Disneyland Hotels Guide: Where to Stay Near the Parks

Last updated on July 18, 2026

Looking for the best Disneyland hotels for your vacation?

Choosing where to stay is one of the most important decisions you’ll make when planning a Disneyland vacation. With dozens of hotels near the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California, the options can feel overwhelming.

From the three official Disney Resort Hotels to more budget-friendly options, you’ll find everything from basic and affordable to fully immersive and luxurious.

As a Southern California local and Disneyland expert, I have personally stayed at or toured with our partners at Get Away Today literally dozens of properties in Anaheim. Some of these hotels are so close to Disneyland, you’ll have views of the parks, fireworks, and monorails zipping by! Others are a bit further out but provide excellent value that will stretch your vacation budget further.

Whether you want to stay directly across the street, book a spacious family suite, or find the best value for your budget, this guide provides an overview of everything you need to know to pick the perfect hotel for your vacation. We’re talking top hotels, honest insights, pros and cons, and tips from our own visits.

To make this guide most helpful, we’ve divided it in to two sections covering on-property Disney Resort Hotels and off-property hotels near Disneyland.

Table of Contents

Staying On-Property at Disneyland

The best place to start when planning your Disney vacation is deciding if you want to stay on-property or off. There are pros and cons to each, but the deciding factor usually comes down to price.

The three official Disneyland Resort Hotels are:

Disneyland Hotel
Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa
Pixar Place Hotel

I’ve stayed at all three over the years, and each delivers strong theming, excellent service, and that unmistakable Disney atmosphere.

► Planning more than just where to stay? Start with my Ultimate Disneyland Guide for tickets, rides, and planning tips.

Why Stay On-Property?

The top reason for opting to stay at one of these Disneyland Resort hotels is to be fully immersed in the “Disney bubble.” Everything – from rooms to pools to restaurants to lobby decor – is themed around Disney. Staying on-property pretty much guarantees a magical vacation.

Sure, these hotels are more expensive, but you’re paying for location, service, and the Disney experience.

Here are some of the other perks of staying on-property:

Location and Easy Access to Theme Parks – Hop on the monorail, take a short walk, or access California Adventure Park through the guest entrance at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel. Disney Resort hotels are just steps away from the theme parks and Downtown Disney.
Free Lightning Lane Passes – This perk replaced the former benefit of being able to enter one of the theme parks 30 minutes before regular park opening.
Charge-to-Room – If you are staying at one of the Disney Resort hotels, you can charge dining and shopping purchases directly to your room.
Special Experiences – Stop by the concierge to ask about special experiences available to hotel guests, such as scavenger hunts that can be returned for a prize or a fun fitness class inside the park before it opens for the day
Dining Reservations – Preferred access to table-service restaurant dining reservations at your hotel.

Disneyland Resort Hotels

The Disneyland Hotel

The Disneyland Hotel is Disney’s original hotel and features mid-century modern décor – a throwback to its 1950s roots. It is comprised of three towers (Adventure, Fantasy, and Frontier) plus the new Villas at Disneyland Hotel, a Disney Vacation Club Resort property.

The Disneyland Hotel boasts a prime location just steps from Downtown Disney and a short walk to the theme parks. Even better, you can hop on the monorail and zip straight into Tomorrowland.

One of our favorite spots at the Disneyland Hotel is Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar. You can sit on a patio lit by glowing tiki torches and enjoy appetizers, tropical drinks, and live music nightly.

The E-Ticket Pool pays tribute to the park’s early days with a retro Disneyland sign and two water slides that are replicas of the original Mark 1 Monorails that traveled between Disneyland and the Disneyland Hotel during the early ‘60s. There is the 180-foot-long Monorail Red slide and 80-foot-long Monorail Yellow slide.

Best for: Families who want classic Disney vibes and easy Monorail access.

► Read this article to discover why a stay at the Disneyland Hotel is worth the splurge.

Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa

Private entrance to the Grand Californian from Disney California Adventure Park.

