Sheraton Anaheim?

[keishashadow]

While i've researched on trip advisor, haven't seen much posted here as to the Sheraton Anaheim (not to be confused w/the Sheraton Park-aka Coast Anaheim).

Starting to think we may want to forego the convenience of walking across Harbor Blvd. for more floor space (500 sq ft rooms) & quieter location since i'm booking for 8 nights.

Apparently, all the rooms @ the Sheraton have been updated recently(unfortunately, no in-room safe-added a minifridge ; can use units in lobby though)

No cont breakfast, do have their own shuttle that runs every 1/2 hour.

many posters say it's an easy walk to restaurants in DTD; looks far to me.

pool looks small, deep end 9' though

looks to have a big layout, gardens, etc.

have read negative posts as to smallish bathrooms & "not quite up to sheraton's standards" whatever that means.

Anyone stay here recently or heard anything that may help me decide?

 

[grizbuzz]

We stayed there December 2006 and really enjoyed the hotel. The rooms were nice and large and the beds comfortable. The pool needed a little work -- needed a resurface. The shuttle was fine, but I'd say that the distance is a bit too far to walk. We did walk once through Downtown Disney, and it was a hike that we didn't repeat.

Last month we stayed at Marriott Fairfield Inn, which was much closer to the parks. We could walk easily in 5 or 10 minutes. But we enjoyed Sheraton much more. So if you're up for a shuttle, I'd recommend Sheraton.

 

[keishashadow]

thanks, for some reason the Fairfield hasn't loaded their dates into the system yet for next summer.

As for shuttles, i'm not sure how mid-summer traffic would factors into commute time for what appears to be a 1/4 - 1/2 mile at best distance. They indicate that their hotel shuttle runs every 1/2 hour, so i'm assuming it's a 10-15 min one way trip?

we are so used to a 1/2 hour or so commute to WDW parks when staying onsite (even staying onsite @ Universal, it can easily take the same amount of time waiting for the boat) so it's not a big deal for us. Now, if it's longer...

 

[ter-moo]

That bus ride can't possibly take longer than 5-10 minutes--even in traffic.

I've also read that you can walk over to the Disney parking structure (next to the hotel) and take the parking tram. I read that a few years ago, so I don't know if it's still the case, but it would be an easy option for you.

 

[keishashadow]

That bus ride can't possibly take longer than 5-10 minutes--even in traffic.

I've also read that you can walk over to the Disney parking structure (next to the hotel) and take the parking tram. I read that a few years ago, so I don't know if it's still the case, but it would be an easy option for you.

great to know, i am so intimidated by the horror stores i've heard of anaheim/LA traffic; certainly can deal with that.

read a couple posts on TA wherein posters suggest that people drive across the street to the garage and catch a tram guess people don't want to walk lol. Seriously, is the parking tram pickup on street level (Ball Road?).

 

[jenksdj]

I have never read so many negative things as on TA (for every holiday spot we've been to, not just Disneyland). That's why I stick with this website. Everyone is so upbeat and if someone does have a complaint, it's always followed up by, "but that's ok, because we're in Disneyland!"

One person's walk is another person's marathon. Before we went to Disneyland in April I checked a few websites, including TA, and some people said it was a very far walk from the DLH to the front gates (and even to the monorail station, about a block away)! We stayed there anyway, and our 4 year old never once complained that it was too far to the front gates! Go figure! If you can't walk that far, how are you going to manage the miles you put on in one day at the parks?!

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

I haven't stayed at the hotel, but I've visited it & checked out the rooms, and I really like it. I book more people here because of the large rooms, and I think the grounds are really nice. It is on the "back-side" of Disneyland, so it's a bit of a walk, but you could walk to the tram pick-up spot at the Mickey & Friends parking lot, or could take the free shuttle. (I would probably say walk in the morning unless you have small children, & take the shuttle back) Keep in mind that there is a $10 daily fee for parking if you have a car, so to drive to the Mickey & Friends parking lot & pay another $11 is kind of crazy in my book.

 

[grizbuzz]

I don't think the Sheraton shuttle to the park could have been more than 10 minutes. And I remember taking an early shuttle in the morning that got us to the park in plenty of time for early entry. Only issue was having to wait for return bus to hotel...I think we waited for 15 minutes one evening. But if you're used to WDW bus system, I don't think you'll have any issues with this shuttle.

 

[keishashadow]

thanks again, for our summer rates; the rate is only about $25 more per night than the best i can find for HoJos premium view; hope it holds until my DH gets his vacation approval

 

[tothesea]

We stayed at the Sheraton twice in 2006--in the summer and absolutely loved it!!! It has that magical "YOU ARE AT DISNEYLAND" feel to it, even though it's not on disney property.

The shuttle does run every 30 minutes and the staff are so nice. One time, the bus filled up, so they pulled another up to take just the 3 of us!

