Where do you like stay along I-5?

[InMamaLand]

My husband and I (pretty much just me ) are planning our first family trip to Disneyland with our twins who just turned one. I have read these message boards for at least a year and a half, and have of course decided to stay at Hojo. We have booked all of our nights at entertainment rate and are looking for somewhere to stay on the way down, and likely on the way back (unless they do great and we think we could possibly do it in one day like we used to do as a couple).

We will be driving from Keizer (near Salem OR) and will be leaving mid afternoon. We plan to drive about 7-8 hours and let the kids sleep through the last few hours of the trip and transfer them to bed at a hotel mid way down. Our only requirements are that it is affordable and clean. What towns do you like to stay in that have quick access to I-5 and what is your favorite places to stay?

Thanks for all your help! It will be SO helpful!
P.S. So glad to finally give up my unappealing title as a lurker!

 

[kaoden39]

Gosh, I live south of that, but I figure that it is about Williams, CA. There are two places in Williams from what I gathered on hotels.com. But if you go a little further there is a town called Dunnigan, CA and there is a Best Western that had a good review. By the way welcome to Disbaoards and have a wonderful trip.

 

[firefly87]

Santa Nella, CA is smack in the middle of CA and right on I-5. There are a few hotels there along with some restaurants (Pea Soup Andersons, McDonalds, Starbucks). I have not stayed in any of them but I know for sure that there is a Holiday Inn Express there. You could check Trip Advisor for some reviews?

I-5 can be kind of sparse as far as towns go.

 

[DizMe]

Santa Nella, CA is smack in the middle of CA and right on I-5. There are a few hotels there along with some restaurants (Pea Soup Andersons, McDonalds, Starbucks). I have not stayed in any of them but I know for sure that there is a Holiday Inn Express there. You could check Trip Advisor for some reviews?

I-5 can be kind of sparse as far as towns go.

This is where we stayed last month (Holiday Inn Express). It was a wonderful hotel and the staff was super nice. I was surprised at how nice the rooms were. The beds are comfortable, the atmosphere friendly, and the free breakfast is quite nice. There is a bit of a cattle smell if you're outside for long, but it wasn't in the rooms. We had a fun dinner at Andersen's Pea Soup--it wasn't great food but my kids enjoyed the place. It took about 4-4 1/2 hours to drive from Santa Nella to Disneyland.

 

[kaoden39]

I think though that the Williams, Dunnigan area is more like the distance that they wanted to drive before stopping.

 

[IASWAM]

Last year we drove down from The Dalles, and stopped in Sacramento (my wife has an uncle there). We stayed at the Larkspur which was really nice, but a little off of I-5. We were going to go back this year, but their price went up dramatically, so we chose to stay at Hawthorn Suites right off of I-5. it looks nice (they all do, though) and for $125/night (AAA rate) there is a separate bedroom and a small kitchen. There is also a free breakfast buffet. Hopefully this place will work out!

Here's a link if you're interested:
http://www.sacramentohawthorn.com/accommodations/

 

[DizNee Luver]

We live in Medford & used to live in Salem, so I'm pretty familiar with I-5 You're about 4 hrs from us & then Redding is about another 2 1/2 hrs. Sacramento would be about 4 1/2-5 hrs from us. Stockton is probably 5 1/2 hrs from here. So those are really your 3 big towns for staying between Keizer & Anaheim. Maybe that will give you an idea of where to look for lodging.

Hope that helps!!

PS: We have twin girls that will turn 2 in May!!! aren't they fun?!!!!!

 

[LuLusApple]

We live west of Williams just about 45 minutes and it's a nice little town. It's still about 8 hours from where we live to Disneyland. I would do a google map or mapquest to check out locations and something I always do is check the local news for a town by googling their local paper. I am paranoid about crime and such! But Williams is a winner to me

 

[jlmarr]

Last year we drove down from The Dalles, and stopped in Sacramento (my wife has an uncle there). We stayed at the Larkspur which was really nice, but a little off of I-5. We were going to go back this year, but their price went up dramatically, so we chose to stay at Hawthorn Suites right off of I-5. it looks nice (they all do, though) and for $125/night (AAA rate) there is a separate bedroom and a small kitchen. There is also a free breakfast buffet. Hopefully this place will work out!

