Where to stay?

[bangzoom6877]

We are planning our first California and Disneyland trip for July 2015. We want to stay off-site, but within walking distance to the parks and DTD. DH and I prefer a 2-room suite so the kids have their own sleeping area. I was looking at the Desert Palms Suites hotel and it looked good. However, the Hojo with the water park looks amazing for the kids too. Do they have 2-room suites at the Hojo, and if so, how expensive are they? Can you walk to the parks from there? Any other hotels you would recommend within walking distance that have 2-room suites at a reasonable price? I wish we could afford VGC but we don't have the extra DVC points because of our WDW trips, and we don't have the money to pay cash. We love Embassy Suites, to give you an idea of our preference. I will also add that DH and I won't sleep in a bed that is smaller than queen size. Thanks in advance!

 

[NiceOneSimba]

Hojo does have kids suites: 2 separate rooms, with a set of bunkbeds in the second room for the kids. I haven't stayed there, but I consider it within walking distance. I believe the hotel says they're eight minutes from the gates on foot, and that seems pretty accurate to me (depending how long you have to wait for the light to cross the street).

Hojo does have AP and DISBoard discounts, but I don't know if they apply to the suites (The email 50% off discount does not).

Just from reading the boards, it appears that the kids suites book fast. So if you think you might want to stay there, book as soon as you're sure!

 

[Aladora]

Desert Inn & Suites has 2 and 3 room suites that can sleep up to 10 people! If you book far enough in advance, you can get a really great rate. July 2015 is not on their calendar yet but they are listing their C1 suite which has 2 rooms, 4 queen beds and 1 1/2 baths for $209/night in June 2015.

We've stayed there twice now.

 

[bangzoom6877]

Hojo does have kids suites: 2 separate rooms, with a set of bunkbeds in the second room for the kids. I haven't stayed there, but I consider it within walking distance. I believe the hotel says they're eight minutes from the gates on foot, and that seems pretty accurate to me (depending how long you have to wait for the light to cross the street). Hojo does have AP and DISBoard discounts, but I don't know if they apply to the suites (The email 50% off discount does not). Just from reading the boards, it appears that the kids suites book fast. So if you think you might want to stay there, book as soon as you're sure!

Wow, that sounds great! An 8-minute walk is perfect too. I'm going to check them out, thanks!

Desert Inn & Suites has 2 and 3 room suites that can sleep up to 10 people! If you book far enough in advance, you can get a really great rate. July 2015 is not on their calendar yet but they are listing their C1 suite which has 2 rooms, 4 queen beds and 1 1/2 baths for $209/night in June 2015. We've stayed there twice now.

Is this the same as the Desert Palms Resort that is across the street from Disneyland? Or is it a different resort? $209 is very reasonable!

 

[kirstie101]

I'm gonna agree with both the pp's and say Hojo's and DI&S would both work for you. And I'd happily stay at both again.

I've never stayed in the kids suites at Hojo's but I know they're really popular. It is about an 8 minute walk from the gates, parking is free and my kids love the kids pool area. This is where we prefer to stay.

DI&S is closer, maybe a 2 minute walk. They have a couple different 2 room suite configurations. You can choose from either a full or half bath in the second room. We've stayed in their C2 family suites a few times and have been very happy with our stay. Only downside is they charge for parking and a resort fee. They offer a free breakfast though it is very small. And the elevators are often slow. The pool is indoors which is good for the winter but maybe not so good in the summer.

For DI&S the earlier you book the cheaper it will be. For Hojo I'd recommend booking early as well especially if you want a kids suite and then watch online and see if the price lowers.

 

[kirstie101]

Is this the same as the Desert Palms Resort that is across the street from Disneyland? Or is it a different resort? $209 is very reasonable!

Desert Inn and Suites and Desert Palms Resort are two different properties. DI&S is right across the street from the park entrance on Harbor. Desert Palms is on Katella and thus little further away from the entrance. Both are walking distance.

 

[Stacy's a freak]

We just returned from a stay at the Anaheim Desert Inn & Suites and can say that it was perfect for us! We didn't get a suite since it was just the two of us. But here is my mini review.

Check-in was seamless. They have a valet to greet you when you arrive. If there is no parking available, they will valet park your car for free.

The room was clean and housekeeping did a good job keeping it that way.
There was hot water (I worried since I saw a negative review about this).

It was literally across the street from the parks so very minimal walking.

There is an indoor pool which seemed like it could be loud. We didn't use it since we were spending most of our time in the parks or sight seeing.

The only downside is that the continental breakfast is paltry. We attempted it one morning and saw what appeared to be day-old danish and cereal. We skipped it.

But for about $125 per night ($109 with AAA discount + $9 parking fee and $4 resort fee), it was perfect for us. We stayed in a regular two queen bed room from Monday through Thursday nights in later July and booked the room last December.

I highly recommend for an affordable place to sleep and shower

 

[crystal1313]

Ramada Maingate has 2 bedrooms suites (1 parlor room with sofa sleeper and a separate bedroom with 2 queen beds.) They also have 3 bedroom suites (2 separate bedrooms with 2 queen beds each and a parlor room). The suites are in their one year old building, so they are nice and new. They offer free parking, free breakfast and free wi-fi. We just stayed in a 3 bedroom suite last month and loved it. They are in the middle of construction right now, but I bet it will be done by 2015...

