Disneyland, the original of the Disney theme parks, is truly an original. Built in the center of Anaheim, Disneyland doesn’t have the same amount of space around the parks as Walt Disney World enjoys. As a result, however, there are many different hotels within walking distance of Disneyland, including chain hotels and Disney-owned and operated hotels.
When planning a Disneyland vacation, you may be wondering which of these hotels is best for you. The truth is, it really does depend on your situation. Some of these hotels offer more space for larger families, while some are best for younger kids. So, it’s important to do some research and see what the best hotels in walking distance to Disneyland are best for your family vacation.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. A purchase/click through one of these links may result in a commission paid to us at no additional cost to you. We did receive a complimentary stay at the Howard Johnson Anaheim Hotel and Water Playground but all opinions are my own.
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Best Hotels Walking Distance To Disneyland
The Disneyland Hotel
Arguably the most nostalgic hotel on this list is the Disneyland Hotel, which is one of the three Disney owned and operated hotel at Disneyland. The Disneyland Hotel will be offering Disney Vacation Club villas and studios, as well as traditional hotel rooms. It’s close to Disneyland, near Downtown Disney, and is a very convenient place to stay.
In addition to the location, the Disneyland Hotel offers two themed pools, two monorail themed waterslides, Goofy’s Kitchen restaurant, Tangaroa Terrace Tropical Bar & Grill, and Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar.
Guests at the Disneyland Hotel can take advantage of Early Entry. With this program, you’ll be able to enter the parks 30 minutes in advance of the park opening to the general public. It’s a great way to ride some of the attractions with a much lower wait time and fewer crowds.
Why stay here:
- Nostalgia, including retro pools and themed waterslides
- Great restaurants right on property
- Early entry to the theme parks
- Close proximity to Downtown Disney and the Disneyland theme parks
Book: Book the Disneyland Hotel here.
Element by Westin Anaheim Resort Convention Center
The Element by Westin Anaheim Resort Convention Center is a hotel located on Clementine Street within walking distance of Disneyland. It’s a Disney Good Neighbor Hotel, and is great for families looking for a little more space.
The hotel offers studio suites, kids’ suites (with bunk beds), and one bedroom suites. All suites have a full kitchen, which is great if you want to prepare some meals in the room to save money. This is a modern hotel with a business center, outdoor garden area, rental bikes, free breakfast buffet, and more.
Why stay here:
- Save money with in-suite kitchens and free breakfast daily
- Rooms with plenty of space including bunk bed rooms
- Outdoor saline pool
- Walking distance to front entrance of Disneyland
- Pet-friendly hotel for additional fee
Book here: Book the Element here.
Cambria Hotel & Suites Anaheim Resort
This new hotel is located about .8 miles from Disneyland, and is about a 15-20 minute walk. While there isn’t a shuttle, you can take public bus transportation if you’d rather not walk. It offers both suites and traditional hotel rooms.
Rooms have two showers, which can definitely be beneficial when getting ready in the morning. There are several family suite configurations, some of which include bunk beds to accommodate more.
In addition, this hotel is located in a complex with quite a few restaurant options, including Starbucks, Jersey Mikes, California Fish Grill, Yogurtland, Habit Burger, Ono Hawaiian BBQ, and Luna Grill. Guests at the Cambria can enjoy a free daily breakfast buffet, as well as a 30,000 square foot water park with pool, kids’ pool, waterslides, splash area, fire pit, movie screen, and outdoor bar.
Why stay here:
- Free breakfast buffet
- Two showers in each room
- 30,000 square foot water park, perfect for a day away from the parks
- Proximity of several restaurants, including Starbucks
Book here: You can book the Cambria Hotel and Suites here.
Tropicana Inn & Suites
The Tropicana Inn and Suites is located on Harbor Blvd., about five minutes away from the main entrance of Disneyland. This bright, colorful inn is popular with families looking for the convenience of a hotel within walking distance of Disneyland, but also needing a little more space to spread out.
