Visiting Anaheim – Best Independent Hotels

Disneyland California Adventure – Magic Franco via Trover

Whether you’re visiting Anaheim for theme parks, a convention or sports event, there will surely be crowds and non-stop bustle. It’s important to recharge your batteries, internal and external, to calm and find some balance – so you can stay at the top of your game.

Consider staying in a boutique or independent hotel. Anaheim has terrific weather most of the year, so modest sized lodging with a garden, a deck off your room, a pool or spa can really make your visit memorable.

Angel Stadium in Anaheim by Aaron Silvers

Here’s a few to consider when visiting Anaheim:

Hotel Indigo

European flair on a budget

The Hotel Indigo has a European vibe down with colorful graphic touches and modern furniture. The 100 room hotel is well situated between the Convention Center and Disneyland.

Special touches: Aveda bath products in the rooms, parking is free which leaves more in the budget to spend at Garden Walk next door with its array of restaurants and shops.  Enjoy happy hour at the trendy bar and restaurant on site. The pool has a Jacuzzi and a cabana that’s a great place to chill with a drink. Disneyland is an 8-10 minute walk, you can walk to the Convention Center easily and there’s an airport shuttle. WiFi is complementary. Never feel unsafe as there are always families walking in the neighborhood.

The Ayres Hotel

Old world style with modern amenities

This family owned chain is built around an old world, German style. The Ayres Hotels are known for large wooden headboards, mahogany armoires, writing desks and ‘gas’ lanterns.  Built for modern comforts there’s complementary WiFi and the hot breakfast is one of the best in the area. Pet friendly rooms are available by reservation and guest parking is just $10 a night. Shuttles are near for Disneyland, Angel’s Stadium and the Honda Center.

Hotel Menage

Cabana bar, award-winning restaurant and pet friendly fun

Relax in the pool and Jacuzzi before heading off to Disneyland or enjoy the Cabana bar with its lounge and Hawaiian cocktails. In the evenings at the Hotel Menage as Disneyland closes the fireworks are visible near the Palapa and from many of the rooms decks. The award-winning gastropub, American Tavern, serves craft beers and specialty cocktails. On Sundays, bottomless mimosas come with brunch.  Bring your pet along (dogs up to 60 lbs.) with a reservation in a pet-friendly room. Kids will enjoy the large pool and splash fountains. Other perks include Euro style shower hardware, free WiFi , self or valet parking.

Portofino Inn

Kids suites, hot tubs and Disney fireworks

All the rooms at the Portofino Inn have private balconies and many have views of the local area. If you’re there with the family consider booking a kid suite that includes two bunk beds and a couch. Parents will enjoy having sliding glass doors between rooms for privacy and to get the kids to sleep early. Kids will have their own space and a personal night light. The hotel offers free WiFi, premium cable channels on 37 inch TV’s, coffee makers and there’s airport plus attraction shuttles available. The Convention is just around the corner, so you can leave the car parked in the free hotel lot.

This post is part of the Hipmunk City Love: Best Of Anaheim Hotels.

Rent a private house

Airbnb home your special occasion or family reunion

Want privacy and the comforts of home within 10 minutes of all the entertainment that Anaheim offers? Planning a small wedding or dinner party? Consider this private home for your special occasion. Planning a family vacation? Renting hotel rooms for a large group can be pretty expensive and on this park-like setting the kids will enjoy running around the Certified Wildlife Habitat and pond. Six bedrooms can sleep 16 comfortably. This unique and well-appointed home is on a 17,163 sq ft lot in the Five Points Historic District. Park easily inside the gated drive or on street.

Whichever way you book your visit these options will help you enjoy all that Anaheim has to offer while staying rested and energized.

Written as part of the Hipmunk City Love Project from my own research and selections.