Best Value Hotels in Anaheim

Freebies are extensive at the classically elegant (though some call it dated) Ayres Hotel: a daily hot buffet breakfast including pancakes, Wi-Fi, weekday newspapers, and weekday receptions with free beer, wine, and cookies. Located steps away from the Honda Center and walking distance to Angel Stadium, this 133-room hotel is a comfortable, convenient alternative to the more common hotels around Disneyland. There is an affordable shuttle to nearby attractions, an outdoor pool and hot tub, and a well-maintained business center. 

Though a little pricier than other nearby hotels, the Howard Johnson Anaheim Hotel and Water Playground is nonetheless a great pick, with its own mini water park, peaceful garden pool, large game room, and convenient location a short walk away from Disneyland. The hotel is modern and rooms are immaculately clean with soundproofed walls that keep freeway noise at bay. There are also free Wi-Fi, easy shuttle access to airports and attractions, a 24-hour front desk, a well-supplied gift shop, coin laundry, and plenty of free parking. All in all, this is one of Anaheim’s top options for families with young children. 

With free Wi-Fi, free parking, and a free daily hot breakfast, the independently owned Stanford Inn & Suites is a solid budget option. This hotel is a bit far from the most popular Anaheim sites, but it offers a shuttle (for a fee) straight to Disneyland for guests without cars (or who don't want to pay for Disneyland parking). Rooms are basic but clean, and there's an outdoor heated pool, whirlpool, and picnic area, plus an on-site laundry facilities.

Located less than a block from Disneyland's front gates, the Best Western Plus Anaheim Inn is an updated value hotel where children 17 and under stay free. The 88 rooms are dated, but include free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, microwaves, and coffeemakers. A substantial hot breakfast buffet is included in the rates (note there's a mandatory resort fee), and it can be taken on the outdoor terrace. There are a modern fitness room and an outdoor pool with loungers and a hot tub. 

The Best Western Plus Park Place Inn - Mini Suites is directly across the street from the entrance to Disneyland. The 199 rooms are large ("mini-suites"), and come with sofa beds, microwaves, mini-fridges, coffeemakers, and flat-screen TVs. The heated outdoor pool has a hot tub, and a free breakfast buffet is served at the neighboring Captain Kidd's restaurant. Wi-Fi is free in the rooms and in common areas, and coin-operated laundry is available.

This casual and friendly condo-like hotel is in the heart of Anaheim’s resort area, within walking distance of Disney. A hot breakfast buffet is included in rates -- but there's no evening reception, which is typical of other Residence Inns. The 200 spacious suites are attractively decorated and have fully equipped kitchens, each with a full-size fridge, oven, sink, dishwasher, microwave, coffeemaker, toaster oven, cookware, and utensils. The heated outdoor pool and two hot tubs are open 24/7. Perks include a laundry room, free Wi-Fi, and free parking.

The Castle Inn and Suites' location is its biggest draw -- its steps from Disneyland and near many affordable chain restaurants. The 190-room has a castle-like facade, a Renaissance-themed lobby, and spacious and clean -- but dated -- rooms that come with coffeemakers, mini-fridges, and microwaves. There are an outdoor pool, whirlpool, and children's pool on-site. The fourth-floor balcony is an excellent viewing point for the Disneyland fireworks. Parking and Wi-Fi are free.

The Anaheim Desert Inn and Suites has a convenient location near the entrance to Disneyland. A rooftop terrace has a viewing deck for Disney's nightly fireworks display and there is an indoor pool and hot tub. Nice freebies include parking, continental breakfast, and Wi-Fi. Rooms are clean and spacious, but walls and ceilings are a bit thin. This hotel is a solid pick for an affordable Disneyland vacation, but there's no on-site gym or full restaurant.

The mid-range Fairfield Inn Anaheim Hills Orange County offers good value for travelers seeking a hotel outside the immediate Disney District but still near the attractions. Adjacent to the Riverside freeway, the hotel is about a 20-minute drive to Disney. A renovated fitness center, a heated outdoor pool, free parking, and a laundry room round out its features. The 163 rooms are spacious and include microwaves, mini-fridges, coffeemakers, and free Wi-Fi, but they're reached by motel-style exterior corridors and pick up ambient outdoor noise. A hot breakfast buffet is included in room rates.

The colorful and contemporary Desert Palms Hotel & Suites is popular with families and business travelers alike. Featuring 196 rooms, including 42 suites with separate rooms for children, this property is located a short walk from Disneyland, the Disney Adventure Park, and the Anaheim Convention Center. Conveniences include free Wi-Fi, parking, and breakfast, and a business center. It's a great value for a mid-range hotel, but its proximity to nearby theme parks means that guests should expect some noise from kids.

The lower-middle-range Best Western Plus Pavilions packs a triple punch of amenities, location, and affordable rates. It’s within walking distance of Disney, the Anaheim Convention Center, and numerous restaurants, making it popular with families and convention-goers alike. Adults (but not children) receive daily vouchers for a free breakfast at the adjacent Denny’s, and free continental breakfast bags are available, too. Its heated outdoor pool with whirlpool is large for a hotel of this size. It also has a gym and business center, laundry room, free Wi-Fi, and valet dry cleaning and laundry. Its 98 rooms come with microwaves, mini-fridges, flat-screen TVs, and coffeemakers, but no in-room safes. Another downside: Room access is via exterior corridors.