Lemon Tree Hotel and Suites

The Lemon Tree Hotel and Suites mainly attracts Disney-bound families and couples on a budget. It's far enough away from Disney to offer more affordable rates than hotels near the park, yet still close enough to be convenient (plus there's a free shuttle). The hotel's Spanish Colonial architecture is a step-up from motel-style budget stylings, and there are some pleasant outdoor spaces, like an outdoor pool and a patio with a barbecue and seating.

Interiors are homey, if a bit dated. A living room-like lobby has tufted leather couches in front of a fireplace, while the wooden floors are adorned with a Persian-style rug. Paintings in gilt frames hang here and there, decorative vases line a mirrored cabinet, and there are some plants and flowers dotted about. It's not high style, but the space is pleasant. Overall, inexpensive rates makes this a good value and draw budget tourists, but it's not much more than a glorified motel, so expectations should be managed.

The hotel is situated in a residential area in Anaheim. There are a couple of chain restaurants and fast food options (including a pancake house and Burger King) down the street. Disney is a 10-minute drive away, and the hotel offers a free shuttle service (but it's limited). There are a couple of other family-friendly attractions in the area, including Knott's Berry Farm (13-minute drive) and Adventure City (17-minute drive). The Anaheim Convention Center is a 15-minute drive from the hotel. The nearest beaches include Newport Beach, Laguna Beach, and Huntington Beach, which take about a half-hour to reach by car (or up to an hour depending on traffic). Los Angeles is about an hour's drive away, though can be longer due to traffic. LAX Airport is 45 minutes to an hour-and-a-half away, also depending on traffic.

Rooms are fairly average in size. Standard King Rooms start out at 250 square feet (23 square meters), while Standard Queen Rooms are 300 square feet (28 square meters). Family Suites sleep up to six people and measure 530 square feet (49 square meters). One Bedroom Patio Suites are the same size, but sleep up to four. Rooms feature a homey style that's a bit dated, but pleasant enough. Warm orange and yellow hues are paired with mustard accent walls and either tiled, wood, or carpeted floors. Wooden furnishings have a traditional style and include desks, dressers, nightstands, and headboards. Beds are topped with orange-red bed runners and some have colorful striped accent pillows. All rooms open onto private balconies or patios that are furnished with chairs and tables and overlook the courtyard or the pool. Amenities include flat-screen TVs, microwaves, mini-fridges, coffeemakers, and free Wi-Fi. Some of the suites have wet bars and swap mini-fridges for full-size refrigerators.

Bathrooms are rather plain and have shower/tub combos and wall-mounted hairdryers. Toiletries are supplied. Some rooms have large sink vanities in the bedroom right outside of the bathrooms. These are large and offer plenty of storage space. Jacuzzi King Rooms add whirlpool tubs.

A handful of features add value to a stay here. There's a pleasant heated outdoor pool with a hot tub, as well as an outdoor patio with barbecue facilities. The pool deck has a handful of loungers. Free breakfast is served daily in the lobby, but it gets mediocre reviews. It includes cereals, pastries, bread, waffles, hard boiled eggs, and fruit, plus coffee, tea, and juice. There's a computer for guest use in the lobby, as well as an ATM machine. Wi-Fi is free throughout, as is parking on the hotel's lot. The hotel offers a free shuttle service to and from Disney, but it runs on a limited schedule and requires advance notice to reserve seats. There are laundry facilities for guest use.