For downtown disney, we drove once and parked there for a free 3 hour limit. Also, we took the shuttle and instead of going into the parks, just kept walking straight ahead to downtown disney. Both were great, and the drive was pretty simple.

The grounds are really pretty and the rooms are big and very clean. We plan on staying there every time.

 

[disneegrl4eva]

Ive stayed there so many times that this past July I had earned enough starwood points to get a free night at the Westin in SF which was amaaaaaaaazing...I love Sheraton...yes the bathroom is small but that is the ONLY downside to this property...the shuttle runs so proficicient and it only takes about a 5 minute shuttle ride to the park...I would never try to walk there though...its a beautiful property...I dont know what else I can say about it to let you know how great it is...they have a deli/store that makes fresh sandwiches, salads, etc...great desserts...and scooped haagen daaz ice cream along with sodas, coffee, hot chocolate, you name it they have it...I always request the C wing facing the pool...its the nicest of the rooms and even though your next to the pool you dont have to worry about noise...the one noise Im gonna warn you about is if your in your room while the fireworks are going off it will jolt you because you think its a cannon going off

 

[jlima]

My family stayed there twice during its remodel; and once after the remodel. The stay after the remodel was the worst. When we checked in, I was told I had a non smoking room and we were checked into a smoking room. The air conditioning didn't work very well and the room was warm and muggy; and the wireless internet did not work. The front desk clerk said there were a few rooms that didn't pick up the wireless network and ours was one of them. They charged for parking; and on our 2nd night there there were no empty spaces at all as there were 2 or 3 catered functions (weddings, etc.) in their meeting rooms and most of the spaces appeared to be taken by people who weren't even overnight hotel guests. We parked our car right under the porte cochere, and I told the bell captain what room we were in and to call if they needed our car moved. He apologized that there were no spaces and asked me to back the car up a few car lengths (probably to fit more cars!). They took the parking fees off our bill. We never stayed there again.

 

[McQueenofHrts]

We stayed at the Sheraton Anaheim on Labor day weekend 07 while we participated in the Half Marathon activities. I would consider myself picky when it comes to hotel rooms and I thought it was great! We rented a minivan, but were never charged a parking fee during our stay. I am wondering if they charge a fee so day visitors to the park don't take advantage of free parking, but if you stay there a fee won't be charged. The shuttle ran smoothly too. The hotel is quite large. Not having people in the next room was great for us as we were travelling with an 11 month old and a VERY lively 3 year old who can be quite loud despite my best efforts to quieten them down. Also, you can see the fireworks from the hotel parking lot. On the downside, if you are planning on working while on vacation as I did, the business center is not the best and WIFI costs $10 a day. We had to print something in the business center and they didn't know how to load or work the printer. All in all, I would certainly go back. It was clean, quiet, except around my kids , and everyone was nice. Good luck and have fun!

Pam

P.S. The bathrooms are "small", but are you really going to spend alot of time in them to care?

 

[keishashadow]

appreciate all the specific input taking notes lol.

we're afraid to drive from the airport . Parking isn't much of a consideration for us, will probably only rent a car for a day to get to the beach (newport?); might even take a bus tour. Know there's a rental place on Harbor & W Katella; will have to see if they have one onsite or nearby.

now to decide between HoJos premium view rooms & the Sheraton (about $240 more for 8 days)' both seem to be large enough so we're not tripping over eachother and similar in amenties/vibe.

 

[MirandaPen]

I've stayed before and thought it was nice. Very welcoming castle look and looked more Disney like than most of the other hotels It is too far for a walk though. The farthest I'd really consider walking is the Howard Johnson. The shuttle is convienent and on time, however sometimes it would get too crowed and some people would have to wait for the next one. If you do stay here you have to be a little force full in getting on the shuttle. I felt bad for a large Japanese tourist family that didn't speak english and had a hard time regularly getting on the shuttle.
If you are considering somewhere else that uses a shuttle stay here instead. Otherwise consider somewhere that is really within true walking distance.

 

[ezacoo]

I'm glad that there are some positive reviews on this thread!

My fiance and I will be spending time here for our honeymoon, and our travel agent booked us in. Afterwards, when I looked at the map, I was a bit worried about the distance, but hopefully the shuttle will be fine.

Just a quick question...if we are wanting to get to early entry early (ie be waiting ready for DL to open), does the shuttle run this early?

 

[Ms. Belle]

I just stayed at the Sheraton Anaheim Oct. 5-8 and I loved it. To me, the lobby is nicer than any of the Disneyland Hotels. The room was huge with two double beds, a frig and a little sitting area. The bathroom was small, but was clean and updated. I wouldn't walk to the Disneyland parking garage from the hotel; it is right across the street, but it is a very busy street and you would have to cross 4-6 lanes of traffic. It's pretty dangerous. The shuttle ran every 15-30 mins and dropped you right off at the entrance to Disneyland and Cali. Adventure. I would stay there again and recommend it highly.