Hi Pixies! We are in full planner mode talking all about Disneyland for the Disneyland Vacation Planning Series. Last week we took a look at the
While there is much to love about staying on property, the location of Disneyland gives you many more affordable options. Disneyland can get expensive between the cost of tickets, and food, and souvenirs. So it comes as no surprise that pricing is a major factor in the decision of where to stay. There are a ton of hotels in the Anaheim area, but some have an exclusive partnership with
Why Choose a Disneyland Good Neighbor Hotel
The most common reason for selecting a Disneyland good neighbor hotel for your stay is the amount you can save over a Disneyland resort hotel. Staying on property can easily run you over $200 per night, and if are not intending to spend your time inside your room this is a hefty price tag.
There are hundreds of hotels and resorts in the Anaheim area surrounding
Some choose to stay at a Disneyland good neighbor hotel to take a break from
Let’s take a look at some of our favorite choices for a Disneyland good neighbor hotel.
Candy Cane Inn
Where it’s at
The Candy Cane Inn is a moderately priced Disneyland good neighbor hotel located less than a half mile from the parks.
What’s included
Transportation to and from the parks is complimentary as is the impressive continental breakfast. You’ll also find a mini-fridge and coffeemaker in all resort rooms. A stay at the Candy Cane Inn also includes free Wi-Fi so that you can keep in touch with everyone back home.
What you need to know
Candy Cane Inn offers studio style suites with either a single king or dual queen beds. The décor is outdated but the hotel overall is very well kept.
>>Price: Rooms generally vary between $120 and $150 dollars
Why we love it
While the themeing leaves something to be desired, the proximity to the parks and price point are dreamy. Throw in that continental breakfast, which you can enjoy by the pool and we don’t even miss having hidden Mickeys in the carpet.
Castle Inn & Suites
Where it’s at
Right across the street from Disneyland, it’s actually closer to the park entrances than some of the
What’s included
Castle Inn & suites includes a mini-fridge and coffee maker in all rooms, as well as access to free Wi-Fi. One amenity you will not find in many hotels on this list is smoking & non-smoking rooms. This may be a plus for some and a negative to others.
What you need to know
This Camelot themed hotel offers standard double bed rooms as well as several suites which can accommodate up to 6 guests.
>>Price: Rates vary between $120 per night for standard rooms to $250 for suites. Be advised these rates may fluctuate and this is only an approximation, there are also several discounts available including military and AAA.
Why we love it
While it is not a
Desert Palms
Where it’s at
Less than a half mile from the park entrances, and right around the corner.
What’s included
As with many Disneyland good neighbor hotels on this list, the Desert Palms includes a mini-fridge and coffeemaker in all rooms. A microwave is also available in each room. Wi-Fi and hot breakfast are complimentary as well.
What you need to know
The Desert Palms offers a wide variety of rooms from studio style to multi-room suites, each available with standard or bunk beds.
>>Price: Standard rooms on average run $140 and suites (some with full kitchens) can run up to $260 on average. However, there are many discounts available when you book direct that can reduce the cost by as much as 25%.
Why we love it
The large family suites can accommodate a crowd, and the full kitchen available in some suites gives you options outside of expensive theme park food. The hot breakfast is unique to the property, going above and beyond the cereal and bags normally found at competitors. Many of the rooms look out onto the
Embassy Suites
Where it’s at
Embassy suites is located about 5 miles south of the Disneyland resort. They do offer a daily shuttle to and from the parks which, at the time of this writing, is $6 per person per day.
What’s included
Your stay at the Anaheim South Embassy Suites by Hilton includes a hot cooked to order breakfast, in room safety deposit box, and complimentary cocktails during the evening reception.
What you need to know
There are only suites and no studio style rooms. However the suites are reasonably priced and offer a luxurious style. Many of the rooms also provide a view of the Disneyland fireworks, available by request for an additional fee.
>>Price: Dependent upon the suite style and dates selected you can expect to pay between $200 and $300 dollars. This is impressive when considering the cost of a standard room at a Disneyland hotel.
Why we love it
You had us at free cocktails. A custom made hot breakfast certainly doesn’t hurt. More over though, the Embassy Suites offers a relaxing atmosphere to unwind after a long day in the parks. Access to view the Disneyland fireworks from your room also means you can leave the parks before the mass exodus at the end of the night. If you’re still not convinced you can get more details about this hotel from our friend Practically Perfect Meg in this post.
Howard Johnson
Where it’s at
A short 8 minute walk away from the Disneyland park entrances.
What’s included
When you stay at the Anaheim Howard Johnson you have access to free Wi-Fi as well as an in room safe and single serve coffee maker. This hotel is also home to 2 pools, one designed with kids in mind and the other to enjoy in tranquility.
What you need to know
The kids pool is a mini water park, and any kid in your party is bound to fall in love. There is a full range of room types, from studios to suites, to accommodate any party size.
>>Price: Standard rooms fall in around $200. Suites trend upwards around $400, however many of these include private balconies as well.
Why we love it
That kids pool though. Even the Disneyland pools can’t compete with the splash pad playground at the Howard Johnson. The rooms are large, clean, and decorated with fun colors.
Residence Inn Anaheim Maingate
Where it’s at
Just shy of 15 minutes away on foot, this Disneyland good neighbor hotel is .7 miles from the Disneyland resort park entrances.
What’s included
You can start your day the right way with the Residence Inn’s complimentary hot breakfast. Each room also includes a full kitchen, giving you full control of your food on your vacation.
What you need to know
All the rooms are suites and have a full kitchen included; however there is a studio style suite that consists of just 1 room. 2-room suites are available and can sleep up to 8. The Residence Inn offers a kid’s 2-room suite where 1 room has bunk beds and kid friendly décor.
>>Price: There are extreme fluctuations with the rates, from as low as $175 upwards to $500 on popular dates for single room suites. Family suites, consisting of 2 bedrooms start around $350.
Why we love it
Large rooms make a
Final Thoughts on Disneyland Good Neighbor Hotels
Staying at a Disneyland good neighbor hotel is a great alternative to staying on property at Disneyland. With so many options within just a short distance from the parks, and plenty of amenities to chose from you can’t go wrong!
Be sure to join us next week when we’ll be taking a closer look at Disneyland dining, talking all about table service and reservations.
We always try and stay at Embassy Suites South. They do offer a direct shuttle (shared with Hampton Inn & Hilton Garden Inn) for $6 per day, unlimited trips. Departure and arrival buses are every 30 minutes. Love the breakfast and evening reception!!
You can’t beat complimentary breakfast AND reception! Thanks so much for keeping me honest! Updated to include this helpful bit about shuttles 🙂
Thanks so much for these wonderful tips! Your tips and tricks always help me out on my trips.