United States California Best Disneyland Hotels Disneyland Hotel is the top hotel to book during your stay By Julie Tremaine Julie Tremaine Writer Instagram Johns Hopkins University, Emerson College Julie Tremaine is a travel and food writer. She is the Disneyland editor for SFGate.com and the co-author of Life with the Afterlife with Amy Bruni. TripSavvy's editorial guidelines Updated on 11/30/22 Share Pin Email Our editors independently research, test, and recommend the best products; you can learn more about our review process here. We may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links. The first thing to know about planning a Disneyland trip is that it’s not like a trip to Walt Disney World. Unlike its Orlando counterpart, most people stay off-property at Anaheim hotels around Disneyland. While there are three Disneyland resort hotels attached to the park, they tend to be pricier. Budget-conscious visitors often choose off-property hotels within walking distance of Disneyland’s two parks that have a magic all their own. Below, we break down the top eight hotels worth checking into on your next trip to the Happiest Place on Earth. Expand The 9 Best Disneyland Hotels of 2023 Best Overall: Disney's Art of Animation Resort Best Budget: The Anaheim Hotel Best Fireworks Viewing: Disney's Art of Animation Resort Best Splurge: Disney's Art of Animation Resort Best Pet-Friendly : JW Marriott Essex House New York Best for Adults: JW Marriott Essex House New York Best Luxury for Less: Radisson Blu Anaheim Best Disney Feel in a Non-Disney Hotel: Anaheim Majestic Garden Hotel Best for Families: Wyndham Garden Lake Buena Vista Best Disneyland Hotels View All Best Disneyland Hotels Our Top Picks Disney's Art of Animation Resort The Anaheim Hotel Disney's Art of Animation Resort Disney's Art of Animation Resort JW Marriott Essex House New York JW Marriott Essex House New York Radisson Blu Anaheim Anaheim Majestic Garden Hotel Wyndham Garden Lake Buena Vista See More (6) Final Verdict Compare the Best Hotels Near Disneyland Methodology Best Overall : Disney's Art of Animation Resort 1850 Animation Way Rates: $$ Resort Fee: No See Rates Why We Chose It It doesn’t get more iconic than the Disneyland Hotel, which opened in 1955—just after Disneyland itself—and has touches of Disney magic throughout. Notable Amenities Themed pool, EV charging stations on-site, access to nearby laundry room Pros and Cons Pros Signature Disney magical touches in-room Direct entrance to Downtown Disney Proximity to Monorail Cons Can get crowded Reviews mention long check-in and service delays Hotel Overview This hotel is a Disney lover's dream, with hidden Mickeys in the room decor and a wooden carving of Sleeping Beauty Castle spanning an entire bedroom wall of each room that lights up and plays music. On the property you'll find Goofy’s Kitchen, offering character dining; and Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar, with decor that comes alive. The pools have Monorail-themed water slides, and the property has direct access to the real Monorail and to the Downtown Disney shopping district. Best Budget : The Anaheim Hotel 1700 S Harbor BVLD Rates: $ Resort Fee: Yes See Rates Why We Chose It Within easy walking distance to Disneyland, the Anaheim Hotel is a retro-chic experience with evening entertainment. Notable Amenities Pet-friendly for small dogs, pool and hot tub on-site Pros and Cons Pros Very close to parks Poolside entertainment at night Restaurant and café on-site Cons No elevators Fee for rollaway beds Hotel Overview This kitschy hotel embodies the mid-century glam that was in vogue when Disneyland first opened in 1955 at a budget-friendly rate. Motel-style rooms on two floors face landscaped property, but don’t expect elevators to get to the second level. A large pool and hot tub are perfect for relaxing after the parks, and there is evening entertainment like poolside movies under the stars. Best Fireworks Viewing : Disney's Art of Animation Resort 1850 Animation Way Rates: $$ Resort Fee: No See Rates Why We Chose It The newest of the official Disney hotels is a little bit further from the parks but still draws Disney lovers with its guest perks and affordable rates. Notable Amenities Terrific firework views from rooms when available, EV charging stations, access to on-site laundry room Pros and Cons Pros Fireworks viewing from the pool deck and some rooms when