Within the final decade-plus, we have now stayed at over 65 lodges close to Disneyland and Disney California. First as vacationers on journeys, then as SoCal locals eager to subject check lodging, then childeless millennial vacationers once more, and eventually as mother and father dwelling in Orange County. We’ve stayed at all the things from sketchy motels to household suites to luxurious resorts.
Our expertise led us to create the excellent Anaheim Lodge Opinions & Rankings again in 2015. It began as a ‘work-in-progress’ record primarily based on the 2 dozen lodges we had stayed at then. It shortly grew through the years as we made a concerted effort to remain in and evaluate lodges, particularly as growth was booming in Anaheim and new lodges had been opening and others closing or being reworked.
Through the first few years, there have been a number of totally different #1 picks. There was a time when Desert Inn, Lodge Indigo, Sweet Cane Inn, Fairfield, Tropicana, and Park Vue Inn all jockeyed for high spots. And several other of these stay sentimental favorites from a bygone period of Disneyland visits. Nonetheless, our high choice has remained unchanged since Fall 2017: Greatest Western Plus Park Place Inn.
Quite a bit has occurred within the final ~7 years. (Understatement of the century.) That’s doubly true in relation to lodges close to Disneyland. With out truly counting, I’d hazard a guess that not less than two-dozen model new lodges have opened in Anaheim throughout that timeframe, together with a few luxurious heavy-hitters and not less than a half-dozen household suites inside strolling distance. Numerous different lodges have been reworked to be able to hold tempo with the evolving lodge scene and visitor expectations.
For higher or worse, the Greatest Western Plus Park Place Inn has not modified in significant methods within the final ~7 years. The rooms had been lately renovated after we final stayed there. They continue to be the identical to at the present time, however are actually not-so-recently renovated. The constructing remains to be previous and the Greatest Western remains to be very a lot a roadside motel-style property. That’s the “for worse” half.
The “for higher” factor is that the Greatest Western Plus Park Place Inn has not moved. I imply, I suppose technically it has. Due to tectonic shift or no matter, Anaheim will finally fall into the Pacific Ocean over an extended sufficient timeline. However you already know what I imply. This Greatest Western is the closest lodge to Disneyland, straight throughout the road from the parks. It’s nearer to Walt Disney’s unique Magic Kingdom than Grand Californian, Disneyland Lodge, or Pixar Place Lodge.
That location was the first foundation for our #1 rating and it stays unchanged. Even when the lodge has shifted by a pair inches since we final reviewed it, the Greatest Western Plus Park Place Inn remains to be the closest lodge to Disneyland. Nonetheless, we’re within the means of revisiting and refreshing lodge evaluations, and thought it smart to check-in on the Greatest Western once more to see if our sentiment has modified after 7 years of extra lodge stays elsewhere in Anaheim. Therefore this put up.
The proximity promoting level of the Greatest Western can’t be overstated. The lodge is actually on the Disneyland pedestrian intersection. You’re below 60 seconds (relying upon the visitors gentle) from lodge to the Disneyland Resort gateway and being enveloped within the cheery Esplanade background music loop.
From room door to park turnstile, the Greatest Western is, on the very most, a ten minute stroll. It’s the next-best factor to truly staying on-site, and also you may even argue that it’s higher than being on-site on the Disneyland Lodge or Pixar Place Lodge, because it’s nearer to each parks than each of these. As with Park Vue Inn, it’s mainly simply crossing the intersection and also you’re there.
In our Park Vue Inn Assessment, we famous that whether or not it or Greatest Western Plus Park Place Inn is a shorter stroll to Disneyland actually relies upon upon your room. The lodges themselves are practically equidistant to the primary entrance. Actually, although, we’re speaking a couple of distinction of a dozen steps or so. Each lodges are straight throughout the road, and each are fairly evenly matched.
These aren’t the one two lodges on this cluster throughout the road–simply the 2 closest to Disneyland. Others embody all the following:
- Greatest Western Anaheim Plus Inn (a distinct Greatest Western)
- Camelot Inn & Suites
- Del Sol Inn
- Anaheim Desert Inn
- Tropicana Inn
- Fairfield by Marriott
- Grand Legacy on the Park
Except for their proximity to the parks, probably the most notable factor about each entry on this record is that they’re typically the identical sort of motel-style properties. Certain, some have been refreshed or renamed during the last decade, however they’re all basically nonetheless the identical.
They’re additionally distinct from the newer technology of Anaheim lodges, all of which might surpass something on the above record in relation to visitor rooms and facilities. The distinction is the placement. These have it, these newer lodges don’t. That’s in all probability additionally why the hoteliers working the above properties as disinclined to raze and change. They don’t want to–the placement sells itself.
Let’s flip to the rooms on the Greatest Western Plus Park Place Inn to see in the event that they’re nonetheless as much as snuff…
Understanding that nothing had truly modified concerning the lodge, we opted to modify issues up with this keep by choosing the Mini-Suite with 2 Queens and Couch Mattress. That is the most important room sort on the Greatest Western Plus Park Place Inn, and the one choice able to sleeping 6 individuals.
