The hotels near Disneyland vary greatly in price and amenities. In our guide to the best hotels near Disneyland we dive into everything you need to know to pick the best hotel for your family.
We break down the best hotels for Disneyland (split up by cheap hotels and luxury hotels), discuss the amenities of on property Disneyland hotels vs close by off site hotels, and share the best options for saving money on a Disneyland hotel.
There is quite a range of hotel options near Disneyland and we have just about seen them all! We regularly tour and stay at the various hotels around the resort.
The BEST way to save money on a hotel near Disneyland and to get additional exclusive benefits that range by hotel (free parking, complimentary breakfast, etc) is to book your trip through our travel partner, Get Away Today! They give our readers additional discounts on tickets and hotels. You save the most when you combine. Book the lowest prices on hotels here >
Planning a Disneyland Vacation?
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In this planning guide:
Hotels Near Disneyland – What You Need to Know
We are regularly reviewing and touring new hotels and confirming our rankings with stays at our favorites. In the last six months alone, we have stayed in six off-property hotels and the Disney-owned Grand Californian, in addition to touring nearly 20 of the Disneyland hotels in the area. We know the current specifics of the hotels better than any Disneyland hotels Reddit thread. Most of our favorite Disneyland hotels took the COVID Disneyland closure as an opportunity for complete refreshes. This post will help you to decide whether to stay on-property at a Disney hotel or one of the other great hotel options nearby.
When Walt Disney started Disneyland he didn’t have enough money to purchase all of the land around Disneyland. This led to the land being snapped up by outside parties and the opportunity for motels and hotels to open that are very close to Disneyland.
Unlike Walt Disney World where staying at an on-property hotel puts you much closer to the magic, the rooms at the off property hotels across the street from Disneyland are sometimes equidistant (or even closer!) to the theme park main gate as the official Disneyland hotels are. We talk about all of the best Disneyland walking distance hotels here.
With this called out, let’s dive into rankings of some of our favorite hotels near Disneyland. We have two categories.
First, what we’ll call the best cheap hotels near Disneyland. This category is based on my key judgments of a hotel when I am planning a park focused trip. I want to know that the hotel is safe, clean/comfortable (high quality linens, clean bathroom, and new carpet are a must), and a short walk from Disneyland. These “cheap” Disneyland hotels are what you might call the “Sleep, Disney, Repeat” hotels. Great value to add to your Disneyland trip!
Next, the ranking of the best overall hotel options near Disneyland. These are nicest hotel options for your Disneyland trip. I have mixed in Disneyland Resort Hotels and the best off-property hotels.
Best Cheap Hotels Near Disneyland
The Fairfield Inn right across the street from Disneyland! The fireworks view is stunning.
The below “cheap hotels near Disneyland” are for the groups that are really prioritizing Disneyland in the vacation. These are the best hotels for families that will be in the parks all day and aren’t worried about the best on site restaurant or fancy pool area. This is how I do Disneyland. I can count on one hand how many times we have actually made it back for a hot tub in the afternoon because there is always so much magic to be had in the parks. You can see a more complete list of the cheapest hotels near Disneyland here.
