Originally Posted By petef Every year I plan a trip for my family to go to Disneyland and every year I debate on what hotel to choose. Once there, I think of all the other choices and try to decide which hotels I might consider for next year’s trip. I know this really varies from person to person but I am curious what drives others to make the picks they do. Here are my top three. 1. Location. We like to walk into the park but have a little one so the closer the better. At the end of the day I would much rather walk back to the hotel than wait in line for the buses. 2. What the hotel offers or is close by. Once at the hotel, I don’t want to go too far. Having a nice pool to relax at and a few eating choices very close by would top my list. 3. Price. Yup, we are definitely on a budget and price plays a big part though not the sole reason. What are your reasons? I am kind of hoping someone will open my eyes to something I am not considering. Thanks much!
Originally Posted By SoThisIsLove Hi, petef. Have you guys tried HoJo's? If not, and you have 3 hours, try this thread: <a href="http://mb.laughingplace.com/MsgBoard-T-94252-P-1.asp" target="_blank">http://mb.laughingplace.com/Ms...-P-1.asp</a> We'll be trying it for the first time in July. The summer rate is twice as high as what we're paying in September, but we're looking forward to it nonetheless. While you're waiting for more experienced travelers (Darkbeer, gottaluv, Lady Starlight, etc) to chime in, go on over to DL Trip Planning and you should find some discussions on other motels such as Super 8, Jolly Roger, Anabella, Best Western, and a host of others. The one thing everyone (95%, at least) will agree on: don't eat at Captain Kidd's restaurant! And don't ask a guy named crazycroc why...just trust everyone! Have fun and good luck with your choice!
Originally Posted By kari12177 we go to DL every year, when I was little we always went to the Marriott Anaheim, we stayed at Candy Cane Inn 4 times and are staying at the GCH in Sept. But cause of money, we will probably stay at the Marriott for the years to come.
Originally Posted By Darkbeer OK, close, the two closest Hotels/Motels are the Park Vue Inn and the Best Western Park Place Inn, even closer than the Grand Californian. (Measured from the Front Desk to the center of the Main Entrance Plaza. But for many folks, they describe "walking distance" as from the Howard Johnson's to the North on Harbor (basically across from Tomorrowland) to the Candy Cane Inn to the South (corner of Harbor and Katella). I might add the Hotels/Motels on Disney Way and Clementine, about 1 mile away, but now with the Anaheim GardenWalk opening up, a lot of folks will be headed that way anyways. Special offerings. HoJo's has a very nice pool, and later this year, a nice Water Play area. Residence Inn Anaheim Maingate comes with a Kitchen. Many Hotels/Motels offer some type of free breakfast, and a couple offer selected other meals. As for places to eat, using the HoJo's to CCI locations on Harbor, going North to South. Mimi's is very popular, a coffee shop type of menu. Millie's is similar, I tend to prefer Mimi's. McDonalds, a bit more expensive than most locations, and they like to hide the Dollar Menu with a sign. Quizno's - Standard Sub Shop, but still good Captain Kidd's - JUST SAY NO! Not worth it! American style with a buffet. (Middle of the area, right across the street from the Main Disneyland Pedestrian Entrance) IHOP - A bit more expensive than most other locations, typical coffee shop. Cold Stone Creamery - Just opening up, great Ice Cream and drinks. Denny's - Another typical coffee shop, also a bit more expensive than most. Tony Roma's - Just eat there a couple of weeks ago, spent less than $30 for dinner for 2 with sodas. Great ribs. Ramada Maingate has a few small stands, including a "coffee stand". Anaheim Plaza Hotel has a coffee shop in its lobby area. At the corner of Harbor and Katella is a strip mall with a Subway, A Chinese Fast Food place similar to a Panda Express and a few other choices. Anaheim GardenWalk will have a large food court. 3. Pricing... Well, I like starting with using Travelaxe.com to see the current rates for the exact dates I am planning to go. I would check out HoJo's new boards, and especially their discount area. <a href="http://www.hojoanaheim.com/phpbb/" target="_blank">http://www.hojoanaheim.com/phpbb/</a> Of course, checking the websites of the specific hotels, many chains are now offering "lowest price guaranteed" which can be helpful. And when you look at price, be careful, you need to look at extra charges, such as parking and internet. Also, you should take into consideration how much money you would save with free breakfasts and other selected meals (and ask yourself, will you actually attend them?). Also, is the location a true Hotel with Interior Hallways and parking away from the rooms, or is it an older Motel style location, where the parking lot is the center area of your Motel?
