Hotels near Disneyland

Home » Hotels Near Disneyland

There’s something for everyone: It all depends what you want, and of course, how much you want to spend. I’ve researched countless hotels on many websites, read traveler’s opinions, talked to friends, and stayed at many hotels near Disneyland personally to compile this list of hotels I'd recommend.

Don't miss the info on getting a hotel discount either!

Note: If you don't know the difference between "on-property" and "off-property" hotels, first see On-Property: Hotels By Disneyland.

Which of the Off-Property Hotels Near Disneyland Should You Choose?

Some of the off-property hotels near Disneyland are almost as close to the park as the on-property hotels. But to get to Disneyland, you’ll walk along a major surface street with traffic, noise, and litter instead of through Downtown Disney with music and chirping birds.

But assuming you’re ok with the un-magical entry to Disneyland and you’ve decided to stay off-property, where do you go? There are dozens of hotels "near" Disneyland. Which do you choose?

When I need to book a hotel and I don’t know the area, I rely on websites like Tripadvisor.com, Travelocity.com, Expedia.com and other travel websites that let people post their own experiences. I like that I can get a variety of opinions from non-biased customers.

But the problem with reading strangers’ opinions is that I don’t know what their standards are. For instance Mary Beth, who only stays at 4-star hotels, might say the Anaheim Inn was horrible because there was no on-site masseuse and the egg whites at breakfast were a little dry. But for Michelle, who is merely looking for a clean, quiet place to sleep, it could be just fine. And Todd could consider a hotel "near Disneyland" to be anything under 5 miles, whereas Ned won't hear of anything over .3 miles. But they don't always tell you that.

For a Disneyland trip with my young children, I want a hotel that is (in this order):

1. Clean. I don’t necessarily mean "new". I mean fresh sheets, no bugs, no smells, a floor you’re not afraid to walk on barefoot, a shower you don’t think twice about getting into.

2. Less than a 10-minute walk to Disneyland OR has a very reliable tram (shuttle).

3. Mid-priced. I do believe you get what you pay for, and would hesitate to stay somewhere too inexpensive in Anaheim. But I don’t think you get what you pay for at some of the pricier places either. And I might pay more for a hotel with “free” breakfast just for the convenience. In other words, I like a good value, not necessarily the cheapest place.

Now! Onto my Top Off-Property Hotels Near Disneyland
See the street map or the satellite view.

1. Candy Cane Inn: 1747 South Harbor Blvd., Anaheim, CA 92802, (800) 345-5284. About $120/night.

   We love this place. I don’t want to build it up or you’ll be disappointed—it’s nothing swanky. But I think it’s a great deal all the way around. And how cute is that name?

   In 2006, Candy Cane Inn won #3 for TripAdvisor.com’s "Best Hotels for Families in the U.S.". That’s the top 10 in the U.S., not just "hotels near Disneyland". Not bad you know!

   Personally, I like the Candy Cane Inn’s:

   • 7-10 minute walk to Disneyland, which is about as close as you can get off-property. It’s actually a little closer than the Paradise Pier, which is considered “on property”.
   • Free shuttle to Disneyland
   • Free continental breakfast
   • Free parking
   • Free mini-fridges
   • Pool (though small) and hot tub
   • Convenience store and sandwich shop next door.

   I’m not crazy about:

   • The motel-ish feel.
   • The real live ducks in the pool.

   But overall you’ll sleep well, get to the park quickly, grab a (free) bite to eat easily, and save a boatload of cash.

2. DoubleTree Guest Suites, 2085 S Harbor Blvd, Anaheim, CA 92802. About $140/night for a regular room and about $160 for a 2-room suite.

   I like the DoubleTree chain (owned by the Hilton) and this particular DoubleTree is relatively new, so that’s nice. And how’s this for a bonus: big warm gourmet chocolate chip cookies upon check-in. That’s my kind of place.

   Suites are available which is especially nice if your kids want to nap while others stay up. The DoubleTree has a big-hotel feel in the positive sense: beautiful lobby, conference center, Starbuck’s, large pool, a ballroom, and so on.

   Personally, I like the DoubleTree's:

   • Nicely done room (marble and corian)
   • Free mini-fridge and microwave
   • Fitness room
   • Pool, hot tub, and mini-arcade
   • Bar and a restaurant where kids eat free, plus more restaurants within walking distance.
   • Walking distance to "The Orange Block", an outdoor mall.
   • Great customer service. I know several forgetful people who have left items at the hotel and the staff mailed them back to their homes at the hotel’s expense.

   But...

   • It’s a bit of a walk to Disneyland (20 minutes) and the shuttle doesn’t leave early enough for "early park entry".
   • Parking costs about $11/day.
   • If you plan to use the Internet in your room, I’ve heard it doesn’t work very well and costs about $10/day. (It’s free in common areas)
   • Free breakfast only with certain rates or if you’re a Hilton Honor’s member; call the hotel for details.

   So it’s a great place while you’re there, but getting to and from Disneyland will take a little planning.

3. Residence Inn Anaheim Main Gate, 1700 S Clementine St, Anaheim, CA 92802, 714-533-3555 $150 - $300/nt depending on the size of your room.

