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 at last as dad and mom residing in Orange County. We’ve stayed at every thing from sketchy motels to household suites to luxurious resorts.
Our expertise led us to create the great Anaheim Resort Evaluations & 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 over time as we made a concerted effort to remain in and evaluation lodges, particularly as growth was booming in Anaheim and new lodges have been opening and others closing or being reworked.
Through the first few years, there have been a number of completely different #1 picks. There was a time when Desert Inn, Resort Indigo, Sweet Cane Inn, Fairfield, Tropicana, and Park Vue Inn all jockeyed for prime spots. And a number of other of these stay sentimental favorites from a bygone period of Disneyland visits. Nevertheless, our prime choice has remained unchanged since Fall 2017: Greatest Western Plus Park Place Inn.
Loads has occurred within the final ~7 years. (Understatement of the century.) That’s doubly true with regards to lodges close to Disneyland. With out really counting, I’d hazard a guess that no less than two-dozen model new lodges have opened in Anaheim throughout that timeframe, together with a few luxurious heavy-hitters and no less than a half-dozen household suites inside strolling distance. Numerous different lodges have been reworked as a way to preserve tempo with the evolving resort 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 have been not too long ago renovated after we final stayed there. They continue to be the identical to today, however at the moment are not-so-recently renovated. The constructing remains to be outdated and the Greatest Western remains to be very a lot a roadside motel-style property.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 assume technically it has. Due to tectonic shift or no matter, Anaheim will finally fall into the Pacific Ocean over a protracted sufficient timeline. However you recognize what I imply. This Greatest Western is the closest resort to Disneyland, instantly throughout the road from the parks. It’s nearer to Walt Disney’s authentic Magic Kingdom than Grand Californian, Disneyland Resort, or Pixar Place Resort.
That location was the first foundation for our #1 rating and it stays unchanged. Even when the resort has shifted by a pair inches since we final reviewed it, the Greatest Western Plus Park Place Inn remains to be the closest resort to Disneyland. Nonetheless, we’re within the strategy of revisiting and refreshing resort evaluations, and thought it sensible to check-in on the Greatest Western once more to see if our sentiment has modified after 7 years of further resort stays elsewhere in Anaheim. Therefore this publish.
The proximity promoting level of the Greatest Western can’t be overstated. The resort is actually on the Disneyland pedestrian intersection. You’re below 60 seconds (relying upon the site visitors gentle) from resort 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 really staying on-site, and also you may even argue that it’s higher than being on-site on the Disneyland Resort or Pixar Place Resort, 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 almost equidistant to the principle entrance. Actually, although, we’re speaking a few distinction of a dozen steps or so. Each lodges are instantly 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 embrace the entire following:
- Greatest Western Anaheim Plus Inn (a unique 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, essentially the most notable factor about each entry on this record is that they’re usually 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 with regards 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 exchange. 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…
Realizing that nothing had really modified concerning the resort, we opted to change issues up with this keep by choosing the Mini-Suite with 2 Queens and Couch Mattress. That is the biggest room sort on the Greatest Western Plus Park Place Inn, and the one choice able to sleeping 6 individuals.
Our pondering was that possibly this may bridge the hole between an ordinary resort room on the Greatest Western and the spacious household suites which might be out there farther down the highway from Disneyland.
It actually doesn’t. At the least, not in our opinion.
These bigger mini-suites on the Greatest Western do present a little bit of respiration room as in comparison with commonplace rooms, and clearly there’s the distinction of having the ability to sleep 6 versus 2-4 visitors. So strictly from a capability perspective, they’re an improve.
That’s undeniably true if in case you 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 shortage 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 toddler or two. (Our actual situation–besides child didn’t want her personal mattress!) I’m certain there are different events of 3-4 who would favor the 3-bed setup. So we’re not dismissive of this configuration–it’s 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 outdated motel model and the brand new household suite model that’s proliferated in Anaheim.
These new rooms normally have separate sleeping and residing areas (and typically kitchens). There may be typically, however not all the time, a wall and door between the residing and bed room. This makes it simpler for placing children to mattress whereas dad and mom keep up and decompress, do grownup actions, and whatnot.
