Anaheim hotels

Sophisticated design choices and mood lighting in the reception make it clear this top-rated luxury hotel in Anaheim isn’t catering to the theme park crowd. There’s even a Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar on-site, and the lobby bar is always happening, especially during convention season – which makes sense given the hotel’s close proximity to the Anaheim Convention Center.

A heated pool, hot tub, and gym with stationary bikes round out the resort’s amenities. But families will be equally delighted here. The Westin overlooks the California Adventure, allowing guests in theme park-view rooms some epic sightings of both the park and the nightly fireworks show.

If you don’t have a view room, head on up to the RISE Rooftop Bar for some California-style pizzas and craft cocktails while enjoying the breath-taking show in true Southern California style at one of the best hotels in Anaheim.

The Grand Californian is the flagship hotel of the Disneyland Resort – and arguably the most gorgeous. Paying homage to classic California Craftsman design with warm-tone woods and stained-glass art, this impressive property makes me feel like I’ve been transported to another era and ranks as one of my favourite luxury hotels in Anaheim.

In addition to early park entrance for guests, you can conveniently walk straight from reception to a dedicated California Adventure entrance, while another pathway leads you straight into the heart of the park, making it a breeze to head back for a midday swim or nap. If you’re feeling indulgent, treat yourself to a relaxing hot stone massage at the stunning Tenaya Stone Spa.

The character breakfast is not to be missed (just make sure to make bookings well in advance, and I mean *months*).

No list of the best hotels in Anaheim would be complete without this property, which is as magical as the theme park itself. My kids have run around searching for hidden Mickeys, marvelled at all the historic art, and loved ending their day pressing the ‘goodnight kiss’ button on the nightstand lamp that initiates a magical fireworks show on the headboard.

You can choose from three towers – Frontier, Fantasy, or Adventure – each with its own distinct decor, or book one of the brand-new villas in the Discovery Tower. Guests are granted early admission to the theme parks, when lines are nearly non-existent, and the property boasts one of the most family-friendly pools in Anaheim, complete with two epic monorail-themed water slides.

Pro tip: Don’t forget to swing by the ‘hidden’ Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar for a delicious mai tai after a long day at the parks.

This newer hotel gives guests a luxury experience that ranks it among the best hotels in Anaheim. As soon as you enter the reception, you’ll be struck by the whimsical swinging chairs and movie pop art, including life-size Storm Troopers, a nod to the neighbourhood theme parks.

While this isn’t one of those properties that’s a comfortable walking distance from the park entrance (think 25 minutes or so), I usually just hop in a rideshare, which is quick and easy.

After a long day walking 20,000+ steps, head up to the vibey rooftop restaurant, Top of the V, for dinner and cocktails with a view. I also love unwinding at the adults-only pool during golden hour with a glass of wine in hand while the fire pit roars on – a blissful way to relax after an action-packed day.

Even if you’re not hitting up theme parks, this is one of the best hotels in Anaheim for families. Friends of mine can’t stop recommending it to other families who are coming in from out of town or simply looking for a staycation, thanks to its expansive kid-loved water park, Castaway Cove, and close proximity to the park entrances.

The 296-room property has 13 different room and suite categories, many with bunk beds, allowing for an ideal configuration for every family. There’s free WiFi (including streaming services on the TVs), a game room, and a mini-mart in the reception area that sells snacks and pre-packaged breakfast items like cereal and milk.

While there are no HoJo-owned on-site dining options, Mimi’s Cafe is just across from reception and I highly recommend trying their famous honey bran muffin. There’s also a McDonald’s and Panera about a block away.

As one of the rare AAA Four Diamond resorts in Southern California, the JW Marriott boasts a central location that’s a 10-minute walk to both Disneyland and the Anaheim Convention Center. It also has all the amenities – pool, gym, yoga room – you’d expect from a property of this calibre.

Each of the spacious 466 guestrooms is decked out in contemporary furnishings and offers homey touches like Keurig coffee makers and plush dressing gowns. King bedrooms, meanwhile, come with a convenient couch trundle bed for families.

The hotel’s award-winning signature restaurant Tocca Ferro Italian Chophouse is an elevated dining option among a sea of chain restaurants, where I love to indulge in a rich gnocchi carbonara paired with a limoncello martini. I also frequent their rooftop lounge Parkestry, which offers stunning city views and live music most weekends. Bookings are recommended, although I’ve found walking in before the dinner rush usually works too.

For families or groups of friends looking for larger accommodation options, this newer all-suite hotel is a great choice. Offering spacious modern suites with in-room kitchenettes, it’s one of the best hotels in Anaheim for families. And the location can’t be beat – it’s five minutes from the Anaheim Convention Center for business travellers, and a 10 to 15-minute walk to Downtown park entrances.

Guests can relax at the pool while little ones play in the splash pad, or ease aching muscles in the generously-sized hot tub. There’s a free hot breakfast with every stay, where kids will likely overindulge in buttery waffles and bacon.

My tip for you is to ask for a room facing California Adventure and you can watch the dazzling nightly firework display right from your window.

Technically located in the neighbouring city of Garden Grove, the Hyatt Regency Orange County marries family-friendly amenities with luxe details for an elevated stay. One of the best hotels in Anaheim, this is a great option for both business travellers and holidaying families.

The expansive reception stuns with a 17-storey atrium, soaring palm trees, lush greenery, and a Starbucks to fuel up for the day’s activities. The hotel also offers a theme park shuttle that can take you straight to the entrance for a nominal fee.

Families should look into the Kid’s Suite, which comes with fun bunk beds and a separate door so the adults can have some privacy. Other amenities include two outdoor pools, a basketball and pickleball court, a 24-hour gym, and oversized lawn games like Connect Four. I recommend winding the day down at the OC Brewhouse with some Southern California microbrews and juicy pork belly baos.

Most of the best hotels in Anaheim have one thing in common: location, location, location. If theme park proximity is what you’re looking for, it doesn’t get much closer than the Tropicana, a quick five-minute walk from the entrances. This is significantly faster than parking at the official parking lots and walking in, and convenient for families that need to come back for midday naps.

As its name suggests, the hotel embraces a sunny island motif that’s felt as soon as you enter reception. There’s a range of rooms on offer, from standard rooms to family and kitchen suites, each featuring cheerful blue palm tree wallpaper.

Hotel amenities include a pool, hot tub, and an on-site market. While there’s no on-site restaurant, Downtown is just a short walk away, so you can grab a pizza from Napoli Pizzeria or order an Insta-worthy milkshake from the CrazyShake window.

One of the best hotels in Anaheim, The Ayres is located across from the Honda Center and a stone’s throw from Angels Stadium. It’s a fantastic option for both concert-goers and those attending a ballgame who want to avoid the hustle of the theme park crowds.

Neutral colours and subdued European-style decor give this property a serene air and the fluffy pancakes are a can’t-miss during the complimentary hot breakfast. For added convenience, the hotel offers a shuttle to nearby attractions, but if you do have a car, parking is a reasonable $10 a day (about £7.50).

I loved the weeknight happy hour, when I could mingle with the rest of the guests and enjoy a beer and snacks. The Ayres is also now a pet-friendly hotel, for those looking to travel with beloved four-legged friends.