Here is the link to their website:

http://www.ramadamaingate.com/new-building-superior-rooms-suites/

and my review:

http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUser...Park-Anaheim_California.html#CHECK_RATES_CONT

The pool was AWESOME! It has the beach entry and water sprayers that my DS6 and DS4 just LOVED! And it was heated =)

 

[Aladora]

We just returned from a stay at the Anaheim Desert Inn & Suites and can say that it was perfect for us! We didn't get a suite since it was just the two of us. But here is my mini review.

Check-in was seamless. They have a valet to greet you when you arrive. If there is no parking available, they will valet park your car for free.

The room was clean and housekeeping did a good job keeping it that way.
There was hot water (I worried since I saw a negative review about this).

It was literally across the street from the parks so very minimal walking.

There is an indoor pool which seemed like it could be loud. We didn't use it since we were spending most of our time in the parks or sight seeing.

The only downside is that the continental breakfast is paltry. We attempted it one morning and saw what appeared to be day-old danish and cereal. We skipped it.

But for about $125 per night ($109 with AAA discount + $9 parking fee and $4 resort fee), it was perfect for us. We stayed in a regular two queen bed room from Monday through Thursday nights in later July and booked the room last December.

I highly recommend for an affordable place to sleep and shower

If you do not have a car, request for the parking fee to be removed. We always do this and there has never been an issue.

And yeah, the breakfast at DI&S is pretty sad, but they do have toast and cereal which is pretty safe.

 

[ClaraOswald]

We booked the Parlor Suite at Desert Inn and Suites (one section just has a pull out couch and the other has beds) and it was only $94 a night. (Though this doesn't include parking fee, resort, fee, or the insane Anaheim taxes.) But still a great deal! I know they have larger suites too that are pretty cheap. I haven't stayed there yet but I've heard great things.

 

[bangzoom6877]

This is really strange, because two of the hotels are Hojo and Ramada, hotel brands we normally stay away from because their hotels are not up to par with Hilton or Marriott. We normally stay at Hilton brand hotels, and sometimes Marriott. I'm a hotel snob, for sure. But I'm also not super picky. I need it to be clean, have enough space for us to spread out and enjoy the vacation, and be safe with an interior corridor. Breakfast included is a plus, but at the very least a place in the hotel to grab breakfast even if it costs extra. I looked at the website for the Hojo Anaheim, and there is no on-site restaurant or breakfast available even for an additional charge. Not sure I like that...

The Ramada does sound wonderful, based on what the PP said about it. I'm going to check that out.

I know there are two embassy suites in the Disneyland area. Are either of them walking distance?

Any other info would be appreciated!

 

[crystal1313]

This is really strange, because two of the hotels are Hojo and Ramada, hotel brands we normally stay away from because their hotels are not up to par with Hilton or Marriott. We normally stay at Hilton brand hotels, and sometimes Marriott. I'm a hotel snob, for sure. But I'm also not super picky. I need it to be clean, have enough space for us to spread out and enjoy the vacation, and be safe with an interior corridor. Breakfast included is a plus, but at the very least a place in the hotel to grab breakfast even if it costs extra. I looked at the website for the Hojo Anaheim, and there is no on-site restaurant or breakfast available even for an additional charge. Not sure I like that...

The Ramada does sound wonderful, based on what the PP said about it. I'm going to check that out.

I know there are two embassy suites in the Disneyland area. Are either of them walking distance?

Any other info would be appreciated!

Ramada Maingate is a "motel" style, so no interior corridors....it was super clean though. And quiet being on the 4th floor.

Embassy Suites South is pretty far down, I would not consider it walking distance. DH and I stayed at the Anaheim Hilton in May. It was lovely. But the walk was pretty far. We were wishing we had grabbed a cab about half way back. And I'm not sure if they have dedicated two room suites.

There's a new Springhill Suites being built on the corner of Harbor and Katella. Here is the link:

http://www.springhillanaheim.com/index.php

Looks like it's opening in late November.

 

[kirstie101]

This is really strange, because two of the hotels are Hojo and Ramada, hotel brands we normally stay away from because their hotels are not up to par with Hilton or Marriott. We normally stay at Hilton brand hotels, and sometimes Marriott. I'm a hotel snob, for sure. But I'm also not super picky. I need it to be clean, have enough space for us to spread out and enjoy the vacation, and be safe with an interior corridor. Breakfast included is a plus, but at the very least a place in the hotel to grab breakfast even if it costs extra. I looked at the website for the Hojo Anaheim, and there is no on-site restaurant or breakfast available even for an additional charge. Not sure I like that...

The Ramada does sound wonderful, based on what the PP said about it. I'm going to check that out.

I know there are two embassy suites in the Disneyland area. Are either of them walking distance?

Any other info would be appreciated!

