Tell me everything you know about Homewood Suites Anaheim Resort at the Convention Center.. Please and Thank you...

[LovesTimone]

Hi everyone,

So I booked our airfare ... so check and double check...

Then I booked our hotel... we went with Homewood Suite at the convention center on Harbor Blvd...

So party of 4 - DH and myself, DD and our Sweet Grandson who will be 7 at the time of the trip... march 2022

We are staying in a family suite, King bed with partial wall with bunk beds, kitchenette, and living room with a pull out couch... One reason we picked here was the size of the room and a door between the little living area and bed room, and a king bed which is a must for us... DH has to sometimes get up early and deal with work stuff, so this way he can shut the door and work with out waking everyone up.

So I saw that they offer free breakfast.. I am wondering if they have waffles or french toast sticks? My grandson is hungry the moment he opens his eyes... I plan on having a little something for him, like some packaged muffins, or whatever and juice for in the room... he really isn't into eggs or toast...so trying to decide if we will need to find a breakfast place or get something in the parks.

Next up, Ubering to and from the parks? Cost? and can you get one with a booster seat, and does he need it?... while he is only 6 right now, a few months ago I measured him now that I think about it, it was Fathers Day, and he was 49 inches tall then, he is very tall for his age, and the tallest in his class... DD just retried all his pants on, since August and they are all too short... We are planning on bring a booster seat with us for the car service to and from, we don't want to have to drag it with us to the parks.

ART bus... I saw a you tube video and someone mentioned this? so any info is appreciated... cost? Is there a stop close by?

What is around the hotel within a short walking distant? maybe like Walgreen or CVS, or maybe Target or some type of grocery store, just to pick up a few things? drinks and some chips or whatever for the room. As well as are there any restaurants? If nothing is close by we will do a one stop with the car service.

Overall thoughts... Suggestions... are much appreciated...

 

[nuttynatty]

I have not stayed yet (will be in 10 days!) but have done lots of research and heard good things from a good friend. I looked at tons of reviews on numerous sites....

1 - pretty sure I saw a waffle machine. They have a large breakfast selection compared to most from the photos and reviews I saw.
2 - I've done mock trips to see the prices on Uber from the hotel... seems to be about 10-20 depending on peak hours. I don't use Uber often so unsure of booster seat.
3 - Art bus... I would assume there is a stop near by but I have heard lots of negative recently with how busy it is. Not sure the cost, I'm sure google can tell you. This isn't a choice for me so didn't bother looking into it much.
There is also the Toy Story shuttle at the parking lot beside the hotel.... from what I hear the stop is a decent amount away now but about 7 minute walk....it is free however it is also apparently insanely busy at times since people don't want to park at Mickey and Friends and do the tram walk...but by the time you go the trams should be running and this would be a great option.

Walgreens is def walking distance...although I would do grocery delivery if I was grabbing food. Didn't pay too much attention to restaurants since I won't bother with them but again, a quick search on googlemaps and I'm sure you'll see lots of choices.

My good friend is a hotel snob and she absolutely loves this hotel. They also do an evening snack Mon-Thur and have free drinks which might be nice too.

 

[Calidisneyfam]

The walk is only about ten minutes, so I'd definitely walk and not mess with a booster seat. When we stayed it was Covid style breakfast, so nothing hot, but pretty much all hotels with free breakfast have a waffle maker, so I think he'll find something he likes. There is a Walgreens about a block away. We got bottled water there; prices are slightly elevated, but you can't beat the convenience.

Have a great trip!

 

[twitch]

Isn’t this the hotel right next to the Toy Story Parking Lot?

If so, I wouldn’t mess with Uber and booster seats. It’s a 15 minute walk to the Harbor entrance and security checkpoint, or you can ride the Toy Story buses (and go through security before you board).

Homewood Suite breakfasts are pretty good… at least in pre-COVID days. I’d just call the front desk and ask what their current offerings include.

 

[NVDis]

We are staying here Nov 11-14.
I also have a friend staying there right now. She was texting me last night and was pleased. She said the room is clean. They were pleased to get an early check in with a morning flight arrival... but of course that's just hit or miss on a given day.

She also reports a 10-15 min walk. They have an adult special needs daughter, she's very mobile, but not a "fast walker" so I feel like 10-15 min is very accurate if it's also coming from them. They may Uber one way today.... or if they take a mid day break, and they were seeing $10-12 - but I'm not sure what time of day that was.

She sent me a pic of the kitchenette in the room and a view of the Toy Story lot.

I'll ask her about breakfast options when I hear from her later today.

