Anaheim Majestic Garden Hotel

Built in the late 1960s, this sprawling property resembles a Tudor-style manor complete with turrets, towers, and lovely grounds dotted with flower beds, fountains, and manicured lawns. Interiors are a lot more chainlike in nature, though they are clean and pleasant. A large lobby, clad in brown earthy tones, offers  cozy seating nooks like comfy armchairs by a fireplace and an inviting bar. Dark wood bookshelves are garnished with old tomes and knick-knacks, while potted palm trees sprout here and there. There are charming outdoor spaces too (13 acres of them), like a koi pond corner and a grassy courtyard complete with gazebo where the Tudor-style architecture lends a transportive castle-like backdrop.Most guests staying here are families and couples bound for Disney that are attracted by the convenient location (plus the castle theme is a bonus too). Business travelers heading to the Anaheim Convention Center are frequent guests as well.

The hotel is located just outside of Disneyland, about a minute's drive from the gates or a 15-minute walk (free shuttle service is available every 30 minutes). Other nearby family-friendly attractions include Knott's Berry Farm (12-minute drive) and Adventure City (10-minute drive).Though the major arteries in and out of Disney surround the hotel, it is set off of the roads for quiet. There are several other hotels in the area, but not much in terms of dining options that are within easy walking distance. Anaheim's Convention Center is a seven-minute drive away. Nearby beaches include Huntington and Newport, both about a 30-minute drive away. LA is about a half-hour drive away, depending on traffic. LAX airport can also be reached in about a half-hour, but note that traffic can often be a problem. San Diego is about a two-hour drive south, again depending on traffic. 

Rooms are large (averaging 500 square feet) and though outfitted in chainlike style, they're tasteful and pleasant. There are several different categories, including many decorated in castle-inspired style, which in this case means silvery color schemes with plum accents, grand headboards with pearlescent mosaic tiling, purple drapes, damask-patterned carpeting, and subtle forest wallpaper accenting walls. In contrast, Standard Rooms are much more simply (but pleasantly) clad in cream hues and dark wood furniture. Castle Bunk Rooms are a great choice for families, with castle-shaped bunk beds that are a hit with kids. There are a handful of different types of suites available, which offer plenty of space. The Turret Suite has a large separate living room, while the Majestic Hotel Suite has two levels, one of which is a living room with an additional bathroom. All rooms have spacious work desks and seating areas with armchairs or small round tables with chairs, plus some have sleeper sofas. Other standard amenities include flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, coffeemakers, and free Wi-Fi. Some rooms have views of Disney's fireworks, a welcome perk for many, though some can find the noise to be a disturbance.Bathrooms are standard chain style, with shower/tub combos (though the showers could use an update) and granite-topped sink vanities that offer plenty of storage space. There are wall-mounted magnifying mirrors as well as hairdryers, plus toiletries are supplied. Suite bathrooms don't add any extras. Note that there have been complaints about the old showers and long waits for the water to heat up. Note that some rooms are still awaiting renovation and can feel a bit dated compared to the more recently refurbished ones.

The hotel's lovely grounds include an outdoor heated pool and whirlpool. The pleasant pool deck is lined with loungers, plus there are some cabanas with comfy shaded seating. The seasonal pool bar offers drinks, snacks, and meals during the day and into the evening. The cozy lobby bar and lounge offers cocktails and casual bites. For something more substantial, guests can head to the Garden Court Bistro, which offers a buffet breakfast and a la carte options in the mornings (neither is included), sandwiches and salads for lunch, and a varied dinner menu. It also has an outdoor area for alfresco dining in the hotel's gardens. Room service is also available and there's a combination deli/shop that sells snacks, souvenirs, and sundries, as well as coffee, tea, sodas, and other drinks. The hotel offers a free shuttle service to Disney every 30 minutes, plus guests can purchase authorized Disney tickets at the hotel's Disney Desk. Kids are catered to with a well-equipped game room, which also has pool tables. Other amenities include self-service laundry facilities (plus there are laundry and dry-cleaning services) and a fitness room that offers a decent selection of machines. Wi-Fi is free throughout. The hotel caters to business travelers with a business center. Self parking incurs a daily fee, garnering complaints from many guests.