Desert Palms Hotel & Suites

The building is bright and easy to spot, and is bordered by gardens and palm trees. The inviting lobby is filled with colorful seating, natural light, and games for children to play while their parents check in. The large front desk is centrally located, and is close to the lively gift shop filled with Disney memorabilia. A scavenger hunt encourages kids to find Mickey and Minnie, arcade games are nearby, and a there's a fruit water stand for guests. The concierge can help guests book tours, buy Disney park tickets, and gather information on the area. An elevator also takes guests directly to an underground parking lot.

The Desert Palms Hotel is on the corner of Harbor Boulevard and Katella Avenue, right next to Disney California Adventure Park and across the street from the Anaheim Convention Center. It's a 10-minute walk to Disneyland (shuttles are also available). While the hotel is located on the corner of two busy streets, sidewalks are wide and well-lit, and the area is safe for walking and exploring.

The rooms at this hotel are named after the deserts of the world and designed with families and larger groups in mind. Decorated in tones of red and orange with wooden furnishings, even the standard deluxe rooms are spacious, and the larger suites and condo rooms are good for larger groups and families. Every room includes a mini-fridge, a microwave, free Wi-Fi, and a work station, and some of the larger rooms have features such as full kitchens, separate bedrooms, multiple televisions, bunk beds, dining rooms, and sleeper sofas.

Although the Desert Palms is independently owned, they offer plenty of the same amenities as nearby chain hotels, as well as a few unique features of their own. Along with scavenger hunts and other family-focused activities, there's a heated outdoor saltwater pool, a whirlpool, and a fitness center. A free breakfast is served on the top floor, and there's an on-site restaurant and grill that serves pasta, pizza, burgers, and seafood. The A business center and meeting spaces are also available and laundry services can be arranged through the front desk.