Disneyland pool and slide

Disneyland Hotel Reviews

Choosing the correct hotel for your Disneyland vacation is one of the most important things you’ll do while planning. Why? Your hotel can make or break your vacation. It doesn’t matter who much or how little time you spend there. If you’re not satisfied with the room, the resort, the service or amenities, you’re not going to be happy.

I’ve taken it upon myself to stay at almost all the hotels surrounding Disneyland Resort, ones that guests would want a review on to help them decided if it’s a good match or not.

While this has taken time, I’m happy to say that I’ve been very successful and have received a lot of good feedback from guests who have read these reviews. There’s nothing more rewarding than this for me.

My overall goal is to review the hotel entirely with the hopes that you’ll be able to choose the best one for your southern California trip.

Before I jump into these reviews however, I’m compiled a list of FAQ’s that readers have sent me that I think are very helpful, so let’s start with these. My reviews can be found further down the page if you want to skip to those.

Updated: Jan. 29th, 2022

What Is A Disneyland Good Neighbor Hotel?

Marriott Disney Entrance

You may see this phrase “Good Neighbor Hotel” as you search for hotels near Disneyland. Many hotels who qualify for this status tout it next to their resort name or show a badge on their website or in the hotel lobby.

A “Disneyland Good Neighbor Hotel” is a hotel that Disney has vetted and deemed a quality hotel for Disneyland guests to stay in. They are not owned by Disney themselves, rather independent or franchise owners. Disney looks at several things when considering a hotel nearby for Good Neighbor Status:

  • Cleanliness
  • Amenities
  • Service
  • Distance to parks
  • Overall appearance
  • Guest ratings

Because there are literally hundreds of hotels near Disneyland, not all of them qualify for this status with Disney. Many of them don’t simply because of distance to the resort. However, several don’t because of other issues like offered amenities and overall appearance.

Most guests like to take Disney’s advice if they are staying off property and choose a Good Neighbor Hotel. Here is the 2022-2023 list of Good Neighbor Hotels:

  • Anaheim Camelot Inn & Suites
  • The Anaheim Hotel
  • Anaheim Majestic Garden Hotel
  • Anaheim Marriott
  • Anaheim Marriott Suites
  • Anaheim Portofino Inn & Suites
  • Best Western Plus Anaheim Inn
  • Best Western Plus Park Place Inn & Mini Suites
  • Best Western Inn Plus Pavilions
  • Best Western Plus Raffles Inn & Suites
  • CAMBRiA Hotel & Suites Anaheim Resort
  • Candlewood Suites Anaheim Resort Area
  • Candy Cane Inn
  • Castle Inn & Suites
  • Clarion Hotel Anaheim Resort
  • Clementine Hotel & Suites Anaheim
  • Courtyard by Marriott Anaheim Resort Convention Center
  • Courtyard by Marriott Anaheim Theme Park Entrance
  • Delta Hotels by Marriott Anaheim Garden Grove
  • Desert Palms Hotel & Suites Anaheim Resort
  • Embassy Suites by Hilton Anaheim North
  • Fairfield Inn by Marriott Anaheim Resort
  • Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Anaheim Garden Grove
  • Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Anaheim Resort Convention Center
  • Hilton Garden Inn Anaheim Garden Grove
  • Holiday Inn Express & Suites Anaheim Resort Area
  • Holiday Inn & Suites Anaheim
  • Homewood Suites by Hilton Anaheim Maingate Area
  • Howard Johnson Anaheim Hotel and Water Playground
  • Hyatt House at Anaheim Resort Convention Center
  • Hyatt Place at Anaheim Resort Convention Center
  • Hyatt Regency Orange County
  • JW Marriott Anaheim Resort
  • Motel 6 Anaheim Maingate
  • Red Lion Hotel Anaheim Resort
  • Residence Inn by Marriott Anaheim Resort Area Garden Grove
  • Residence Inn by Marriott Anaheim Resort Convention Center
  • Sheraton Park Hotel at the Anaheim Resort
  • Springhill Suites by Marriott Anaheim Maingate
  • Staybridge Suites Anaheim Resort Area
  • SunCoast Park Hotel Anaheim
  • Tropicana Inn & Suites 
Hotel

Which Hotels Can You Walk To Disneyland?