When it comes to luxury hotels, nothing beats staying at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel.

The hotel’s soaring Craftsman-style lobby is stunning, and the direct entrance into Disney California Adventure is the ultimate in convenience.

Disney’s Grand Californian also has a really nice pool area. There are three pools, including the Redwood Pool with a 90-foot-long water slide. My favorite thing about staying at this Disney hotel is being able to take a mid-day break from the parks and enjoy a little pool time or soak in the hot tub at the end of a long day.

The Grand Californian also has some of the best restaurants at the Disneyland Resort. Our favorite is Storytellers Café which offers a Disney Character Breakfast in the morning, but also a nice dinner buffet (try the corn chowder!) as well as regular meals.

Best for: Guests who want maximum convenience and upscale accommodations.

► Don’t miss this complete Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel Review.

Pixar Place Hotel

Formerly Paradise Pier, Pixar Place Hotel is the most moderately priced of the three Disneyland Resort Hotels.

While it doesn’t offer quite the same level of luxury as the Grand Californian or the nostalgia of the Disneyland Hotel, it features bright Pixar theming which families with young kids might prefer.

The vibe here is relaxed and fun. But in my experience, when comparing value, some nearby off-property hotels often offer more updated amenities at a lower nightly rate. For instance, the much more elegant Westin Anaheim Resort is right down the street and typically offers a much lower room rate.

And even though Pixar Place is “on-property” at the Disneyland Resort, it is really not that much closer than some of the off-property hotels walking distance to Disneyland.

Best for: Guests who want to stay on-property at the lowest Disney-owned price point.

Offsite Disneyland Hotels

For the most part, the biggest draw when it comes to staying at an offsite property is the money you will save. Unlike Walt Disney World, Disneyland does not have on-property Value Resort Hotels. So, if budget is a priority, offsite is usually the smarter move.

A view of Disney California Adventure from our room at Sheraton Park Hotel.

While the three Disney-owned hotels offer immersive theming and convenience, the reality is that Disneyland sits in the middle of a very urban environment, not on a sprawling privately-owned area like Walt Disney World in Florida. That means dozens of independent and chain hotels are located directly outside the resort gates; many of them even closer to the park entrance than some rooms at the official Disney hotels.

This really does give you the chance to take advantage of the best of both worlds! Amazing location at a price that won’t break the bank.

Hotels walking distance to Disneyland - Anaheim Hotel — Take a dip in The Anaheim Hotel’s Olympic pool.

What You Don’t Get Offsite

To make the decision clear, here’s what you typically give up when staying off-property:

Charge-to-room park purchases
Full Disney theming throughout the hotel
That “inside the bubble” atmosphere
A few other perks reserved just for hotel guests (as outlined above)

But here’s the honest truth: none of those are essential to having an amazing Disneyland vacation.

Unlike Walt Disney World, where transportation can be complex and on-property perks are more significant, Disneyland is compact. You can easily walk everywhere. You don’t need buses, boats, or the Disney Skyliner to get around. That makes staying offsite much more practical in Anaheim than they would be in Florida.

Here are some guides to offsite Disneyland hotels to help you find the right one for your vacation:

Best Off-Property Hotels

Since I visit Disneyland so often, we are constantly trying new hotels and updating our hotel reviews and guides. Our wide range of knowledge from the cheapest to the most expensive hotels provides context to make the best recommendations for hotels near Disneyland.

The Hilton Anaheim near the convention center.

Here are my top recommendations.

Best Luxury Options

Anaheim Marriott – Deluxe high-rise hotel near the convention center with indoor/outdoor pool, restaurants, a lounge and rooms with marble bathrooms and balconies.
Hilton Anaheim – Newly renovated, deluxe hotel (the largest hotel in Orange County) with a convenient location adjacent to the Anaheim Convention Center, with upscale amenities, two pools, and a number of bars and restaurants.
Hyatt Regency Orange County – Deluxe hotel with two pools, tennis courts and views of the fireworks. The Hyatt Regency has its own dedicated shuttle so you get direct service to the parks.
JW Marriott – one of the newest and most luxurious hotels near Disneyland with a rooftop bar and view of the fireworks.
The Westin Anaheim Resort – Brand new deluxe hotel with signature amenities including a pool and pool bar, numerous restaurants, and a rooftop lounge.

