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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, and there are many off-property options 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

Staying on-property vs. off-property at Disneyland

How do you know whether an on- or off-property Disneyland hotel is right for you?

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 the Disneyland property presents a very different lodging calculus than you’ll deal with when visiting Walt Disney World.

Related: 12 things you can do at Disneyland that you can’t do at Disney World

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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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 one of the parks, keep reading.)

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

Additionally, there are traditionally fewer perks available to Disneyland’s on-property guests than for those staying at Disney World-owned properties. Functionally, the biggest advantage right now is that those at Disneyland hotels can get into one of the two theme 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. But, if you’re an early bird, then perhaps this is a reason to stay on the property.

How to get the best rates at Disneyland hotels

Any official Disneyland hotel comes at a cost. Disney World offers three different accommodation tiers: Deluxe, Moderate and Value resorts. However, Disneyland has no such distinctions. As a result, all three on-property hotels are regularly priced at rates comparable to what you’ll find for Deluxe Disney World hotels. If you’re traveling on a tight budget, it may not be feasible to stay at a Disney hotel.

If your schedule is flexible, always be sure to at least check for seasonal sales direct from Disney. Like at Walt Disney World, Disney offers deals from 10% to 30% off its on-property Disneyland-area hotels during slower seasons. It is essential to book as soon as those promotions are released.

To further trim costs for on-property stays, consider renting Disney Vacation Club points to stay at the new Villas at Disneyland Hotel or at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa.

You can also use 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.

Best on-property Disneyland hotels

While I prefer to stay off-site at Disneyland largely for budget-related reasons, not every family will feel the same. There is plenty of enjoyment to be found in staying within the Disney bubble.

I adore the three on-property hotels at Disneyland: Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, the Disneyland Hotel and the newly renovated and reopened Pixar Place Hotel (formerly known as Disney’s Paradise Pier 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.

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Disneyland Hotel

The Disneyland Hotel is a classic that dates back to 1955 — the same year the original park at Disneyland opened — but it also has some of the newest rooms in Anaheim if you stay in the new tower.

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 eat 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. These Villas at Disneyland Hotel come in a variety of sizes ranging from a small room for two people to a two-story penthouse for up to 12 guests.

Starting room rates at the Disneyland Hotel often hover between $500 and $700 per night. If you choose a club-level room or suite, especially one with a premium view of Downtown Disney, expect the price to increase 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. Standard rooms usually cost at least $700 per night (and, on peak dates, can approach or exceed $1,000).

One of the Grand Californian’s biggest draws is its exclusive access to Disney 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 can take advantage of a number of high-end perks, including a spa, room service and private cabana rentals near two of the hotel’s three pools. It’s the top choice if you want to get a dose of luxury and be as close to the parks as humanly possible — without any concerns about cost.

Pixar Place Hotel

Early 2024 marked the end of a major refurbishment that brought an entirely new design to the property formerly known as Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel. Now rebranded as the Pixar Place Hotel, the property has rooms featuring characters like the Incredibles, a meet-and-greet with Bing Bong from “Inside Out” and a rooftop pool deck with a “Finding Nemo”-themed waterslide and splash pad.

Another valuable hotel amenity is the hotel’s private walkway and entrance into the Paradise Gardens area of Disney California Adventure Park. It’s not as close or as direct as the Grand Californian’s private entrance, but it substantially cuts down on walking time from the parks. The hotel recently added a new concierge lounge as well.

Pixar Place is still the most affordable of Disneyland’s hotels, but the renovation naturally ushered in higher prices than the hotel commanded a few years ago. Room rates typically start around $450 per night.

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

Best off-property Disneyland hotels

For guests sticking to a tighter budget, there are many off-property hotels close to Disneyland.

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

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 stays at most frequently during trips to Disneyland. Located on Harbor Boulevard, it’s less than a 10-minute walk from the parks. The rooms were renovated relatively recently, and many offer 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 generally hover between $200 and $250 per night. Or, you can use 30,000 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 less than 35,000 points, this hotel is a popular option for holders of the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card or 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 from Disneyland.

Rooms are a major upgrade from what you might expect from a Courtyard; the unique layouts 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 location and 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 usually cost between $200 and $550 per night. Rooms available on points are harder to come by, but when available, they are a fairly pricey redemption option at 73,000 to 98,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.

The 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 looking 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 Westin Anaheim

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

The hotel has a relaxed yet upscale vibe. When deciding whether this is the right 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 $215 and $400 or use 50,000 to 90,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night. That’s often less than the Courtyard, 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. There’s a movie wall for poolside screenings. Plus, you’ll enjoy a complimentary hot breakfast daily.

Room rates at this Choice Hotels-affiliated property cost $125 to $400 per night (usually less than $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 from Disneyland’s gates, this property is just close enough to avoid using 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 in the low $200s 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, its location is inferior, so you’ll likely find that the Hyatt House provides 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 and has many amenities that appeal to families. 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 $350 per night, while award nights will set you back 34,000 to 86,000 IHG One Rewards points per night. This is one of the few hotels in the Disneyland area that has dropped some of its points prices of late, so it may offer more value for upcoming dates than 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 renovated multiple buildings, so if you book a stay in one of the newly remodeled rooms, you’ll enjoy a midcentury modern vibe that also feels fresh and contemporary.

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 between $200 and $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 award rate. So, use your points for the newer rooms when available.

If you have your heart set on staying here, know that this hotel has a pretty loyal following thanks to its long history. It 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 and offers access to a 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 to $350 per night. If you are looking to use Hilton Honors 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, 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. Just be careful not to confuse it with a similarly named Residence Inn in neighboring Garden Grove, California, which isn’t within walking distance.

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, as well as 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 to $400 per night. Guests redeeming Marriott points can find redemption rates between 46,000 and 73,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night. That means that you can occasionally redeem a 85,000-point free night 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), so you can potentially unlock some additional value when redeeming points for a stay.

For rates and fees of the Bilt Mastercard, click here.
For rewards and benefits of the Bilt Mastercard, click here.

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