The search for the perfect hotel... advice?

[spgoad]

Now I know what you are thinking: No such thing as the perfect hotel. Maybe not, but I'm trying. My DW and I are considering a 5 or 6 DLR trip in late July and I'm searching out hotels now. This will be my first time at DLR, and my wife hasn't been since highschool (7 years or so ago), so I'm starting from basically no knowledge of the area. Every hotel I've found seems to have a downside of some kind. Granted, most are minor things, but I'm having trouble deciding what could be most important. I've read HydroGuy's hotel rule, so I know I've gotta be thinking location, location, location. So here's the scoop:

Best close hotel deal I've seen is Stovall's. Clean, nice looking hotel w/wi-fi, breakfast, and pool. $80 a night. Downside - Slightly longer walk, 10-15 minutes. Now it will just be me and DW, both in our mid 20s, so I'm not worried about us holding up with the walk. But I'm worried that I won't want to talk that walk time to come back to the room to chill, grab my big camera and tripod for fireworks shots, etc. That distance seems borderline to me.

After Stovall's, everything on Harbor seems expensive for fewer amenities. Del Sol (cheap looking) and Desert Inn (indoor pool, iffy wi-fi), $100. BW Anaheim (no breakfast) - $107. Ramada (no real downsides) - $109. Fairfield (nice, no breakfast) - $118. BW Park Place (perfect except price) - $138.

So, my questions I guess circle around the walking distance from these places. I'm having a hard time picturing what I might think about the walks once I actually get there. My tendency would be that staying on Harbor would be more fun and we'd be more likely to take breaks there. My top choice there at the moment would seem to be the Ramada, but at 6 nights that's almost $180 more than Stovall's. Neither are bad prices at all, but if the walk is the only difference, is it worth that? I tend to be ok paying more for a nicer hotel, but for the same type of hotel generally, I'm having a harder time justifying it. I also realize this is probably a personal opinion question, but thought I would ask and see what some experience DISers had to say. Thanks!

 

[DizNee Luver]

The walk can be a huge deal, IF you don't tend to do a lot of walking on a regular basis. You will put on miles just walking around the parks. We've always stayed across on Harbor & even the short 8 minute walk back to the HoJo could be considered a problem for some.

The advantages of staying right across the street (Desert Inn, Tropicana, Carousel, etc just to name a few) is being able to dash back to the motel if you forgot something or the weather warms or chills & you want to make a quick change.

We're planning on staying further away our next trip, but partly due to needing a larger place for our family. We make a yearly trip & are accustomed to the amount of walking we do in a day.

So if you feel you'll be needing to go back & forth a few times in a day, you might want to consider staying closer. If you're both avid walkers, then the distance shouldn't be a problem.

 

[skiingfast]

I'd choose the Ramada Maingate. Because even though it has a poor selection at it's breakfast, I think most people overlook the great savings of a continental breakfast at the hotel. It saves a lot of time. It's ready when you walk in, you eat, and leave.

Although Stovalls isn't a bad walk, I wouldn't want to walk back for a tripod or sweatshirt. So for $15 or less(depends on what fits the tripod, 15 is for the largest size) you could rent a locker that you can access all day and factor it into the daily room cost. That way you won't hate the distance over other hotels. But you will end up wishing you were closer when walking back at night.

 

[wbl2745]

In terms of distance from the esplanade, Tropicana, Park Place, and those near by are your best bet. We've stayed at the Tropicana several times and it is OK. We haven't had any parking problems there, but we did have problems at Park Place. The just didn't have enough parking places for the number of cars that needed to park.

One hotel you haven't mentioned is the Grand Californian. OK, the price is stratospheric, but if you get the rooms overlooking DTD, you're very close to Disneyland and there's a entrance from GCH directly into DCA. If you go on Grizzly River and are soaked (a common occurrence) getting back to your room in GCH to change is a piece of cake.

 

[mom2aredhead]

I'd choose the Ramada Maingate. Because even though it has a poor selection at it's breakfast, I think most people overlook the great savings of a continental breakfast at the hotel. It saves a lot of time. It's ready when you walk in, you eat, and leave.

See, I disagree.
There are lots of breakfast options right there, so I don't think an included breakfast is a deciding factor.
It could be terrible. It could be so crowded during peak times that it costs you time, or it could just not be open during the times you need it to be. Right on Harbor is IHOP, McDonalds, and Mimi's restaurant. Right inside the MK gates is the Bakery. Most of the hotels have a 'fridge to keep a container of milk, and the small single serve things of cereal are available all over the place and cheap. Cereal or granola bars are quick and easy. I wouldn't pick a hotel because it includes frozen microwaved pancakes or a bagel.

