The place to remain at Disneyland: The most effective on- and off-property accommodations

One of the biggest choices you have to make once you decide to go to the Happiest Place on Earth (aka Disneyland) is where to stay while in Anaheim, California. There are a few options on Disney property where you can hang your hat, but there are many others not that much farther away that are also worth considering.

If you’re struggling to figure out where to stay near Disneyland, know that you’re not alone. Along with park tickets, lodging is one of the most significant costs of any Disney vacation, so it’s important to find the right balance of price, perks and location. Should you want to use your hotel or credit card points to defray part of the cost of a Disneyland trip, you’ll also need to consider the value of your stay when narrowing down your options.

When visiting Disneyland, does it make the most sense to stay at an on-property hotel owned by Disney? Or, should you stay at an off-property hotel, whether it’s independently owned or tied to a particular brand?

After dozens of Disneyland stays with my family, both on- and off-site, we’ve learned a few lessons about where to find value and what perks matter most to families. Here are the key differences between on- and off-property hotels — and which are the top options to consider.

Related: Skip the lines at Disneyland: 9 line-busting tips for less waiting and more playing

For families already familiar with the hotel options at Walt Disney World, it’s important to understand the major Disneyland differences. In short, staying on or off property at Disneyland presents a very different lodging calculus than you’ll deal with when visiting Walt Disney World.

Related: Things you can only do at Disneyland

I almost always prefer to stay on-site at Walt Disney World because of the included perks and proximity to the parks. However, I usually stay off-site during my Disneyland vacations. There are some perks to staying at a Disneyland resort hotel, but the value of those benefits doesn’t always match the price increase.

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Why? To start, Disneyland’s footprint is substantially smaller, meaning many of the off-property hotels are just as close to the parks as some of the on-property ones (that said, If you’re wondering which Disneyland hotel has direct access to the park, keep reading).

There are literally dozens of hotels within walking distance of the Disneyland gates. You don’t necessarily have to sacrifice location or sign yourself up for extra transit when staying in a non-Disney-operated hotel.

Additionally, there are traditionally fewer perks available to on-property guests at Disneyland than there are for those staying at Disney World-owned properties. Functionally, the biggest advantage right now is that those at Disneyland hotels can get into the parks 30 minutes early each morning.

This benefit can be a great way to ride a few rides without long lines, but it does require being up with the sun to make the most of that time, since that 30-minute head start often falls between 7:30 and 8 a.m. Still, if you’re an early bird, then perhaps this is a reason to stay on the property.

To further trim costs for on-property stays, consider renting Disney Vacation Club points or using points or miles from a credit card to cover your stay. The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card lets cardholders redeem miles at a flat rate of 1 cent per mile. Meanwhile, with the Bilt Mastercard® (see rates and fees), you can redeem points for Disney hotels through the Bilt Travel Portal at a rate of 1.25 cents per point.

Related: You can rent DVC points via TPG’s partner, David’s Vacation Club Rentals

Off-property stays can offer even more opportunities to save, with a variety of hotel and other points programs in play. Because so many travelers want to cash in their hotel points for Disneyland and Southern California vacations, it’s increasingly hard to get as much value per point at many properties. Do the math and know that you may get more value by paying cash or using cash-equivalent points.

I adore the three on-property hotels at Disneyland: Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, the Disneyland Hotel and the former Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel, which is currently undergoing a renovation and will reopen as the Pixar Place Hotel.

These three hotels all offer special decor, themed pools and expert Disney service. They’re also within walking distance of the parks. For families that will make use of the extra perks, it’s possible to justify paying more to stay at a Disney property during a special trip.

Disneyland Hotel

The Disneyland Hotel is a classic that dates back to the same year the original park at Disneyland opened.

It has arguably the best pool area of the three on-property hotels, thanks to its multiple waterslides. Plus, you can get Dole Whips and have dinner in Trader Sam’s (a fun tiki bar that comes to life when you order certain drinks) without stepping foot off the hotel grounds.