The Westin Anaheim Resort near Disneyland.

Best Hotels with Suites

Anaheim Marriott Suites – All suites deluxe hotel featuring spacious guest rooms, full kitchens, restaurants, and a pool.
Doubletree by Hilton Hotel Anaheim Resort Convention Center – All-suites hotel with restaurant, lounge, pool, game room, and complimentary parking.
Element Anaheim Resort – A new hotel with clean, spacious rooms and suites, and an expansive complimentary breakfast buffet.
Hyatt House at Anaheim Convention Center – All-suites hotel near the convention center, with pool and complimentary breakfast.
Residence Inn Marriott at Anaheim Convention Center – All-suites hotel with full kitchens, a rooftop deck and pool, lobby bar, and complimentary breakfast.
Sonesta Suites Anaheim – All-suites hotel with a pool, upscale amenities, and free parking.
SpringHill Suites by Marriott Anaheim Maingate – All-suites hotel with modern amenities, pool, and complimentary breakfast.

Residence Inn Hotel walking distance to Disneyland — The new Residence Inn is one of the best Marriott hotels near Disneyland.

Best Hotels with Water Park Features

Anaheim Suites Hotel – Deluxe hotel with pool and a 30,000-square-foot water park, putting green, and free daily breakfast.
Courtyard by Marriott Anaheim Theme Park Entrance – Great hotel featuring Surfside water park with water slides, pools, and a children’s splash pad play area. Here is my full review of the Courtyard Theme Park Entrance Hotel.
Howard Johnson Anaheim Hotel and Water Playground – Sprawling, moderate hotel featuring Castaway Cove, a pirate-themed, water playground with a 30-foot pirate ship, slides, water cannon, cargo net climb, and drench bucket.

Best Budget & Moderate Hotels

Anaheim Hotel – Located across the street from Disneyland, this hotel has a cool mid-century design, beautiful landscaping, and the biggest pool in the area!
Best Western Plus Park Place Inn – The closest hotel to the Disneyland entrance, located right across Harbor Boulevard. Complimentary breakfast is included.
Best Western Plus Raffles Inn & Suites – Moderate hotel with a pool, free breakfast, and free parking.
Castle Inn and Suites – Family-owned hotel across the street from Disneyland with kid-friendly medieval theming and a renovated pool area. They offer free parking, too!
Courtyard by Marriott Anaheim Resort Convention Center – Moderate business-style hotel near the convention center with onsite restaurant and a pool.
Days Inn & Suites Anaheim – The only hotel with free shuttle to Disneyland, free breakfast, and free parking! A great option if you are traveling on a budget. Read our Days Inn and Suites Anaheim review.
Delta Hotels Anaheim – Moderate Marriott-brand hotel with pool and a restaurant and bar.
Desert Palms Hotel & Suites – Moderate hotel offering family-friendly suites, a pool, and complimentary hot breakfast buffet.
Fairfield by Marriott Anaheim Resort – Recently renovated hotel and one of the closest hotels to Disneyland, with views of the fireworks and lots of amenities. Read our full review of Fairfield by Marriott Anaheim Resort.
Four Points by Sheraton Anaheim – Newly renovated moderate hotel with restaurant, pool, tropical landscaped patio and outdoor bar.
Hotel Indigo – Boutique hotel adjacent to Anaheim GardenWalk with pool, restaurant, and bar.
Hotel Lulu Anaheim Resort – Moderate hotel with a quirky vibe and pool, restaurant, and lounge.
Sheraton Park Hotel – High-rise deluxe hotel featuring newly-renovated rooms with balconies and a tropical pool area.
SunCoast Park Hotel Anaheim – Deluxe hotel with pool, bar and restaurant, and complimentary breakfast.