The below value for money hotels near Disneyland are:
is the closest hotel to the Disneyland main gate. Within 8 minutes (we clocked it) you can be from one of the guest rooms into Disneyland Park. The hotel is clean, has comfortable bedding, and includes a free breakfast. Book the lowest prices on the hotel here >
The Castle Inn and Suites is a great family friendly hotel about a 5 minute walk down Harbor Boulevard from the Disneyland security checkpoint. The hotel was recently refreshed and the medieval theming makes the hotel great for families. Book the lowest prices on the hotel and get an extra night free here >
The is directly across the street from Disneyland and is roughly tied with the Best Western Plus in proximity to the parks. The hotel was also recently remodeled and sports fresh bedding and sleek new finishes (click link above for photos in our review). Suites and adjoining rooms are also available for large groups. Book the lowest prices on the hotel NOW >
The Fairfield Inn is located right across the street from Disneyland and features recently refreshed clean rooms, down pillows, a large pool area and hot tub, and complimentary parking when you book with our travel partner. The hotel also has adjoining rooms for those traveling with large families. You’ll enjoy a great fireworks view just outside your room. Book the lowest prices on the hotel NOW >
The Grand Legacy is conveniently located just down the street from Disneyland and is completely family friendly. There is also a beautiful rooftop bar that looks out towards Disney California Adventure. I have seen some great discount hotel rates here recently. Book the lowest prices for the hotel HERE >
Best Overall Hotels Near Disneyland
Disney's Grand Californian Hotel and Spa is the THE prime hotel near Disneyland if money is not an issue. The soaring lobby, woodsy feeling, and general exclusivity in the air combined with the proximity to the parks makes this the place to stay at the Disneyland Resort. Book the lowest prices on the hotel HERE >
The Westin Anaheim Resort is just down the street from the Grand Californian. This is a luxury hotel with stunning guest room views of Paradise Pier and resort amenities. The hotel is just a short walk from Disneyland. If you are a regular traveler looking for the upscale chain amenities, this is the best non-Disney property near Disneyland. Book the lowest prices on the hotel HERE >
The Disneyland Hotel is the original hotel that opened in partnership with Disney at the very beginning. The hotel has been nicely renovated multiple times over the years to provide modern rooms in a fun setting within the magic. We love the room finishes and pool atmosphere. There is something about this hotel and the Grand Californian that keep you in the Disney magic. Book the lowest Disneyland hotel prices >
The JW Marriott Near Disneyland is a recently completed high-end resort property about a 15-minute walk from the Harbor Boulevard Disneyland entrance. The hotel has a rooftop restaurant, pool with cabanas, high end workout facility featuring Peloton bikes, and nice resort views. Read our review linked in the title for more. Book the lowest JW Marriott prices here >
The Courtyard Marriott at the Disneyland main gate is a family hotel paradise with its big rooms featuring bunk beds, a huge water play area, and a short walk away from the main entrance to Disneyland. The hotel is perfect for larger families that want to fit younger children per room. Book the best low prices on the Courtyard Marriott here >
BONUS! The Howard Johnson Disneyland is a family hotel with a water playground, clean rooms, and immediate access to the Disneyland entrance off of Harbor Blvd. The hotel is a great option for families that want to be close to the theme park entrance (~10 minute walk), have a delightful pool playground, and updated rooms. Disneyland view rooms look directly at the park and fireworks. Book the best prices on the Howard Johnson NOW >
Disneyland “On Property” Hotel or “Off Property” Disneyland Hotel
There are three official Disneyland owned hotels.
- The Grand Californian Hotel is the best hotel in Anaheim and on property. Themed to the grand hotels of California built in the 1930s, staying here is a magical luxury experience. There's not much more that needs to be said. You can see a complete Grand Californian Hotel review and photo tour here.
- The Disneyland Hotel was the original hotel at Disneyland. The hotel was recently upgraded and now has a beautiful mixture of modern designs and nostalgic ideas. The Disneyland hotel has the best pool on property and has an awesome new water slide themed to the monorails. See my full review of the Disneyland hotel here.
- The Paradise Pier Hotel used to be owned by an outside company, but Disney purchased the hotel and upgraded it. You’ll notice that we never mentioned the Paradise Pier Hotel in our top hotel ranking because even though this is the least expensive Disneyland hotel, you can usually get a very nice (sometimes the nicest) non-Disney hotel that is right across the street and actually closer to the park for the same price or lower. If you do stay at the Paradise Pier, ask for a Paradise Pier view on the fifth floor or higher – when the World of Color show is running this is the prime vantage point. See one of our writer's reviews here of the Paradise Pier Hotel.
Let’s dive into the key question, is it worth it to stay at an official Disneyland hotel?
Pro[s] of Staying at Disney Owned Hotel
The Grand Californian has SPECTACULAR live entertainment in the lobby during Christmas at Disneyland and you'll find a pianist playing throughout all times of the year.
