Anaheim Islander Inn and Suites

The lovely landscaping of this tidy, family-operated, 1960s-era hotel stands out here. Tall, potted palms sit right outside some rooms, and flowering bougainvillea flourishes along the railings that separate the first and second stories. More tropical plants and flowers thriving near the entrance reinforce the “Islander” in the hotel's name and contribute to the inviting ambience. More potted plants adorn the small lobby, where a cluster of mauve upholstered armchairs provide a spot for guests to sit. A stone fireplace and grayish-brown plank floors add warmth to the space, which offers racks of tourist brochures for guests to peruse. Soft gold walls and lots of windows brighten the cheerful space, which has a stainless steel-framed front desk. Close to both Disney and the Anaheim Convention Center, this relaxed and friendly hotel draws budget-conscious families and groups, and business travelers attending conferences. 

The hotel is located near the corner of West Katella Avenue and South Harbor Avenue, a busy intersection in the heart of Anaheim’s resort district. It’s a 10- to 15-minute walk to Disneyland and the Anaheim Convention Center, or about 10 minutes on the Anaheim Resort Transit (ART) bus that stops outside the hotel. It’s directly across the street from the Anaheim GardenWalk (a five-minute walk) that has several upscale chain restaurants, cinemas, and fast-food restaurants. A pharmacy and several other restaurants, including an IHOP, are less than a five-minute walk from the hotel. The entrance to Interstate 5 is about a five-minute drive from the property, with the Angel Stadium of Anaheim, Honda Center, and the Outlets at Orange about an eight- to 10-minute drive away. Sunset Beach, Newport Beach, and Knott’s Berry Farm are 20 to 30 minutes away, depending on traffic. John Wayne Airport is about a 20-minute drive from the hotel, and LAX is about 45 minutes away by car.

The 34 rooms at the 1960s-era, motor court-style Anaheim Islander Inn and Suites are spacious, but their decor is a bit dark and dated. Dark-brown carpeting and bed skirts are paired with pumpkin-colored bedspreads and accent walls. White slats cover the windows in lieu of drapes, allowing little light to seep in. Yellow and gold tones on walls and in contemporary art add much-needed brightness. The matching maple-finish wood furniture includes headboards, dressers, and tables/desks. Small white-tile bathrooms are basic but serviceable, with white acrylic vanities and shower/tub combos -- the wall-length mirrors over the sinks are a nice touch; hairdryers and toiletries are provided. 

Rooms come in several sizes and configurations, ranging from Deluxe (standard) Double Queen (350 square feet) to the Two-Bedroom, Four-Queen Suites (640 square feet) that can sleep up to eight people. Be aware that two-bedroom suites have only one bathroom. Kids Rooms (390 square feet) have two queen beds and bunk beds, and some Standard Double Queen Rooms have sleeper sofas and a bit more space. All rooms include microwaves, mini-fridges, coffeemakers, free Wi-Fi, and flat-screen TVs (Two-Bedroom Suites have two TVs). Rooms, most of which overlook the grounds, are generally quiet, but they pick up some ambient noise from the busy road and pool area.

This budget-friendly hotel packs in some extras, including a continental breakfast with fruit and pastries each morning at no additional charge. It also has a large, heated outdoor pool that’s eight-feet deep at one end, and surrounded by towering palms and lounge chairs. Parking is free, and guests staying on the ground-floor can park in front of their rooms. The hotel has a coin-operated laundry, and valet laundry and dry cleaning services can be arranged. A computer station with internet access is in the lobby for guests' use. Guests can buy Disney tickets at the front desk and snacks from on-site vending machines. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel.