Anaheim Desert Inn & Suites - Anaheim, CA
DISTANCE:
I stay at this hotel each and every time I visit Disneyland and it is because it is just a 5 minute walk to the Disneyland Parks. If I had more money I would settle for one of the 5 star resorts on the Park in order to use the complimentary monorails, but I need to budget. I don't pick the Park Vue hotel next door (which is right at the crosswalk to the Park Entrances) because it is slightly more expensive than this hotel. Note, all the other hotels on South Harbor Blvd average about the same price, but this one is cheapest and distance is just an L shape over.
Every single time I book, I got the room the farthest from the street way in the back of the hotel. Bad! So it adds to the minutes walk out of this hotel, onto the street, cross the street, then deep inside to the entrance of the parks.
I want to say the reason I am always placed in the back is because I order 2 queen size bed room. If you pay more for a "Family Suite" they will then put in the front of the hotel - but this includes the couch and extra sleep room - great for larger families.
This hotel has 5 floors. You use stairs or elevator (in the center of the hotel).
RESTAURANTS
Denny's is right next store. (This hotel gives you 10% discount)
McDonald's is a short distance away (2-3 hotels over, near Camelot Inn Suites Hotel)
Coldstone Creamery is at the Park Vue Hotel.
NOISE:
The noise level perhaps is better in the back but not necessary the neighbors when they are talking. The air condition fans are LOUD. It only goes as low as 60 degrees, but it does make the room cool enough (I went in 100+ weather outside). Just note, that the maids do turn off the air conditioners after they clean the rooms and you are not there. But the room does cool down quick enough after turned on.
ROOM:
There is only 1 sink; the toilet and bathtub/shower shares one separate room with door.
Bed has 4 pillows (2 very large, and 2 white soft ones)
Overall, the room is standard. Refrigerator, Microwave, Safe (with combination), 1 suitcase stand, table, and enough lights. Iron board, soap just for washing hands(not body), Green tea shampoo, and enough towels.
The bath tub is easy to use with a anti-slippery mat.
The swimming pool is indoors near the front.
Self Served Complimentary Breakfast is offered 7am-9a.m.
Bananas, Orange
Wheat bread, whole bread, bagel
Pasteries (raspberry in the center), 1 day had tiny banana nut cupcakes
Toaster
Cream cheese, jelly
Orange Juice, Apple juice, milk
Hard boil egg (cold)
Oatmeal, Frosted Flakes, Lucky Charms
Coffee, Lipton Tea
All paper plates, paper cups, plastic utensils. There is a constant person cleaning the tables/seats so it is clean place to eat. Use it! Breakfast is FREE!
The seating are large tables on either side of a wall inside, and a few small tables outside.
There is an ATM but it's not specific, so I am most definite it charges a fee with any card you use.
I never had a problem finding a parking space even during the holiday busy weekends.
Charge: If you don't have a car, you can ask to take off the $11.00 parking fee. $6.00 resort fee and some add CA taxes are charged in addition to your room costs.
If you see it is all sold out online, call them to reserve a room.
OVERALL:
You get what you get. And most of the time is spent at the PARKS anyway.
I gave it 3 stars because I wish they had rooms near the front for me. Granted there are stairs and elevators, but I usually end up walking the whole distance anyway.
Also I am sorta mentally comparing it to the 5 star resorts on the Park where they have their luxurious piano player, royal treatment of Disney entrance cards vs our paper ones, and monorail into Disney. Though, the Disney Grand California Hotel & Spa is subject to a bag check and metal detector! What have we resort to where you have to check your bags coming out of a hotel into Downtown Disney?!
Anyway, Anaheim Desert Inn & Suites is a great hotel for location and cost and just a place to crash after a long day of fun. It is nothing magical, but that is Disneyland's job.