Good neighbor hotel.

[Kramerica]

So the trip I'm taking to Disneyland in a couple weeks will be my first Disney trip not staying in a Disney resort. Meh. Whatever, I don't think it will be that big a deal. But I've reserved a room at the "Holiday Inn and Suites Anaheim" They advertise that it's just one block from Disneyland, which is what made me decide to go with them. That and they seem pretty clean and new, and it's not horribly expensive.

Has anyone stayed here? What was your experience? Also, what is the walk to property like? I mean, it might only be one block from the parks, but if there's buildings in the way that make you have to walk all the way around. That could be a pain. Just some general information and thoughts. And any photos at that! I was actually surprised with how scarce photos are of the place online.

Thanks.

 

[GiveMeTheMusic]

So the trip I'm taking to Disneyland in a couple weeks will be my first Disney trip not staying in a Disney resort. Meh. Whatever, I don't think it will be that big a deal. But I've reserved a room at the "Holiday Inn and Suites Anaheim" They advertise that it's just one block from Disneyland, which is what made me decide to go with them. That and they seem pretty clean and new, and it's not horribly expensive.

Has anyone stayed here? What was your experience? Also, what is the walk to property like? I mean, it might only be one block from the parks, but if there's buildings in the way that make you have to walk all the way around. That could be a pain. Just some general information and thoughts. And any photos at that! I was actually surprised with how scarce photos are of the place online.

Thanks.

"One block" is relative. It's kind of behind the Mickey and Friends parking structure. You might find browsing TripAdvisor reviews helpful to see how people got around - looks like you'd need to walk to Downtown Disney and then into the parks (or onto the monorail).

Staying on-property at DL isn't a big deal. None of the hotels are particularly great (even the Grand - its location is fantastic and it's lovely on the inside, but the rooms are far from justifying the price tag), especially in comparison to some of the great resorts at WDW.

 

[Kramerica]

"One block" is relative. It's kind of behind the Mickey and Friends parking structure. You might find browsing TripAdvisor reviews helpful to see how people got around - looks like you'd need to walk to Downtown Disney and then into the parks (or onto the monorail).

Staying on-property at DL isn't a big deal. None of the hotels are particularly great (even the Grand - its location is fantastic and it's lovely on the inside, but the rooms are far from justifying the price tag), especially in comparison to some of the great resorts at WDW.

You're probably right, staying at a Disney hotel not being worth the extra cash. But I'm a maniac and will probably pay out the nose for either the Disneyland hotel or Grand Californian one of these days. But I didn't mean to derail the topic.

Are you able to walk through the parking structure and hop onto the tram to the parks from there?

 

[Gaston's gal]

The tram is easy to jump on when you are in Downtown Disney

 

[LeafsFanNL]

I just got back today, darn 4 ½ hour jet lag, I stayed in Park Place Inn right opposite entrance, we moved to Disneyland hotel after a couple of nights. We didn't like the vibe on Harbour Drive, dated hotel etc. If you can swing it, I'd stay at the Disneyland hotel.

 

[Figments Friend]

There is a great selection of affordable, yet not *dumpy*, hotels on Katella Ave that are good options.
The area is far more scenic and calm then the glutted touristy mess you encounter when staying anywhere on Harbor Blvd, especially directly across from the Parks.
Unless you enjoy being in a I-Drive kind of busy atmosphere and crowds of people around you at all times, i recommend avoiding that strip.

Katella Ave runs horizontally directly along the Southern edge of the DLR property.
So you are within easy walking distance to everything within the DLR, but far enough removed from the *tourist scene* of Harbor Blvd.

Take a look at a decent map of the DLR area and you will see Katella goes by the Simba parking lot, Anaheim Convention Center, and the southern side of DCA.
This is where most of the hotels i speak of are located...from the parking lot to the ACC.

It is a pleasent, scenic, and safe walk night or day from the Katella Ave area hotels to the front gates of both Parks, as well as DTD and the three Disney owned hotel properties.
The walk from Katella to the front gates is about 15 to 20 minutes.
Within 5 to 10 you are at the Disney owned hotels and DTD.
Katella Ave is flanked by huge, beautiful palm trees and wide sidewalks.
Far more appealing, to me anyway, then the concrete and neon jungle of Harbor Blvd.

I highly recommend taking a look at the hotels there if you are interested in avoiding the crowds and staying somewhere that feels less congested.
Hotels in that area range from the lovely Anabella hotel, to more budget minded ( but decent ) Best Western options.
I personally enjoy staying at the Quality Inn & Suites on Katella Ave.
Great spot location wise at a fair price ( $69 to $89 off season, $100+ peak ) with a full free breakfast, friendly staff, small but clean rooms, and nearby restaurants and supply shops literally next door.

 

[PacNWTigger]

I am a fan of the Katella Ave properties as well. We tend to stay at the Annabella, but we stayed at the Eden Roc last time and it wasn't too bad. I have heard good things of the Quality Inn & Suites that @Figments Friend tends to frequent on her DLR trips too.

 

[Figments Friend]

The Anabella is nice....finally saw it in person this past Spring as i did a walk by.
A bit out of my typical price range, but i consistently hear from Park fans that this is a great place to stay.

Also on Katella are a couple of cozy family owned restaurants that are worth checking out, as well as a 24 hours *Dennys* next door to the Quality Inn & Suites.

 

[Mukta]

I's not an ideal walk. you would walk down Ball, into the parking structure and take the tram from there, I guess.

I usually recommend the hotels on Harbor. Howard Johnson, Anaheim Plaza, Super 8 etc.