Originally Posted By petef Great info! We usually stay at Fairfield Inn because it is about as far as we want to walk and it is close to Mimi's, Millie's and McDonalds. Might try Hojos, but I am guess that with our 5 year old we will need to use the bus system. And thanks for the Captain Kidd warning. Funny thing is we tried that place back in 1995 and have never been back despite all of the 'under new management' signs I have seen over the years! =)
Originally Posted By SuzieQ HoJo's is on ART, too. Do you have an Entertainment Card? Depending upon your dates, you might be able to get their fantastic $59 rate! The promo code is sd50.
Originally Posted By chipndale16 I always have a very pleasant stay at HoJos. If you are going at a slower time of year, check if the Entertainment Rate is available there. The staff is fantastic, the grounds of the hotel are nice and the rooms are clean and cozy, especially if you get a room with the new beds! Wherever you decide to stay, I'm sure you'll have a great time!
Originally Posted By liveforvacations petef, do you realize that the Howard Johnson is next to-just across the street from Mimi's? It is your perogative and I am not judging, but I would not think that that little extra distance would compel you to use the ART.
Originally Posted By SoThisIsLove We just need to find a way to archive this information in a special way and then just post it over and over whenever anyone needs advice. It's wonderful how those in the know go out of their way to help people. {{{{Darkbeer and all y'all}}}}
Originally Posted By SuzieQ Cut and paste the information into a Word document. Then it's at your finger tips anytime you want it.
Originally Posted By mater4 We always stay at Hojo's. From the hotel we walk across the street to Mimi's parking lot and to the sidewalk. Hojo's is only a few more steps. You should be fine without ART if you walk from the Fairfield.
Originally Posted By Dabob2 <We just need to find a way to archive this information in a special way and then just post it over and over whenever anyone needs advice. > Hotels change, though. What was once an aging, paint-chipping, drab place can be renovated into one of the nicer places to stay within walking distance. What was once "nothing fancy, but decent and good value" can devolve into something less desirable that nonetheless jacks up its prices and is no longer such a good value. What was once the best complimentary breakfast on the Harbor strip can become one of the most bare-bones, or vice versa.
Originally Posted By DyGDisney We've stayed at the Fairfield several times and liked it. But, HoJo's is better priced and has many great reviews here on LP, so I think it's probably worth a try for the couple extra minutes we'll have to walk. We are staying there this time, with the same requirements as OP (except eating nearby, we generally eat in our room or at the park).
Originally Posted By dizzdis We have stayed at Park Place Inn, no breakfast, not a great pool, but direct cross walk to the park. Same with Carousel, ok pool, no hot tub, but has minimal conitinetal breakfast. Hojo's used to be our staple until we stayed at the CCI. It has a decent cont breakfast, good pool and hot tub, not a bad walk. Same distance as hojo, but not across a parking lot, and along the same side of the street as DL. It also has two small convenience stores directly behind it for snacks, drinks, etc...But the best part is it has it's own very fast reliable bus. No ART, no paying for it, no other stops. JMO
Originally Posted By ssturgeo SuzieQ...yep, that is what I do...I have a DL binder and it includes info (a LOT gathered from this board!!) about the hotels. And, everything else...keeping it updated is a JOB, but fun, and it fills the time between visits. Have them divided by Good Neighbor, Bargain, Moderate, High, etc., etc. Hotels are hard to recommend...everyone has different needs, expectations, etc., but at least I have the pricing, amenities, and general info...I do also include guest comments so that I at least know the ones to avoid for sure!! Sharon Next Trip Nov. 16-22
Originally Posted By petef Thanks for all the comments. I agree that it is a very personal choice. Across the street with 'few frills' or farther away with 'more frills'. Walking distance or to use ART. The right answer just depends on preference. Our preference changes from one trip to the next. I am leaning towards HoJo for this year's trip since my kids now want to spend more time at the hotel to swim and relax as opposed to other years when they want to do DL non-stop. I am sure the trip after that will have a whole list of different needs and choices. =)
Originally Posted By grumpster This is the first summer in many that I won't be staying on-site or at HoJo's. On-site was just too much $ and HoJo's main pool area will be closed. I decided to try Homewood Suites for July and Doubletree (convention center) for August. My family and I visit DL several times a year and have never stayed farther than walking distance so it should be interesting.
Originally Posted By dlkozy I am always amazed at the people that complain about the walk to HoJo's. My Darling Grandaughter age 3 walked to Disneyland everyday and walked back to HoJo's every night. No crying, pouting, tantrum throwing by the 3 year old-it was a nice pleasant walk back.
