Looking for just the right place to stay on your upcoming Disneyland trip?  You’ll find a dizzying array of hotels to choose from in the Anaheim area around the Disney parks, so how can you pick the right one?

First, choose a hotel close to the parks, so you spend more time having fun and less time getting there. Next, compare amenities so you know what hotel is right for your needs.

Disney-owned lodging is closest to the park, and offers some of the best amenities in the area. However, it comes at a price! Most of the Disney properties are pretty spendy, even if they do offer spas, pools, and dining with some of the most-loved Disney characters. For example, Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa – This resort is conveniently located near Disneyland, Disney Downtown, and Disney’s California Adventure. This resort is reminiscent of early Arts & Crafts décor and architectures. Amenities include both rooms and suites, room service, in-room safes, Internet access, and acclaimed dining at the highly rated Napa Rose restaurant, along with many other dining options. You’ll also be able Disney’s California Adventure through an exclusive hotel-only entrance. Located at 1600 S. Disneyland Drive, (800) 642-5391 for reservations.

Good-Neighbor Hotels in four categories, suites, superior, moderate, and economy. Disney’s resort also partners with several hotels in the area in their “good-neighbor” program. You can compare these hotels at Disney’s Web site, and they offer information on booking them, as well. For example, Hilton Anaheim – Superior – Located next to the Anaheim Convention Center and nearby Disneyland, this hotel offers rooms and suites, in-room refrigerators and coffeemakers, Internet access, and transportation to the parks, as well as several dining options. Located at 777 Convention Way, 714-750-4321 for reservations.

Other area hotels – There are numerous other hotels and motels in the area surrounding Disneyland. You can find everything from luxury suites to small mom-and-pop motels. For example, Candy Cane Inn – Located near the entrance to Disneyland, this hotel offers shuttle service to the parks, a free continental breakfast, regular and deluxe rooms, and in-room refrigerators, Internet access, and coffeemakers. Located at 1747 S. Harbor Blvd., (800) 345-7057 for reservations.
How do you find bargains for Disneyland lodging? First, travel in the off-season. Disneyland is busiest during the summer (from June through Labor Day), in the week or so before Christmas and through New Year’s, and during Spring Break, and most holidays, especially three-day weekends. So, if you want to save money, avoid those times (and the crowds that go with them, too). Many hotels offer discounts during this off-season, and if you can travel mid-week, you’ll probably save even more.

Then there’s the issue of parking. There was a time when parking as Disneyland was free, but that is long gone. If you stay at a hotel close to the parks, you can walk, and many offer free shuttle service to and from the park. Beware the hidden parking fee! Many area hotels charge a parking fee if you park in their facilities, as well! If you want to save money, look for a hotel that doesn’t charge for parking, and use their shuttle service for local transportation.

Do your homework, check out several hotels and their Web sites, and then, choose the one that makes the most sense for your family and your wallet!
 
 Sherril Steele-Carlin is a freelance writer and may be reached at nvwriter@charter.net This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
Last Updated ( Monday, 10 September 2007 )