Hotel 414 Anaheim

This tidy, motel-style property, previously a Knights Inn, was rebranded in 2016. It’s flanked by other hotels on a busy, six-lane road that leads to Disneyland, which is less than a mile away -- but the residential neighborhood that's behind the hotel helps make it a relatively quiet place. Couples and Disney-bound families are most commonly seen here. Palm trees and nice landscaping grace the entrance, where a modest office serves as the registration area. Disney displays are prevalent, and the only seating is a huge red armchair, so it’s not a place where guests will spend time once after check-in. With no other public spaces, the sunny outdoor pool is the only gathering area for guests. High walls provide privacy from the homes behind it.

The Hotel 414 Anaheim is located on a busy road in the heart of Anaheim, just off Interstate 5. It’s a 15-minute walk to Disneyland Resort’s main entrance. The Anaheim Resort Transit buses stop in front of the hotel and transport guests to various area attractions including the Anaheim Convention Center (10 minutes by shuttle). Several dining options are within walking distance, including Starbucks (three-minute walk), Subway (five-minute walk), and a pizzeria (five-minute walk). Drive times to many attractions are short as well, including to Honda Center (eight minutes), Angel Stadium of Anaheim (10 minutes), and Knott’s Berry Farm (15 minutes). Approximate driving times to the John Wayne Airport and LAX are 20 and 45 minutes, respectively. 

For a modest hotel, guest rooms at Hotel 414 Anaheim are tidy, fresh, and modern -- a fact that has pleasantly surprised many past guests. The biggest surprise could be the lovely wood laminate floors, which have a reddish brown finish that gives the spaces an attractive warm glow. On the whole, rooms are fairly minimalist with sleek and clean-lined furnishings, Teal accent walls and geometric-patterned bedspreads in teal, copper, and brown add color and flair. Taupe-colored, laminate wood and stainless steel furniture enhance the modern ambiance, though a notable drawback is a lack of seating beyond the black leather office chairs that accompany work desks. The large, bright bathrooms have also been updated with roomy walk-in showers with clear glass doors (or standard shower/tub combos), light beige tiling, and dispensers for soap and shampoo. Dark wood vanities are topped by white acrylic countertops, and small windows provide fresh air and natural light. Standard amenities include flat-screen TVs, microwaves, mini-fridges, coffeemakers, and free Wi-Fi. Note that some ambient noise can be heard, especially in first-floor rooms from the rooms directly above them -- but it’s not significant. 

The hotel's limited amenities reflect its value-oriented approach and focus on Disney. The Anaheim Resort shuttle stops in front of the hotel and takes guests directly to Disney (for a modest fee). Discount tickets to Disneyland Resort and other area parks are sold at the front desk. Another perk is that the Disney fireworks can be seen and heard from the hotel grounds. In terms of its on-site features, the hotel lacks any dining (though a Starbucks is less than a block away). It's main highlight is its outdoor pool. Though it's not heated, it’s eight feet deep at one end and surrounded by a privacy wall. Other perks include a safe deposit box (available at the front desk) and free Wi-Fi. Free parking is available on a surface lot that includes spaces directly in front of rooms on the first floor.