The Westin Anaheim Resort is a brand new luxurious lodge close to Disneyland and Disney California Journey. It’s one a couple of AAA 4 Diamond inns inside strolling distance of the theme parks. This evaluate options room pictures & video, ideas on facilities, and professionals & cons of reserving at this lodge versus its rivals. (Up to date March 24, 2024.)
Let’s begin with location, because the Westin Anaheim Resort scores some critical factors there. If you happen to visited Disneyland Resort in the previous couple of years, you may’ve seen a big crane behind Pixar Pier in Disney California Journey (DCA). This precipitated some comically-absurd “rumors” about what was secretly being constructed that might make even a bus driver blush.
Essentially, that crane was for development of the Westin Anaheim Resort, which was being in-built plain sight on the opposite facet of Katella Avenue, proper subsequent door to the Anaheim Conference Heart. Amusing anecdote apart, this underscores the Westin Anaheim Resort’s nice location–it actually overlooks DCA, which means some visitor rooms and the rooftop have nice views.
Sadly, that doesn’t translate to proximity to the parks in sensible phrases. That means that if you wish to stroll to Disneyland or Disney California Journey, you’re a few 15-17 minute stroll. Despite the fact that Pixar Pier is proper there, the stroll to the parks is longer than you may count on.
Apart from the Katella and Harbor Boulevard intersection, it’s a comparatively straightforward stroll. (Sadly, the Westin is on the “mistaken” facet of Katella–however not by a lot.) Strolling is way quicker than driving or ready on a bus or Uber/Lyft from the Westin to Disneyland. You can even stroll to Downtown Disney in about the identical period of time by heading the opposite path.
As of Spring 2024, we’ve now stayed on the Westin Anaheim on 4 totally different events–for a traditional keep, in addition to Halloween, Christmas, and the Disneyland Half Marathon. We’re hoping to remain right here once more for the D23 Expo, too.
Suffice to say, the Westin Anaheim has turn out to be considered one of our go-to inns close to Disneyland for quite a lot of causes and our opinion of the luxurious lodge has developed over that point as effectively. Accordingly, we wished to return again to refresh this evaluate.
The most important change since our first keep on the Westin Anaheim is that we’ve now accomplished a theme park view room. As in comparison with our ‘dumpster view’ room (see beneath), this was an evening and day enchancment.
Whereas we undoubtedly wouldn’t at all times pay the premium pricing for a theme park view room as it may well value over $100 per evening additional on sure dates, it’s undoubtedly good for laid-back journeys the place you’re not spending all your time within the parks.
The rooms with the balconies are particularly good–there’s nothing fairly like having fun with your morning espresso within the crisp California air or having a nightcap whereas watching the lights on Pixar Pier. Even nicer nonetheless is being upgraded to considered one of these rooms on account of having Marriott Bonvoy standing! (Undoubtedly don’t financial institution on that free improve taking place–it’s a well-liked lodge that does e-book up.)
After all, not each view has a fantastic view of Pixar Pier and Disney California Journey. Throughout our first keep, our room was on the other facet of the lodge and missed a parking storage, backstage entry to the Anaheim Conference Heart, and a few dumpsters.
We additionally didn’t have a balcony, which was actually high quality given the view. To every their very own, however I don’t usually prefer to savor the scene of dumpsters and parking buildings for hours on finish. Since then, not each keep has had a theme park view…however they’ve all been higher than this!
One other factor we’ve come to understand is the stroll from the Westin to Disneyland Resort. As famous above, you can’t get to the parks via Pixar Pier. Nevertheless, you possibly can exit Disney California Journey via the the brand new Pixar Pier Resort pathway, which shaves a very good chunk of day off the stroll and makes it about 10 minutes. However that’s leaving solely since this pathway is gated and requires a Disneyland Resort room key to enter (ditto the Grand Californian).
We’ve likewise come to understand the stroll down Disneyland Drive and thru Downtown Disney. Despite the fact that it’s roughly the identical distance as Katella and Harbor, this route is at all times extra nice. It additionally has a fewer different upsides–usually shorter bag verify strains, it feels safer at evening, and extra of the stroll is thru Disney property.
None of this used to matter as a lot to us, however now that we have now a child, we’re undoubtedly extra cognizant of all of it. Sarah says she would favor a 15-20 minute stroll from right here via Downtown Disney than a ten minute stroll alongside Katella and Harbor at evening. (This provides the Westin a big benefit over the in any other case comparable JW Marriott for us.)
The Westin Anaheim Resort is clearly geared toward conventioneers and particular occasions visitors. That a lot is obvious from its location, but in addition the clientele, facilities, and areas. With out fail, we additionally at all times see weddings–plural–taking place every time we keep right here. We truly like that concerning the Westin, it imbues it with a palpable sense of happiness. Significantly better than company leaders in lanyards!
