110 Riverside Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, USA, United States | (937) 315-4602
Located directly across the street from Disneyland
Traditionally decorated rooms with microwaves and mini-fridges
Modern fitness center with new equipment
Rooftop pool with prime views of Disney fireworks
Free Internet access in business center
Special Disney-themed suites available
Charge for Wi-Fi in rooms
On-site dining limited to a pizza joint
Fee for parking
The Carousel Inn and Suites is a mid-range, family-oriented hotel that's particularly popular because of its ideal location right across the street from Disneyland. Rooms are traditionally decorated and have mini-fridges and microwaves. The rooftop pool is a hit because of its front and center views of nightly Disney fireworks. As the hotel is primarily geared toward the Disney set, business travelers might feel more at ease at the nearby Wyndham Anaheim Garden Grove.
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Scene
Family hotel with earth-toned interiors
The exterior of the Carousel resembles a hodgepodge of a faux-Tudor house, a scaled-down corporate tower, and a SoCal motel, but its interiors are considerably more uniform. The lobby is decorated in hues of gold and reddish earth tones with beige walls and brown marble accents. There's a lemon water dispenser for guests as well as a free souvenir photo booth. Recycling bins can be found throughout the common areas. Given the location across from Disneyland, the majority of guests are families with kids, or couples who are big Disney fans.
Location
Across the street from Disneyland in a pedestrian-friendly area
The Carousel is directly across the street from Disneyland, with hotels on both sides and plenty of restaurants and convenience stores within walking distance. The area is well-lit and pedestrian-friendly both at night and during the day. The Anaheim Convention Center is a five-minute drive or 15-minute walk away, and Knott's Berry Farm is 15 minutes by car.
Rooms
Classic rooms and suites, some with a Disney theme
The rooms at the Carousel are surprisingly elegant for a family hotel, with mahogany-colored stained wood furniture, white linens, and lightly striped wallpaper. All rooms have microwaves, mini-fridges, and capsule coffeemakers. Bathrooms have large mirrors and shower/tub combos. In room Wi-Fi is available for a fee. Disney-themed kids suites with bunk beds are also available, as are more subdued, adult-style suites. The penthouse has three bedrooms and panoramic views.
Features
Rooftop pool with excellent views of fireworks and a small gym
The Carousel is the tallest hotel on Harbor Boulevard, and its rooftop swimming pool is an ideal spot from which to watch the nightly fireworks show put on by Disneyland. There's also a modern, though not particularly large, fitness center and a tiny gift shop selling snacks and plush Disney toys. The on-property Pizza Press serves pizza, beer, and ice cream floats. Free Internet access is available at the on-site business center.