Our pondering was that perhaps this might bridge the hole between an ordinary lodge room on the Greatest Western and the spacious household suites which are accessible farther down the highway from Disneyland.
It actually doesn’t. A minimum of, not in our opinion.
These bigger mini-suites on the Greatest Western do present a little bit of respiratory room as in comparison with normal rooms, and clearly there’s the distinction of with the ability to sleep 6 versus 2-4 visitors. So strictly from a capability perspective, they’re an improve.
That’s undeniably true you probably have a bigger household that may’t do an ordinary room and will solely use this as a ‘crash pad’ and will not be involved about spaciousness. That would be the perspective of many households visiting Disneyland, and for that demo, these rooms are a win!
We hear from many households of 5, upset by the dearth of choices throughout the road from Disneyland. The mini-suites on the Greatest Western are nice for them. They’re additionally good for folks plus a grandparent, and a baby or two. (Our precise state of affairs–besides child didn’t want her personal mattress!) I’m positive there are different events of 3-4 who would like the 3-bed setup. So we’re not dismissive of this configuration–it’s a very good one which makes the Greatest Western Plus Park Place Inn viable for a lot of events!
What we’re merely saying is that it doesn’t bridge the hole between the previous motel model and the brand new household suite model that’s proliferated in Anaheim.
These new rooms normally have separate sleeping and dwelling areas (and generally kitchens). There may be typically, however not at all times, a wall and door between the dwelling and bed room. This makes it simpler for placing youngsters to mattress whereas mother and father keep up and decompress, do grownup actions, and whatnot.
I in all probability don’t want to clarify this–the images ought to communicate for themselves–however that’s not attainable on the Greatest Western Plus Park Place Inn. The little quarter wall factor (with the cut-through) simply doesn’t lower it for subdividing the area. Everybody goes to mattress on the similar time, and fascinating in the identical family-friendly actions. Right here’s a video room tour to higher present you across the area:
Past that, the rooms at Greatest Western Plus Park Place Inn are high-quality. Now not “newly” renovated, they’re positively exhibiting their age as in comparison with the brand-new lodges which have been constructed within the years since we final stayed right here. It very a lot has the look of an older motel attempting to remain “modern.”
This isn’t to say there’s something unhealthy concerning the rooms. On the contrary, there are little touches all through the room, from the carpet to the work to the headboards. Equally as essential, we discovered the lodge room to be clear and well-maintained. It additionally doesn’t odor prefer it was freshly carpet-bombed with Febreeze or used copious quantities of cleaner to masks years of decay.
You may snigger, however in staying at 65+ Anaheim lodges, we’ve seen stuff you individuals wouldn’t consider. The Greatest Western aspires to be one thing extra and makes an effort. It doesn’t simply telephone it in and relaxation on its laurels of being the closest lodge to Disneyland.
Circling again to the fundamentals, these mini-suite rooms on the Greatest Western function two queen beds and queen couch sleeper gives a flat display TV, alarm clock/radio, microwave, mini fridge, espresso maker, iron/board and hairdryer.
The queen beds are plush and comfy. The sheets and pillows likewise felt top quality. The couch sleeper is a distinct story, however I feel that’s to be anticipated. Greatest Western Plus Park Place Inn will get excessive marks when it comes to the room consolation.
Having a Keurig, even of the knockoff selection, can also be good. Most of the motels within the space have actually unhealthy and low cost espresso makers, and probably the most repulsive espresso possible. Not that “Donut Store” is the head of small-batch, sustainably grown, artisan espresso roasters…however not less than it’s not terrible.
A mini-fridge can also be good. It’s simple to get groceries close to Disneyland or you possibly can–and I’m not condoning this–seize an additional yogurt or different merchandise from the free breakfast and stash that within the fridge for a noon or late evening snack. Going again to the room all through the day is simple because you’re so near Disneyland.
Then there are the loos, that are a weak spot and really related amongst all Anaheim motels. As I’ve written earlier than, I might use a single inventory photograph for 75% of the lodges in Anaheim, and nobody would ever know the distinction.
There’s nothing essentially unsuitable with any of those loos…there’s simply nothing proper about them, both. They’re all persistently undersized and underwhelming.
Though it’s hardly a purposeful design function (since they’re all this manner, no matter dimension), the one good factor I’ll say about these loos is that the bathe/bathtub and bathroom are separate from the sink and mirror.
In case you’re in a room that sleeps 6 and are coming near maxing out that capability, having separate areas for a number of individuals to prepare concurrently might be a very good factor. Which can also be why it’d be good if that wall separating the beds from the sofa had been a bit extra wall-ish.
Maybe the largest change since our final keep on the Greatest Western isn’t the lodge itself, however that Captain Kidd’s has been changed by Calaca Mamas Cantina, Anaheim’s Day of the Useless impressed Mexican eatery that’s family-owned and serves do-it-yourself delicacies. It’s an evening and day enchancment over Captain Kidd’s, however then once more, so would’ve been an airport Sbarro. (However actually, that is significantly better.)
