What very close offsite hotel for kids?

[msim]

Hi all. Planning my first trip to Disneyland for next year. I am looking for a hotel immediately out of the DL gates that would be themed or/and very memorable for kids. I saw one hotel website had a "Mickey Room" decorated with Mickey Mouse, but now I can't remember who it was or find the site. Any advice out t here? Thanks in advance!

 

[daannzzz]

As far as I know or have seen there are not any off site hotels that are decorated with Mickey, which doesn't mean there are any. Two of the Onsite Hotels have Mickey stuff in them. Ihave seen pictures of off site hotels where they have some Disney items setting around the room but I beleive that is just PR photos.
There are not really any themed offsite hotels. not like there use to be anyway. The Candy Cane Inn has a slight New Orleans garden theme and is pretty but nothing the kids would care for much. Click on this link and then on More Photos". http://www.travelhero.com/prophome.cfm/id/67216/hotels/reservations/index.html
There is the Castle Inn and Suites which is interesting looking on the outside with some small "royal" touches but this place has not gotten good reviews on the cleanliness of their rooms. It has never gone through a remodel. http://www.travelhero.com/prophome.cfm/id/67217/hotels/reservations/index.html
The Park Inn (Not the BW Park Place or the Park View) Has a bit of a theme with a small but fun pool on the 3'd floor deck that has a view of the Matterhorn in the distance. http://www.travelhero.com/prophome.cfm/id/67217/hotels/reservations/index.html
Here are the three Disney hotels. http://www.travelhero.com/prophome.cfm/id/127069/hotels/reservations/index.html
http://www.travelhero.com/prophome.cfm/id/86289/hotels/reservations/index.html
http://www.travelhero.com/prophome.cfm/id/108988/hotels/reservations/index.html

 

[Julia M]

If you are going during a warm time (swimmiing weather), the Howard Johnsons is rehabbing their kids water area. There is a kids pool and on their website, this is the description: Creation of a children's “Spraygound” area featuring a wading pool and 13 leaping water fountains that spout a variety of patterns.

My kids love "Fancy" pools. I have never stayed at the hotel, but have read good reviews and have ressies for this july (I'll post a review)

Julia

 

[disneychrista]

The Days Inn and Suite on Harbour had Alice and Wonderland pictures on the Walls when we stayed there a few years ago. But it is not really "walking distance" to the parks.

 

[tiggeroo42]

Portofino Inn and Suites has "Kids Suites" that would be fun for kids, but, again, not really themed (although the rooms are very colorful! ). The suites have a king-size bed and the bathroom in the front part of the room, and bunk beds and a sofa bed in the other room (separated by French doors). There are 2 TV's, 2 telephones, and plenty of storage space. There's also a mini-fridge, microwave, and a small activity table in the kids' room. We didn't use the pool, but it just looked like a standard hotel pool--probably not too exciting for the kids.

Portofino has recently been remodeled (used to be part of the Jolly Roger), and it's on the corner of Katella and Harbor. It's only a block away from Disneyland, but it's probably a good 15-20 minute walk. When we were there last June, guests had free access to the city shuttle service to and from Disneyland, but I don't think they offer that anymore--check to be sure. I liked Portofino and would stay again, but not without a free shuttle!

 

[disneychrista]

When we were there last June, guests had free access to the city shuttle service to and from Disneyland, but I don't think they offer that anymore--check to be sure. I liked Portofino and would stay again, but not without a free shuttle

Many of the hotels now use ART and charge about $2 per person per day. I am not a fan of shuttles, so I usually drive since I have always had free parking (with AAA passes and now AP)

 

[tiggeroo42]

That's what it was--ART. I couldn't remember the name!

I would not pay $2/day for "ART." The pickup times were always sporadic, and it took about 15-20 minutes to get to the park since the bus stopped at so many other hotels. The bus stop was right next to Portofino, though (some others are not), and it was nice being the first ones dropped off coming back. It may be faster to walk or drive if you have free parking.

 

[dsnylndmom]

I think that the Hampton Inn and Suites has decorated "kids rooms". They are located on Harbor, less than a 5 minute drive, right next to Embassy Suites. We stayed at Embassy in May and loved it! They share the shuttle(a full sized bus) with the Hampton and there is no cost for it. We took the shuttle once, but prefer to drive since we had a PAP. But it was a quick shuttle ride and no stops.

HTH
Tina