Originally Posted By SuzieQ PracticallyPerfect, where do you recommend? Other than HoJo's I haven't found a hotel above Katella that's decent.
Originally Posted By Lisann22 I know that when people ask me about BWPPI I always as I do on LP describe it as a "no frills" motel. It's a huge cement block. Atmosphere is not part of the attraction to this motel. It's clean, the rooms are big, they come with convienances most people are looking for: mircowave, refrigerator (bigger than most), blow dryer, iron/ironing board and a desk. The big selling point is the proximity to the park, THE closest you can get. The continential breakfast is OK, just ok - cereal, fruit, pastries, hard boiled eggs, breads, milk, juices and coffee. They are a friendly helpful staff, they have a tiny mini-mart but you can go right next door to the Tropicana for a bigger one. I don't think anyone should expect a resort or even hotel when seeking out BWPPI but if you can't afford $125 a night and you want to be close then to me this is THE motel on Harbor to stay at. The pool is small and it's not a fancy setting. If you tend to do park commando style - be there first thing in the morning, come back for a nap or don't come back at all and you close the park - than I highly recommend this place. It's NOT Disney property, not even close but it's cleaner, quieter and closer than just about all the rest.
Originally Posted By Lisann22 If you're looking for something a bit more upscale and in some cases a WAY better deal than even Disney property I recommend the Embassy Suites Hotel down the street on Harbor. They are true suites with micros and refrigerators, huge rooms, with a MADE TO ORDER breakfast included in the rate of your room.
Originally Posted By practicallyperfect SuzieQ, we really like to stay at CCI when we are off-property during the 'busy' season and need a close hotel (other than a resort hotel). I have stayed a couple of times at HOJO as well. On girls weekends, I have stayed at BWPPI, CCI, Castle, GCH, DLH and PPH. (Have to say that staying at the GCH with girlfriends sure seems like a waste of money. Am so busy in the parks and bars that we use the room primarily to crash and take a shower!) When it is off-season, we don't mind staying further away from the parks. We love the Residence Inn Maingate, Embassy Suites and Ayres Hotel. All three have great breakfasts (cook to order), evening receptions, good swimming areas and lots of room! I love to stay places where I can fix some meals. My kids are still young that when we put them to bed, we like having a separate room. With the parks closing early in the fall/winter, it is nice to stay in a better area. And, I get RI for about $110/night which isn't too bad!
Originally Posted By GoofBall I've got to agree with those who dislike the BWPPI. We were really turned off on our first visit, but because of the reviews here and elsewhere we gave it another shot when the price was right. But again, it failed to make us happy and we wont be back again no matter the price. We do not expect lavish accomadations at our price range and have been happy at other no frills "motels" on Harbor like: Park Vue - just as close as BWPPI (next door) better pool, brighter rooms Anaheim Plaza Hotel - huge pool area, room with balcony/view, CHEAP! Tropicana - also next door to BWPPI, similar amentities, more inviting Our problems with BWPPI are about the same as others have said. Depressing rooms, claustraphobic pool, unappealing breakfast. To us its worth an extra few STEPS to go elsewhere and enjoy our stay.
Originally Posted By wonderingalice For us, the closest in "Disney Magic" off-property is definitely the Candy Cane Inn. The landscaping is especially Disneyesque - absolutely beautiful. The grounds are kept up meticulously, and the new cobblestone 'pavers' they installed in the parking lot a couple of years ago are just another small, but nice touch. The rooms are nicely decorately - I love the bright white shutters on the windows. And the colors of the furnishing/bedding are uplifting. The pool is small, but the area is lovely for enjoying the continental breakfast outdoors. And, of course, there's a free shuttle to Disneyland if young or old feeties aren't up to the 10-minute walk. I've stayed at the Park Vue Inn - chose it purposely for the location when traveling solo. For 'no frills,' it was very nice and very clean. But it couldn't replace CCI for Disneyland visits made with my Mr. Alice - unless CCI was sold out.
Originally Posted By nk28 hi everyone...has anyone stayed at the best western stovalls inn? we're coming down from BC in 27 days and I was wondering if there were any reviews available for it?
Originally Posted By sweetpea70 We tried the BWPPI once a few years ago. I agree that the rooms were very uninviting. We were not happy there as we do like to take breaks. I really liked the Carousel Inn. The rooms were bright and cheery. Good free breakfast. Rooftop pool was nice but a little small. I didn't consider the walk any farther because our room was right off Harbor whereas at the BWPPI we were the very last room (away from Harbor) so it seemed the same to me.
Originally Posted By wonderingalice nk28, definitely check out www.tripadvisor.com ... They have loads of reviews for all of the properties in Anaheim (and all over the U.S. and the world I never book any hotel without checking them first. Stovall's has some not-so-great reviews. It wouldn't be on my list of 'possibles.'
Originally Posted By nk28 thanks wonderingalice...I checked it out and found mixed reviews...I'm gonna have to cross my fingers I think for this one. I'm on a budget for this trip...any other possible hotel suggestions close to Disney?
Originally Posted By wonderingalice My pleasure... I've got Expedia.com up right now to see how rates are looking for Nov. 12 for five nights (not sure of your exact stay I use them as a guideline sometimes - and some hotels will honor the rates shown even if you call them directly - never hurts to try! Park Vue Inn is actually showing as cheaper than Stovall's. You can't beat the location of this property and as I mentioned above, it's a nice no-frills place. Try their web site - www.parkvueinn.com You can do a cross-check between expedia and tripadvisor for rates and reviews... Works great!
Originally Posted By NunyaBwax We stayed here a couple of years ago. The room was satisfactory, but we especially loved being so close to the main entrance of DL ! We'll be staying there again this December.
Originally Posted By nk28 thanks wonderingalice...we're already booked at the best western stovall's inn (through a travel agent)...but I think I might look into switching to the Park Vue Inn. I like how there's apparently a crosswalk straight across from the entrance to DL. man this trip is coming so fast!
Originally Posted By wonderingalice I'll tell ya... At night, your tired feet will thank you for those fewer steps!
Originally Posted By nk28 thanks for your help any other suggestions to make this a smoother trip are greatly appreciated
Originally Posted By dsnykid I've stayed at Stocall's several times... I didn't mind it, thought it was a good value, but I haven't stayed there for 8 years, so the quality may have gone downhill.
Originally Posted By BoyStory We used to stay at BWPPI years ago. I remember at the time the room seemed REALLY dark and depressing. Still, I used to recommend it to others b/c it was a short walk to the Park and we always found it be very clean -in fact I thought they had nice (but dark, LOL) furniture. I became ill during one visit while we were staying there and was stuck in the dark, depressing room for a day. I couldn't wait to get out and see the sunshine!.
Originally Posted By disneyfan4ever54 We are going to DL in May. I'm trying to decide whether to stay at BWPPI or Park Vue Inn. I have never stayed at Park Vue, but we did stay at BWPPI several years ago and I remember the walls being kind of thin and the noise level high. How is the noise level at Park Vue? Which hotel do you prefer? Both prices are comparable for the week that we are going.
Originally Posted By Rivkah86 I've stayed there several times, and no complaints here! I recommend it.
Originally Posted By wonderingalice I stayed at the Park Vue in July and it was very quiet. I was on the second floor - not sure if that made a difference, but it couldn't hurt. No headlights shining in my window, either. Since I've never stayed at the BWPPI, I can't compare, but I wouldn't hesitate to stay at either property.
