It kind of depends on how you're wanting to divide up your group. Are you two adults and four kids? Two separate families, so you'd prefer two bedrooms?
Here's a couple of maps for nearby accommodations:
http://www.geocities.com/ashpsyche/DisneylandLinkMap.html
http://www.accommodationsneardisney.com/Disneyland/default.asp This one has a window on the left that shows hotels with kids' suites. They book up fast.
Read Hydroguy's Hotel Rule:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1199862 (the rest of his tips compilation is great, too
)
Also, what do you mean by "nicest" and "nearby"? Do you want the nicest hotel regardless of cost, but not one of the DL hotels? Do you want to be in walking distance? (hint: yes, you do
) Does it matter if it's a suite or two connecting rooms, or two rooms right next to each other or across the hall?
For suites with more than one bedroom, Residence Inn Maingate is supposed to be really nice, with free breakfast and very reasonable rates. It's sort of on the edge of walking distance, though, especially with kids. You can take the ART shuttle, but that can be kind of inconvenient, especially for midday breaks.
If you can go midweek, you might be able to get Howard Johnson's Entertainment book rate, and you could book 2 connecting or adjacent rooms for $59-79 a night, standard, deluxe or premium. It's the nicest hotel within walking distance on Harbor, with a great kids' water play area near the hot tub and also a big pool. It's not right across the street like BWPPI, but one block up-- and the service and amenities are worth the extra 5 minutes' walk. Website with more info:
http://www.hojoanaheim.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=13&t=14
As far as crowds, it's really hard to say, but since you're midweek, you might get lucky, since some schools are back in session already. They had lower-than-expected crowds this August, but it's very hard to predict. Traditionally, summer is very busy, regardless.
There's just a few ideas for you. Hope that helps!