As far as accommodations go, you’ll find a mix of standard rooms, club-level rooms and suites, including some with over-the-top Disneyland themes, such as a Pirates of the Caribbean suite and a Mickey Mouse penthouse. A new tower housing Disney Vacation Club accommodations opened Sept. 28, 2023.

Starting room rates at the Disneyland Hotel often hover between $500 and $650 per night. If you choose a club-level room or suite, especially one with a premium view of Downtown Disney, expect the price to go up quickly.

Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa

Of the three Disneyland hotels, this one is the closest to the parks. As such, it’s also the most expensive, with standard rooms usually costing at least $700 per night.

One of Disney’s Grand Californian‘s biggest draws is its exclusive access to Disney’s California Adventure Park. Because the property has a private entrance and is connected to the park, you can often get inside in a matter of minutes.

Additionally, you’ll have a number of high-end perks you can take advantage of, including a spa, room service and private cabanas to rent by two of the hotel’s three pools. It’s the top choice if you want a dose of luxury and to be as close to the parks as humanly possible — without any concerns about cost.

Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel (soon to be Pixar Place Hotel)

The current refurbishment will eventually bring an entirely new design to Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel, but that doesn’t mean you should skip considering this Disneyland option. It’s the most affordable of Disneyland’s hotels, with prices typically starting around $400 per night.

While some of the hotel’s amenities are currently unavailable, the rooftop pool deck has reopened with new Pixar features — Pixel Pool, Crush’s Surfin’ Slide and Nemo’s Cove Splash Pad. Another feature that has been open for a bit longer is a private walkway and entrance into the Paradise Gardens area of Disney’s California Adventure Park.

Related: You can tour Walt Disney’s apartment at Disneyland — but is the $160 price worth it?

I personally prefer to stay in the hotels on Harbor Boulevard across from the Disneyland pedestrian entrance. These properties are the most walkable hotels to Disneyland due to the layout of the crosswalks and freeways.

However, there are other lodging options available, including some that are accessible from the parks via a hotel shuttle or a short ride on Anaheim Resort Transportation, a local transit system.

Fairfield Anaheim Resort

The Fairfield Anaheim Resort is the hotel my family has stayed at most frequently during trips to Disneyland. Located on Harbor Boulevard, it’s less than a 10-minute walk from the parks. The rooms have been relatively recently renovated, with many offering colorful and themed decor.

Unlike most Fairfield Inns, this location does not offer free breakfast; however, there’s a McDonald’s next door that has become my go-to spot for a cheap and quick bite before hitting the parks.

Room rates at this Marriott outpost are generally between $185 and $400 per night. Or, you can use 35,000 to 59,000 Marriott Bonvoy points to cover the cost of a standard room.

Since there are times when you can score a room for 35,000 points, this hotel is a popular option for holders of the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card and the Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card. That’s because these cards award a complimentary night worth up to 35,000 points every year on the account anniversary. For nights that cost more than 35,000 points, you can add up to 15,000 points to the certificate to make up the difference.

Courtyard Anaheim Theme Park Entrance

The Courtyard Anaheim Theme Park Entrance is one of the nicest and closest off-property hotels for families. It has a full water park on-site, making the pool area rival even the best on-property hotel pool (the Monorail Pool at the Disneyland Hotel). Plus, the hotel is approximately a 10-minute walk away from Disneyland.

Rooms are a major upgrade from what you might expect from a Courtyard, with unique layouts that offer value to larger families that might otherwise need to reserve two hotel rooms. Every room sleeps at least six people, with standard options featuring two queen-size beds and a bunk bed with two twin beds. Rooms have an extra-large bathroom with both a shower and a tub-shower combination.

Related: The Marriott Courtyard at Disneyland that costs up to $700 and is valet-only

Due to its above-average rooms and amenities, cash rates at this property are higher than what you may be used to paying at other Courtyard locations or even at many other Marriott-branded hotels in Anaheim. Standard rooms cost anywhere between $250 and $700 per night or 55,000 to 98,000 Marriott points per night.