They also do an evening snack Mon-Thur and have free drinks which might be nice too.

I hope this is happening, we arrive on a Thurs, but it seems like most hotels haven't brought this nice perk back since CoVid fear they may not... because they have an "excuse" and don't have to. But if you're doing breakfast, you could the reception?

I'll be following this thread...
We are 6 adults. Daughter and boyfriend have a king suite, other room is a queen suite.

 

[nuttynatty]

We are staying here Nov 11-14.

I hope this is happening, we arrive on a Thurs, but it seems like most hotels haven't brought this nice perk back since CoVid fear they may not... because they have an "excuse" and don't have to. But if you're doing breakfast, you could the reception?

I know they have gone back to hot breakfast according to reviews on trip advisor so perhaps they have brought back reception hour? I am staying at the same time as you (well 8-15) so I guess we will find out then! I'm not too concerned if this option isn't there since I'll most likely be at parks during those hours but the night I arrive it would be nice

 

[lalasmama]

https://www.chp.ca.gov/programs-services/programs/child-safety-seats

Children who are 8 years of age OR have reached 4’9” in height may be secured by a booster seat, but at a minimum must be secured by a safety belt. (California Vehicle Code Section 27363.)

That's from California Highway Patrol.

So, you'll need a booster seat. Uber and Lyft do not provide these. There's 2 great options: MiFold booster, and the Bubble Bum.

www.mifold.com It folds up tiny-- like the size of a diaper.

https://www.bubblebum.co/us/ This one inflates and deflates and can easy fit in a bag.

If the links are "spinning" you can click on them anyway

ART is another option, but remember you'll be on their schedule, which can be annoying.

 

[twitch]

So we routinely walk from Toy Story Parking. I’m diligent about keeping timestamp data in my notes app so I can look back and see how long something took or what we did.

My wife and I are generally fast walkers, and we are consistently 15-20 minutes from leaving our car to getting through the security line. Now… depending on where in the lot we parked on any given day, that could add 1-3 minutes to the time that you will experience walking out the front door of the hotel. Also, my time includes the security line, which is not consistent.

Hope that helps.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

https://www.chp.ca.gov/programs-services/programs/child-safety-seats
That's from California Highway Patrol.

So, you'll need a booster seat. Uber and Lyft do not provide these. There's 2 great options: MiFold booster, and the Bubble Bum.

www.mifold.com It folds up tiny-- like the size of a diaper.

https://www.bubblebum.co/us/ This one inflates and deflates and can easy fit in a bag.

If the links are "spinning" you can click on them anyway

ART is another option, but remember you'll be on their schedule, which can be annoying.

OP, this is correct and confirms what I posted in your other thread. Uber/Lyft do not provide car seats or boosters in CA. And CA laws are strict on the car seat/booster issue. If you use the TS bus or the ART shuttle, then you can skip the booster.

 

[DodgerGirl]

Hi LovesTimone,
I looked up the reviews of Homewood Suites on Yelp and from the reviews it looks like a good choice but there is another Homewood Suites in Anaheim that's directly near Disneyland's main entrance but some of the reviews for it are alright but they aren't offering breakfast at this time and there is NO housekeeping. As for grocery stores Yelp mentions that this other Homewood Suites is within walking distance to Von's. Why don't you give this other Homewood Suites a call and see what deals they have and you might get a better deal
Glad to be of assistance to you,
Dodger

 

[MonocularVision]

Hi LovesTimone,
I looked up the reviews of Homewood Suites on Yelp and from the reviews it looks like a good choice but there is another Homewood Suites in Anaheim that's directly near Disneyland's main entrance but some of the reviews for it are alright but they aren't offering breakfast at this time and there is NO housekeeping. As for grocery stores Yelp mentions that this other Homewood Suites is within walking distance to Von's. Why don't you give this other Homewood Suites a call and see what deals they have and you might get a better deal
Glad to be of assistance to you,
Dodger

There is not a Homewood Suites closer to DL. Were you seeing the Courtyard Marriott? Or perhaps the new Hilton Home2Suites?

 

[cdoc29]

Thank you for your post, We were booked for Homewood Suites Maingate area (about two blocks further south from the convention center Homewood suites) and it got me to to thinking I better check the reviews on yelp and trip advisor. I am sure glad I did. All the recent reviews for this Homewood suites are positive, all the recent reviews for the Main Gate Area are rotten. Made me switch up in hurry even if a little bit more. I am now looking forward to our stay in Jan. 2022. Will share our experience after the trip to let you know how it went.