   The Residence Inn (owned by Marriott) is another reliable chain. Clean rooms with an almost, well, residence-like feel due to the little kitchens complete with ovens and cutlery. I heard you can even give the front desk your grocery list and they will fetch your groceries for you, free of charge (you pay for the groceries of course).

   Personally, I like the Residence Inn’s:

   • Large rooms (400 to 700 square feet)
   • Free parking
   • Free hot breakfast
   • Pool with BBQ area
   • Fully equipped kitchen with full-sized refrigerator, stove, microwave, and utensils.
   • Free appetizers from 5-7pm
   • Pets allowed
   • Some rooms offer a view of Disneyland fireworks

   But…

   • It’s about a 20 minute walk to Disneyland which is too much for me. There is a shuttle but it’s not specifically for the Residence Inn; it’s the Anaheim Resort Transit (ART) shuttle that stops at other hotels. Kids under 9 are free. Everyone else pays $3.
   • I don’t really want a kitchen when I’m on vacation. Save the dishes for when I get home.

   So the Residence Inn is perfect for the family who wants some space to stretch out and get comfortable, stock the fridge, maybe even BBQ out by the pool. I see this as a great choice for the family with kids of all ages because they can all do their own thing. Even the family dog is welcome.

4. Howard Johnson Plaza Hotel, 1380 S. Harbor Blvd, Anaheim, CA 92802, (800) 422-4228. About $120/night.

   Who hasn’t heard of HoJo’s? In 2006, Howard Johnson’s won #5 for "Best Hotel for Families in the U.S.". That’s 5 on a list of the top hotels in the U.S., not just "hotels near Disneyland". Pretty strong recommendation there.

   I like the:

   • 7-minute walk to Disneyland (that’s as close as hotels near Disneyland get)
   • Shuttle to Disneyland also available
   • Pool and hot tub, plus a wading pool and fountain "sprayground" for kids
   • Free mini-fridge and microwave
   • Some rooms have views of Disneyland and the fireworks show

   But…

   • Some complain about the nearby freeway noise.
   • It’s an older hotel.
   • No free breakfast.

   Howard Johnson’s is a good bet if you want to be close to the park, you’re not sensitive to freeway noise, and you have small children who will enjoy the pool features. And it truly fits the "hotels near Disneyland" definition.

5. Anaheim Camelot Inn & Suites, 1520 S Harbor Blvd, Anaheim, CA 92802. About $150/night.

   Look, isn't it cute? It's an English Tudor-style hotel and has Queen Anne-style furnishings. And it really is across the street from Disneyland. But it’s starting to look a little rundown. This used to be called the Park Inn Anaheim.

   I like the:

   • 7-minute walk to Disneyland (the other one of the off-property hotels near Disneyland that defines the word "near")
   • Pool on the roof (small) and hot tub
   • Mini arcade
   • Free breakfast
   • Free parking
   • Free mini-fridge and microwave
   • Views of the fireworks from the roof
   • McDonald’s and Quizno’s next door, for quick and easy kid-friendly meals

   I’m not crazy about:

   • The hard beds.
   • The décor. Sometimes it seems cute, other times it seems grungy.
   • The lack of attention to detail. Example 1: Continental breakfast didn’t get replenished, so if you’re a late riser, you’re out of luck. Example 2: Some games in the arcade didn’t work.

   So if you want to stay at one of THE closest hotels near Disneyland and like the kitschy décor, go for the Anaheim Camelot Inn & Suites.

6. Embassy Suites Garden Hotel, 11767 Harbor Boulevard, Garden Grove, CA 92840. About $130/night.

   I know a family who swears by this place, and they are Disneyland experts in every way. Plus Embassy Suites won #10 for "Best for Families in the U.S." in 2006. That’s #10 in the U.S., not just "hotels near Disneyland". So it’s got that going for it.

   I like the Embassy Suites’:

   • Suites, meaning there’s a door to the bedroom and 2 TV’s.
   • More upscale accommodations, complete with waterfalls in the atrium, koi ponds, and electronic lion that “roars” every half hour
   • Free hot breakfast
   • Free mini-fridge and microwave
   • Free Internet access
   • Happy hour (adult beverages, sodas, Chex Mix and $2 pizza slices)
   • Pool
   • Free parking
   • Good restaurants within walking distance as well as in the hotel itself
   • Views of the Disneyland fireworks as well as fireworks at the nearby stadium (from some rooms)

   But…

   • It’s 2 miles from Disneyland, so not walkable (though you can take the ART Shuttle)
   • It’s a large hotel that can get crowded, meaning you may have to wait for elevators
   • Their parking lot is shared with nearby restaurants and it can also get crowded

   So if you prefer a more upscale hotel experience, suites are important to you, and you’re willing to rely on a shuttle to get to Disneyland, go with the Embassy Suites. I almost wouldn't put this in the "hotels near Disneyland" category but it's such a nice place I just had to include it.

7. 2 TIPS:
   • See TravelSaavyMom's reviews and pictures of hotels near Disneyland.

   • To look up more hotels near Disneyland, go to http://yp.yahoo.com, set the location to 1150 Magic Way, Anaheim, CA 92802, click Hotels, and then click Sort by Distance.

Satellite View of Area
Back to Top

Return from Hotels Near Disneyland back Home