Westin Hotel Anaheim at night

Technically you could walk from any hotel to Disneyland if you wanted. What guests really want to know is what hotels can you reasonably walk from to Disneyland and it’s an excellent question.

I’ve found that most guests want to be within a 10 minute walk or less to the parks which I think is a great idea. Otherwise, guests tend to take and Uber, LYFT or pay for parking when it’s beyond this.

I took the time to find on Google Maps which hotels are within 10 minutes of walking to the resort and the list is below:

  • Anaheim Portofino Inn & Suites
  • Desert Palms Hotel and Suites
  • Castle Inn & Suites
  • The Anaheim Hotel
  • Grand Legacy at the Park
  • Best Western Plus Park Place Inn & Mini Suites
  • Camelot Inn & Suites
  • Holiday Inn Express & Suites
  • Howard Johnson Anaheim Hotel and Water Playground
  • Best Western Plus Anaheim Inn
  • Desert Inn & Suites
  • Tropicana Inn & Suites
  • Park Vue Inn
  • Del Sol Inn
  • Fairfield by Marriott Anaheim Resort
  • Courtyard by Marriott Anaheim Theme Park Entrance
  • Anaheim Majestic Garden Hotel*
  • Best Western Courtesy Inn
  • Days Inn Anaheim West
  • Anaheim Marriott*
  • Hilton Anaheim Convention Center*
  • Best Western Plus Stovall’s Inn*
  • Westin Resort
  • Residence Inn by Marriott Anaheim Convention Center*
  • Alpine Inn
  • Candy Cane Inn
  • Hyatt House at Anaheim Convention Center
  • Springhill Suites by Marriott Convention Center
  • Wyndham Anaheim*

Any hotel that is marked with a * is right on the cusp of 10 minutes. It may be over slightly but are hotels that myself and others don’t mind the walk from.

Walking from your hotel to the Disneyland Parks is a great way to save money as you don’t have to pay for parking or a ride share service. Another nice thing is most walks have stores along the way where you can grab refreshments and snacks at a much cheaper cost than in the park.

I did not include the three Disneyland Hotels because they are considered on-property and no “walk” is needed.

Many of the hotels mentioned in the list above are less than 10 minutes with several directly across the street from Disneyland and California Adventure Park. These hotels in particular allow guests to walk back to their rooms with ease if needed during the day.

The most popular entrance for these hotels is the east entrance. Also located here is the guest pick up and drop off zone.

How Much Does It Cost To Stay At A Disneyland Hotel?

The GRand Californian hotel Pool with cabanas

This is a question with an answer that’s all over the map. Before I answer this though let me clarify that this question is typically directed at staying at one of the three Disney-owned and operated hotels. These include Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel, Disneyland Hotel and Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa.

There are so many factors that go into the cost of a room at Disneyland Hotels. Room size, view, bed type, special offers and discounts, concierge, time of year and available capacity to name a few.

I’ve seen standard rooms at Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel at low as $270 per night when discounted. I’ve also seen Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel standard rooms go for as much as $800 per night when capacity was high. The average cost for a standard room at any of these three hotels runs about $420 per night before taxes.

With that being said you can always score something less if you’re willing to do a little work for it. AAA members, Cast Members and Travel Agents are typically offered special rates at these hotels year-round.

What Are The Three Disneyland Hotels?

This question is in reference to the three Disney owned and operated hotels on property. The three current Disneyland Hotels are:

There is a “fourth hotel” in the works but it’s more of an addition to the current Disneyland Hotel than anything else. As of 2020 Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa is the only property hotel that has DVC rooms available. The new tower addition to the Disneyland Hotel will add more DVC rooms to the resort and to a certain degree, will be considered a separate resort.

