Just a few weeks ago we spent a couple days at our happy place. We seriously love Disneyland, but I have a love-hate relationship with Disneyland in the summer. OMG can it get HOT! That is why I love staying at the Howard Johnson Anaheim Hotel and Water PlayGround because the rooms are amazing, but also because of Castaway Cove! Grab a Mickey shaped ice cream bar, sit back and let me tell you why you need to stay at the HOJO!
It's no secret that we LOVE staying at Howard Johnson Anaheim Hotel & Water PlayGround. It is simply the best and I am here to share with you why. When you book use code LNLR for 15% off (USE CODE 1000022077) and if you are an annual passholder use code LNAP for 20% off (USE CODE 1000025935)! Click here to make your reservations.
When planning your trip to Disneyland the biggest decision is always where to stay. If you are searching for something affordable, walking distance from the parks, water park and pool, and amazing Disney themed rooms, then I highly recommend Howard Johnson Anaheim Hotel and Water Playground.
The proximity is less than a 10 minute walk from the Disneyland entrance. It is so important to be close in case children need afternoon naps. You can walk back to the hotel and relax for a little bit before returning to Disneyland for the rest of the evening. Plus, the Howard Johnson water park and pool is perfect on hot days to cool down before returning the park. The hotel also offers FREE parking and Wi-Fi access. With our season passes we actually have free parking at the Disneyland parking structure, but we prefer to stay at the HOJO and walk from the hotel right into Disneyland. It is so convenient and easy.
Howard Johnson has a pirate themed water park playground called Castaway Cove with slides and more. It is awesome! Believe me, all kids will love it. There is also a garden pool and separate secluded heated swimming pool, whirlpool spa, and children's pool. They also offer free face painting for guests the first Saturday of every month. There is also a game room.
The entire vibe of this hotel is so retro and cool. From the moment you check in you are greeted with pirate hats, balloon swords and a pirate chest full of chocolate gold dubloons. The walls are decorated with retro Disney posters and the oversized Howard Johnson orange chair is a must photo opportunity! I also love how it has a strong family vibe. Plus, the employees are so nice and helpful.
I also love these complimentary temporary tattoos that you can put on your child for when you are in the parks. HOJO thinks of everything!
The rooms are incredible. They are decorated in a bright contemporary decor. All rooms are air conditioned with either 1 king, 2 double, or 2 queen beds (you can even get rooms with bunk beds) and include a refrigerator, microwave, coffee/tea maker, hairdryer, iron, ironing board, 37" Hi-Def television including HBO, CNN, USA, ESPN, Disney Channel, and Discovery. Most rooms have a balcony and double sinks. They also have suites, roll away beds and cribs. They also have a laundromat in case you have to do laundry. This hotel seriously has everything! I like to stay in building 1, this building has completed renovation and is so nice (you can see from my photos below). I am so excited to share with you that renovation will start on building 2 in November.
I swear you won't find a cleaner or nicer hotel. It is always spotless and smells amazing every time we stay here.
This booth was so convenient for the kids to eat breakfast every morning or color while Blake and I finished getting ready.
I also love that they have Express Service (housekeeping for your busy schedule). Sightseeing can be exhausting and sometimes you just need an uninterrupted mid-day break. Howard Johnson invites you to make the choice of Express Service for your housekeeping needs. They offer trash removal, replenish coffee service, replenish bath amenities and towels. All guaranteed by 1 pm, just place the Express Service hanger on the outside of your door handle by 9 am and you're done.
The convenience store has breakfast/lunch items, sundries, souvenirs, beer and wine and more. We bought some snacks and souvenirs from the store. They had the cutest Mickey ears and tons of Sunstaches and you know we love Sunstaches.
Located right next to the Howard Johnson a safe walking distance away is a Mimi's, Panera (this is where we went every morning for breakfast), McDonalds, The Cove Market, IHOP, Cold Stone, Denny's, Tony Roma's, Subway, and more.
I love that we were so centrally located to everything. It is the perfect place for our family. We made family memories to last a lifetime and we are already looking forward to our next stay at Howard Johnson. Also don't just think you can only stay at the HOJO when you visit Disneyland. We also went to Universal Studios and stayed at the HOJO and it was less than an hour away. There is so much to do and see in southern California and the HOJO is here to help you make new family memories!
If you are looking for great deals on Disneyland tickets click here.
If you are looking for great deals on Disneyland tickets click here.