The Howard Johnson on Harbor isn't your typical Hojo. www.hojoanaheim.com is their website if you want to check it out. Also take a peek at the reviews on Trip Advisor. And yes its true there is no onsite restaurant, but Mimi's is directly across the street.

You most likely wouldn't be happy with DI&S from what you are saying. It is a motel so outside corridors. Though it does offer a free breakfast I do not think you'd be happy with it. It is literally just sweet rolls, toast, coffee, juice and cereal and apples or oranges.

The Embassy Suites in Anaheim and Garden Grove are not walking distance. But our friends stayed at the one in Garden Grove just last week and loved it. If you are willing to take a shuttle I'd look into it.

 

[bangzoom6877]

Ramada Maingate is a "motel" style, so no interior corridors....it was super clean though. And quiet being on the 4th floor. Embassy Suites South is pretty far down, I would not consider it walking distance. DH and I stayed at the Anaheim Hilton in May. It was lovely. But the walk was pretty far. We were wishing we had grabbed a cab about half way back. And I'm not sure if they have dedicated two room suites. There's a new Springhill Suites being built on the corner of Harbor and Katella. Here is the link: http://www.springhillanaheim.com/index.php Looks like it's opening in late November.

Thank you, the new Springhill Suites just may be what we are looking for! No rooms yet for next July, but I will keep checking on prices!

The Howard Johnson on Harbor isn't your typical Hojo. www.hojoanaheim.com is their website if you want to check it out. Also take a peek at the reviews on Trip Advisor. And yes its true there is no onsite restaurant, but Mimi's is directly across the street. You most likely wouldn't be happy with DI&S from what you are saying. It is a motel so outside corridors. Though it does offer a free breakfast I do not think you'd be happy with it. It is literally just sweet rolls, toast, coffee, juice and cereal and apples or oranges. The Embassy Suites in Anaheim and Garden Grove are not walking distance. But our friends stayed at the one in Garden Grove just last week and loved it. If you are willing to take a shuttle I'd look into it.

How is the shuttle? While I'm trying to avoid the need for the shuttle, I'd be willing to stay at an Embassy Suites (love that hotel brand!) if the shuttle is reliable and worth it. Please forgive me, but when I see "shuttle to the park", I always picture taking the bus to MK at WDW and waiting for it in the rain, lol. I know Disneyland will be a lot different, but I can't help it. Also, at WDW we always stay at our DVC home, Boardwalk Villas, and we walk to Epcot and DHS. So we feel very spoiled and prefer walking to the parks!

 

[bangzoom6877]

How about the Carousel Inn & Suites? I read about it online yesterday and they have family suites with Mickey decorated kids' rooms in them. Anyone ever stay there or heard anything about it?

 

[GatorChris]

There's an article somewhere on MousePlanet about the distance from surrounding hotels to the center promenade of Disneyland. HoJo is about the same distance as Paradise Pier, which isn't that bad of a walk. You wont' need a shuttle or anything like that.

We were making the same decision you are in your original post. Do we go with the very cost effective suites and small pool at DP, or with a studio hotel room with a killer water play area. My kids love the water, so we opted for HoJo.

 

[BryANDJessMom]

This is really strange, because two of the hotels are Hojo and Ramada, hotel brands we normally stay away from because their hotels are not up to par with Hilton or Marriott. We normally stay at Hilton brand hotels, and sometimes Marriott. I'm a hotel snob, for sure. But I'm also not super picky. I need it to be clean, have enough space for us to spread out and enjoy the vacation, and be safe with an interior corridor. Breakfast included is a plus, but at the very least a place in the hotel to grab breakfast even if it costs extra. I looked at the website for the Hojo Anaheim, and there is no on-site restaurant or breakfast available even for an additional charge. Not sure I like that... The Ramada does sound wonderful, based on what the PP said about it. I'm going to check that out. I know there are two embassy suites in the Disneyland area. Are either of them walking distance? Any other info would be appreciated!

I pretty much always stay at HoJos at Disneyland. I am with you...i really wouldn't stay there any where else. (Usually stay at Embassy Suites, Marriott or Hyatt) Of the hotels I have stayed at on Harbor (walking distance) it is the nicest. And, the kids like the pool areas.

I also stayed at the Residence Inn...the walk was just a bit too far for me, but it was nice having separate rooms and breakfast. (It is by GardenWalk) and, we were there for a week that time. (Used our Hilton points so it was free..)

I have also stayed at the Embassy Suites South in Anaheim. It was nice and good breakfast, as usual....the only thing it is a ways from the park so took a lot longer to get there in the morning than I thought it should and was too much of a pain to go back to mid-day.

 

[crystal1313]

Hotel Indigo is rated really high on tripadvisor and looks like they have suites....it is also on Katella near Gardenwalk I believe.

 

[hjgaus]

Hotel Indigo is rated really high on tripadvisor and looks like they have suites....it is also on Katella near Gardenwalk I believe.

I second on Hotel Indigo!!! We've stayed 2 times with 2 more reservations coming up!! So far so good!!

 

[bangzoom6877]

I'm going to look into Hotel Indigo, but right now I'm looking at Carousel Inn and Desert Palms Hotel & Suites. Anyone have info on those?