Located the furthest from the park of our reviewed hotels and our least favorite this hotel borders between nice and eh and probably more on the eh side.  Still we’ve stayed here and Priceline is fairly notorious for putting people into it versus the Hyatt or Hilton which can fall into the same star class on their system.  How exactly the hotel got its 4 star ratings we couldn’t say… it does have a large pool that’s in decent shape, a gift shop and a park shuttle but that’s about it. Parking is fairly limited, the rooms are old and showing it but just about everything works and the staff tends to be friendly enough.

To do: There’s not much to do on this property besides swim, sleep and go to the park but there are nearby establishments for after hours.

Recommendation: If you plan to be in park dawn to dusk this is the kind of place where you don’t worry about sleeping safely at night and get a paper in the morning. Beyond that it isn’t bad but also isn’t where you’d want to spend 3 days locked up writing about Disneyland and since the cost tends to be comparable to other local upscale places you can probably stay elsewhere.

Money Saving Tip: While the Crown Plaza does have a $7+ daily “resort” fee for most internet based bookings, wireless internet, parking and the park shuttle are included in this fee. If you’re looking to avoid driving this is a nice savings first the ~$6 fee some other local hotels charge for their shuttle.

Booking Options: Book directly online or by calling 714.867.5555. Or try Hotels.com and get $20 to $100 off your hotel stay.

Construction has been the motto for the Hilton for some time now and last we visited it didn’t look like they were near being done. Still despite a massive upgrade in progress the Hilton resembles most any Hilton property around the country. While this should make for a top pick, the proximity to the convention center (across the street) makes this hotel a little too business and a little too business priced. When a power bar costs more than your lunch it’s a bad sign and with $30 parking the Hilton doesn’t disappoint in pricing at any stop. Still, located about a mile from the park and with a luxurious interior, loads of empty room and a friendly staff the Hilton isn’t a bad choice. The recent renovations included upgrades to the rooms which while not as nice as some Hiltons we’ve stayed at are nothing to laugh at. Nice beds, large TVs, decent views from some rooms and easy access to the park. One last downside – the shuttle isn’t free.

To do: As expected of all business hotels there’s an on-site bar, weight room, pool, and hot tub. There’s also adjacent dining options mostly in a more upscale class but lower choices are only a few blocks down the road in either direction.

Recommendation: If you can find availability at either the Hyatt or Embassy Suites we’d suggest taking them over the Hilton, even if it means losing a few honors points. You’ll save money and get a better room.

Booking Options: Book directly online or by calling 714.750.4321. Or try Hotels.com and get $20 to $100 off your hotel stay.

Our second favorite hotel (and a very close call) the Embassy Suites is a tower configured hotel with all rooms facing an open center.  Located approximately 2 miles from the park the hotel is not truly within walking distance but a shuttle ($3/ one way fee) is available to guests. However the distant location is made up by amenities including a Target and grocery store 1 block down and several chain restaurants within walking distance. As the name implies most rooms are suite configurations and include fold out couches and second TVs making this an ideal location for small groups or pairs of friends who want individualized space. However this is also the downside of the Embassy Suites as it attracts many families eager to cram kids into the additional space and treat them to an included breakfast. Still, when you close the door you don’t tend to hear a thing and despite being in a gigantic tower it actually feels pretty calm inside.

To do: The hotel has limited internal facilities but does have an outside pool that tends to be fairly open as well as a small fitness center. Local restaurants provide night activities outside of the park.

Shopping & Dinning: Numerous options for dining ranging from McDonalds style fast food to cheaper end dinners like Dennys & Red Robin (under $10/ plate) up to fine steakhouses within a few block walk or drive. Shopping is also plentiful and visitors will be able to buy groceries, snacks or any forgotten clothing items without getting in a car.

Recommendation: If you can find this for less than the Hilton or just love the idea of a hot 3-station breakfast in the morning it’s a great bet. The design makes it a bit noisy in the common areas but the extra large rooms make up for that.

Money Saving Tip: The hotel offers a free, hot and very sizable breakfast buffet that is truly a great way to start the day. If you’re the breakfast type consider this cost versus other local properties and what you would spend on a comparable meal.