 

[NVDis]

I thought I was crazy that there was also a Maingate Homewood Suites? I swear I'd booked (and then canceled) this property for a trip in 2017?? Confused- lol

T

 

[Wesley815]

I thought I was crazy that there was also a Maingate Homewood Suites? I swear I'd booked (and then canceled) this property for a trip in 2017?? Confused- lol

T

Yep, one Homewood Suites is further south on Harbor in Garden Grove- and one is much closer to park next to Toy Story parking lot:

Convention Center (near parks)-
https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/anadlhw-homewood-suites-anaheim-resort-convention-center/
Garden Grove (further south)-
https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/laxhwhw-homewood-suites-anaheim-main-gate-area/

 

[NVDis]

Yep, one Homewood Suites is further south on Harbor in Garden Grove- and one is much closer to park next to Toy Story parking lot:

Convention Center (near parks)-

Ok... so the maingate one is not actually closer. There in lies my confusion- lol

 

[Wesley815]

Ok... so the maingate one is not actually closer. There in lies my confusion- lol

Yeah, sadly a lot of local hotels will use marketing terms to name location. I can't imagine how many guests show up to "Homewood Suites Main Gate" thinking it has something to do with Disney main gate, when in fact it's much further away from the parks. Gotta love how they cover it up, 'main gate area'.

Thankfully I've stayed at the Homewood Suites Convention Center and been very happy with stay! Seems pretty clean and well kept. It's much newer than the Garden Grove location too.

 

[lalasmama]

Ok... so the maingate one is not actually closer. There in lies my confusion- lol

So many (mean, naughty) hotels and motels use misleading tactics! I mean something can be "just 1 block away" and still be nearly a mile from an entry gate. Castle Inn and Suites is just across the street, but it's also nearly 0.5 mile (approx 2500 ft).

 

[LovesTimone]

https://www.chp.ca.gov/programs-services/programs/child-safety-seats
That's from California Highway Patrol.

So, you'll need a booster seat. Uber and Lyft do not provide these. There's 2 great options: MiFold booster, and the Bubble Bum.

www.mifold.com It folds up tiny-- like the size of a diaper.

https://www.bubblebum.co/us/ This one inflates and deflates and can easy fit in a bag.

If the links are "spinning" you can click on them anyway

ART is another option, but remember you'll be on their schedule, which can be annoying.

Lovestimone here..

Thanks for the suggestions on the boosters... I talked to DD and she is going to research which one she wants... I am planning on checking out ART and to see if this is something that we could or would use... The thing is when we are ready to go, we are ready to go...that the great thing about Uber only a few minutes and your on your way.. and more walking across a parking lot at the end of a long day, doesn't really seem all that appealing...

So my friend said they make a small bike pump, that they carry with them when they travel, she use it to blow up pillows, she has a serious back problem and has a leg bolster, and neck roll that she must use... Would this be necessary for this or could you blow it up by mouth without passing out? anyone any ideas on this...

So we were just planing on DD and I carry our Crossbody's and a small back pack with snacks, and stuff to keep the little guy busy in line... Now with having to haul a booster seat along, I am thinking that we will want to rent a locker to store the booster seat, to keep from having to carry more... Anyone know if they will fit into a regular size backpack... and how heavy is it really...

Another friend said that they took 2 umbrella strollers with them for their 2 grandkids 7 and 9, and used it to put their backpack, and booster seat in, they had a more traditional booster with them...and at night it was a blessing to let the kids ride at the end of a long day when they were walking out... She said while they were big enough to walk, it made it easier for them, gave them a place leave the backpack, as well as a place to sit and rest, and they clipped the booster seat underneath the stroller. This is not something that I really even thought about, Thoughts?

 

[LovesTimone]

Ok... so the maingate one is not actually closer. There in lies my confusion- lol

We are staying at the one next to the Toy Story lot... I am wondering how long of a walk it really is with a 7 year old...

 

[twitch]

We are staying at the one next to the Toy Story lot... I am wondering how long of a walk it really is with a 7 year old...

Assuming that you're not bringing a stroller, I'd guess you should plan something closer to 20-25 minutes. Also, that's a lot of steps to put in before the day starts. My wife and I do it all the time, but we walk three miles every day (<16 minute pace) as part of our normal routine.

If I were you, I'd give serious consideration to the Toy Story Bus. Unless things have changed, it should be pretty easy for you to walk in the lot toward the security gates, go through security and get on a bus. When you get dropped off at DL, you're dropped behind barriers that allow you into the esplanade without going through security again. This is probably the cheapest and most convenient option. It may even save you a couple of minutes over walking, and will definitely save you some steps.