The hotels on property at Disneyland are amazing…and expensive. Nearby hotels in Anaheim offer many of the same amenities at a fraction of the cost. Here’s why choosing a close, off-property Disneyland hotel might be the best choice for your family.

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It’s a fact.

The three Disney-owned resort hotels at Disneyland in Anaheim, California – the Disneyland Hotel, Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel and Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel – are awesome. After all, they are steps away from Disneyland park, Disney California Adventure park and Downtown Disney. And they will immerse you in the Disney experience. Disneyland resort hotels have great restaurants and killer pools and amenities. You can even start the day with a character breakfast.

But all this awesomeness doesn’t come cheap. In fact, one night at a Disney hotel can easily cost more than $400. The alternative? Stay at one of the many off-property hotels near Disneyland and enjoy many of the same perks, for a fraction of the price!

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Top Off-Property Disneyland Hotels

Unlike Walt Disney World in Florida, where all the hotels closest to the parks are owned by Disney, the Disneyland Resort only has three of its own properties. It partners with local hotels as a service to guests. These hotels, designated as Good Neighbor hotels, have all been inspected and approved by Disney. And unlike at Walt Disney World, the majority of these off-property hotels are in walking distance to Disneyland.

While you won’t receive all the benefits of staying at a Disney property (such as Extra Magic Hours, Character Dining at your hotel, Mickey Wake-up Calls and Preferred Access Restaurant Reservations), these hotels offer quite a few other great perks. Some include shuttle service, free continental breakfast, and Disney-themed room décor.

My family has stayed at a number of off-property Disneyland hotels, and we’ve almost always had a great experience. Here are 15 top off-property Disneyland hotels.

1. Candy Cane Inn

The Candy Cane Inn is a charming, moderately priced hotel located less than a half mile from the parks.

Candy Cane Inn offers suites with either a king or two queen beds. As an older property, the décor is somewhat outdated (though some would argue in a cool retro kind of way). Overall, the hotel overall is clean and very well kept. Rooms include a mini-fridge and coffeemaker.

Although it is within easy walking distance to the parks, transportation to and from the parks is included. A free continental breakfast is served each morning on the pool deck. These perks alone make Candy Cane Inn a great hotel for your Disneyland vacation!

2. Courtyard Marriott Theme Park Entrance

Like the name suggests, the Courtyard Marriott Theme Park Entrance is just steps away from the entrance to both Disneyland and Disney’s California Adventure. It is located on Harbor Boulevard, just a five-minute walk away.

The Courtyard Marriott Theme Park Entrance is just a few years old. It was designed exclusively with families in mind and has lots of family-friendly modern conveniences! Its amenities and services make it feel more like a full-service Marriott than a Courtyard brand hotel. It is six stories high and features 202 guest rooms and 19 suites; many have views of Disneyland.

Aside from its fabulous location, the hotel’s biggest draw for families is Surfside Waterpark, a 20,000 square foot water playground. Located on the hotel’s second level, Surfside features four water slides, a 400-gallon drench bucket, water cannons, kids’ wading pool, hot tub and swimming pool.

3. Hilton Anaheim

With 1,572 guest rooms, the Hilton Anaheim is Orange County’s largest hotel and its premier convention destination. The hotel is located adjacent to the Anaheim Convention Center and just a short walk to the Disneyland Resort, or you can take a shuttle.

Though the Hilton Anaheim is primarily known as a business hotel, the great thing about this property is that when there isn’t an event going on at the Convention Center, rooms are pretty cheap! We’ve stayed there for as little as $89 a night.

Among the hotel’s many features are the contemporary Mix Restaurant & Lounge, three outdoor garden decks, a pool, spa and fitness center, and a full-service business center.

4. Anaheim Marriott

Like the Hilton, the Anaheim Marriott is located adjacent to the Convention Center and close to the Disneyland Resort. It is easily one of the nicest hotels in the area, tastefully decorated with a sophisticated lobby, lounge and pool area. However, this is Disneyland, so don’t think it isn’t kid-friendly!

We’ve stayed here a few times and always have a great experience. Service is great, the rooms are stylish and comfortable, and many come with balconies. This is a great option if you are traveling during a time when there is no convention in town and want to score a deal.

5. Castle Inn & Suites

Castle Inn & Suites is a Camelot-themed property and one of the closest hotels walking distance to Disneyland. Choose from an array of guest rooms and suites. Rooms feature amenities such as coffeemakers, mini fridge and free wifi.

There are plenty of restaurants and places to grab a quick snack in walking distance. Castle Inn & Suites is one of the most budget-friendly hotels walking distance from Disneyland.

6. Anaheim Fairfield Inn

Of all the hotels walking distance to Distance to Disneyland, the Fairfield Inn by Marriott is probably the one we’ve stayed at most. It is located just a block up Harbor Boulevard from the main entrance.

The Anaheim Fairfield Inn is modern and comfortable, with recently-renovated rooms that include either a king or two queen bed, and a pull-out sofa. Opt for an upper floor and you’ll find a Disney-themed room. The upper floors are also the best spot to view the fireworks, and you can go up to watch regardless of where your room is located.

There is a Panera and a McDonald’s just outside the hotel, a small food court with a Pizza Hut inside. All the rooms include a fridge. This is great because unfortunately unlike most other Fairfield Inns, this location does not provide free breakfast.

7. Four Points by Sheraton Anaheim

Don’t let the hotel’s location on the other side of the 5 freeway be off-putting. The walk to the Disneyland Resort from the new Four Points by Sheraton Anaheim (formerly Hotel Ménage) is still one of the shortest, and there is a very safe crosswalk.

