Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Anaheim (1 BLK/Disneyland)

A large drive-up portico entrance marks what from the outside appears little more than the average cookie-cutter Holiday Inn. Flanked by potted palms, however, glass doors slide open to reveal a Mickey Mouse figurine welcoming guests, and the first of numerous Disney-themed touches found throughout the property. Far from being garish, much of the cartoon artwork was produced by various artists, and sits among tasteful, modern decor and muted earth tones. Public areas are spacious, clean, and generally quiet, while the three accommodation blocks look out over the surrounding car park or toward the hotel's pool or small splash park. Unsurprisingly, the majority of guests are families with younger kids in town for a trip to Disneyland. 

The hotel is located between a largely residential neighborhood and right next to a huge car park, and around a 10-minute walk from Downtown Disney District. The actual Disneyland Resort is another 10 minutes on foot from there, alternatively the Route 11 bus runs from right outside the hotel (in 12 minutes) or the Monorail service connects directly from 10 minutes' walk away. While there's a Shell gas station and El Burrito immediately next door to the hotel, there's not much else in way of dining in the immediate area. By car, the Anaheim Convention Center and access to Interstate 5 are around five minutes. Farther afield, Sunset Beach and Newport Beach are about 25 to 30 minutes away, while driving times to John Wayne Airport and LAX are 20 and 40 minutes, respectively. Parking is available for a fee.

Most of the hotel's 255 rooms are decorated in smart, modern styling with jaunty splashes of color, darkwood furnishings, and carpeted floors. There are also eight suites featuring Disney-related themed such as Cars, Monsters, Inc., and Toy Story, plus 20 "KidSuites" also have a jungle-themed playroom featuring bunk beds and Xbox 360 consoles. While most rooms are decent-sized, a few guests have complained that some are on the small side, have poor sound insulation, and/or are a little run down. Amenities standard to all rooms include 32-inch flat-screen TVs (with HBO), mini-fridges, microwaves, and coffee- and tea-making facilities; suites also add kitchenettes, sofa beds, and turndown service. Wi-Fi is free of charge with a good connection in most rooms. Granite topped bathrooms have shower/tub combos (with clingy shower curtains), decent toiletries, and separate basin areas with wall-mounted hairdryers.

One of the hotel's main highlights -- for kids at least -- is the Splash Zone mini water park, with cannons, aqua-jets, and a 16-foot tall helicopter. This means grown-ups have more chance at some piece around the swimming pool and adjacent whirlpool, lined with colorful loungers (some with large covers). The pool area is prone to shade, especially out of summertime. The Onyx Restaurant is open all day and while breakfast is not included as standard, kids eat free for breakfast and dinner. The Onyx Bar shows TV sports and offers a daily happy hour. There are also a modern fitness room, gift shop, and business center.