 

[skiingfast]

See, I disagree.
There are lots of breakfast options right there, so I don't think an included breakfast is a deciding factor.
It could be terrible. It could be so crowded during peak times that it costs you time, or it could just not be open during the times you need it to be. Right on Harbor is IHOP, McDonalds, and Mimi's restaurant. Right inside the MK gates is the Bakery. Most of the hotels have a 'fridge to keep a container of milk, and the small single serve things of cereal are available all over the place and cheap. Cereal or granola bars are quick and easy. I wouldn't pick a hotel because it includes frozen microwaved pancakes or a bagel.

And here is the problem.

Go into the IHOP, no extra walking it's right across from the park entrance. Wait to be seated. Wait to order, Wait for your food. Wait for the bill. McDonald's, spend 5 minutes walking there and back waiting to order and wait for food. Mimi's walk 7 minutes extra wait so order and pay, or wait to sit, order, for your order to arrive and to pay. Hotel breakfast may have to wait a tiny bit for the line to move. May have to wait for a seat. All facts that make a hotel continental breakfast convinient.

If a breakfast is tasy or not is just an opinion.

I like to eat pop tarts as I walk to the park. Cheap and takes no time. But not something the OP posted they are considering as an option.

 

[spgoad]

Thanks for the thoughts guys. You are kind of confirming my inklings that we'd enjoy a hotel on Harbor more. I just gotta figure out which things appeal to me most.

skiiingfast - I totally agree on the breakfast thing. I wouldn't ever want to delay getting to the park in the morning in order to stop for breakfast. Some people need big breakfasts, we aren't those people. At home we just eat a bowl of cereal in the mornings anyway. At WDW in January we brought food with us and just ate in the room. That is certainly an option (seriously considering that for BW Anaheim), just isn't quite as convenient when you are flying. I suppose Von's is always an option, haven't looked at their prices.

wbl2745 - I would LOVE to stay in the Grand Californian, but I don't think that is in the cards for a while yet. One of my long-term financial goals is to get where we can afford DVC and do trips that way, but for now in our "just starting out" mode, budgets rule. This is part of the reason I'm going back and forth on saving just $20-$30 a night.

BTW - I've considered basically all the hotels on Harbor there across the street, I just listed the ones that are on my short list. The others were either more expensive or just didn't have the type of room we'd want. Too bad Stovall's just isn't as expensive as the others, it'd make my decision easier.

 

[mrsmoore]

I would recommend the Anabella Hotel. It is not on Harbor, but behind DCA. You can walk through the Grand Californian and through DTD. We did it with a 5 year old and no stroller, she never complained about the walk! We even went back to swim one day and for a nap another day. It is a nice hotel and has some nice qualities. They have two pools, and one is the quiet pool. They have also been updating some rooms and adding a Luxury category. It is really pretty reasonably priced!

 

[wbl2745]

I would LOVE to stay in the Grand Californian, but I don't think that is in the cards for a while yet. One of my long-term financial goals is to get where we can afford DVC and do trips that way, but for now in our "just starting out" mode, budgets rule. This is part of the reason I'm going back and forth on saving just $20-$30 a night.

Spgoad, you're on the right track. Without wanting to start a flame war or distract from your posting, I think that DVC should be paid with cash. It's a luxury and shouldn't be something that increases family debt. If you are as frugal as is sounds like you are, you'll make it! In the mean time Disneyland is as magical for you as it is for everyone else!

 

[spgoad]

Spgoad, you're on the right track. Without wanting to start a flame war or distract from your posting, I think that DVC should be paid with cash. It's a luxury and shouldn't be something that increases family debt. If you are as frugal as is sounds like you are, you'll make it! In the mean time Disneyland is as magical for you as it is for everyone else!

Thanks! I appreciate the encouraging comments.

 

[spgoad]

Alright, I think I've about settled on a hotel... at least in my mind. I'm strongly leaning towards Desert Inn and Suites. Here's how I got there:

First I had to convince myself Stovall's was too far to walk to save the money. Your comments helped in that for sure, but in order to really firmly decide, I pulled up Google maps and used their ruler tool to make some comparisons. I measured distances from hotels to the entrances along sidewalks, then compared that to something I was familiar with walking wise (for me, this was the campus of my alma mater where I walked to class every day for 4 years). Turns out Stovall's would be on the far end of campus where I always drove to because it was further than I wanted to walk. So, Harbor Blvd it is...

Then I had to choose from my options on Harbor. I basically eliminated anyplace without breakfast, just because I could. Then I turned to Google again and did streetview up and down Harbor to get an idea of what the walk looked like from each of them. None were far, but Desert's location looks awesome. My wife and I talked and decided we really didn't care about the pool much, which means indoor doesn't bother us (we have a pool in our apartments here at home, so we are used to it). Breakfast may be lousy & basic there, but as long as they've got cereal that's what I eat at home and I'll be good. So, price is right $99 + $4 resort fee each night, location looks great, hotel looks clean and decent, I think we found a winner. Maybe given a different trip time I could have scored some better deals, but middle of July this looks as good as it'll get. Now I just gotta finalize dates and book...

In short, I'd highly recommend hitting up Google maps for those who haven't been there before. Really helped me get a grasp on the area and where I wanted to be. Thanks for the help here as well, always helps to get some other experienced opinions.

 

[spgoad]

Oh, also forgot to mention, Desert Inn has queen beds, Ramada's basic price was double beds. My wife and I could fit on a double, but we are used to a queen at home and I didn't really want to go smaller on vacation. So that is how Desert beat out Ramada.

 

[nunzia]

In terms of distance from the esplanade, Tropicana, Park Place, and those near by are your best bet. We've stayed at the Tropicana several times and it is OK. We haven't had any parking problems there, but we did have problems at Park Place. The just didn't have enough parking places for the number of cars that needed to park.

One hotel you haven't mentioned is the Grand Californian. OK, the price is stratospheric, but if you get the rooms overlooking DTD, you're very close to Disneyland and there's a entrance from GCH directly into DCA. If you go on Grizzly River and are soaked (a common occurrence) getting back to your room in GCH to change is a piece of cake.

Correct..ridiculously expensive, but when I saw the tile "Perfect Hotel", well, it's the perfect one for us.

ahh..I read further..yes..save for that DVC! While you are there you can stop into the Grand and have a drink at the Hearthstone
At home I also eat a very light breakfast..granola bar..but I tend to have low blood sugar issues and find that when doing Disney a big protein filled breakfast really helps out and I can pretty much snack through the day and avoid pricey on site meals. I'd avoid that IHOP..it was fine food wise but it's the most expensive IHOP in the world...

 

[DISNEYNY]

Oh, also forgot to mention, Desert Inn has queen beds, Ramada's basic price was double beds. My wife and I could fit on a double, but we are used to a queen at home and I didn't really want to go smaller on vacation. So that is how Desert beat out Ramada.

I've never been before so I'm looking & comparing too. We got the Ramada Maingate for $98 for the 2 Queen Room with a $65 gas credit at check out. We had to change our trip to August so maybe that's why it came in cheaper. I called & got the quote over the phone.

 

[kristenhh]

I have stayed at the Anaheim Desert Inn many times and have found it to be great. It is a short walk, the rooms are fine (they were refurbished not too long ago), they have a fridge and a microwave, they are usually much cheaper than those around them, and it is a short walk! The breakfast isn't out of this world, but it is free. Sometimes I bring my own box of cereal, and use their milk and juice. They also have pastries, toast and fruit. I hope you have a nice trip.

 

[Judy from Boise]

I don't think you will be disappointed with your choice. Just another wrinkle, I would drop the length of the trip to 4 days to stay in higher grade lodgings.......but that is just me !

 

[blackjackdelta]

Correct..ridiculously expensive, but when I saw the tile "Perfect Hotel", well, it's the perfect one for us.

ahh..I read further..yes..save for that DVC! While you are there you can stop into the Grand and have a drink at the Hearthstone
At home I also eat a very light breakfast..granola bar..but I tend to have low blood sugar issues and find that when doing Disney a big protein filled breakfast really helps out and I can pretty much snack through the day and avoid pricey on site meals. I'd avoid that IHOP..it was fine food wise but it's the most expensive IHOP in the world...

I have to start the day with a protein breakfast, carbs make most people energy crash in a short period of time. We order Vons for the room and have something to eat before heading to the gates. We like RI Maingate because there hot breakfast was early and filling.

Jack

 

[nana50]

i need a hotel that has room service. We like to order breakfast so it is there when we get up, then we eat while getting ready and waste no time. We are breakfast people. So my faves areThe Hilton, sheraton Anaheim, and of course The DLH.

 

[deesquared]

SPGOAD - I think the Desert Inn will fit the bill for your trip! We've stayed there once, and are staying again in December. It's nice and close, and the prices are very good. Enjoy your trip to Disneyland!

 

[spgoad]

I don't think you will be disappointed with your choice. Just another wrinkle, I would drop the length of the trip to 4 days to stay in higher grade lodgings.......but that is just me !

Interesting thought, thanks. I tend to look at it from the perspective of park ticket cost. Once you get up to 4 days, adding a day or two to 5 or 6 is crazy cheap. So my tendency is to maximize my stays for park days, meaning stay longer to make my park days cheaper. Which is why I tend to go for budget hotel for a longer period. But then I thin that probably depends on your focus of the vacation. For me, being a DLR newbie, my focus will be park time. In a few years I'll probably take WDW vacations where I care less about the parks and more about my hotel and resort. But the Disney parks are still new to me, so my focus is different for now.