Shuttle or rental car? Same price, staying at BW Anaheim Inn

[Dizzy4DL]

We've usually done shuttles or taxi. But Costco Travel has a great deal on rental cars during our stay. Even with gas, it would be about the same price wise. We'll be staying at the BW Anaheim Inn(free parking), and I'm concerned about parking availability. I've heard horror stories about parking at hotels along Harbor. Is it an issue at that particular hotel?
We'll be flying in to SNA at 7:50 PM on Aug 22(Sat), and flying out on Aug 26(Wed) at 2:20 PM.

 

[Luv Bunnies]

Parking can be difficult at some of the hotels, especially if you won't be checking in until around 9:00 p.m. Do you plan to use the car for anything besides getting to and from the hotel? If not, I would recommend the shuttle. We used Super Shuttle on our last trip. It was on time and we didn't have to deal with renting or returning a car. I liked the fact that we could pay online (including the tip) before we left home. If you end up needing anything during your trip, there are plenty of little stores along Harbor. There's even a CVS at Harbor and Katella. It's actually kind of freeing to not have a car.

 

[Elk Grove Chris]

I would second what Bunnies said. If the price is the same and you are not going anywhere else, use taxi/shuttle. No need to park, no need to fill up gas tank before you hit airport, etc.

 

[J9001]

Parking here is limited. Let someone else do the driving and baggage handling for you. Anything you might need is within walking distance from where you are staying.

 

[GoBears 1980]

Get the car.

You open up options for better dining, easier access to shopping and controlling your schedule better. Combine that with SNA have rental cars onsite, I think it is a no brainer to get the car.

 

[wildflower329]

When we went in 2013, we decided to get a car... it was cheaper than getting a shuttle for a family of 4 and we could easily bring our own carseats. I am so glad we had the car, because we ended up having to go to urgent care and then a pharmacy (dd got an ear infection while we were there), which would have been a pain to deal with if we didn't have a car. We were also able to easily go to target to get water and food, etc. We were at HoJo (free parking) and there was always plenty of spots. When we go in August this year, we will have a car again (staying at Park Vue Inn).

We are however, the people who rent a car when we go to Mexico, so that will tell you how much we like having a car for flexibility reasons.

 

[TechGuy]

I just drove to the FFi this last week. I drove thru LA traffic, parked behind the hotel and walked everywhere all week. I got in the car once all week to get my camera case and the only time I drove was to leave.

I am considering taking the train next time. ARTIC bus to hotel and a stressless visit. Parking would normally be $15 per day but was free with Costco package.

 

[Geemo]

I found the same thing for our next trip.
I do really like the idea of a taxi too.
I'm really leaning towards the rental. It means we can run to Inn-and-Out for a burger if we want to.

Geemo