The only real reason to stay at a Disneyland Resort hotel is to be fully surrounded by the Disney magic your entire trip. Check in and never leave the background music or see an employee (Cast Member) without a name tag on their lapel and a smile on their face for your entire trip. This magic keeps you in the Disney bubble for your entire vacation. Compare the top two Disneyland Resort Hotels here – Disneyland Hotel vs Disney's Grand Californian Hotel.
This is where the Grand Californian is so special. With a top tier room you’ll look out on the luscious trees of the Grizzly Peak area of Disney California Adventure before walking into the theme park from the hotel’s private entrance as you can see on our map of Disney of California Adventure. At the Disneyland Hotel guests also enjoy this great theming with a beautiful pool area themed to the Disneyland Monorails and one of the premier themed experiences at the Disneyland Resort (Trader Sam’s). This is good living! I am always glad to stay on property, but these hotels are not always in the budget.
Some of the other benefits to staying on property are:
- Special experiences provided by the concierge such as in park scavenger hunts that can be returned for a prize or a morning power walk before the theme park opens for the day.
- Guests can take advantage of charging purchases to their room with their Disney resort i.d. card.
- Packages and gifts purchased in the park can be delivered to your room.
- Early entry
You can view all the on-property Disneyland hotel perks here.
Preferred Dine Access will offer guests the opportunity to have preferred access to a limited number of reservations at select hotel table service restaurants during the dates of your hotel stay.
Pros of Staying at an Off Site Disneyland Hotel
The hotels near Disneyland offer great value for the money and proximity to the theme parks. The key differentiator from the official Disneyland Resort hotels is the cost savings provided. Even the nicest non-Disney hotels we shared in my overall “best Disneyland hotels” list are typically a couple hundred dollars less per night than the official Disneyland Hotels.
You’ll be able to find great discounts on the hotels just across the street from Disneyland that provide a less than ten minute walk from your hotel to the theme parks.
As I started to share in the details of my list of the best cheap hotels shared above. Some of the hotels near Disneyland are actually closer to the theme parks than the official Disneyland hotels. A regular room at the Best Western Plus Park Place is closer to the main gate of the parks than a regular room in the furthest tower of the Disneyland Hotel and the Paradise Pier Hotel.
When considering proximity to the parks, also keep in mind that Anaheim offers the Anaheim Rapid Transit (ART) buses that ferry guests from their hotels to the Harbor Boulevard gate. Personally I always choose a hotel that is walkable because I prefer to be in motion but for young families the shuttle can be a great use.
Once you know your Disneyland dates, be sure to check out the discount prices on hotels near Disneyland. The hotels closest to Disneyland do sell out and you want to have the widest range of options when you are booking.
Best Disneyland Hotel Across the StreetWith Free Breakfast
Best Western Plus Park Place Inn and Mini Suites
The Best Western located right across the street from Disneyland is a perfect place for any family visiting the Disneyland Resort that doesn't want to splurge on either the Disneyland Hotel or Disney's Grand Californian Hotel. I actually recommend this hotel over the Disney-owned Paradise Pier.
The Best Western provides rooms with queen beds that sleep up to five and mini suites that sleep up to six. This hotel also has a great Disneyland hotel FREE BREAKFAST! The food is continental and a great way to start off your Disneyland day.In the room there are refrigerators, coffee makers, free Wi-Fi, and microwaves. These are amenities that you won't find at most of the other Disneyland Good Neighbor hotels.
The hotel is the closest of any of the off-property “Good Neighbor” hotels. In some cases it is even closer than the Disneyland on-property hotels. We have literally tested the distance from the Disneyland hotel's farthest rooms and the Park Place Inn's farthest rooms and the rooms at Park Place aremuch closer. All you have to do is walk across the street in the morning, and you are there. This is the Best Western near Disneyland.
The best prices for the Best Western Plus Park Place Inn and Mini Suites can befound at Get Away Today. They also offer exclusive bonuses when you purchase your hotel and tickets together.