Here's a link if you're interested:
http://www.sacramentohawthorn.com/accommodations/

When visiting Sacto we've stayed at the Best Western Sandman, which is in the same general area, but backs up to the American River (or is that the Sacto river?). Ask for a 2nd floor river view room. Free wifi and a free self-serve breakfast room. Close to the freeway, Old Town Sacto, Amtrak.

http://www.bestwesterncalifornia.com/hotels/best-western-sandman-motel-sacramento

 

[caligirl stuck in va]

If you stay in Williams, you can enjoy Granzella's!!! Wonderful restaurant/specialty shop - totally worth the stop!! I have not stayed at their motel, but their website now shows a motel that they run.

 

[Pir8girl]

There's a fun place to eat in Redding - it's called the Black Bear restaurant. Good food and very kid friendly.

I used to drive from Newport Beach to Medford and we always stayed at the Red Lion Inn... but that's not going to get you very far towards DL.

We've stayed in Sacramento - It was either the Hampton Inn or the Hawthorne Suites - right off the highway. Free breakfast, very nice, very clean not too expensive.

And I've stayed in Fresno - I think at the Marriott. It has a big garden in the center. Anyway that was cheap too.

The area near Andersens is good. Several places to choose from. I love Andersen's split pea soup!

 

[InMamaLand]

Thanks so much for the help everyone! Yes, Williams seems to be about the right distance from our home for a great stopping place for the night, but it looks like most of the hotels are a little ways off of I-5. Our second choice would probably be staying in Sacramento. I was a little surprised by the prices of even basic hotels in Sacramento. I have checked out some of the suggestions and will look at the rest of them today.

I am also trying to see if I can work the "Choice Hotels" (Comfort Inn/Suites, Sleep Inn, Quality, etc.) brands deal of earning one free night after you have two separate stays. I believe that you need to book your two paying stays for dates before the end of April. Our trip runs into May, but I thought we could take a one night vacation somewhere near by to visit friends, and use our first night down as our second paying visit, and get our night on the way back up for free as our third visit. I wanted to double check the deal, but their site is down for the moment.

That is where I am at right now. If anybody has any further suggestions I would definitely welcome them (especially for "Choice Hotels" people have stayed in in those areas).

Thanks so much again everyone!

And yes, DizNee Luver...Having twins is a Blast! They are such buddies and I can't wait to take them to our favorite place. (Even though this trip will be the most effort we have ever put into having fun before.)

 

[DizNee Luver]

And yes, DizNee Luver...Having twins is a Blast! They are such buddies and I can't wait to take them to our favorite place. (Even though this trip will be the most effort we have ever put into having fun before.)

I know what you mean......lol just going to the store you pack the car with "necessities" & maybe leave room for the groceries..... You'll have a great time & I'm sure they'll love it!!! Our twins aren't making the trip We wouldn't have the room, they wouldn't remember it & they have medical issues & sensory issues & I think that would be too much for them at this time. But I'm sure gonna feel like something is missing! Good luck on the planning, drive safe & enjoy every minute of your trip!!!

 

[caligirl stuck in va]

If you do decide to stop in Redding, you must eat @ Black Bear. It is fabulous!

If you stay in Williams, I don't remember things being too far off the path of I-5. Looking at the TripAdvisor map, they are all pretty close to the freeway.

If you want to stop somewhere closer than Williams, Willows has several options, right on I-5. Personally, I wouldn't stay in Sacramento (too much traffic and on/off freeway nonsense), but if you want to go a little further than Williams, you can stay in Woodland. The Hampton Inn & Suites looks nice, but they do have more choices than Willows or Williams. Woodland is north of Sac so you could stop before you get to the "city" and spend the night, then go through in the morning when you are fresh. I would recommend not staying anywhere past Sacramento.