1240 South Walnut, Anaheim, California, United States | (251) 219-4428
14-minute walking to Downtown Disney District
All rooms come with mini-fridges, microwaves, and coffeemakers
Kid-focused Disney-themed suites with playrooms
Outdoor pool with poolside loungers and whirlpool tub
Mini splash park with water jets and fountains
All-day restaurant where kids eat for free (breakfast and dinner)
Small fitness center with modern equipment
Free Wi-Fi throughout
Disneyland Resort not within walking distance
Some rooms are small and/or showing wear
Not much in the immediate area
Pool terrace prone to shade
Parking requires a fee
The main selling point of this mid-range Holiday Inn hotel is its proximity to Downtown Disney District -- a 14-minute walk to be precise -- though getting up to Disneyland gates is best by car, bus, or monorail. While rooms are generally smart and modern, some are on the small side and showing signs of wear. Suites for kids add cartoon-theme decor and separate playrooms with Xbox 360 consoles, while outside a splash park keeps little ones entertained. Although occasionally prone to shade, an outdoor pool and whirlpool tub are a bonus, and an all-day restaurant offers deals on drinks and free meals for kids. The Hotel Menage, however, offers a larger saltwater pool closer to Disneyland, and for around the same price.
Scene
Family-friendly chain hotel with Disney-themed artwork
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.
Location
Relatively quiet setting 10 minutes' walk from Downtown Disney District
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.
Rooms
Fun kid-oriented suites with cartoon themes and Xbox consoles available
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.
Features
Outdoor swimming pool with whirlpool tub, plus children's splash park
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.