Staying at the Howard Johnson Anaheim — Our Honest Review
If you're planning a Disneyland trip and trying to keep costs reasonable, the Howard Johnson Anaheim is one of the most talked-about budget-friendly options near the parks. We've stayed there on multiple trips and have a pretty good sense of what to expect. Here's our honest, no-fluff review — the good, the not-so-great, and everything in between.
Location: Hard to Beat
The biggest selling point of the Howard Johnson Anaheim is its location. It sits directly across the street from the Disneyland Resort, which is genuinely convenient when you're travelling with kids.
- The hotel is a short walk to the Disneyland Resort main entrance — no shuttle needed, which saves time and stress, especially with tired kids at the end of the day.
- Mimi's, McDonald's, and Panera are steps away, giving you plenty of options for meals outside the park.
- The location means you can easily return to the hotel for nap time or a midday break and head back to the park refreshed — a game-changer with young children.
The Rooms: Functional and Clean
The rooms are exactly what you'd expect from a mid-range hotel — nothing fancy, but clean, functional, and comfortable enough for a family focused on spending their time at the parks. While many rooms have been recently renovated, the four smaller buildings are yet to be updated — worth keeping in mind when you book. We always request Building 2, which sits right by the garden pool.
- Request a room with a view of the Disneyland fireworks — on certain floors you can watch the nightly show from your window, which the kids absolutely love.
- The rooms are on the smaller side, so if you have a larger family consider booking a suite or connecting rooms for more space.
- The hotel has a small fridge in the rooms — great for storing snacks and drinks to save money on park food.
Amenities Worth Knowing About
The Howard Johnson Anaheim has a few amenities that make it stand out from other budget options in the area.
- Now that our kids are older, we actually prefer the garden pool over the waterslide pool — it's deeper, quieter, and the water stays nice and cool. A much more relaxing wind-down after a long park day.
- There's a small on-site restaurant and a gift shop, though we found Mimi's, McDonald's, and Panera nearby to be great value for meals outside the park.
- Free parking is available, which is a significant saving compared to parking at the Disneyland Resort itself.
Our Verdict: Great Value for Disney Families
For Canadian families visiting Disneyland on a budget, the Howard Johnson Anaheim delivers where it counts most — location, cleanliness, and a pool the kids love. It's not a luxury experience, but it's a solid, reliable choice.
- Use my exclusive corporate discount link to book the Howard Johnson Anaheim at a reduced rate — it's the best way to save on your stay.
- Prices vary significantly by season — visiting in January or February (outside of school holidays) can cut your hotel costs considerably.
- Read recent reviews before booking as hotel quality can change — we've had consistently good experiences but it's always worth checking current feedback.
Planning a Disneyland trip from Canada? I have lots more tips on saving money and making the most of your Disney vacation — feel free to reach out!
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