Create Your Perfect Disneyland Vacation at the Park Place Inn and Mini Suites>
Pro Tip:After you book via the link above, request a room with a fireworks view. This is a perfect way for those with young children to view the fireworks when you can't quite make it to stay out that late. Also, you will be ensured to be on the side of the hotel closest to the parks.
Best Hotel Near Disneyland ForLarge Families
Fairfield Inn Anaheim by Marriott at the Disneyland Resort
This hotel is located just a little ways down Harbor Boulevard from the entrance to Disneyland. The distance to the front gate isn’t too far to walk in the morning and at night.
The Fairfield Inn by Marriott provides rooms with a maximum occupancy of five people. You can pay more to upgrade your room to a Disney-themed room, but the regular rooms are quite nice. This is one of a coupleproperties by Marriott close to Disneyland.
There is a Seattle’s Best Coffee and Pizza Hut in the lobby and McDonalds and Mimi’s close by for any meals that you don’t end up eating in the parks. There are refrigerators in the rooms and free Wi-Fi.
The best way to book this hotel is via a Disneyland package that includes extremely discounted Disneyland tickets and hotel stay. When you book both your hotel and tickets with Get Away Today you will receive hundreds of dollars in bonuses.
Plan Your Disneyland Package With the Fairfield Inn Anaheim>
If you decide to skip out on the huge savings from the package, you can also book theAnaheim Fairfield Inn by Marriott via Expedia.
Best Disneyland Hotel For Adults Within Walking Distance
Hilton Anaheim- Big Budget/Great Service
While it is a 0.8 mile walk from the hotel to the parks, we often stay at the Hilton Anaheim. For breakfast you will find the more upscale MIX restaurant andStarbucks in the lobby. The hotel has a heated pool and water play area.
This is a convention center hotel, which means it has lower weekend rates. The downside to this hotel is that when there are conventions in town, it can be booked months in advance. This is one of a few properties by Hilton near Disneyland.
To get from the hotel to Disneyland, walk down Harbor Boulevard and through the Grand Californian and Downtown Disney. Give 20-25 minutes to walk to Disneyland.
I recommend booking your stay with the Hilton via Get Away Today. They will not only provide incredible customer service, but theyalso provide the lowest priced Disneyland tickets on the web. When you purchase your hotel and tickets together you will get hundreds of dollars of package bonuses.
Book Your Hilton Anaheim Disneyland Vacation>
If you think you want a ride to and from the parks, you will want to purchase the Anaheim Rapid Transit passes for the Disneyland ART shuttle service that serves the Hilton Anaheim. This easy to use shuttle service runs frequently between the hotel and the main entrance plaza for Disneyland.
You can purchase discount ART passeshere.
If you decide to skip out on booking a hotel + ticket package and all of the incredible perks that come with it, you can still save money by booking theHilton Anaheim via Expedia.
Best Disneyland Hotel For Families
Howard Johnson Anaheim- Family Destination
The most family friendly hotel near Disneyland is the Howard Johnson Anaheim. The amenities are outstanding. This hotel has a water play area similar to the Hilton's, free in room wifi, refrigerators, and queen size beds. The regular rooms can accommodate up to 5 people.
Give 10-15 minutes to walk the 0.5 mile distance to the entrance to Disneyland. Read our review of the Howard Johnson near Disneyland here.
Howard Johnson is recommended as one of the best places to bring a family to Disneyland. The service is outstanding and so are the amenities.
Howard Johnson partners with Get Away Today to provide a special vacation package experience to save our readers big bucks on their hotel stay and ticket purchase. However, you won't only save money on the tickets and hotel, but you will also receive more than $350 in bonuses.
Book Your Howard Johnson Plaza Hotel Disneyland Vacation>
If you decide to skip the inclusive hotel and ticket package you can still save big money on theHoward Johnson Plaza Hotel Anaheim Resort
via Expedia at this link.