Room options at the Tropicana Inn and Suites include double rooms, family suites, park view rooms, and double queen rooms with a sleeper chair accommodating a fifth person. Most rooms have a mini fridge and microwave, although the suites have fully-equiped kitchens.
The Tropicana offers an outdoor heated pool, and jacuzzi, as well as the Cove Market with essentials you may need for your vacation.
Why stay here:
- Very close proximity to Disneyland
- Wide variety of room types
- Suites with kitchens available
Book here: Click here to book the Tropicana Hotel.
Clementine Hotel & Suites Anaheim
Located on South Clementine Street, the Clementine Hotel and Suites is located a quarter-mile from Disneyland Resort. It’s a condo-style hotel, offering studios, one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and loft-style suites. There is a breakfast available for an additional fee, but it will be included in the resort fee later this year.
Unlike most of the hotels in the area, the Clementine Hotel and Suites offers free parking (for one vehicle for most rooms, and two vehicles for bi-level or 2-bedroom suites). Amenities include a fire pit, outdoor heated pool, lobby mart with essentials, on-site playground, heated outdoor swimming pool, and sports court. Pets are welcome for an additional fee.
Why stay here:
- Suites with kitchens
- Pet-friendly
- Complimentary parking
Book here: You can book the Clementine Hotel here.
Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel
Disneyland’s Paradise Pier Hotel is currently undergoing a transformation into Disney’s Pixar Pier Hotel. It should be completely later this year, and the hotel is remaining open during the renovation.
If you are looking for Disney theming on your Disneyland vacation, this is an excellent option. Like the other Disney owned and operated hotels, it offers early park entry, and is located close to the parks.
The hotel offers standard hotel rooms as well as 1, 2, and 3-bedroom suites. These rooms come in a variety of different configurations, offering both regular beds and sofa beds. This hotel near Disneyland offers some amenities that are currently unavailable due to construction, including pools, fitness center, and a kids’ theater (guests can use amenities at the Disneyland Hotel while these are closed).
Why stay here:
- Fun theming (especially once the renovation is complete)
- Great room configuration options
- Early theme park entry
- Quick walk to Disneyland
- Close proximity to Disney Springs
Book here: You can book the Paradise Pier Hotel here.
Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel and Spa
The grandest of the Disneyland hotels is the Grand Californian Hotel, located very close to Disneyland (and closest of the three Disney owned hotels). This is the most luxurious of the Disneyland hotels, and is priced accordingly.
While you’ll be right in the heart of Disneyland, this resort will make you feel completely separated and remote. It’s California themed, with natural elements incorporated.
Amenities at the Grand Californian include the Redwood Pool and the Mariposa Pool, the Tenaya Stone Spa, Storytellers Café, and Napa Rose restaurant. A princess breakfast is hosted daily at Napa Rose (make reservations well in advance), and is great for kids looking to meet the princesses.
The Grand Californian is also a Disney Vacation Club property, with DVC studios and villas on site. Regular hotel rooms are also available.
Why stay here:
- There’s no better option if you are looking for a luxury stay in the heart of Disneyland
- Two beautiful pools
- Great restaurants
- Very close proximity to the Disneyland theme parks and Downtown Disney
- On property spa
- Early park entry
Book here: Click here to book the Grand Californian Hotel and Spa.
Howard Johnson by Wyndham Anaheim Hotel and Water Playground
Guests looking for convenient access to the Disneyland Parks with a touch of mid-century nostalgia should definitely check out the Howard Johnson Anaheim Hotel and Water Playground. This hotel is located on South Harbor Drive in Anaheim and is within quick walking distance of the front entrance of the Disneyland parks.
The Howard Johnson offers some newly renovated rooms (these are the 2-queen bedrooms), which are colorfully decorated in a nostalgic mid-century style. There’s also the House of the Retro Future Suite, a one-of-a-kind suite with some fun retro-future touches.
The hotel offers Castaway Cove, a water playground with a drench bucket, small slides, spray fountains, a kiddie pool, and more. There’s also the garden pool, a business center, a gift shop, and more.