Westin Anaheim Resort

One of the newer options on the block, the Westin Anaheim Resort, which opened in 2021, is ideally situated for theme park visits. This hotel is near the corner of Disneyland Drive and West Katella Avenue, which places it right behind the Pixar Pier area of Disney California Adventure Park. In fact, you have a nice view of the Incredicoaster from the hotel’s rooftop.

While the Westin Anaheim may have been designed with the convention crowd in mind, its club lounge, on-site restaurant and proximity to Disneyland can also work for families who are looking for a place to put their Marriott points and perks to good use while at Disney. Plus, select standard rooms come outfitted with two queen-size beds and a shower-tub combination, so you’ll have the basics to keep you comfortable while on vacation.

Related: Luxury within walking distance to Disneyland: The new Westin Anaheim

Depending on the dates of your stay, you can expect to pay $270 to $450-plus per night for a standard room here. If you’d rather use points, you can cash in between 52,000 and 90,000 Marriott points for an entry-level room.

JW Marriott, Anaheim Resort

Another relative newcomer to the scene, the JW Marriott, Anaheim Resort opened in 2020. It doesn’t offer your typical Disneyland hotel conveniences (such as waterslides and character-themed rooms), but it offers a chance to use points and enjoy a touch of luxury after a full day in the parks.

Here, you’ll find a rooftop pool with cabanas and guest rooms in a neutral color palette with one king or two queen beds. Additionally, there are chic food and beverage outlets like an Italian steakhouse and a rooftop bar with panoramic city views.

Related: An ideal rooftop for Disneyland’s fireworks, but housekeeping was lackluster: The JW Marriott, Anaheim Resort

The hotel has a relaxed yet upscale vibe — but before deciding this is the best Disneyland-area hotel for you, know that its location is not the best for a highly park-focused trip. Map it out and decide accordingly.

This JW Marriott does offer room rates that are easier to stomach. To reserve a room, you’ll typically pay between $200 and $400 or use 55,000 to 90,000 Marriott points per night — that’s often less than the Courtyard and, again, that’s largely because of the difference in location (and the lack of a water park).

Cambria Hotel & Suites Anaheim Resort Area

Another newer addition to the list of points-friendly hotels near Disneyland, the Cambria Hotel & Suites Anaheim Resort Area offers a slew of amenities and competitive pricing that help make up for its lack of a particularly walkable location for park visits.

There is a plethora of accommodation types, including standard rooms with two showers and a tub and suites that can sleep up to 11 people. Additionally, guests have access to an on-site water park with 30,000 square feet of waterslides, play areas and more, as well as a movie wall for poolside screenings and a complimentary hot breakfast daily.

Room rates at this Choice Hotels-affiliated property cost $125 to $400 per night (usually under $200 a night when booked a few weeks in advance) — or 25,000 to 35,000 Choice Privileges points per night. If you do decide to use points, keep in mind that Choice often lets you book several kinds of accommodations for the same price, so you may be able to score a one-bedroom suite for the same price as a standard room.

Hyatt House at Anaheim Resort/Convention Center

Situated by Anaheim’s convention center, about a 15-minute walk away from Disneyland’s gates, this property is just close enough to avoid the need to use transportation on theme park days.

What makes the Hyatt House at Anaheim Resort/Convention Center a smart choice for families is its standard Hyatt House layout: Standard rooms come with microwaves and either two queen beds or a king bed plus a sleeper sofa. Suite options range from one-bedroom suites with full kitchens to family suites with bunk beds. Like at other Hyatt House properties, all guests also receive free daily breakfast.

While rates for standard rooms can be as much as $400 per night, generally you’ll find that you’ll need to pay at least $200 to stay here. You can also use 12,000 to 18,000 World of Hyatt points to cover your stay.

