I get lots of questions about where to stay when visiting the Disneyland Resort. I've stayed at most of these, so I have some experience here, and a few I only know by reputation. All are located within a VERY easy walking distance to the main gate at Disneyland. To me, this is important. Why? I don't like waiting for shuttles, and I certainly am not going to drive to the Mickey and Friends Parking structure and waste 45 minutes getting from the main gate, to the tram, wait on the tram, go to the garage, walk forever to my car, then drive to my room, when I can be back at my room within no more than 10 minutes at any of these inns and suites. So here's a few links to very good lodging locations around Disneyland. Again, I cannot guarantee anything about rates or availability. I don't work for any of these companies, nor do I receive any type of compensation (even "freebies") from any of them. They are here only as a resource should you wish to find lodging around the Magic Kingdom in Anaheim.
Note that none of these are hotels, particularly Disney Hotels. My experience staying at the Disney properties is that you pay too much, receive too little, and the extras you do get are just not worth paying three times the going rate for lodging in the area. Most of us visit Disneyland for the park, not for the hotels. If you're traveling on business, or someone else is paying the freight, or perhaps you're going for a wedding (and you are a main participant) perhaps you'll want to stay at the Disneyland Hotel or the new Disneyland Californian Hotel (where rates start at about $250 per night). Otherwise, save your money to spend in the park and check out one of the following great (and relatively inexpensive) places of accommodation:
Best Western Park Place Inn & Mini Suites My First Choice for location, amenities, facilities and service. DIRECTLY across Harbor Boulevard from the main entrance to Disneyland Resort. You are closer to the entry gates at Disneyland and DCA from your room at this location than any other hotel, motel or inn anywhere (Except perhaps the Grand Californian, but hey, it's partly INSIDE Disney's California Adventure). Reasonable prices, too! Your room will feature free continental breakfast, in-room coffee, microwave oven and refrigerator, hair dryer, iron and ironing board, voice mail and data port phones, free local calls, cable TV including the Disney Channel and internet access on request. There's a heated pool, spa and sauna, restaurant within the property, guest laundry and gift shop. They also have plenty of non-smoking rooms, and Disneyland tickets are available in the lobby. Why stand in line at a ticket booth? If you have trouble making your reservations on line, just call 1-800-854-8175 ext 4 or call direct at 714-776-4800.
Carousel Inn & Suites A very close second, next door to the Park Place Inn and well worth a look. Nice location, nice rates, and very good services and amenities. Variety of rooms and configurations, clean, neat, friendly, inexpensive and less than 5 minutes on foot from your room to the main gate of Disneyland or DCA! Can't connect through the hyperlinks above? Call 1-800-854-6767 for reservations and rates.
Best Western Anaheim Inn Third, or tied with second on my list. Stayed here as recently as May 5, 2005 and found it clean, neat and comfortable. Quiet too. Rooms have microwaves, coffee makers, refrigerators, irons and ironing boards, hair dryers, data-port phones and more. Multiple room suites available, or well designed connecting rooms if you have a group or large family. There's a heated pool and spa. Right next door is a Denny's, a Tony Roma's and there's an IHOP within 200 feet. About a six minute walk to the main gate at Disneyland, so great at the end of the day when you, your kids, and all of your feet don't want to walk any further than necessary. Excellent rates, particularly during the non-peak seasons. Call direct to 714-774-1050 or 1-800-854-8175 ext. 1 if the hyperlinks aren't currently available.
Anaheim Desert Inn & Suites This facility lies directly between the Anaheim Inn and the Park Place Inn and Minisuites. It is modern, clean, comfortable, reasonably priced and frankly, there's no down side to it. While I personally like the Anaheim Inn and Park Place, because they are Best Western facilities, there's really nothing to say except good things about the Desert Inn & Suites. Like most facilities in this group, they offer a continental breakfast, indoor heated pool and spa, guest laundry, data ports on the phones, and all rooms have refrigerator, microwave oven, coffee maker, hair dryer, iron and board, cable TV and more. Choices include Parlor Suites for up to 6 persons, Family Suites for up to 8, Parlor Family for 8 or Parlor Family Suites for up to 10. Each of these configurations feature at least two rooms with separate sleeping quarters, and the latter three include two baths. Prices are higher than regular single rooms, but reasonable for what you get. Click on the picture above or call 800-433-5270. You can also call direct to 714-772-5050.
del Sol Inn It's sign shows in the photo above, the the del Sol Inn is actually located at the rear of the property behind Denny's and its parking lot. Result? A hidden facility that is very private, very discreet and very quite (compared to most others). It is a fully remodeled property with all the standard amenities you'd find at all the others. For reservations or information call toll free to 1-888-686-1122 or contact them on-line at www.delsolinn.com.
I'll mention one more here, because it finishes up this short sequence of inns and motels. It's the Park Vue Inn, sandwiched between the Desert Inn and Park Place Inn, again, right across Harbor Boulevard from the main pedestrian entrance to the Disneyland Resort. I've never stayed there, but it appears clean, neat and totally acceptable. You want clean, neat and comfortable right? But you're only there to sleep, shower and maybe swim, because you're going to be spending all your time at Disneyland. Right? So check this one out and give me a report and your review. Call them at 1-800-334-7021 or visit online at www.parkvueinn.com.
Again, these are recommendations for your convenience only. I do not receive compensation in any way for the appearance of these facilities on this site.
To find more, visit the Anaheim Visitors and Tourism Site.
Comments? Send to drhoades@dougsdisneyland.com
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