Talking of which, the Greatest Western’s free continental breakfast is served upstairs at Calaca Mamas Cantina. It’s high-quality. Inferior to the bold breakfasts on the newer household suites, however above-average by Harbor Boulevard motel continental breakfast requirements.
The pool at Greatest Western Plus Park Place Inn can also be nothing particular. Swimming pools at these lodges don’t actually matter to me since I by no means use them, however you probably have youngsters and wish to take a noon break for pool time, this can go away one thing to be desired.
What I’ll say right here is that not less than the pool is flanked by the lodge buildings, which isolate it from the surface world to a point. (Nicely, till some weirdo in one of many rooms above creeps on sunbathers…) Plenty of Anaheim motels have swimming pools within the parking heaps and that is higher than that. Nonetheless not so good as the most suitable choice, which is rooftop pool decks.
Undoubtedly, pricing is the largest change for the Greatest Western Plus Park Place Inn during the last 7 years. You used to have the ability to get rooms right here within the $150 to $200 per evening vary. That was on the upper finish of the Anaheim common, however not too unhealthy.
Now, you’ll be hard-pressed to ebook the Greatest Western for below $300 per evening. Costs have exploded all through Anaheim, besides, that is above pattern. Greater than anything, that is what provides us pause in conserving the Greatest Western within the #1 spot, particularly as its competitors has not elevated this a lot in value. (Click on right here to verify Get Away Immediately for present offers on the Greatest Western Plus Park Place Inn and evaluate its pricing to different lodges close to Disneyland.)
As with most different lodges in Anaheim, you’ll additionally now pay for parking. That’s a double-whammy that makes the Greatest Western way more of a tricky promote.
Finally, the query is whether or not the ‘closest lodge to Disneyland’ can overcome the upper value level and the development of over a dozen new lodges that do all the things higher than the previous roadside motels on Harbor Boulevard. That’s nearly inconceivable to reply. Ask me very first thing within the morning after we’re stuffed with power and have points strolling a number of blocks, and I’m in all probability saying no. Once we’re overdue for nap time or on the finish of a really lengthy day when each step counts, I’m saying sure–unquestionably.
One factor we’ve realized through the years of doing this and receiving reader suggestions is that proximity to the parks is paramount. Extra of you care about location than some other single high quality–in all probability than all the things else mixed. Clearly, no recommendation is one-size-fits-all, and your get together might prioritize in a different way and never care as a lot about location. Wherein case, the Greatest Western shouldn’t be going to be the #1 lodge close to Disneyland for you. Heck, it in all probability wouldn’t be high 20!
For a lot of (most!) different Disneyland guests, being straight throughout the road is a big benefit for Greatest Western Plus Park Place Inn. This makes it simple for a noon nap, pool break, going again for snacks, and even grabbing my tripod and different lenses. The time spent leaving and returning to Disneyland or DCA is minimal from the Greatest Western, whereas the lodges previous the Harbor/Katella intersection are way more of a trouble.
Whereas we nonetheless must revisit a number of of the opposite lodges on Harbor, the Greatest Western Plus Park Place Inn stays our #1 choose and suggestion for now. That’s the case for many who closely weigh proximity to the parks. It nonetheless strikes the most effective stability of location, room high quality, and facilities. Whether or not that continues to be the case relies upon upon costs and up to date rooms (or not) elsewhere.
Any of the above motels on that bullet-point record close to the highest might declare the #1 spot in the event that they’ve redone the rooms and cost extra cheap charges. (Tropicana Inn instantly involves thoughts as a robust contender for the throne.) Within the meantime, the Greatest Western Plus Park Place Inn remains to be the right place to remain for a park-centric trip, particularly one that’s prone to embody noon breaks, or for many who wish to save their toes. You simply is likely to be overpaying for saving a number of steps and staying on the closest lodge to Disneyland.
Planning a Southern California trip? For park admission offers, learn Ideas for Saving Cash on Disneyland Tickets. Study on-site and off-site lodges in our Anaheim Lodge Opinions & Rankings. For the place to eat, take a look at our Disneyland Restaurant Opinions. For distinctive concepts of issues that’ll enhance your journey, take a look at What to Pack for Disney. For complete recommendation, seek the advice of our Disneyland Trip Planning Information. Lastly, for guides past Disney, take a look at our Southern California Itineraries for day journeys to Los Angeles, Laguna Seashore, and plenty of different SoCal cities!
Your Ideas
Have you ever stayed on the Greatest Western Park Place Inn? What did you consider the placement, rooms, and facilities? Suppose it’s the #1 lodge close to Disneyland when closely weighting the rankings for location? Does proximity to the parks overcome the astronomical value for what’s mainly a glorified roadside motel? Do you agree or disagree with our evaluation of this lodge? Any questions? Listening to suggestions about your experiences is each attention-grabbing to us and useful to different readers, so please share your ideas or questions beneath within the feedback!