Paradise Pier Hotel is Disney’s Moderate Resort Hotel. It’ the cheapest of the three hotels and offers rooms from standard to suites. It has a California beach theme to it.

The Disneyland Hotel is a Deluxe Hotel and a AAA 4 diamond award staple. This is probably the most sought-after hotel at the resort due to its history and theming. Anyone looking to be immersed into Disney while on their vacation will find this hotel a must-stay. From historical art to firework headboards, this hotel has it all.

Lastly, the Grand Californian Hotel & Spa is the Crème de la crème; a resort that offers the most luxury to any Disney guest. From its newly updated rooms and pool area to its private entrance into California Adventure Park, this hotel has it all.

Is The Disneyland Hotel Worth It?

Disneyland pool and slide

I love this question. I’ve gotten it so many times that I had to add it here because so many people want to know. Is the hotel the price is what people are really asking. My answer is yes for many reasons. First, it’s super Disney and super historic which any Disneyland fan loves. Second, the rooms are fantastic and fun for any age.

Third, I would say based on distance alone and the fact that guests staying here get early entry into the parks each day, it’s worth it.

Fourth, the pool and restaurant area is incredible. From monorail slides to tropical drinks at Trader Sam’s, there’s fun for every age. And it’s all convenient within 1-2 minutes.

The Disneyland Hotel consists of three towers, Fantasy, Adventure and Frontier and all offer different views of the resort and surrounding area. Guests who want to stay on a higher level with a fireworks view can. Guests who want to see the pool can do so from any tower.

Restaurants include quick service and bars to premiere dining, lounges and character dining. It also has one of the bigger merchandise shops on property.

So yes, the Disneyland Hotel is worth the cost, especially if you only visit once every 4-5 years. Guest who frequent the resort may look elsewhere for a cheaper room.

Disneyland Resort Hotel Reviews

Exterior of hotel with trees

The following three reviews are about the Disney owned and operated hotels on property at the resort. If you’re looking for off-property hotel reviews, keep scrolling!

When Disneyland first opened there wasn’t even a hotel on property. Eventually, and through the help of another businessman (interesting story) Disney added the Disneyland Hotel. Over the years it’s been modified and changed but the name and the theming has pretty much stayed the same.

The reason these three hotels, specifically the Disneyland Hotel, are so desirable is because they immerse you into the magic from the minute you arrive to the minute you leave.

Every guest receives Disney’s world-class service and perks that come along with staying on property. These include close proximity to the parks, monorail access from DTD and early entry into the parks each day. There are actually several more which I’ve gone over in detail in each individual review.

People get really excited when they start booking a Disneyland vacation. Adding fuel to the fire is the thought of staying at one of these three hotels. I get asked all the time (hence the above FAQ) if it’s worth staying on property for the extra money. My answer is and always will be the same: if you can make it work, do it.

I’m a big fan of being immersed at Disneyland and love all three property hotels for different reasons. If staying is not a money problem, I would suggest the Disneyland Hotel or Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel. If you’re on a budget but can make the Paradise Pier Hotel work, do it.

I’ll leave you with one last thought and then let you dive into my reviews. The Extra Magic Hours* that guests receive by staying on property is almost priceless. The higher hotel rates are completely worth it. This extra hour each morning allows you to get on some of the biggest attractions with no lines. Your most productive hour of the day will be this one.

*many benefits including Extra Magic Hours is on hiatus during COVID. We don’t have any timeframe as to when they may return. Magic Morning Early Entry is also on pause.

Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa Review

Disney's Grand Californian Hotel at night

As I mentioned, this hotel is Disneyland’s top resort and one that many guests love to stay at as it has many perks including a private entrance into California Adventure Park. You can read our full review of the hotel here.

The Grand, as it’s called, offers some of the best views of the entire resort and some of the best dining on property including the Napa Rose Restaurant.