There are additionally vacationers visiting Disneyland staying right here, however the Westin undoubtedly doesn’t have the identical vibe as different inns close to Disneyland.
The totally different target market will also be felt all through the Westin Anaheim Resort.
Household-friendly inns in Anaheim go for extra “sturdy” furnishings and finishings, and sometimes are extra utilitarian and useful in nature. In contrast, the Westin is excessive finish via and thru, with sophistication and additional consideration to element in all places you look.
That is not to say that the Westin Anaheim Resort is a poor selection for households or kid-unfriendly. That’s not the case–there have been loads of households with babies right here throughout our keep. The target market is simply totally different, and with that comes a special ambiance.
In different phrases, the Westin is completely appropriate for households, even when it’s not catering on to them. This lodge is nice for households wanting posh lodging, not ones geared toward youngsters. It’s considered one of solely a handful of inns in Anaheim that places adults first, slightly than youngsters. In order for you the other, nearly anyplace else will probably be a greater choice.
About the one lodge close to Disneyland that’s corresponding to the Westin is the JW Marriott Anaheim Resort (pictured above), which is one other AAA 4 Diamond property. Even the Grand Californian and Disneyland lodge are very totally different than the Westin.
You may get an concept of how the Westin stacks as much as the competitors in our Disneyland Motels Critiques & Rankings put up, which covers the 50+ inns at which we’ve stayed in Anaheim. A extra concise useful resource is The place to Keep at Disneyland–that additionally weighs staying off-site versus on-site.
In a single regard, the Westin Anaheim Resort outshines each different lodge close to Disneyland: eating. There’s no fewer than a half-dozen stand out eating places on the Westin, every bringing one thing distinctive to the desk.
For ambiance and massive views into Disney California Journey, there’s RISE Rooftop Lounge. This bar has quite a lot of seating choices round hearth pits overlooking Incredicoaster and Pixar Pier. You can even catch imprecise views of World of Coloration or Disneyland’s fireworks from afar.
On the foyer degree is the Westin’s signature restaurant, the Tangerine Room. This location toes the road between stylish and informal, with a menu of recent Californian dishes celebrating native, seasonal components from Anaheim-area suppliers and an intensive world wine record.
The fashionable foyer lounge at The Westin Anaheim is Bar 1030. This options cocktails, specialty teas, small bites, and light-weight Californian fare. If there’s an occasion in Anaheim or on the lodge–which is just about at all times–you possibly can depend on Bar 1030 being full of attendees.
If you wish to dine poolside, there’s Bella’s Splash Pool Bar. Another choice is Blossom Market & Cafe, which serves up espresso, juices, and smoothies together with seize and go gadgets like sandwiches and salads.
The Westin Anaheim is one thing of a mixed-use facility, with a few further eating places flanking its entrance entrance. Whether or not these are a part of the lodge or not is a matter of perspective. Regardless, these are Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar and Puesto Mexican Restaurant. We’ve but to dine at both, however each have garnered rave evaluations from mates. (Fleming’s is a series, so maybe you’ve dined there in one other metropolis.)
There’s additionally a poolside bar which, clearly, implies that there’s a pool.
The pool itself is unremarkable, which is per different inns within the space. Maybe there’s an Anaheim ordinance of which I’m unaware that pool areas at inns within the metropolis should be a disappointment. (I’m joking–there are a handful of inns with extra bold pool areas.)
The pool seating space is significantly extra spectacular, with quite a lot of snug lounge chairs and different seats.
There are additionally personal cabanas that you would be able to lease for $250 per day. I’m positive these will probably be widespread in some unspecified time in the future, but it surely was mildly amusing to see these when there was actually not a single different particular person round. Actually your entire pool was our “personal” area, no $250 upcharge mandatory.
One other amenity is the wonderful health heart with (actually) dozens of brand-new exercise machines, which is among the many greatest in Anaheim. We used this for about an hour every day of our keep, and there have been a grand whole of ~4 different folks in there throughout this time. I think that when conventions are on the town, the utilization fee is a bit increased.
The lodge additionally makes an attempt to attraction extra to households with its Westin Household program. There are little extras given to youngsters, and the lodge has a self-guided scavenger hunt in addition to a each day schedule of family-friendly actions (we noticed a pool social gathering–I’m undecided what else there may be).
On steadiness, I’d say that the Westin Anaheim does a greater job of interesting to households than the JW Marriott. Each are nonetheless primarily higher-end conference heart inns, however the Westin neatly tries to cater to a number of demographics, not simply enterprise vacationers.
