Why The HoJo Anaheim Tops Our List Of Best Hotels Across The Street From Disneyland (2023)
We’re big believers in staying on-site at Walt Disney World, but we don’t think it’s as important to do so when it comes to visiting the happiest place on earth, Disneyland Park. The Disneyland Resort Hotels are great, but you can get fantastic value by staying at one of the hotels across the street from Disneyland. Our new favorite: The Howard Johnson Anaheim Resort on South Harbor Blvd. Here’s our review of one of the closest hotels to the Disneyland theme parks! Here’s why we put the HoJo on the list of best hotels across the street from Disneyland. Affiliate links are included in this post.
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Best Disneyland Hotel For Adults: HoJo Anaheim Review
We were hosted for this stay at the HoJo but all opinions about the hotel are truly our own: we think this is one of the best, closest hotel options when visiting Disney California Adventure Park or Disneyland Park.
Especially for adults.
We’ll give you a photo tour of the room, chat about the perks, and share how much we loved the quick walk home every night!
Here’s what you need to know about booking the HoJo Anaheim hotel.
Use Discount Corp code: 1000022077 with this affiliate link to book your next stay at the Howard Johnson Anaheim Hotel near Disneyland
Photo Room Tour Of A Howard Johnson Anaheim Renovated Standard 2 Queen Bed Room
So Howard Johnson Anaheim has a lot going for it as a resort in general: a quick walk to the parks and a great gift shop.
Not all hotel gift shops are built the same- and we’re not kidding: we loved the options in the Mid Mod Market!
Loungefly backpacks, Parkcandy Pillows, matching family shirts in case you forgot yours: you can shop for all kinds of goodies in here. Plus they had drinks, snacks, some fresh fruit and OTC medical options in case you were in need.
It’s about a mile walk to the Anaheim Convention Center if you have business at that end of town.
This property is nestled on 7 acres of land with lush gardens that make it incredibly cozy and quaint.
This is one of the main reasons runners think the HoJo is the best resort for a runDisney race weekend at Disneyland. Depending on the route that runDisney provides, the 10K and the Half Marathon may go right by the hotel as well!
The location really makes it one of the best Disneyland Good Neighbor hotels to book if you are looking at off-property hotels with large standard rooms.
Take a listen to our podcast episode or watch the YouTube version to hear our full review of the HoJo Anaheim.
And when you book the Howard Johnsons Anaheim Resort, you are probably most interested in the room. That’s where you’ll spend the most time.
Here are some pics that help you see what you get inside the renovated guest rooms in building 1 or 2. If you want to book these rooms, please call the resort directly and request them!
We tried to take photos of major elements that matter to Disney vacationers- and yes, you runners and your need for coffee were at the top of our list!
HoJo Anaheim Room Tour: The Beds At Howard Johnson’s Anaheim
You get 2 queen beds in each room (unless you book a King bed or a room with bunk beds). You can also pay a little extra for a rollaway bed and there is plenty of room for a crib as well (free of charge!).
And all the pillows you could possibly want. We had 4 on each bed which was plenty!
But of course, if you need more: just call Housekeeping and they can deliver.
There’s a table and two chairs as well, which is great for families that want to grab a small bite in the room, or for folks who have to work while traveling.
We set up our computer and microphone and were able to record a podcast from there.
2023 HoJo Anaheim Room Tour: Bathrooms
The bathroom does come with 2 sinks and plenty of storage around the huge mirror.
We were blown away by the countertop space!
The powder room and shower are together in one area.
Our room had a tub in it which works for runners who like their ice baths.
And we have the standard bulk shampoo and conditioner and body wash located here.
While the HoJo isn’t on a list of luxury hotels in the area, we wildly couldn’t say enough about the softness of the towels and washcloths in our room.
Great linens make a great hotel experience in our minds and this was one of the best places to wash our faces in Anaheim.
VIDEO ROOM TOUR: Howard Johnson’s Anaheim Hotel, Best Hotels Across The Street From Disneyland
Extra Things To Note in the Rooms At Howard Johnsons Anaheim Resort
The room comes with a standard phone, and they actually work.
We can’t say that for all the phones we’ve used in on property resorts (ahem, looking at you Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel!)
You also get a TV remote, a big-screen TV, and plugs and USB outlets.
There’s a huge desk area as well for anyone who does need to get a little work done while on vacation.
Perks To Staying At The Howard Johnson Anaheim Hotel
Food
The first thing that comes to mind is a small negative: there is no free breakfast at the property. (But the official Disney Hotel doesn’t offer that either, so is it really a negative?)
In fact, this resort does not have a restaurant option on site.
However, they have partnered with Mimi’s Cafe located directly across the street from your hotel room. You get 20% off when staying at the HoJo and Mimi’s is a delight!
Distance To The Disneyland: Literally Across the Street On S. Harbor Blvd
The next thing to note is the walking distance to the theme parks. This is probably #1 on the reasons why we put the HoJo on the list of Best Hotels Across The Street From Disneyland.
We timed it with multiple runs back and forth and it was pretty consistent: 6-8 minutes to the gates of Disneyland or Disney California Adventure.
Just add an extra 60 seconds past the main entrance and you’re in Downtown Disney.
That’s a huge win at the end of the night, trust us! You will be forever thankful for the short walk to your guest rooms when you are staying at the HoJo. That walk makes this high on our list of best Disneyland hotels for your Disneyland vacation.
Pools and Water Park At The HoJo Anaheim
The outdoor pool area and water park are two of the biggest amenities the Howard Johnson Anaheim offers, and we think you’ll agree that both are amazing.
The hot tub is perfect for after-race recovery and the water park is going to give hours of fun for the kids.
Entrance to both the swimming pool and the water park requires wristbands that you’ll receive at check-in.
Extras That Make The HoJo One Of The Best Hotels Across The Street From Disneyland
There is also a face painting station on Saturday mornings that would be perfect to stop at before you head out for the day on your Disneyland trip.
Why do we think the HoJo is the best Disneyland Hotel for adults? Why is it high on our list of Best Hotels Across The Street From Disneyland?
Because it has plenty of things to keep the kids happy!
Happy kids mean happy Disney adults. Finding a resort that can make the whole family happy is key.
While you don’t get a fitness center or free parking at the HoJo, you DO get free wifi and high-speed internet.
There’s also a nice area set up in close proximity to the front desk to wait for your shuttle service or Uber/Lyft if you are heading back to the airport.
Overall, we think the Howard Johnson Anaheim Hotel is a solid choice for runners looking for an off-site hotel for the Disneyland Half Marathon. It checks all the boxes for comfort and closeness to the action!
Have more questions? Join us in the Facebook group and ask away for more information about the Best Hotels Across The Street From Disneyland!
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Patty Holliday has been running Disney since 2011. She knows just about every tip, trick, and hack there is to cover the runDisney Magical Miles at Disney World and Disneyland. She knows every mile isn’t *always* magical- but with training, tips, and a little bit of pixie dust, they can be a lot of fun! You can also find her at noguiltlife.com and noguiltfangirl.com