Today I’d like to review an excellent Good Neighbor hotel that is found not too far away from the front entrance to Disneyland itself:
Good Neighbor Hotel: Howard Johnson
We booked our reservations at the Howard Johnson through a friend who is a Disney travel agent and we never regretted the decision! Everything went off without a hitch thanks to the professionalism of our agent and the friendly staff at the hotel.
I intend to keep this review short with a what-you-really-need-to-know approach. So with that said, here is the room we stayed in:
The bed was very comfortable and the decor was nice with everything being extra clean. We also had a great view of Disneyland off our balcony. Well, parts of it anyway:
Taking a peek at the nighttime fireworks
Blue Monorail with the Matterhorn
Red Monorail with the Matterhorn
Blue sky with the Matterhorn
The hotel was just a 5-minute walk from the entrance to Disneyland. Pricing varies with the time of visit and length of stay, so suffice it to say that we found the cost to be at least 40% cheaper than a Disneyland hotel, if not even cheaper.
The wife and I (or is it Minnie?) arriving
You can also enjoy the Family Water Playground: “Our Castaway Cove pirate themed water park area is the only one in Anaheim outside of the Disney hotels. Kids of all ages will enjoy a 30-foot pirate ship with slides, water cannons, fountains, toddler wading pool, 200-gallon drench bucket and more. There is something for everyone at Castaway Cove, from your Captain to your tiniest buccaneer. Don’t miss the 15-person Hot Tub Spa, or the Garden Pool, a separate secluded area for swimming, relaxing or getting that California tan.” It was too cold for us to take advantage of these amenities when we visited. Oh well, next time!
Other amenities include free wi-fi, free parking, gym, restaurant and bar, convenience store, great staff, and of course, information on all-things Disney!
If you are planning a visit to Disneyland, there is an eatery you should visit, no matter where you choose to stay. Please read my review of The Pizza Press and I hope you enjoy your trip!
I was going to ask you about the pool! I hear so many great things about the HoJo but we have never stayed there. My son is all about the pools and when we were planning our trip pool areas was one of the first things I looked at. Would love to hear your pool thoughts from your next trip. 🙂
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Thanks for commenting! My next trip might not be too soon but I’ve heard from others who have used the HoJo pool that it rivals some of Disney’s resort pools. I think it’s safe to say your son would enjoy it!
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This hotel is actually on my to-do list. It looks so cool and retro.
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It does have that vibe… but with modern amenities and maintenance!
Thanks for commenting!
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Wow, this hotel really does look as close to Disneyland as is broadcast. As Julie said, the Ho Jo was booked solid when I checked its availability. Castaway Cove sounds like it just might give the Disneyland hotel pools a run for their money, and The Pizza Press a terrific alternative to Naples Ristorante. We might just make this our next Anaheim stop!
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You won’t regret it! We didn’t get to see the pool area due to weather and time constraints, but it does sound awesome. Thanks for commenting!
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I have considered a stay here before but it always seems to be booked! I’ll definitely keep it on the list, thanks for the review.
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Book extra-early I guess. LOL! Thanks for commenting!
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I had wondered about this hotel. I think it is actually rated higher than the Disney hotels on TripAdvisor. I looked into staying here last year when we visited Disneyland, but it was full. It sounds like a nice option. We went twice last year (first time ever in Feb. ) . We went again in June for a conference for my husband, because the first time so much was shut down in preparation for the 60th anniversary celebration. I think this hotel sounds like a good bet.
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Everyone is saying it is always booked, which says something! Interesting to know about the TripAdvisor score. Thanks for commenting!
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That hotel looks very adequate and I love that you had the view of the monorail and Matterhorn. Someday I’ll get out there! And I’m going to remember that pizza place! That looks delicious!
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View was great (I’m a huge monorail fan!) and yes, the pizza was delicious! You’ll get there Heidi!
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