Booking Options: Book directly online or by calling 714.539.3300. Or try Hotels.com and get $20 to $100 off your hotel stay.

While around 2 miles from the park gates and just out of walking distance this is our favorite property for the amenities, rooms, service and location. Yes. The location. Being situated away from the park gates the hotel attracts an older crowd and tends to combine business and recreational guests. This means the staff is always on their best behavior and makes for a much more pleasant, and quieter environment. But the Hyatt is not just about being business friendly and boring, there’s a bar onsite, a casual pool in the back, several local restaurants worth an evening visit and a starbucks to help you up in the morning. At the end of a long day nothing beats a nice Hyatt bed except maybe the 42” plasma each room has and even if you never turn it on, the view from the higher rooms (of Anaheim and the park) is pretty damn cool too.

Shopping & Dinning: Numerous options for dining ranging from McDonalds style fast food to cheaper end dinners like Dennys & Red Robin (under $10/ plate) up to fine steakhouses within a few block walk or drive. Shopping is also plentiful and visitors will be able to buy groceries, snacks or any forgotten clothing items without getting in a car.

Recommendation: This is our favorite for a reason. Well priced relative to other upscale AND low end properties, decently situated, free shuttle, what more can we say.

Money Saving Tip: Parking at the Hyatt is $15 a night but at the adjacent lot which serves 3 other properties there is no charge. Park at your own risk of course

Booking Options: Book directly online or by calling 714.750.1234. Or try Hotels.com and get $20 to $100 off your hotel stay.

The Grand Californian may be the closest hotel to the parks (it’s located inside California Adventure) but aside from the items in the gift shop, the feel is anything but that of Disney. A tremendous vaulted lobby, grand fireplaces, large bar, conference hall and many other amenities dot the hotel but what makes the Grand so attractive is the styling. Themed after an old western hotel everything is made from dark woods with a rustic yet upscale vibe. Price and the style keep the number of children wandering down and while noise is still common during the day, even business travelers are able to enjoy this property. As a newer property rooms are well appointed although not 5-star, decently sound proofed and service is always a call away.

To do: There is an on-site pool and hot tub which is crowded with kids during the day but relaxed most evenings except during peak times. Large chairs near fireplaces make for a perfect environment to read, play a board game or chat the evening away. An in-property bar is available for late night drinking and snacks.

Shopping & Dinning: The location (side entrance to Downtown Disney) puts you right next to several dining options from fast food up to sophisticated. Shopping is available but limited to tourist items, gifts and clothing. No groceries or general stores aside from the in-hotel gift shop within walking distance.

Recommendation: If price is not an option the Grand Californian offers a remarkable combination of amenities, service and location making it a fantastic choice.

Booking Options: Book directly online or by calling 714.956.6425. Or try Hotels.com and get $20 to $100 off your hotel stay.

As the classic icon that millions of visitors remember from their childhood or from taking their children to the park over the years the Disneyland Hotel is truly a remarkable memory. As a modern hotel the biggest perk here for a traveler without kids is the location. Located at the end of downtown Disney and just a few minutes from the monorail this is the closest hotel you can be in to the main park. While the location is great the hotel sells this at the expense of just about everything else. Rooms tend to be dated both in décor and amenities and thin walls combined with the plethora of children that stay in the hotel can make for loud rooms.

To do: Aside from the park and shopping there is a large and well designed pool and hot tub both with full bar service during the day and evening. Unfortunately the number of children at the hotel rules out using these facilities until early evening. Local bars are available adjacent to the hotel and stay open until 12 or 1 am depending on the night.

Shopping & Dinning: The location puts you right next to several dining options from fast food up to sophisticated. Shopping is available but limited to tourist items, gifts and clothing. No groceries or general stores aside from the in-hotel gift shop within walking distance.

Recommendation: Stay only if you must be here for nostalgia; otherwise try the Grand Californian to be next to the parks or down the road for less money and a better room.

Booking Options: Book directly online or by calling 714.956.6425. Or try Hotels.com and get $20 to $100 off your hotel stay.