I in all probability don’t want to elucidate this–the images ought to communicate for themselves–however that’s not doable on the Greatest Western Plus Park Place Inn. The little quarter wall factor (with the cut-through) simply doesn’t minimize it for subdividing the house. 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 house:
Past that, the rooms at Greatest Western Plus Park Place Inn are positive. Not “newly” renovated, they’re undoubtedly exhibiting their age as in comparison with the brand-new lodges which were 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 necessary, we discovered the resort 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 chortle, 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 cellphone it in and relaxation on its laurels of being the closest resort to Disneyland.
Circling again to the fundamentals, these mini-suite rooms on the Greatest Western function two queen beds and queen couch sleeper presents a flat display screen 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 prime quality. The couch sleeper is a unique 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 be good. Most of the motels within the space have actually unhealthy and low cost espresso makers, and essentially the most repulsive espresso conceivable. Not that “Donut Store” is the head of small-batch, sustainably grown, artisan espresso roasters…however no less than it’s not terrible.
A mini-fridge can be good. It’s simple to get groceries close to Disneyland or you may–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 night time snack. Going again to the room all through the day is simple because you’re so near Disneyland.
Then there are the bogs, that are a weak spot and really comparable amongst all Anaheim motels. As I’ve written earlier than, I may use a single inventory picture for 75% of the lodges in Anaheim, and nobody would ever know the distinction.
There’s nothing essentially flawed with any of those bogs…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 bogs is that the bathe/bathtub and bathroom are separate from the sink and mirror.
In the event 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 factor. Which can be why it’d be good if that wall separating the beds from the sofa have been a bit extra wall-ish.
Maybe the most important change since our final keep on the Greatest Western isn’t the resort 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 positive. Not so good as the formidable 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 be nothing particular. Swimming pools at these lodges don’t actually matter to me since I by no means use them, however if in case you have children and wish to take a noon break for pool time, it will go away one thing to be desired.
What I’ll say right here is that no less than the pool is flanked by the resort buildings, which isolate it from the surface world to some extent. (Nicely, till some weirdo in one of many rooms above creeps on sunbathers…) A whole lot 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 most important 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 night time vary. That was on the upper finish of the Anaheim common, however not too unhealthy.
Now, you’ll be hard-pressed to e-book the Greatest Western for below $300 per night time. Costs have exploded all through Anaheim, besides, that is above pattern. Greater than the rest, that is what offers us pause in protecting the Greatest Western within the #1 spot, particularly as its competitors has not elevated this a lot in value. (Click on right here to examine Get Away At this time 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 rather more of a tricky promote.
Finally, the query is whether or not the ‘closest resort to Disneyland’ can overcome the upper value level and the development of over a dozen new lodges that do every thing higher than the outdated roadside motels on Harbor Boulevard. That’s virtually inconceivable to reply. Ask me very first thing within the morning after we’re filled with power and have points strolling just a few 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–undoubtedly.
One factor we’ve realized over time of doing this and receiving reader suggestions is that proximity to the parks is paramount. Extra of you care about location than every other single high quality–in all probability than every thing else mixed. Clearly, no recommendation is one-size-fits-all, and your social gathering might prioritize in a different way and never care as a lot about location. Through which case, the Greatest Western just isn’t going to be the #1 resort close to Disneyland for you. Heck, it in all probability wouldn’t be prime 20!
For a lot of (most!) different Disneyland guests, being instantly throughout the road is a large 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 rather more of a trouble.
Whereas we nonetheless must revisit just a few of the opposite lodges on Harbor, the Greatest Western Plus Park Place Inn stays our #1 decide and suggestion for now. That’s the case for individuals who closely weigh proximity to the parks. It nonetheless strikes the perfect stability of location, room high quality, and facilities. Whether or not that is still 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 may 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 embrace noon breaks, or for individuals who wish to save their ft. You simply is likely to be overpaying for saving just a few steps and staying on the closest resort to Disneyland.
Planning a Southern California trip? For park admission offers, learn Suggestions for Saving Cash on Disneyland Tickets. Study on-site and off-site lodges in our Anaheim Resort Evaluations & Rankings. For the place to eat, try our Disneyland Restaurant Evaluations. For distinctive concepts of issues that’ll enhance your journey, try What to Pack for Disney. For complete recommendation, seek the advice of our Disneyland Trip Planning Information. Lastly, for guides past Disney, try our Southern California Itineraries for day journeys to Los Angeles, Laguna Seashore, and lots 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? Assume it’s the #1 resort 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 resort? Any questions? Listening to suggestions about your experiences is each fascinating to us and useful to different readers, so please share your ideas or questions under within the feedback!