It’s location borders Downtown Disney and California Adventure Park allowing it to offer views of both parks, Downtown Disney and even World of Color at night.

The hotel itself is modeled after the lodges of Yosemite containing a big open lobby, roaring fire and handmade wood furniture. The rooms have all been updated since 2019 with a modern woodsy feel including tile, headboards, furniture and cabinetry.

Rooms at the Grand typically run about $600 per night for a standard view though if you book on a discount it can be in the upper $400’s. Rooms views determine the price per night so a standard room will be the cheapest with views of the parking lot/front of hotel. Next is a woods view, garden view and pool view.

The priciest views are the theme park view and Downtown Disney views. The hotel does offer 1 and 2 bedroom suites as well as bigger suites including El Capitan and the Arroyo Suite. These typically run several thousand dollars per night and must be booked by calling Disney directly.

Disneyland Hotel Review

Overhead shot of Disneyland Hotel pools

It’s the classic hotel that everyone wants to stay at when visiting Disneyland. Nostalgia at its best as I say; you can’t find a place that screams Disneyland more than this. You can read our full review of the hotel here.

The hotel is made up for 3 towers including Fantasy, Frontier and Adventure. Fantasy is the most desired followed by Adventure than Frontier. This is because of how they are placed and the views they offer.

Fantasy tower contains the main lobby which is full of Alice in Wonderland teacups and usually has Disney characters roaming around. It also houses the main merchandise shop, the small shop and dining locations including Steakhouse 55 and the character dining buffet Goofy’s Kitchen.

All three towers (soon to be 4) surround the outside pool that has 2 monorail slides and several spas. In the pool area is Trader Sam’s, a very popular tiki bar.

All the rooms at the Disneyland Hotel have been updated and have headboards with fireworks in them. They can be played to music as well. Every tower contains several floors and rooms types including standard.

The Disneyland Hotel typically runs about $400 per night for the standard room. From here you have garden view, pool view, Downtown and fireworks view. Upper level rooms typically cost more per night as they offer the better views of the resort.

Suites at this property include the Mickey Mouse Suite and Pirates of the Caribbean Suite amongst several others. Thy are themed and so much fun to stay in. They typically run several thousand dollars per night.

Paradise Pier Hotel Review

Overhead shot of the Paradise Pier Hotel pool

This is considered Disney’s value resort if there is such a thing. It is themed after classic beachside hotel found in California and sits directly across the street from California Adventure Park. See our full review of the hotel here.

The hotel is the furthest property hotel from the theme parks though it’s pretty close with the Disneyland Hotel. Guests staying here have to walk to the beginning of Downtown Disney and then through it to get to the theme parks.

Don’t let my words fool you though. This hotel is a fantastic stay and still keeps you very much immersed in the Disney magic.

Rooms typically run $300 per night for a standard view and then up from there. The higher you go the most expensive the room gets. Theme park view rooms are very desirable here as they offer a pretty great view of World of Color at night.

The hotel is home to several great restaurants including Mickey’s Surf’s Up character breakfast. The pool is very unique in that it is a rooftop pool located on the third level of the hotel. There are cabana rooms available that the walk right out to it and at night they stream the fireworks show sound onto the patio.

The rooms could use some updating but are still a great place to stay and play. Kids really like the beach theme and each room comes with several beach ball pillows.

The hotel does offer suites for anyone interested including the Newport and Malibu Suites. They tend to run in the upper $800’s or more per night depending on their size.

Hotels Near Disneyland – Good Neighbor Reviews

For guests looking for a less expensive (for the most part) stay near Disneyland, these are the hotels you’ll want to consider. Most actually are within walking distance of Disneyland which is preferred though some would require a short Uber drive or for you to park your car at the resort.

As I mentioned before, these hotels typically cost less but you can also find some that cost a pretty penny. This is because several of them offer rooms from a standard to a suite.

