Best Value Hotels in Orange County

A short walk from the beach, the family-run Pacific Inn is popular among business travelers and vacationers alike. This budget property is a triangular shape, and has a courtyard pool, an extensive warm breakfast buffet, and simple, slightly dark rooms with mini-fridges and microwaves. There's no restaurant on-site, but the hotel's free shuttle will take guests anywhere they need to go within a five-mile radius, and there are plenty of places to eat within a few blocks of the property.

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 Howard Johnson Anaheim Hotel and Water Playground is a great pick for families, with its own mini water park, 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 and late-night pitter patters at bay. Though a little pricier than other nearby hotels, the water park, peaceful garden pool, and free parking are nice perks. All in all, this is one of Anaheim’s top options for families with young children.

The 133-room Ayres Hotel Anaheim is a classically elegant (although some would call it dated) alternative to the more common hotels around Disneyland. Richly decorated and full of homey touches including fireplaces, antique furniture, and soft beds, this hotel has a more grownup vibe in comparison to its neighbors. There is an affordable shuttle to nearby attractions, an outdoor pool and hot tub, and a well-maintained business center. Located steps away from the Honda Center and walking distance to Angel Stadium, this hotel is a comfortable, convenient pick. However, there's no full restaurant (but breakfast is free) and the fitness center is small.

Catering to families looking for a spa experience as well as business travelers in town for local conventions, the Anabella is right next to the Anaheim Convention Center and a short drive to Disneyland and the California Adventure Park. The 358 rooms here range from standards to suites, and all have free Wi-Fi and classic, muted decor. There are two pools on the property, one of which is a designated quiet space, as well as a whirlpool and a restaurant serving everything from children's snacks to cocktails. The hotel is equally popular with business travelers and families, but those wanting something closer to Disneyland may prefer the Carousel Inn and Suites, just across the street from the theme park's main gates.

Rooms fill up fast at the 59-room Anaheim Del Sol Inn, which is not surprising considering it's a clean, budget-and-family friendly hotel across the street from the entrance to Disneyland. With its proximity to the park and budget friendly restaurants, rooms designed specifically with kids in mind, heated outdoor pool, free Wi-Fi, free continental breakfast, and cookies in the lobby, it's a very popular choice for families. This hotel is a Disney Good Neighbor, so tickets to Disneyland can be purchased in the lobby for the same price as at the gates, minus the line. However, there's no full restaurant or gym, and room decor is a bit drab.

The 190-room Castle Inn and Suites has a facade that resembles a castle and a Renaissance-themed lobby. The hotel's location is its biggest draw, just steps from Disneyland and near many affordable chain restaurants. Rooms are spacious and clean, but dated, and come with coffeemakers, mini-fridges, and microwaves. There is an outdoor pool, whirlpool, and children's pool on-site. The fourth-floor balcony is an excellent viewing point for the Disneyland fireworks, but there's no on-site gym or restaurant.

With modern touches and contemporary furnishings, the mid-range Hotel Menage strives to offer an upscale experience at a budget price, and does a fairly good job at it. Its location near the Disney Parks and the Anaheim Garden Walk makes it convenient for families and leisure travelers, and extra touches such as free Wi-Fi, an on-site restaurant and bar, a stylish business center, and a variety of meeting spaces and ballrooms add value for business travelers. All rooms are spacious, especially the extra-large family suites. Some of the rooms and public areas feel a bit worn, and some past guests have complained that the Wi-Fi signal in rooms is weak.

The 121-room Laguna Hills Lodge is a solid value property located a 10-minute drive from the beach, near the Civic Center, restaurants, and a shopping mall. There is an outdoor pool and hot tub with lounge chairs and umbrellas. Rooms are simple and clean with microwaves, mini-fridges, and coffeemakers. The hotel offers a free continental breakfast and there's laundry, a business center, and fitness center all on-site. Some guests have noted that beds are on the too-firm side and the decor is plain, but those looking to save cash will appreciate freebies like breakfast, parking, and Wi-Fi.

The Laguna Riviera is a low-key, family-run resort right on the beach, which gets a good deal of repeat visitors. Many of the rooms look out over the ocean, and some have full kitchens. There's a pool, a game room, and a lending library on-site and a number of shops and cafes within a short walk from the hotel. The lack of on-site restaurant is a drawback, although a free continental breakfast is served daily.

A large upper-middle-range property with 376 spacious rooms, the Wyndham Anaheim Garden Grove (formerly the Crowne Plaza) features multiple dining options, free shuttles to nearby attractions, and beautiful outdoor spaces. There's a wide variety of room types to suit families, groups, couples, and business travelers, and the hotel offers three floors of designated quiet areas for travelers who want some extra peace and privacy. There's a daily resort fee that covers parking, Wi-Fi, and access to the pool and fitness center.

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.