Howard Johnson Anaheim Hotel & Water Playground (HOJO) – a Disneyland Good Neighbor Hotel Review

I like to refer to the Hojo in Anaheim as our “go to” Good Neighbor Hotel. It’s dependable and honestly in know what to expect. I also know that the kids will have a great time at Castaway Cove – the onsite pirate themed waterpark and playground. It’s a nice 8-minute walk to the Disneyland gates, with a nice list of amenities Overall, it competes well with the other Good Neighbor Hotels. Let’s first cover the amenities the property has to offer as there are many:

Amenities
24-Hour Reception Desk.
Balconies Available.
Children's Play Area.
Children's Pool.
Coffee/Tea Maker.
Cribs Available.
Daily Housekeeping.
Dry Cleaning Services.
Elevators.
Express Check-out.
Family/Oversized Rooms Available.
Flat Screen Televisions.
Free WiFi.
Game Room.
Gift Shop.
Hairdryer.
Hot Tub Onsite.
Laundry Facilities.
Non-Smoking Hotel.
Onsite Parking - FREE.
Pool - Outdoor.
Shuttle to Local Attractions.
Sundries/Mart.
Tour/Ticket Assistance.

 



First things first…you will want to sign up for discount alerts which is located on the front page of their website https://www.hojoanaheim.com/. The discounts will come, I promise. You can also check their facebook page for discount alerts.

Here is the scoop. Upon arrival it was easy to locate and right off of the freeway exit. Check-in was a breeze (we even received a free gift) and we were off to find our room with an entrance located right next to the parking lot. Our room was a standard room with two standard beds. I made a special request for the top floor facing Disneyland as you can see the fireworks each night from your room. **Be prepared for a little extra sunlight if you have a room on the top floor. If you like to sleep in – you may want to avoid these rooms.

 





I have to say the room overall was spacious with tall ceilings, the bathroom was a little small, but not a deal breaker. There was a small refrigerator, microwave, coffee maker, two chairs and a table as well as plenty of room for bags. I was a little worried about the noise from the highway, but it wasn’t an issue for our room.

 



Other room options include deluxe rooms, premium rooms and suites (including kids suites). Overall the room was clean comfy, perfect for a much-needed breaks from the parks.

Pros *there are many to list but I will highlight my faves – Clean rooms & grounds. Castaway cove – this earns a big gold star. Nice walk to Disneyland. Located (in driving distance down the road) near Target & grocery stores. Located near dining options. Staff – they are great, if you have an issue let them know right away and they will assist to the best of their abilities. You can save big with their discounts.

 



Cons – No onsite dining or room service. No complimentary breakfast. The book quickly, which means last minute trips to Disney are a little harder to plan with a stay at HOJO.

 

Overall, I would say that this Good Neighbor Hotel was a very nice stay. No drama, police, parties, fire alarms or bugs (yes this happens). With this trip our focus was at the Disneyland Parks and of course our afternoon breaks at Castaway cove (my kids would ask to go back to the hotel for the waterpark). We really enjoyed having a comfy place to come and either swim or rest our heads and start up again early the next morning with a short walk to Disney. I would have to say it was just right for the price we paid, and we were able to spend our savings from the hotel elsewhere at the parks or Downtown Disney.

 



 

Check out another Good Neighbor Hotel Review at Anaheim Majestic Garden Hotel Review

 

Looking to book Disney on a budget - Money Saving Tips & Tricks for your Disney Vacation!