Guests looking for a place to stay with a full kitchen without wanting to pay Disney pricing will want to look in this category. Many also offer free parking which is a big plus to anyone who wants to save an average of $15 per night.

Two queen beds in a hotel room

My quick reviews offer a good start for you to figure out if the hotel is right for you. Several have in-depth reviews that you may want to read if it’s a hotel you’re seriously considering.

Residence Inn Marriott – Anaheim Convention Center Review

This is easily one of my favorite places to stay off property and one of the newest hotels across the street from the parks. This hotel was built in 2014 and offers some of the nicer rooms with full kitchens that a guest can find this close to Disneyland.

Not only are the rooms fantastic, the Residence Inn Marriott Convention Center offers one of the best free breakfasts that I’ve ever had. We’re talking eggs, pancakes, french toast, sausage, bacon, yogurts, breads, fresh fruits, waffles, potatoes and juice.

It’s one of the biggest saving points for anyone who’s on a budget and doesn’t want to spend this money in the parks.

The hotel also offers a rooftop pool, spa and splash pad for smaller kids. It’s got a fantastic view of Anaheim and California Adventure Park.

Rooms (other than studios) have full kitchens, a good-sized living room and a bedroom with either 2 queens or a king. You can also get a 2 bedroom room with either a king bed or two bunk beds for kids.

The walk from this hotel is about 10 minutes to the parks. I suggest walking around the east side for a quicker entrance into the parks.

The hotel is right next door to the Anaheim Convention Center as well which can be very convenient. The hotel holds a very solid review on TripAdvisor for anyone who is wanting to read additional experiences from former guests.

Guests can expect to spend an average of $210 per night.

The Westin Anaheim Resort Review

Evening view of the Westin Anaheim Resort

Easily one of the best hotels off-property. I’ve had the opportunity to stay here several times since its opening in summer 2021 and can say that it’s worth every penny. The rooms are phenominal, the service is incredible and the distance to the parks in minimal. It took me about 7 minutes each day to walk to Downtown Disney from my room. From here the parks are a quick stroll.

Rooms here range from standard 1 king or 2 queen rooms all the way up to a Presidential Suite with 2 bedrooms, 2.5 baths and a gigantic balcony facing the parks. The amenities inside a great and very up-to-date. There are tons of outlets and USB ports for all your devices. They also offer free bottles of water each day which housekeeping will keep stocked.

The hotel itself as a market place where you can purchase simple items like sunscreen, variety of snacks and some clothing. Flemings Steakhouse is attached at the right side of the hotel as well as Puesto, a fantastic Mexican restaurant featuring street tacos. On top of the hotel is a phenomenal bar and hangout where guests can enjoy great views of California Adventure Park as well as evening fireworks.

Rates per night range from $280 to $500 plus depending on your room. As of right now, it’s worth every penny due to it’s newness and proximity to the parks.

Desert Palms Hotel & Suites

Inside lobby of the Desert Palms Hotel Anaheim

This hotel has been the staple of Anaheim Hotels for so many years and is a favorite of mine. They offer bigger rooms, free WiFi, free breakfast and is a 5 minute walk to Disneyland.

True family-sized comfort can be found here when you choose to stay in a suite. Some offer full kitchens while others offer large living spaces. Some suites even offer bunk beds for kids. No matter what you’re looking for room wise, you’ll find it here.

While the free breakfast isn’t anything amazing, you can still grab something to go before heading off to the parks. Fresh fruit, pastries, toast and more.

The hotel backs right up to California Adventure Park which makes it one of the closest hotels to the parks though you do need to walk to the east entrance of the parks which is just down the street.

All rooms and common areas are very well kept and there are other amenities like a pool, spa and fitness center. While it’s not a pool I’d leave the park to go enjoy, it’s something, which is better than nothing.

Rooms typically run about $190 per night for a standard room and then into the $200’s for suites. Lower in the off season and higher at the peak season including summer.