Suggestions for 4star hotel?

[dvcdisney]

Does anyone have any suggestions of a 4 star Hotel within WALKING distance to Disneyland's front entrance? I read some of the sticky posted but other than the Grand Californian, I don't see any other hotel resorts with that rating.

I would very much appreciate any suggestions.

(And I apologize if this questions has already been asked.)

 

[DangerMouse]

As far as I am aware, there are no 4-star ranked hotels within walking distance (with the exception of the Grand). I believe the Hilton Towers is the closest 4-star, but I don't consider it within walking distance.

 

[kaoden39]

Here is a website with the all of the places to stay arounf Disneyland.

http://www.accommodationsneardisney.com/Disneyland/default.asp

I agree with Dangermouse though I can not think of another 4 star hotel within walking distance.

 

[dvcdisney]

Thanks for your responses and the link.

Any suggestions on which of these walking distance resort/hotel would be the best one?

 

[DangerMouse]

"Best" is a relative term. It depends on what ammenitites are important to you. If you can tell us how many people are traveling, their ages, and what your priorities are, we'll be able to better guide you.

 

[kaoden39]

Well I think that the Disney owned ones are the "best". And to be honest they are the only ones I am that familiar with. I would say the Grand is the "nicest" within walking distance.

 

[dvcdisney]

"Best" is a relative term. It depends on what ammenitites are important to you. If you can tell us how many people are traveling, their ages, and what your priorities are, we'll be able to better guide you.

Sorry. You are definitely correct.

It's for 4 people (2 adults and 2 children (11 and 6). I believe the cleanliness and less dated hotel suites/rooms are very important. We are looking for something that isn't very old and the bathrooms are bright and clean. I do like the look of the Grand and would probably stay there, but we are planning on going off to other theme parks for half of our trip and do not really need the benefit of the Grand.

I do, however, think that some hotels are rated less than 4 stars because they don't have as much amenities (such as a spa or exercise rooms etc) but have beautiful, clean and spacious rooms. The rooms are much more important than other extras.

This would be our first trip to Disneyland. We have gone to WDW many times and have stayed in Beach Club Villas, Animal Kingdom Villas, Boardwalk Villas and Villas at the Wilderness Lodge --- all onsite and was wondering if any of the ones near Disneyland is similar. I do however do not need all the extra theming involved in those WDW resorts I have stayed in, but the quality of room is what I'm looking for. I know it's difficult to compare. I believe they are very similar to the Grand and anything close to the quality of the Grand I would be happy with.

When I read one of the advice about hotel searching around Disneyland, it was emphasized that to choose a hotel within walking distance is a major priority because of the transportation system and parking situation. Is it really that bad?

Thanks again. If anyone has any suggestions, I would appreciate them.

 

[Queenbillabong]

We've stayed at a Marriott and a Crowne Plaza further away and the Marriott was very nice. The transportation to and from was not a problem at all - just get to know the bus (either ART or hotel shuttle) schedule and you will be fine. If you're used to WDW, then you are used to using a bus The good thing is you would only need transportation to and from the parks, not actually between them.

If you want a nicer hotel, either of the three Disney hotels or a bit further away are probably best. The ones across the street are more motel than hotel. They don't have a lot of incentive to update - there are always people staying there regardless....

 

[DangerMouse]

I have three kids, ages 11, 8 and 6. We always stay at the Howard Johnson. Their rooms are large and clean. Some of them have skylights and park views (fireworks from balcony). They have just upgraded all their beds and bedding and have fridges in all the rooms and microwaves in most of their rooms. They have the best off-site pool areas with a brand new Pirate themed splash park which is a big hit with younger kids. Their grounds are immaculate and customer service it top notch. The best thing about HoJo is their low prices if you can secure an entertainment rate.

Other hotels I would consider on the nicer side are Candy Cane Inn and Anabella. You can view their rooms on the link provided above (accommodationsneardisney).

HTH!

 

[dvcdisney]

We've stayed at a Marriott and a Crowne Plaza further away and the Marriott was very nice. The transportation to and from was not a problem at all - just get to know the bus (either ART or hotel shuttle) schedule and you will be fine. If you're used to WDW, then you are used to using a bus The good thing is you would only need transportation to and from the parks, not actually between them.

If you want a nicer hotel, either of the three Disney hotels or a bit further away are probably best. The ones across the street are more motel than hotel. They don't have a lot of incentive to update - there are always people staying there regardless....

I was considering the Marriott Anaheim Suites, it's not walking distance but the drive may not be too bad. Thanks.