Marriott eradicated its mounted level charts in favor of a dynamic award pricing mannequin, however the Westin Anaheim Resort was beforehand a Class 7 property. Utilizing Marriott factors, it’s roughly on par with the oceanfront Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel, which we’d think about a far superior use of factors. It’s increased than the JW Marriott Los Angeles, which is far farther from Disneyland.
The Westin Anaheim is according to the JW Marriott Anaheim Resort. As in comparison with its counterparts at Walt Disney World, it’s usually above the JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek Resort, Swan & Dolphin, and Swan Reserve.
We first stayed on the Westin in the course of the fall low season, at which era the money fee made extra sense than utilizing factors. I’m barely hesitant to even put up the nightly fee ($240) for the Westin throughout our keep, since anybody studying this a yr from now…and even in per week in the course of the peak of Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons…or just about any time when conventions are taking place…might pay significantly extra.
With that stated, costs are nonetheless cheap as long as you e-book an low season date when there aren’t any occasions on the town on the adjoining Anaheim Conference Heart. If you happen to’re contemplating the Westin Anaheim as a part of a Disneyland trip, you possibly can e-book a lodge + ticket trip bundle by way of Get Away As we speak to avoid wasting more cash. Along with the bundle low cost, some inns have ‘4th evening free’ promos. Along with their regular reductions and particular packages, it can save you an additional $10 by utilizing code TOURIST at checkout.
The Westin Anaheim Resort has quite a lot of normal visitor room choices and suites.
The Westin Heavenly bedding is prime notch, with an opulent pillowtop mattress and head-absorbing pillows. With out query, we discovered this to be the spotlight of our visitor room on the Westin.
Past the beds, different in-room facilities on the Westin Anaheim embody Keurig machines with Starbucks espresso, a mini-fridge, robes & slippers, iron & ironing board, protected, 55″ tv, Plug-In Excessive Tech room (undecided what that is), and radio.
Bogs supply a hairdryer and particular person toiletries, together with cleaning soap, lotion, mouthwash, bathe cap, shampoo, conditioner, and physique wash.
Aesthetically, the rooms are in any other case high quality.
Don’t get me mistaken–these rooms come throughout as increased finish. There are additionally good little touches, however the Westin rooms don’t attain fairly the identical degree as these on the JW Marriott. Maybe the sophistication here’s a bit too refined for my tastes.
With that stated, my perspective on the room was rather more constructive as soon as we received one with a balcony overlooking Pixar Pier. Who might’ve guessed that makes for a extra luxurious expertise than some dumpsters?!
The rooms with balconies on the Westin Anaheim Resort, as these are extremely distinctive and in contrast to the rest close to Disneyland.
On a constructive be aware, the toilet is spacious and contains a walk-in rain bathe in addition to a big bathtub. The vainness is giant, lighting ample, and finishings are excessive finish. Together with the Heavenly beds, these loos are one other spotlight of the Westin Anaheim.
For a greater take a look at the structure, right here’s a video tour of our theme park view balcony room on the Westin Anaheim Resort:
In the end, there’s rather a lot to love concerning the Westin Anaheim Resort, particularly in case you’re planning on spending lots of time on the lodge, however not essentially in your visitor room (until you e-book one with a view or balcony). The eating slate alone is unequalled, and different frequent areas are extremely good. Different facilities embody a formidable health heart, good pool space, and just about what you’d count on of luxurious lodging.
Then there are the rooms, that are pretty and supply quite a lot of views. Whereas the “no view” room leaves rather a lot to be desired, it’s additionally pretty inexpensive by the usual of luxurious inns in Southern California. Then there are the entire different upgraded room views, that are improbable and much better than something on the JW Marriott.
Lastly and maybe most importantly for us, the stroll is rather more nice from the Westin Anaheim to Disneyland as going via Downtown Disney beats strolling alongside Harbor and Katella. After which there’s the stroll from Disney California Journey via Pixar Pier, which is flat-out improbable. All issues thought-about, we love the Westin Anaheim Resort and rank it very extremely on our record of the perfect inns not simply in Anaheim, however in all of Southern California.
Planning a Southern California trip? For park admission offers, learn Ideas for Saving Cash on Disneyland Tickets. Find out about on-site and off-site inns in our Anaheim Resort Critiques & Rankings. For the place to eat, take a look at our Disneyland Restaurant Critiques. 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 Seaside, and tons of different locations!
YOUR THOUGHTS
Have you ever stayed on the Westin Anaheim Resort? What did you consider the lodge? Highlights and/or lowlights? Doe the lodging look interesting to you, or is that this to not your tastes, preferences, or wants? Do you agree or disagree with our evaluation? Any questions we may help you reply? Listening to your suggestions–even once you disagree with us–is each attention-grabbing to us and useful to different readers, so please share your ideas beneath within the feedback!
