smee is at the side of Captain Hook.

I've never stayed at the hotel, but many reviews praise them for their pet policy (as pointed out by Tarheelalum), and many people claim they have the largest rooms of any hotel in the Disneyland area. But as Opus1guy points out, many recent reviews have complained about the condition of the hotel and the lack of customer service. I walked through the hotel around three years ago (when I was staying at the Super 8 across the street), and the hotel seemed nice enough. But reviews have really gone down hill since then.

I'm a strong believer in taking advantage of the various hotel "points" programs. When we first started going to Disneyland ten years ago, I was a Wyndham fan (Super 8, HJ, Ramada), then mostly switched to Choice (Quality, Comfort, Clarion). Its not unusual for one or both of the programs to have deals where (for example) two stays at a hotel give you enough points for a free night, an excellent deal.

Last summer, we decided to try out the Sheraton Park club level, and were very impressed. 24 hour access to the club lounge, free food all day, free alcohol from 5-7pm, etc. Most evenings while my wife and daughters got ready for bed I went to the lounge from (say) 9pm to 11pm, and had the place to myself. I got to watch TV, drink surprisingly good lattes, eat snacks, and had my own private lounge washroom (those of you who travel with a wife and two teenage daughters know why the simple pleasure of having instant access to a washroom is a luxury). We stayed there again at Christmas, plus tried out the Sheraton Garden Grove which was also (all in all) quite excellent.

I think on future trips, we will basically stay at the Candy Cane, the Sheraton Park, and the Sheraton Garden Grove.

Thanks again, everyone, for your input in this thread.

 

[opus1guy]

Reepicheep...I also like the Sheraton Park very much, but be advised they've just started construction of some new building on a lot on the Park side of the hotel. Starting at 8am much construction noise ("reverse" beepers, pile drivers, etc). Just keep that in mind. Normally a "Park View" room at this hotel is desired. But depending on your sleeping/rest preferences...be advised you may not want a Park View on your summer trip.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

Reepicheep...I also like the Sheraton Park very much, but be advised they've just started construction of some new building on a lot on the Park side of the hotel. Starting at 8am much construction noise ("reverse" beepers, pile drivers, etc). Just keep that in mind. Normally a "Park View" room at this hotel is desired. But depending on your sleeping/rest preferences...be advised you may not want a Park View on your summer trip.

We stayed in a park view room at the Sheraton Park over New Year's and didn't have any problem with the construction noise (saw the work going on, but didn't really notice it). Actually, we had more problem with our neighbors' noise! If the OP will be spending the whole day at the parks, the construction noise may not be an issue.

 

[Christina Proctor]

They are going independent. There is a contest that launched today to win a six night, seven day trip to the hotel with tickets to Disneyland. You can enter at www.majesticgardenhotel.com/giveaway

 

[CoolRancher]

They do have a club lounge and club rooms. There might be other ways they don't comply.

To be honest, it doesn't seem like Starwood would be wanting to lose one of their three hotels in the area (and one of only two within walking distance of the parks). But of course if the relationship wasn't good, there's only so far they'd be willing to go. I don't have any inside information. Their Tripadvisor scores are middling; that's got to cause some tension.

Hi,
Just curious how long ago you stayed at this hotel? I stayed a few months ago and they told me there used to be a club lounge but it no longer exist.

I tried booking club lounge through their website but it's not even available.

 

[CoolRancher]

My error about the a Club Floor. It's obvious I haven't stayed here in a while. We prefer the Sheraton at the Park. -- Suzanne

They don't seem to have a club lounge any more.

 

[CoolRancher]

Thanks for all the comments, everyone. And Dmunsil, you have gone above and beyond the call of duty by making a phone call on my behalf, instead of telling me "why don't you phone the hotel and find out, you cheap, lazy, son-of-a-Maleficent".

According to the unwritten rules of the "Sisterhood and Brotherhood of Disneyland Fans", I now owe you a favour. If you ever need a kidney, or need to have a bank loan co-signed, or something like that, then please let me know, and I'll instantly be at your side, just like Smee is at the side of Captain Hook.

I've never stayed at the hotel, but many reviews praise them for their pet policy (as pointed out by Tarheelalum), and many people claim they have the largest rooms of any hotel in the Disneyland area. But as Opus1guy points out, many recent reviews have complained about the condition of the hotel and the lack of customer service. I walked through the hotel around three years ago (when I was staying at the Super 8 across the street), and the hotel seemed nice enough. But reviews have really gone down hill since then.

I'm a strong believer in taking advantage of the various hotel "points" programs. When we first started going to Disneyland ten years ago, I was a Wyndham fan (Super 8, HJ, Ramada), then mostly switched to Choice (Quality, Comfort, Clarion). Its not unusual for one or both of the programs to have deals where (for example) two stays at a hotel give you enough points for a free night, an excellent deal.

Last summer, we decided to try out the Sheraton Park club level, and were very impressed. 24 hour access to the club lounge, free food all day, free alcohol from 5-7pm, etc. Most evenings while my wife and daughters got ready for bed I went to the lounge from (say) 9pm to 11pm, and had the place to myself. I got to watch TV, drink surprisingly good lattes, eat snacks, and had my own private lounge washroom (those of you who travel with a wife and two teenage daughters know why the simple pleasure of having instant access to a washroom is a luxury). We stayed there again at Christmas, plus tried out the Sheraton Garden Grove which was also (all in all) quite excellent.

I think on future trips, we will basically stay at the Candy Cane, the Sheraton Park, and the Sheraton Garden Grove.

Thanks again, everyone, for your input in this thread.

Honestly, I stayed here a few months ago and it was not great at all. I think you're best skipping this hotel.

Everything opus1guy mentioned was pretty much it. It was old and service wasn't good. I think for $200/night not worth it at all! I think there are better options out there.

I tried to stay here because it says it's very close to Disneyland. I confirmed a few times that it's a short walk. When I got there, the guy told me not to walk. It takes 20 minutes.

I am checking out brand new remodeled Best Western which includes free breakfast, free Internet and free parking for only $75/night.

 

[dmunsil]

Hi,
Just curious how long ago you stayed at this hotel? I stayed a few months ago and they told me there used to be a club lounge but it no longer exist.

I tried booking club lounge through their website but it's not even available.

I didn't stay in club level; I just saw it as a booking category on their web site. I may have been mistaken; I don't recall whether I actually checked if any rooms were available.

 

[dmunsil]

I just tried a sample booking for April 7th, and there's a "Club Floor Non Smoking Two Queens" you can book, which includes "Club Lounge Access". So they're promising people a club lounge.

 

[huladancer1984]

I hope they don't close as I've always wanted to stay here.