One of the most challenging parts of planning a family vacation is find the best accommodations for your needs. While review sites can be helpful, I frequently disregard the more extreme reviews at either end of the spectrum (both positive and negative) as completely skewed and base my decision on the average reviews. Ultimately when it comes time to book a hotel for your family holiday, you have to ask yourself “What do we want out of this vacation and what do we need from this hotel?”

Considerations when booking hotels near Disneyland in Anaheim:

    • Do you want easy access walking access or a shuttle/transit? Is there a shuttle direct to the resort or will you need to walk or ride ART (Anaheim Rapid Transit)
    • Do you need great restaurants? Is fantastic décor a priority? Do you want top notch pool & spa on site?
    • Or are you looking for simply a clean place to sleep at the end of a busy fun filled day?
    • Do you want breakfast included in the room rate?
    • What side of the resort do you want to stay at, Disneyland or California Adventure?
    • How close to your children do you like to sleep (suite vs regular room)
    • Are there cots available if children can’t sleep in the same bed?
    • Is there an in-room fridge?
    • Does the hotel have Wi-Fi (particularly important for Canadians that don’t want to pay long distance roaming charges!)
    • Is it a price you are comfortable paying (remember that there is sales tax and hotel tax on top of their prices, currency exchange rates and most hotels charge a parking fee)

Fortunately, in Anaheim the selection is endless no matter what you require and we were lucky discover two hotels that checked off many of our must haves!

The Anabella Hotel

Anabella Hotel

A charming Mission style hotel, Anabella feels much like a grander Melrose Place. Without the drama of course! Driving into the Anabella Hotel was a bit of an adventure because we had to make a (legal) U-turn off the highway in order to access it. Fortunately the directions on their website were impeccable and we arrived tired, happy and excited. The lush landscaped grounds, gorgeous rooms and gracious staff made spending time there a treat. We enjoyed having a cup of coffee on the inviting patio in front of our room while basking in the warm California sunshine, splashing in the courtyard pool and enjoying the quiet of the location. The L shaped room with a double bed in the alcove and a king size bed with a large couch at the foot were roomy and when there are 4 people in a small space, every extra square foot is much appreciated!

After breakfast at Tangerine Grill & Patio Restaurant in the Anabella (2 adult breakfasts were included with our stay each morning) we made our way over to the park, walking up the road and using the entrance to Downtown Disney via the Disney Grand Californian Hotel. An easy 10 minute walk got us to the gates where we started our adventure at, appropriately enough, Disney’s California Adventure. Once we left the resort, Anabella’s lovely pool was the perfect way to refresh after a long day. The beautiful & spacious granite bathroom made it easy to get the children cleaned up and cozying up on the sofa watching  a movie together was a delightful ending.

If classic décor and family friendly atmosphere are what you’re looking for, then you will love the Anabella!

The Anabella Hotel Contact Info

Address: 1030 West Katella Avenue, Anaheim California 92802
Phone: 800-863-4888
Email: reservations@anabellahotel.com
Web: www.anabellahotel.com

Specials:
Please check with the hotel before booking for availability and details on these specials

50% off Sundays – Stay at least 2 nights and get Sunday 50% off
Fourth Night Free – Get your 4th Night Free in your choice of their Premiere King & Double, Mission Suite or Concierge Premiere Rooms

The Hotel Ménage

Hotel Menage

At the other end of the Disneyland Resort, across the freeway is the Hotel Ménage. At one time a non-descript roadside inn, it is now a fresh, updated, boutique-feel hotel that is at once family friendly yet chic and stylish. Stepping into the stylish lobby, we found the common areas and rooms have all been decorated in a modern décor that is still comfortable and inviting. As my husband remarked at dinner in their lovely American Tavern Eatery & Drink restaurant, it’s nice to be out in a place that’s kid friendly, but looks and feels like a hip resto-lounge. We enjoyed a fantastic meal while listening to the live entertainer’s unique versions of songs from the Rolling Stones, (requested by our 9 year old daughter), Nirvana and U2. The restaurant also serves an excellent breakfast buffet each morning (not included with the room) at very reasonable rates.

The rooms are comfortable & contemporary with a big screen TV and in-room bar fridge, handy for drinks and snacks. An oasis ringed with palm trees, the pool and hot tub area are open 24 hours with comfortable lounge furniture and the heated pool is a stunning spot to watch the Disneyland fireworks!  The hotel staff was great, always smiling and friendly and eager to answer our questions!

While Hotel Ménage is within walking distance of the park, we chose to take ART although cabs are also an option! The ART kiosk is in the hotel lobby made it easy to pre-purchase passes for our family and the bus stops right in front of the building.

Coming home to the Hotel Ménage after a long day at the park was like slipping into a chic, yet comfortable robe; an elegant place to spend our nights!

Both hotels are affordable yet beautiful and comfortable options near Disneyland that fit the bill for a busy young family with uptown tastes!

Hotel Ménage Contact Info:

Address: 1221 South Harbor Blvd. Anaheim, CA 92805
Phone: (714) 758-0900 Hotel and Reservations
Email: reservations@casaresortsinc.com
Web: www.hotelmenage.com
Discounts: Please check with the hotel before booking for availability and details on these discounts

AAA, Active And Inactive Military & Annual Disney pass holders are eligible for discounts.

Thank you to the Anabella Hotel and the Hotel Menage for hosting my family during this visit and to the Anaheim/Orange County Visitor and Convention Bureau for facilitating our California adventure!

For more great ideas of family fun things to see and do in Southern California, be sure to visit www.anaheimoc.org