Disneyland Hotel — The Four Points by Sheraton has a great pool and expansive sun deck.

My Personal Approach

With some exceptions of course, I typically choose a hotel within walking distance so we can skip shuttles entirely.

Let me tell you why!

Because I visit Disneyland frequently, I tend to prioritize convenience and value over resort amenities. There are many hotels right across the street and under a 10-minute walk to the Disneyland Esplanade. If I’m spending 10+ hours inside the parks, I don’t need a luxury spa or fancy restaurant inside the hotel. I need:

A clean room
A nice pool during the summer months
Comfortable beds
A quick walk back at night
A solid breakfast option

That’s why I so often recommend a hotel walking distance to Disneyland, especially for first-time visitors trying to maximize park time.

Fairfield by Marriott Anaheim. — Pool at the Fairfield by Marriott, located across the street from Disneyland.

Disney Hotels FAQs

Can you bring food into Disneyland hotels?

Yes. You may bring outside food into all Disneyland Resort Hotels. Many offsite hotels also offer mini-fridges and microwaves, making it easy to store groceries and quick meals.

If you’re driving, I recommend stopping at a nearby grocery store or Target (there is one down Harbor Blvd.) and stocking up on what you need. This will save you money over buying items at the little markets near the parks.

Are there free shuttles from nearby hotels?

Most hotels within walking distance do not offer shuttles because they’re so close. (The exception is Candy Cane Inn, which runs its own dedicated shuttle although only a block or so away from Disneyland.) Other hotels in Anaheim with free shuttle service are Days Inn & Suites Anaheim and the Anaheim Majestic Garden Hotel.

Most hotels in Anaheim participate in the ART (Anaheim Regional Transportation) shuttle system, which charges a small fee.

If you stay at one of the many hotels walking distance to Disneyland, walking is typically faster than waiting for a shuttle.

Anaheim Days Inn Shuttle to Disneyland — Days Inn & Suites Anaheim provides a free shuttle to Disneyland.

Which hotels are best for toddlers?

For toddlers, proximity is everything.

Here are my top picks:

Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel – Located adjacent to the parks, it has the easiest access for nap breaks
Disneyland Hotel – Classic Disney hotel with a great pool area
Best Western Plus Park Place – Shortest walk for budget travelers
Courtyard by Marriott Anaheim Theme Park Entrance – Huge water play area for toddlers plus big and comfortable rooms with bunk beds

Marriott Courtyard Theme Park Entrance Surfside Waterpark — A stay at Marriott Courtyard Theme Park Entrance includes entrance to Surfside Waterpark. Photo credit: Marriott

Best hotel for multi-day Disneyland trips?

If you are staying in Anaheim for three or more days, one of the best things you can do is give yourself room to spread out and be comfortable. Making sure you have access to either a full kitchen (or at least a fridge and microwave) is helpful, too.

Here are some recommendations:

Hotels with bunk beds near Disneyland - The Element Anaheim Resort — The Element Anaheim Resort offers rooms with bunk beds and a nice free breakfast.

Discount Disneyland Tickets

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Get Away Today sells discount theme park tickets as well as vacation packages for both on-property and off-property hotels. They will even assist with all your Disneyland vacation plans with their free concierge service!

Final Thoughts: Disneyland Hotels

There is no single “best” Disneyland hotel — only the best hotel for your priorities.

If you want total immersion and effortless park access, staying on-property delivers a magical experience.

If you’d rather stretch your budget, off-property hotels walking distance to Disneyland provide outstanding value, often at a fraction of the price.

After visiting Disneyland for years, I can confidently say this: location matters more than luxury. The easier it is to get back to your room for a break (especially with kids), the smoother your trip will feel.

Whether you choose a Disney-owned hotel or one directly across the street, staying within walking distance of the parks is the single best decision you can make.

Save These Disneyland Hotels for Later!

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Disneyland Hotels Guide: Where to Stay Near the Parks