available Cons Not much Disney theming in rooms Furthest Disney hotel from the parks Hotel Overview Paradise Pier is the most affordable of Disneyland’s three hotels, but can still run several hundreds of dollars a night for a room, especially during peak times. Paradise Pier is especially good for kids because sleepy little ones can get some rest while the rest of the family still feels like they’re part of the park action: nighttime World of Color shows and rides in California Adventure park are visible from many rooms. The Sand Bar by the pool offers quick bites. Best Splurge : Disney's Art of Animation Resort 1850 Animation Way Rates: $$ Resort Fee: No See Rates Why We Chose It This luxury property in Disney’s hotel portfolio offers premium experiences and has a direct entrance to Disney California Adventure. Notable Amenities Tenaya Stone Spa, EV charging stations, access to on-site laundry room Pros and Cons Pros Direct entrance to Disney California Adventure Pool on-site Direct entrance to Downtown Disney Multiple restaurants Cons Most expensive hotel near Disney Lobby often crowded Reviews mention small hotel rooms Hotel Overview The soaring atrium of the Grand Californian lobby is often filled with the sounds of Disney songs being performed on a grand piano, and its oversized leather armchairs and fireside rocking chairs make it a popular place for park-goers to take a rest and have lunch at the lobby restaurant. A major draw of the Grand Californian is its many rooms overlooking Downtown Disney and California Adventure, as well as the direct entrances to both right from the hotel. Tenaya Stone Spa was totally refurbished in 2021, and there are three pools on the property for post-park relaxation. At Storytellers Cafe, characters come right to your table and Napa Rose Grill offers high-end fine dining for those in search of something a little fancier. There are also several other restaurants and quick-service food options available on-site. Best Pet-Friendly : JW Marriott Essex House New York 160 Central Park South Rates: $$$ Resort Fee: No See Rates Why We Chose It This all-suite property has a great rooftop pool and welcomes furry friends. Notable Amenities In-room kitchens, BBQ and picnic area on-site Pros and Cons Pros Pet-friendly Rooftop pool Kid-themed rooms with bunk beds Cons No RV or oversized vehicle parking No direct access from parking garage to hotel Hotel Overview When you want to bring your pets along, consider the Residence Inn Convention Center. In this all-suite property, every room has a separate living room and full kitchen, so there’s plenty of space for everyone to relax in comfort. Special tags on the room doors indicate to housekeeping that there’s a pet inside, which is a nice touch. Some rooms have a view of California Adventure, and the hotel is on the same block as restaurants, coffee shops, and convenience stores. The rooftop pool area has a large hot tub and a splash pad for kids. Best for Adults : JW Marriott Essex House New York 160 Central Park South Rates: $$$ Resort Fee: No See Rates Why We Chose It This new hotel has excellent views of Disneyland, especially from their rooftop lounge. Notable Amenities Fitness center, nearby car rental service Pros and Cons Pros Connected to Anaheim Garden Walk On-site restaurants and rooftop bar Prime views of Disneyland and Disney California Adventure Cons Longer walk to the parks Pricey valet-only parking This JW Marriott opened in late 2020 with several on-site restaurants and Parkestry, a rooftop lounge that has excellent views of the Disneyland parks. This hotel has direct access to Anaheim Garden Walk, outdoor shopping, and a dining area with concerts, movies, and entertainment. Valet-only parking is expensive at $40 per day, but less expensive garages are available within a short walk. An on-site garden provides a relaxing outdoor sitting area (and is home to many of the hotel restaurant's herbs and flowers). Best Luxury for Less : Radisson Blu Anaheim 1601 S Anaheim BLVD Rates: $$ Resort Fee: Yes See Rates Why We Chose It This 2020 hotel has several pools and a rooftop lounge, rounding out its luxe vibe. Notable Amenities Poolside cabanas available by reservation, meeting facilities on-site, fitness center Pros and Cons Pros 2 pools and splash pad 2 restaurants Rooftop lounge with park views Cons Longer walk to the parks Park shuttle for a fee Hotel Overview Another hotel