 

[dvcdisney]

I have three kids, ages 11, 8 and 6. We always stay at the Howard Johnson. Their rooms are large and clean. Some of them have skylights and park views (fireworks from balcony). They have just upgraded all their beds and bedding and have fridges in all the rooms and microwaves in most of their rooms. They have the best off-site pool areas with a brand new Pirate themed splash park which is a big hit with younger kids. Their grounds are immaculate and customer service it top notch. The best thing about HoJo is their low prices if you can secure an entertainment rate.

Other hotels I would consider on the nicer side are Candy Cane Inn and Anabella. You can view their rooms on the link provided above (accommodationsneardisney).

HTH!

I have been hearing about the HJ. I'll look into it and the other ones you suggested. Thanks again.

 

[kkgunn]

If you look at the satellite map for the Anaheim Hilton, which is right next to the convention center, you can see that you can walk to the Timon lot (cross the street in front of convention center, entrance to the left) and ride the Lion King tram to the front of the park.

It is about .25/mile walk to tram stop.

they are newly refurbished rooms..

cons: not a lot of disney theme in lobby.

 

[DangerMouse]

If you look at the satellite map for the Anaheim Hilton, which is right next to the convention center, you can see that you can walk to the Timon lot (cross the street in front of convention center, entrance to the left) and ride the Lion King tram to the front of the park.

It is about .25/mile walk to tram stop.

they are newly refurbished rooms..

cons: not a lot of disney theme in lobby.

While this is a good tip, the Lion King lot is not always open, and therefore the tram is not always running. They only open the Lion King lot once the Mickey & Friends structure is full.

 

[blackjackdelta]

There are 6 of us and we like the RI Maingate. It has always been clean, large suite rooms, great breakfast, and have always had great service by the staff. Not 4 star, but we do not find the Grand that grand for the price, but great location.

I just got back from DC on a business trip and stayed at the Mandarian Oriental..what a hotel and the prices were not that bad considering what you get( as long as I did not have to pay for it). If there was one close to DLR it would give the Grand a real run for the money.

Jack

 

[kkgunn]

I thought they opened the lion king lot 1st and then moved people over to mickey and friends once it fills up.

I am not an expert on this, so I really could be wrong. I would check with disney if your thinking of staying at the Hilton and walking to the lot.

 

[CrazyDuck]

I thought they opened the lion king lot 1st and then moved people over to mickey and friends once it fills up.

I am not an expert on this, so I really could be wrong. I would check with disney if your thinking of staying at the Hilton and walking to the lot.

No... they fill up the mickey and friends lot first. But the Lion king tram continues to run even though the lot is not open!

As far as 4 star hotels go I believe there are only a couple in the area. One of which that I didn't see mentiones is the Menage!
Edit... Oops my bad Menage is only 3.5stars but still worh checking out!

 

[kkgunn]

Ok, is it a "for sure" thing that the trams run through the Timon lot even if it isn't open for parking yet? (l'm thinking why would they run trams to a lot without cars?).

I've been searching for posts to confirm/deny this. I am reserved for the Hilton 10/31 expecting to walk to the parking lot on Harbor. We will be at the park on a Saturday if that matters.

If this is not an option, I will change reserv. to Embassy Suites, get the free breakfast and drive to the Mickey and Friends lot.

 

[LuvDaVillains]

We have stayed at the Hilton many times (husband often has conferences there). You can definitely walk from the Lion King lot (I would call Disneyland Guest Services to confirm that the tram runs anyway), but my son and I usually use ART - not too expensive and much easier on the feet at the end of the day. It picks up just outside the hotel lobby (or if you've just missed it, run across the street to the Marriott and catch it there).

 

[YellowMickeyPonchos]

DVCDisney,

Are you guys looking to avoid using points to stay? (We're DVC also.) We are also spoiled by our DVC experiences. If going out of pocket, that's a tough one. There are Hilton and the higher end hotels down the street - the Sheraton on Ball and the Hyatt on Harbor, but those have some distance.

With the Sheraton, you can walk to Mickey and Friends and then take the tram from there. Cuts the walk to the Main Gate in half (From Mickey and Friends to the gate is 1/2 mile - we GPS'd it with husband's phone and Tracky.)

We we do decide to spend the night for special occasions, we actually prefer to use points and stay at the DLH. Less points that the GCH and still a nice experience. Plus, it gets us home a little quicker.

 

[Marciern22]

I can't get enough of staying at the Grand, but if you want a great nice hotel that is within walking distance, please check out:

http://www.hotelmenage.com/