Hotel Recommendation within the resort

Question

Hi I am looking for recommendations for a hotel within the resort. Couple of years, we went to Orlando and stay at the Contemporary, so we are looking for a similar experience in Anaheim. Also if is worth traveling to Universal Studios for a day or is it better to get another hotel for that park?

Answer

For a hotel experience similar to Disney’s Contemporary Resort in Orlando, staying within the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim offers a few excellent options that provide convenience, themed experiences, and premium amenities. Being on-property gives you early park access, easy walking distance to the parks, and immersive Disney theming.

Top Disneyland Resort hotels to consider:

Disneyland Hotel: Classic Disney luxury with modern amenities, themed rooms, pools with waterslides, and multiple dining options. Very close to both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure, accessible by monorail and walking paths.
Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa: The most upscale option, offering a craftsman-style luxury experience. Direct access to Disney California Adventure and walking distance to Disneyland Park. Features include a full-service spa, fine dining, and exclusive club-level services.
Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel: Slightly more budget-friendly but still within the resort, with rooftop pool areas and themed rooms. Walking distance to both parks, though a bit farther than the Grand Californian or Disneyland Hotel.

For Universal Studios Hollywood, which is located in Los Angeles (roughly 35–45 minutes from Anaheim without traffic), staying in Anaheim is feasible for a day trip, but it will require an early start and dealing with LA traffic. Most guests prefer to stay near Universal Studios if planning a full day there, especially to avoid long drives and maximize park time. Some good hotel options near Universal Studios include:

Hilton Los Angeles/Universal City: Conveniently located within walking distance to the park entrance, with shuttle services and city views.
Sheraton Universal Hotel: Offers easy access to the park, dining, and pools for relaxing after a long day of walking.
Universal Studios-themed hotels: On-site or very nearby, providing early park access and close proximity to rides and attractions.

In summary, if your main focus is Disneyland Resort and you want a Contemporary-style on-property experience, staying at one of the Disneyland Resort hotels in Anaheim is ideal. If you also want to dedicate a full day to Universal Studios, you may consider either a second night in Los Angeles or prepare for a long day trip from Anaheim. However, many families do successfully do Universal Studios as a day trip from Anaheim if they start early and plan their timing carefully.

Hotel Recommendation within the resort

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