with extensive amenities, the Viv Anaheim opened in 2020 to rave reviews about the comfort of the rooms and the overall vibe. The hotel has a pool and hot tub with a splash pad on the ground floor, and another pool and hot tub on the roof, attached to a rooftop lounge that serves afternoon and evening bites with a view of the parks. A paid city shuttle can take you a slightly longer route to Disneyland. Best Disney Feel in a Non-Disney Hotel : Anaheim Majestic Garden Hotel 900 Disneyland Dr. Rates: $ Resort Fee: No See Rates Why We Chose It A hotel that looks like a castle is a no-brainer for a trip to Disneyland. Notable Amenities Video arcade and billiards, on-site princess for wake-up and tuck-in, multiple restaurants on-site Pros and Cons Pros Shuttle to the parks Pet-friendly Disney-like castle theme throughout property Cons Charge for rollaway beds Reviews mention some rooms in need of update Hotel Overview If your dream is to sleep in Sleeping Beauty Castle, the Anaheim Majestic Garden Hotel might be the best choice for you. The entire hotel has castle-inspired architecture inside and out, and some rooms have castle bunk beds inside. The hotel has an on-site restaurant, a heated outdoor pool, a game room, and a gift shop, so there is plenty to do when not exploring the park. There’s even a resident princess for meet-and-greets, and parents can arrange for her to come to the room for wake-up or tuck-in for the little ones. Best for Families : Wyndham Garden Lake Buena Vista 1850 Hotel Plaza BLVD Rates: $ Resort Fee: Yes See Rates Why We Chose It Close walking distance to the parks, a waterpark on-site, and Mickey Mouse-themed rooms make this a terrific choice for families. Notable Amenities Game room (currently unavailable), in-room Keurig coffee makers Pros and Cons Pros Disney-themed areas Pirate-themed waterpark Very close to parks Cons No restaurant on property Fee for rollaway beds Hotel Overview The Howard Johnson is one of the most up-to-date, kid-friendly hotels in close proximity to Disneyland. Rooms accommodate up to five people and have colorful interiors with Mickey theming. Outside, the pool area features a pirate-themed water park for some extra fun post-Disneyland exploration. Final Verdict Choosing a hotel around Disneyland is a balance between finding the right price point and the perfect amenities. The Disney-owned resorts are pricey but have great pools and character dining. Many of the closest hotels have walkability as a big plus, but have fewer amenities. The newer, luxe hotels are a bit further of a walk, which is a big factor when you’ll already be on your feet in theme parks and in the sun during the day. It may be a splurge, but no accommodations will create the feel of Disney magic like a stay in the Disneyland Hotel. With its themed pools, enchanted tiki bar, and on-site character dining, plus the magical decor inside the rooms, the Disneyland Hotel is the quintessential experience for a Disney trip. Plus, the Monorail connecting the park to the hotel can’t be beaten at the end of a long day of rides. Compare the Best Hotels Near Disneyland Hotel Resort Fee Room Rates Wi-Fi Disneyland Hotel Best Overall None $$$ Free The Anaheim Hotel Best Budget $7 $ Free Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel Best Fireworks Viewing None $$$ Free Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel Best Splurge None $$$$ Free Residence Inn Convention Center Best Pet-Friendly None $$ Free JW Marriott Anaheim Best for Adults None $$ Free The Viv Hotel Best Luxury for Less None $$ Free Anaheim Majestic Garden Hotel Best Disney Feel in a Non-Disney Hotel None $ Free Howard Johnson Anaheim Best for Families None $$ Free Methodology We evaluated all of the hotels affiliated with Disneyland, both owned by Disney and not, before settling on the best for the chosen categories. We considered elements such as location, amenities, and the status of current and planned renovations to the properties. We also assessed the property’s dining options, resort fees, and the types of experiences (on-site activities, etc.) included. In determining this list, we evaluated numerous customer reviews and considered whether the property has collected any accolades in recent years. Courtesy of Walt Disney World News Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Share Pin Email Tell us why! Submit Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies