Originally Posted By dsnyfan4evr Okay, I know that I've seen a lot of threads on HoJo's but I'm just wondering what makes it so great compared to the others since it's actually a much further walk down the street?
Originally Posted By dsnyfan4evr Also, when I checked Getaway Today for room rates, HoJo's actually charges $20.00 a day for their microwave????
Originally Posted By irishfan There was a pretty active thread on this exact topic just a week or two ago, it would be worth your time to do a quick search for it.
Originally Posted By trekkeruss I'm not so certain that HoJo's is necessarily better than some of the other closer competing properties, but they have a good reputation, so people stick with it because they are reliable. FWIW, here is the TripAdvisor ranking of area hotels based on reader reviews: <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotels-g29092-Anaheim_California-Hotels.html" target="_blank">http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hot els-g29092-Anaheim_California-Hotels.html</a>
Originally Posted By dsnyfan4evr Oops! I did see the same question I asked posted below, sorry. But has anyone used the shuttle service while staying there? I know it may not seem far but to small children it definately is.
Originally Posted By GoofBall Yes, there are several hotels closer to the crosswalk into Disney. If you want to save the 2-5 minutes of walking difference, depending which one you choose, this is what you'll get ...a motor inn setting, exterior corridors, cramped parking, one small pool, and in most cases a free mediocre breakfast. This pretty much sums up all the other choices. At Hojo's its about 8 minute walk from the gates, I've done this with 4 & 6 year olds. ART is hardly worth the wait IMO. Hojo is more of a resort setting with mulitple buildings and nice landscaped paths. Request a room with views of either the fountain courtyard or of one of the pool(s) areas, & private balconies so you can leave your door open for fresh air. They have ample parking, exceptional staff including the security team, plus the store and arcade located in BLDG 1. As far as the price there are many discount options such as AP, LP, Entertainment Card etc. To ask about microwave I would call directly, I have never paid extra for one, but it could have been part of an upgraded room. We have stayed at each hotel between BW Park Place Inn and the Hojo. We just keep ending up back at Hojo. I would rate Camelot as #2 choice on that strip which would be maybe 3-4 minutes shorter. Also keep in mind that these other hotels run lengthwise away from Harbor, a room in the back could add a couple minutes right there. If you dont mind the noise from the busy street then ask for a room towards the front.
Originally Posted By GI Beau I think Ho Jos is OK, but the walk is to far and I hate being on a shuttle. The rooms are OK, but again, the location bugs me. If you can get a good rate it will work though.
Originally Posted By Ursula The walk isn't very far at all. A lot of people choose Hojo's for the price, the room size, the cleanliness, the above-average pools for the level of hotel, and the excellent customer service. The pool/jacuzzi is also open until midnight. This is awesome for relaxation after a day in the parks. Plus, the bathrooms alone are larger than most hotels and there is a large sink area for things.
Originally Posted By dsnyfan4evr Thanks for all the input. Wow that is nice to know the pool/jacuzzi are open until midnight. I'm sure my kids would really enjoy that. I hate spending the time swimming and would rather be in DL, but it is also their vacation and that is all part of it (whatever is fun for the kids). I think Hojo's will definately be my choice. It just sounds too good to pass up. Thanks again!
Originally Posted By sweetpea70 ^^^ Thats a nice parent! I know what you mean about having to take time out for swimming/naps when DL is just across the street. It can be torture. You'll be happy at Hojo. The sales manager gives LPers help with room requests, if you know what you want. BLDG 2 has spacious, quiet rooms with a pool view or BLDG 1 facing DL will give you a peek, between the trees, of the Matterhorn and Monorail. Email him AFTER you make your ressie at: william.simpson@hojoanaheim.com Be sure to write a review when you get back. Have fun!
Originally Posted By Hojoanaheim Thanks for the nice comments! BTW, we are right now, as I type, trimming the pine trees for our Disney View rooms to improve the view. Willie said to make 'em like toothpicks!
Originally Posted By trekkeruss I remember, vaguely, staying at HoJo's in the 60's. They had a shuttle that looked like a trolley/cable car. I learned how to swim there. As a kid, I took lessons back where we lived, but i was too scared and never learned a thing... I always just sat in the corner of the pool. But on one trip down to DL, we stayed at HoJo's (our usual hotel), and some guy there taught me.
Originally Posted By Darkbeer For the SECOND year in a row, Howard Johnson Plaza Hotel - Anaheim wins a Travelers Choice award. The actual list has not yet been released, but the folks at the TripAdvisor website has placed the new icons under the hotels that won something. Congrats again to all the staff at HoJo's, they do a grat job!
Originally Posted By ilvdland LOL @ post #10!!!! Toothpicks!!! They need to cut down some of the trees in front of Building 2 so I can have my psuedo-view back!!
Originally Posted By Ursula ^ They just need to go ahead and name the room AFTER you. Although I am now spoiled by the fourth floor, building two. Kinda in the middle.
Originally Posted By Ursula ^I think so, yes. Whatever room we had for New Year's Eve. Perfect view of the TOT.
Originally Posted By ilvdland Pfffft - my room is still the best. Because it's MINE! LOL!!! It'll be even better when part of that dang tree is gone....
Originally Posted By Liberty Belle I chose HoJo's after hearing excellent reviews, and I was happy enough with the service and rooms, but I didn't necessarily find it any better than the other nearby hotels. Of course, I didn't use the pool at all, which sounds like one of the big selling points. The greatest thing about HoJos for me? We got to go straight to the room when we checked in! At the Fairfield (where we usually stay) we normally have to wait until about 3pm (we arrive at about 10am after a 14-hour flight) and pretty much go straight to the parks without being able to freshen up. It doesn't sound like that big a deal but trust me, being able to check in immediately is a MAJOR advantage when all you want to do is brush your teeth and have a shower!
Originally Posted By dsnyfan4evr Okay, which is less walking to DL. Bldg 1 facing DL or Bldg 2 facing pool? Also who to book with? I called Hojo's directly and was redirected to their central reservations. My rate there wasn't so great.