Why stay here:
- Walking distance to Disneyland
- The water playground is great for families with younger kids
- A fun nostalgic decor
- Some newly renovated rooms
Book here: Click here to book the Howard Johnson Anaheim Hotel and Water Playground.
Courtyard Anaheim Theme Park Entrance & Waterpark Resort
My most recent stay at Disneyland included four nights at the Courtyard Anaheim Theme Park Entrance and Waterpark Resort. This hotel, located on South Harbor Blvd, is one of the best options for larger families because all rooms accommodate six guests.
The Courtyard Anaheim Theme Park Entrance offers an on-site restaurant, called the Bistro, with Starbucks Coffee. There’s also a small gift shop, and a sundries shop.
Parking is valet only (for an additional fee), but you’re easily able to walk to the front entrance of Disneyland in just a few minutes.
The standard rooms at the Courtyard are fantastic for families. They include a mini fridge, microwave, small dinette area, two showers (one stall, one combo shower/tub), and a set of bunk beds. Some of the rooms have water park and theme park views. During my stay, I overlooked the water park and was able to see the Disneyland fireworks a few nights.
The waterpark is a big draw here. It’s currently available exclusively to resort guests but does require a reservation. It offers a dunk bucket, spray area, pool, waterslides, and more.
See our hotel room tour here:
Why stay here:
- The fun waterpark
- Rooms that accommodate 6 guests
- Close proximity to the theme parks
- Nice, modern rooms
Book here: Book your stay at the Courtyard Anaheim here.
Westin Anaheim Resort
My son and I stayed at the Westin Anaheim Resort last July, and really loved our stay. It opened recently, and is now one of the best hotels within walking distance of Disneyland. It’s one of my favorite hotels I’ve stayed in recently.
The Westin Anaheim Resort is located behind Pixar Pier in Disney’s California Adventure Park. However, to access the parks, you’ll need to walk down through Disney Springs. It is a bit of a longer walk than the Harbor Blvd hotels but still very doable.
Rooms at the Westin include all their signature elements, including the Heavenly Bed and Shower. While some rooms have theme park views, others do not. We didn’t have a view, but didn’t spend too much time in the room.
The Westin offers some on-site dining options, including RISE Rooftop Lounge, the Tangerine Room, Bar 1030, Bella’s Splash Pool Bar, Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar, Puesto, and the Blossom Cafe & Market. My son and I loved getting breakfast at the Blossom Cafe each morning (additional fee applies).
Guests staying at the Westin can enjoy a fitness center and outdoor pool, as well as a hot tub. We really loved this resort – it’s very comfortable and the nearby food options are great.
Why stay here:
- Signature Westin hotel features that make this a comfortable stay
- Great dining options
- Fantastic service
- More upscale than some of the nearby hotels
- Some rooms with theme park views
- Fireworks view from rooftop lounge
Book here: Book your stay at the Westin Anaheim here.
Fairfield Inn Anaheim Resort
The Fairfield Inn Anaheim Resort, located adjacent to the Courtyard Anaheim on Harbor Blvd, is a short walk to the Disneyland gates. It offers guest rooms with pullout sofa beds, as well as themed rooms and junior suites.
The hotel has a fitness center, outdoor pool, game room, and whirlpool. A Panera Bread is attached to the resort and offers room service to the guest rooms.
Why stay here:
- Affordable rates
- Close location to the front entrance of Disneyland
- Pullout sofa to accommodate another guest
- Game room
Book here: Click here to book.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are just visiting Disneyland, you really don’t need to rent a car if you are staying at one of these hotels within walking distance. For most hotels, you’ll need to pay for parking, which can be a waste if you aren’t using your car. If you are renting a car, you can compare rates here.
I’d recommend three days, which gives you enough time to visit the popular attractions at both theme parks.
You’ll have several airport options for your Disneyland vacation. LAX is the largest, and you are likely to find the most flights to and from there. But John Wayne Airport (SNA), is the closest, and Long Beach Airport (LGB) and Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR) are also both options.
The Disneyland Hotel and Disney’s Grand Californian Resort and Spa are probably the two closest hotels to Disneyland. For easy access, these are some of the best options.