Disneyland Hotel Discounts
The best way to access the lowest discount Disneyland hotel prices is by using one of their trusted travel partners. We highly recommend Get Away Today as they have been working with Disney for over 25 years and in that time have received top awards for customer service and have been recognized as one of the best travel agencies in the world to sell Disneyland vacations. I also struck an exclusive deal with them to provide Mickey Visit readerswith the least expensivediscountDisneyland tickets anywhere and heaps of bonuses for you when you purchase your hotel stay through them.
Get Away Today's goal is to beat the best hotels near Disneyland pricing. They price match Disneyland hotels every single day to make sure they have the lowest prices out there for all of the hotels near Disneyland that they sell.
Check out our curated hotels near Disneyland page on the Get Away Today website. The page includes discounts on my favorite hotels near Disneyland like the three Disney-owned Disneyland hotels and the top neighborhood discount hotels near Disneyland.
You can read our editor's review on her personal experiences booking through Get Away Today here!
Save BIG on Disneyland Hotels>>
Now, let's talk about the best discounts on Disneyland hotels. You know you want to save money on these great hotels near Disneyland.
However, there is one thing that is absolutely critical for anyone planning a Disneyland vacation to know about that I want to share with you before talking more about discount Disneyland hotels.
Private Disneyland Hotels Discountsfor MickeyVisit.com Subscribers
Get Away Todayprovidesexclusive discounts to Mickey Visit subscribers on Disneyland hotels and tickets.You can access these huge Disneylanddiscounts onshopping, dining, and transportation surrounding your Disneyland vacation inside our FREE Disney deals email written to save you the most money possible. (Subscribe below)
Click to subscribe to theFREE MickeyVisit.com Disney dealsnewsletter to access these incredible Disneyland discounts. Throughout the course of your Disneyland vacation, these discounts will save you hundreds.
Disneyland SoCal Resident Discount
Disneyland sometimes announces additional hotel discounts exclusively for certain groups. In the spring they often offer a SoCal Resident ticket and hotel discount.
View the current SoCal Disneyland ticket discounts and hotel discounts here.
This discount only applies to the official Disneyland Resort Hotels.
Disneyland US Military Discount
Members of the US military can get a discount on most nights at the Disneyland resort. The member of the military or spouse must be present the entire length of stay and present a military ID upon check in. For details call (855)-643-5208.
The discount is solely offered at theDisneyland Hotel, Disney's Grand Californian Hotel, and Paradise Pier Hotel.
Magic Key Disneyland Hotel Discounts
Magic Key holders to Disneyland receive special Disneyland hotel rates. Book by calling (714) 520-5006 or a travel agent. Sometimes it is a good deal to purchase a Disneyland Magic Key for one member of your party to get discounts throughout your vacation.
This discount is offered at the three Disney owned hotels.
This is rarely the best discount, but worthwhile to check when you are booking your hotel if you are a Disneyland Annual Passholder.
Discount Disneyland Hotel Newspaper Rate
You can call Disneyland directly at (714) 956-6425 and ask for the LA Times or the San Diego Union-Tribune discount. Both of these newspapers often advertise special Disneyland rates. These rates will most likely not be betterthan the Get Away Today rates, however it can be worth checking if you decide to stay on property.
This again only applies to on property hotels, Disneyland Hotel, Disney's Grand Californian Hotel, and the Paradise Pier Hotel.
Plan Your Disneyland Vacation
- When to Visit Disneyland
- Hotels Near Disneyland With Shuttles
- What Restaurants to Experience-Reviews of the Best at the Resort
- Info on Flying to Disneyland and how to Get From the Airport to Your Hotel
- Costco Disneyland Discount Tickets
- Save the Most Money on Disneyland Tickets
- What to Do When It Rains at Disneyland
- How to Celebrate a Birthday at Disneyland
- Clarion Near Disneyland Review
- Best Western Stovall’s Near Disneyland Review
- Disneyland Sheraton Park Review Disneyland
- Disney Aulani Resort Review
- Cambria Hotel and Suites Disneyland Hotel Review
You can see more information on hotels near Disneyland and current pricing by visiting the official Disneyland website.
