Budget Motels Near Disneyland

[BrandonH]

I'm planning a trip to Disneyland for the fall, and I am searching for the best hotel/motel value. I just want a cheap place to crash that does not have horrible problems (multiple bugs, bad plumbing, etc) and is close to the park (near the Ball/Walnut/Katella/Harbor rectangle). I will eat breakfast elsewhere, so food is not a concern. The maximum I would pay for a room is $60/night. I've found a few choices for $50 or less per night via Travelocity:

1. Super 8 on 915 Disneyland Drive
2. Alamo Inn at 1140 Katella
3. Travelodge Anaheim at 2060 Harbor

Which of these three have UD residents visited and liked (or hated)? Is there a better option in the same area that is still $60 or less?

[goofystitch]

I have never stayed at any of those, but my boyfriend has stayed at the Super 8 and Travelodge and he does not recommend them. I asked him for you and he says to check Priceline, where he is usually able to get great rates on decent hotels near Disneyland, typically for $60 a night.

[BrandonH]

I checked Priceline's list prices. They seem to be quite similar to Travelocity's listings. I refuse to do the "Name Your Price" game because location does matter to me, and I like to know where I'm staying before I commit myself.

[goofystitch]

While I am not sure about this, I think you would be safe with any "Good Neighbor" hotel. These are hotels that Disney has evaluated and determined that they are good enough for their guests. If I were you, I would book a room if you could find one of them within your price range.

[BrandonH]

I found an awesome deal on Ares Travel for Riviera Motel. It's $40/night and comes to $330 for seven nights with fees. I'll check the reviews for that one, and if they aren't too negative, I think I'll go with it. Please let me know if you or anyone you know has stayed there recently.

[goofystitch]

My boyfriend hasn't stayed there or even heard of it. Make sure it is close by. My boyfriend used to work at Disneyland and knows that area really well.

[kbehm29]

Hi. I've stayed in that area many times. I've never heard of the Riviera either, but I HAVE used 'name your price' and wound up with the Holiday Inn right down the road within walking distance. I was extremely happy and got a GREAT deal (way less than $60/night, but can't remember exactly). I'm not saying you'll have the same luck as I, but I just wanted to chime in...

[BrandonH]

Riviera is east of the Katella/Harbor intersection, about a third of the way toward Haster St. It's a little bit farther than some of the hotels, but it's still pretty easy walking distance for me.

[Poody]

A few years ago I stayed at a Super 8 that was on Harbor. I think it's gone now though.... It was perfect though and maybe $70 a night. So go with the one you found.

[Mr. Toad]

Brandon - I have stayed at the Super 8 repeatedly over the years and have found it to be completely adequate. Really, I spend so much time at Disneyland, all i do is sleep there. It is quiet, the staff have been great with requests and there is a half decent continental breakfast. If that is your price range you are not going to do better.

I prefer the Howard Johnson if I have a little more money but I dont this year so I am going to spend four nights at the Super 8 in July.

There is a Motel 6 just off of I5 where I have had horrible experiences, thefts by staff huge noise. Dont go there.

[BrandonH]

Mr. Toad or anyone else who's been there:

Is the Super 8 on Katella as good a choice as the one on Disneyland Drive? The positives are that it is closer to the Denny's and IHOP where I will start some mornings, I don't have to make U-turns after exiting the freeway to reach it, and I can get a room there for $20 less. However, if there are some negatives involved in choosing the Katella location, I'd like to be aware of them.

Edited to add: After checking multiple booking and review sites, I ended up going with the Super 8 on Katella. I got a rate of about $53 per night after fees, and it's at least a name I've heard of. It ranked well with solo travelers on TripAdvisor, too. Thanks to all of you for your feedback. I'll be sure to post a trip report.

[skippy]

Hello Brandon,

For the price that you would be paying to stay at one of these lower-tiered budget hotels, you could stay at a 3.5 star hotel.

I've gone to Disneyland over 20 times over the years and each time have used priceline.com. Although you don't know what hotel you are staying at, you are able to bid area (Disneyland zone), and star level, (I usually use the 3.5 star option).

I've never paid more than 50 dollars a night and have gotten hotels such as the Hyatt, Crowne Plaza, Hilton Suites, Holiday Inn, Sheraton, WestCoast Anaheim, Marriot, etc.

These properties do charge for parking/resort fee (between $10 and $12 a day), and require use of the ART (bus) system to get to the park ($3) a day.

I know that using priceline can be very confusing and/or scary for some people.

Try reading the frequently asked questions at this site: www.biddingfortravel.com, it is a priceline travelers message board.

If you do decide to try it I would be willing to walk with you through it via this board or emails.

Best of Luck!

[BrandonH]

Thank you for the tips about Priceline, but it won't be happening this trip. I've made the reservation already, and I don't care as much about a nicer hotel as just not having a crummy one. Were I to go again, I would probably get the So Cal entertainment book and reserve a room at the Howard Johnson, which is super-close and can be had for $59/night on some nights.

[skippy]

Cool, enjoy your trip! ( I didn't read the edit in the above post before posting).

Hope you have a great time!

[Mr. Toad]

Brandon - I have never stayed at the Katella one so I cant help there. Enjoy your trip.