The hotel offers large, comfortable rooms. There is a new restaurant onsite, which I hear has a great breakfast menu!

Perhaps this property’s biggest selling point is its outdoor area. The Four Points by Sheraton has a large pool, nice tropical landscaped patio and outdoor bar. Pull up a lounge chair at night and enjoy a spectacular view of the fireworks.

8. Howard Johnson Anaheim Hotel & Water Playground

A pirate-themed water park and game room make this hotel a favorite for families with young kids! The Howard Johnson Anaheim Hotel has been named among TripAdvisor’s Top 25 Hotels for Families in the United States five times.

There is a range of room types, from studios to suites, to accommodate any size family. We stayed in a pirate-themed Kids Suite, which has separate bedrooms and is a great choice for large families (or in our case, two small families sharing the space!)

The hotel’s Castaway Cove water park includes fun water slides and cannons, a wading pool for the little ones and a 30-foot pirate ship. And because it is in such short walking distance to Disneyland, the water park is great to visit on an afternoon break from the parks.

9. Residence Inn at Anaheim Resort

Like all of Marriott’s Residence Inn hotels, the Residence Inn at Anaheim Resort features large rooms perfect for bigger families or those that like to spread out.

The Residence Inn Anaheim Resort is one of just a few hotels close to Disneyland that offer full-size kitchens. This is a great amenity if you are looking to save some money and cook meals in your hotel room, or even just extra convenient for storing beverages and late-night snacks.

Traveling with young kids? Opt for one of the hotel’s fun and colorful kids suites, which are feature brightly themed rooms with bunk beds and a separate extra bathroom. The hotel also offers free breakfast, which is another great money-saver for families!

10. Best Western Plus Park Place Inn

There are actually a number of Best Western hotels walking distance to Disneyland (five to be exact: Best Western Park Place Inn, Best Western Plus Anaheim Inn, Best Western Plus Stovall’s Inn, Best Western Plus Pavilions and Best Western Courtesy Inn) but our favorite is the Best Western Plus Park Place Inn. It is literally right across the street from the main entrance on Harbor Boulevard, and probably nearer to the parks than the Disneyland hotel!

Besides being a super short walk to the parks, the Best Western Plus Park Place Inn offers views of the fireworks at night. Rooms and suites are updated and comfortable, and there are lots of options (including mini-suites with two queen beds and a sofa) so you can pick the best one for your family size and needs. The Best Western Plus Park Place Inn is a wonderful off-property Disneyland hotel!

11. Hyatt House

Hyatt House is a relatively new hotel, located on the corner of Harbor and Katella. It is about a 15-minute walk to the Disneyland entrance.

Hyatt House is a great option for families who want the extra space that an apartment-style room can provide. Suites include a full kitchen and separate sitting areas, and you can take advantage of the hotel’s grocery shopping service to stock up!

Hyatt House also serves a complimentary buffet breakfast every morning, making this hotel a double-win.

12. Sheraton Park Hotel

Sheraton Park Hotel is located near the Anaheim Convention Center and a short walk to the parks. The rooms are large and tastefully decorated. They also have balconies, which is always an added perk! The Sheraton Park Hotel has several onsite restaurants and bars, including one out by the pool.

Speaking of the pool – the hotel’s landscaping is a cut above, and it has a great pool with a lush, tropical feel. So if you are traveling in the summertime especially, this is a great hotel to consider!

13. Hotel Indigo Anaheim

Located a 15- 20 minute walk away from Disneyland, Hotel Indigo Anaheim is one of the furthest from the parks on this list, but still a very doable walk!

What makes the Hotel Indigo special is its size. With just 104 rooms, it is a boutique hotel with a quiet, peaceful feel. But that doesn’t mean it isn’t kid friendly! (This is Disneyland, after all!)

The hotel’s decor is bright and contemporary. Rooms are comfortable with plenty of modern conveniences, and there is a pool. Chambers Bar & Bistro serves gourmet California cuisine in a relaxed setting, while a selection of hand-crafted cocktails allows you to unwind in style after a day in the parks.

14. Grand Legacy at the Park

Grand Legacy at the Park is one of the closest hotels to the Disneyland Resort, and for that reason alone it belongs on this list! If proximity is a top priority, then Grand Legacy at the Park is definitely a hotel to consider.

Formerly a Ramada property, this Anaheim hotel is an older property but just recently underwent a major renovation, including the addition of a new wing. Rooms are large and comfortable, and the property has a big pool, Kids Splash Zone, and cool rooftop restaurant and bar.

15. Hyatt Regency Orange County

At one mile away from Disneyland, the Hyatt Regency Orange County is the furthest hotel on this list of hotels close to Disneyland. However, a quick shuttle ride will get you there in no time!

I include the Hyatt Regency on this list because it is quite frankly one of the nicest off-property Anaheim hotels. The rooms are thoroughly modern and the beds super comfy. There are two pools, a 24-hour fitness center, and several restaurants on site. Location aside, it has all the amenities of a deluxe Disney property for a fraction of the price.

Personally, I prefer to stay at a hotel in walking distance to Disneyland, because I like being able to easily pop back to the room for a break or whatever. BUT, if you can deal with the trade-off of being slightly further away, the Hyatt Regency is a great choice for a luxury stay.

Off-Property Disneyland Hotels: The Bottom Line

While Disney-owned properties will give you more Disney theming and perks than offsite properties, the savings you’ll get staying at one of the Good Neighbor hotels makes booking an off-property hotel well worth it! Off-property hotels are cheaper, but when you consider bang for your buck they deliver a lot more value for your family vacation to Disneyland!

Check out these articles for more help planning a Disneyland trip!