We recently enjoyed a last-minute, couples trip to Disneyland (it’s not just for kids). Typically we book at least three months out, which allows us to book within the “magic triangle.” With our favorite spot sold out, we decided to book somewhere we hadn’t stayed before near the Anaheim Convention Center. Today we’re sharing our experience staying at the Anaheim Marriott.
We paid for this room out of pocket and this post contains our personal,
unbiased impressions of the Anaheim Marriott Hotel.
This post contains affiliate links which may provide a small commission to us, at no added cost to you.
Anaheim Marriott Quick Review
WHAT WE LOVED
- Balcony with fantastic views
- Very clean
- Great value, high-end hotel
- Walk in shower
WHAT WE DIDN’T
- Location walkable, but farther than we prefer
- Mattress was lumpy
- Barn door on bathroom
How to get the best deal on a room at the Anaheim Marriott
As out-of-state Disneyland annual passholders, we’ve stayed in more than our fair share of Anaheim-area hotels. We’ve gotta tell you that one of the best deals we’ve scored was our stay at the four-star Anaheim Marriott.
We get asked all of the time how we can possibly afford to hold an annual pass, travel from Utah every six weeks and stay in nicer hotels, like the Anaheim Marriott. Well, it’s not exactly a secret. We plan ahead, look for deals and book hotel stays through our travel partner Get Away Today.
Use our partner link with Get Away Today to gain access to a fourth night “on the house” at the Anaheim Marriott, free parking and a kids eat free discount. That’s a massive savings.
Where is the Anaheim Marriott located?
Okay. So while this hotel isn’t within our magic triangle, it’s walkable. The hotel is located straight down Harbor Blvd. on Convention Way.
The area outside the hotel is either completely dead or hoppin’, depending on what’s happening at the Anaheim Convention Center. Be sure to check out the convention calendar to get a feel for what to expect. Regardless the crowds, it’s simple to navigate your way over to Disneyland.
How to travel to Disneyland from the Anaheim Marriott
You’ve got four options for making your way from Anaheim Marriott to Disneyland.
- Walk. It’s a simple walk down Convention Way, out to Harbor Blvd. The Disneyland main gate is less than a mile north, on Harbor. There one large intersection (Katella Ave.) on your walk to the Park. It is about a 20 minute walk.
- Shuttle from the Toy Story Parking Lot. Directly across Harbor from the convention center is the Disneyland Toy Story Parking Lot. Cross Harbor to the lot and take the Disneyland shuttle to the parks. In our opinion, this is the least efficient option as you have to walk fairly far into the lot and wait for the shuttle, but it will definitely save steps if that’s what you’re looking for.
- Anaheim Resort Transportation (ART Shuttle). ART is a hop on, hop off, shuttle that connects hotels, restaurants and Disneyland seven days a week. Tickets may be purchased for single or multi-day use, by credit card, using an app on your phone. Art is a super affordable option that our travel partner Get Away Today can help you out with when you book your trip.
- Uber. If I am being completely honest, most of our trips were made using Uber. The trip takes about 10 minutes and costs $6-8, plus tip. Fair warning, the drop off/pick up area at Disneyland is less than ideal and waits for Uber are pretty long toward the end of the night.
What are the hotel rooms at Anaheim Marriott like?
The Anaheim Marriott opened in 1981, but recently underwent a $65 million dollar update. It is a four star hotel and while it’s not as luxurious as the JW Marriott a block away, it’s a pretty fab set up.
The hotel is massive. It has over 1,000 hotel rooms, largely laid out in three configurations – One King Standard (sleeps two), Two Queen Standard (sleeps four) and a One King, Two Double Connecting suite of rooms (sleeps six). We’re showing photos from both a One King Standard and a Double Connecting Standard.
I cannot say enough about the amazing view many of the tower rooms have, especially if you can enjoy it from a walkout balcony like we were able to do. We like to stay in the north tower for park views.
We really liked the modern design that Marriott has incorporated in this hotel, but we experienced a slightly lumpy mattress (it just wasn’t our INTELLIbed). Would it bother anyone else? Mmmm. Possibly not.
Each room has a small seating area and a simple desk.
One thing that was a little unique, but not bothersome, was the mini fridge was incorporated into the desk on one side of the room, while the coffee pot was on the other side of the room near the entrance.
The bathroom on the smaller side, but very clean. We love that our King Standard room had a hard surface shower. If you’ve visited our site before, you know we don’t love a tub/shower combo with a shower curtain (because, shower curtain, ew!).
But, be warned, the hotel does have tub/shower combos. We have encountered them in the Queen Standard and Double Connecting rooms. If you’re particular like us, make sure to ask about this when you book.
The bathroom has a barn door. It’s great for design and saving space, but not so great if you’re looking for more privacy.
What amenities are available at the Anaheim Marriott?
While we don’t typically spend a lot of time in our hotel when visiting Disneyland, the Anaheim Marriott has a number of amenities that are really well done.
Lobby and Bar Area
The hotel lobby is beautiful.
There is a ridiculous amount of seating that would accommodate different sized parties scattered throughout the lobby.
And, a modern hotel bar.
Pool and Fitness Area
We cannot say enough about the beautiful pool at this hotel. The pool itself is large, but what’s even nicer is the variety of seating with umbrellas and fire pits that circle the pool. This is easily one of the nicest pools in the Anaheim area.
We didn’t make a trip to the fitness center, but the hotel has a fairly large facility. I am sure it’s filled with business travelers, because why on Earth would you want to exercise on top of all the walking that takes place at the Parks?!
While we didn’t catch the fitness center, we did stop by the game room. This room alone, would be worth a return visit with our teenage son. He’d likely enjoy this space more than the hotel’s pool area.
Hotel Dining
If you’re craving a bite to eat, the Anaheim Marriott has options.
The Market Cafe is a great stop for fruit, a light breakfast or a ready made sandwich to go. If you’re looking to pick up something like this, visit early. The Market Cafe closes mid-afternoon.
In the afternoon/evening, grab pizza at the Slice Pizzeria. This casual pizza stop has a set menu and build your own options available.
We already mentioned the bar area. It has a great menu.
The main hotel dining room was closed, due to COVID, when we stayed. However, the space is quite large and well-appointed.
Would we stay at Anaheim Marriott again?
Yes. We would absolutely stay at this hotel again.
Though it’s not the closest hotel to Disneyland, it’s not a lot farther than our favorite luxury hotel, and the price is definitely right!
It’s pretty likely that the super low prices we’re experiencing post COVID could increase, but for the time being we will continue to check on prices through Get Away Today (so we can grab that fourth night free). Even with an increase, this hotel would remain incredibly affordable.
If you’re looking for a good deal on a hotel that can accommodate larger families, be sure to check out our post on the best value hotel within walking distance of Disneyland.
Tauni Everett
Creative Director at Tauni Everett
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