You may be tempted to bed down at the nearby Hyatt Place at Anaheim Resort/Convention Center, as it offers slightly lower cash prices (but not points rates). However, know that its location is inferior, so you’ll likely find that the Hyatt House is a better overall value. If you have a few Hyatt Category 1-4 award certificates from the World of Hyatt Credit Card, consider using them to pay for your stay.

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Anaheim Resort Area

This IHG-affiliated hotel is about a 15-minute walk from Disneyland, with many amenities that appeal to families. To start, the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Anaheim Resort Area has a complimentary breakfast buffet and a basic pool with a small splash pad for younger kids. Plus, each guest room is equipped with a minifridge, a microwave, a bathtub and a sofa bed.

Cash prices for standard rooms usually fall between $200 and $400 per night, while award nights will set you back 36,000 to 60,000 IHG One Rewards points per night. This is one of the few hotels in the Disneyland area that has dropped the average price charged for points stays in the past year, so it offers more value in 2023 than some other hotels might.

Should you decide to use IHG points to stay here, remember that the fourth award night is included for guests with the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card.

Howard Johnson Anaheim Hotel & Water Playground

Wyndham Rewards is a program that many hotel loyalty program users overlook, but the Howard Johnson Anaheim Hotel & Water Playground is one property that should make you pay closer attention.

The hotel recently completed a major renovation of several buildings, so you’ll enjoy a midcentury modern vibe that also feels fresh and contemporary, should you choose to book a stay.

The hotel’s new House of the Retro Future suite looks particularly adorable if you wish to fully lean into the property’s retro-cool aesthetic. Don’t forget to check out the on-site water playground, which is one of the best choices within walking distance of the parks for families with younger kids.

Rooms at the HoJo Anaheim are often priced around $250-$400 a night, making this hotel comparably priced to other off-property TPG picks. Or, you could cash in 30,000 Wyndham Rewards points to cover the cost of a night. Rooms in all the buildings (including the renovated rooms that cost more when booked with cash) are charged at the same rewards rate, so use your points for the newer rooms when available.

If you have your heart set on a stay, know that this hotel has a pretty loyal following thanks to its long history, and tends to book up before other comparable hotels in the area might.

Home2 Suites by Hilton Anaheim Resort

Tucked behind the Courtyard and only about an extra two-minute walk from the park is a newer property that often goes a bit unnoticed. The Home2 Suites by Hilton Anaheim Resort has rooms that sleep up to six with kitchenettes, free hot breakfast, and a cute and colorful splash pad and pool. These amenities make it a contender for families or larger groups.

Room rates run about $200-$350 per night. If you are looking to use Hilton points for a Disney vacation, you can redeem 60,000 Hilton Honors points for a night’s stay.

Note that the hotel’s building is technically two hotels in one, as the Hilton Garden Inn Anaheim Resort is here as well. Prices for both hotels tend to be in the same ballpark, with the Home2 Suites offering a little more bang for the same buck on most dates. As always, however, I recommend comparing prices for your own specific travel dates.

Residence Inn at Anaheim Resort/Convention Center

Like the Courtyard nearby, the Residence Inn at Anaheim Resort/Convention Center delivers more than what most Marriott loyalists might expect from a standard Residence Inn. The property feels very fresh and clean, with modern styling and more amenities than are customary for the brand.

The hotel has a number of suite accommodations available, but the standout for family travelers is the kids suite. This two-bedroom, two-bathroom suite has bright and colorful theming and a unique bunk bed configuration. The rooftop pool and splash pad are also highly appealing.

Cash prices for standard studio suites that sleep four are $215-$450 per night. Guests redeeming Marriott points can find redemption rates between 45,000 and 73,000 points per night. That means that you can occasionally redeem a 50,000-point certificate, like the one offered annually with the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card, for a night’s stay here. Note that one-bedroom suites are often offered at the same points redemption price as studio suites (even though cash prices are almost always higher), potentially unlocking some additional value when redeeming points for a stay.

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