The search for the perfect hotel... advice?

[spgoad]

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!

Thanks! Always good to get confirmation that my plans sound good.

 

[scarlett1021]

We stayed at the Desert in and Suites a few times a few years back, and the only complaint I had was that one time the room smelled a bit moldy. I think they'd just deep cleaned some fabric and it hadn't dried completely, so there was a moldy smell. It didn't bother my husband at all, but I definitely had to take some allergy meds. Honestly, I wouldn't even bother with the pool; it is a tiny little indoor pool, and if it's a busy time, it will be full of kids. There is a small convenience store adjacent to the Tropicana (right across from their check-in) that sells groceries; yes, they are more expensive, but if you're just buying some milk and cereal, it's not a big deal. You could probably pack a couple of plastic bowls (pack your underwear in them!! ) and spoons, and just use the in room refrigerator. Then you don't even have to worry about the breakfast! Also, I think it's the Carousel that has a Quizno's, and they might serve breakfast (which would be quick, and close). Starting about 8 years ago, my husband (then boyfriend), best friend and her husband started going every year, and we have stayed at most of the hotels on south harbor between us. The Hojo, which they say is great, but too far away for me. The Camelot, which is the sister hotel of the Tropicana, was nice. The Carousel, which I liked (especially for the suite, which we used for her bachelorette), although they have hardwood floors throughout, and you can see the dirt on the bottom of your white socks... The Tropicana, which I never had a problem with, but they had a leak over their bed. The Best Western Park Place, which they stay at all the time now and love (they've never had a problem with parking, they usually have good AAA rates, and their loyalty program has given them several gift cards they've used over the years to rent rooms,). Downside for me there, is their breakfast is through Captain Kidds... we ate a meal there once, and it was awful. My friends have no problem with their breakfast. The Park Place Inn, which is also nice, but I'd probably opt not to stay at again (nothing special). The Desert Inn and Suites, which I've already described. The Ramada Inn Maingate, which was nice, but small and farther away, and finally, the Anaheim Plaza Hotel and Suites, which was a dump (and too far). Someone recommended the Anabella, and while it was nice (and the breakfast used to be better than those mentioned above), it was a long walk for us, at least 20 minutes. You also have to remember that it's going to be hot when you go, and with the people and the heat in disneyland, you're going to want a quick jaunt back to the hotel to cool down... which is what I'd recommend - go early, leave at lunch, come back at 3 or 4 (maybe later, if you want), and stay until closing. The other benefit to staying on south harbor, is that you are pretty close to Gardenwalk. Gardenwalk is right down Disney Way, past Ramada Inn Maingate, and has an AWESOME bowling hall called 300. They also have some fun restaurants, and a movie theater (so does Downtown Disney, but Downtown Disney is likely to be pretty busy, especially during the summer), and most people at Disneyland forget it's there... so crowds are low. The ART has a shuttle from Disneyland (conveniently on your way to and from the park from your hotel), and it's $4 a person a day (they also have 3 day or 5 days passes available), running every 20 minutes from noon on. LoL, I think that's all I've got. ;-)