Chose the Annabella and NEED confirmation it was right choice About This Page:

[maggie101]

Finally pulled the trigger and booked the Annabella. over the Sheraton. Any thoughts from experienced travelers. So confusing because I do not know the area at all. I know the California Grand is more the kind of hotel I prefer but with the number of rooms I need and the short notice I just cannot swing it. I finally chose the Annabella because I got the impression that it was within walking distance of Disneyland and Downtown Disney Restaurants. - is that true??? The Sheraton seemed nicer (or maybe I just am aware of the Sheraton name) but it is not within walking distance and the thought of sitting waiting for a shuttle turned me off. We are a large party ( adults and our precious GD who will be in her wheelchair)and have no car. We are only there for 2 days and I was afraid shuttle service would just slow us down. Is the park entrace on the east side of the park or the west? Maps can be so decieving. I was able to book 2 suites for 139 each a night and 2 Queens for 134.00 a night. ANY advice is greatly appreciated. I am hoping that the Annabella is a nice property and does not resemble a motel in any fashion. I can still cancel and rebook somewhere else. This trip must be magical for my Daughter and Granddaughter!!

[eff051102]

We stayed at the Annabella in 2005 and while it was very close to DL, if I had
a choice, I would pick the Sheraton. The Annabella has a great breakfast, but
the rooms were just one up from a Days Inn and the noise level was way UP.

Even though the Annabella is very close to the DL, you have to walk down the block
to get to a gate to enter. So it looks very close but it is deceiving.

Now if I could only swing the Annabella....I would be fine there. JMHO

[DebiDebiDebi]

I am not sure what you mean by "I am hoping that the Annabella is a nice property and does not resemble a motel in any fashion." I have stayed at the Anabella, and it is a motel, but I found it to be nice enough. The rooms are decorated well, clean, and there are 2 pools (one is adults only).

We walked from the Anabella to the parks, and while it is not a hard walk, it is not exceptionally close. The Anabella is located South of California Adventure, and you can cut across the parking lot, but I would venture to say it is at least a half mile from the hotel to the entrance plaza. You can get to the parking lot and catch a tram, but that takes time as well, so either way, you have a bit of a jaunt before reaching the entrance.

[Dlandmom2]

I just wanted to add that the Sheraton wouldn't be that great of a walk either. If you want something with a direct and not too long walk to the parks, then neither one would really be the best. The Sheraton is north of the park, and the Annabella is to the south.

A friend of mine stayed at the Anabella once on business, and a few of us stopped by his room to see how it was. He really liked it. It is a motel style in that the doors are all exterior entrances, not hallway entrances. His room had wood floors and really nicely done furnishings. However, it is definitely a walk to get to the parks. Katella is a major street, so basically you would have to walk down one side or the other to get to an intersection to cross the street.

There are several nice hotels on Harbor, which is the street on the East side of the parks, that would give you the easiest access to the entrance, but none of them are Grand Californian level hotels. The only ones I can think of other than the 3 Disney resorts would be the Hilton or Marriott, but they're on the same block as the Annabella, so you'll have the same distance/access issues.

I know that doesn't help a lot, but hopefully this addresses your concerns a bit.

[HeatherD]

Give it a try - you can always catch the resort shuttle if you decide it's too long to walk. We really liked the Annabella's rooms, which are varied in style (some have small room with door or a second bed around the corner....very unique). However, we decided the walk in was a bit long - you walk past the convention center (next door) and cross into the parking lot. You have to then walk to the tram stop and catch a tram to the plaza. Like Dlandmom2 said, it has a motel style exterior, but the rooms are a bit nicer than your average motel.

We actually stopped going there because we got really lousy cust. svc., so combined with the walk, we were willing to try a new place (Best Western Park Place - love it!). They have since changed management, but we are now spoiled at being at the crosswalk into the plaza off of Harbor. But - we are also OK with motels and don't think it's worth the walk down the street for the Hilton or Marriott. We're only sleeping there anyway, and we'd rather have less walking (as long as it's clean and the bed is comfy).

[Dlandmom2]

maggie101, I also posted in your other hotel thread. Were you considering the Sheraton Anaheim or the Sheraton Park hotel?

[maggie101]

Thank you all so much for all of your advice it is so nice to have a place to come to ask ? when I need to. I have FINALLY and I mean FINALLY decided to just bite the bullet and stay at the Grand CAlifornian. Money is only money and my precious GD will only get to see this place once so we are goin in style! Thanks again!!

[disney777]

You will love the Grand Californian!
I've stayed at the Anabella twice, and it is a motel. Maybe an upper end motel, but still...
The 2 times I've stayed at GC, I requested and received the park view by the Grizzly Rapids. It was fun sitting on my balcony watching the people go by, and I enjoyed the sound of the water. (They empty it out every night, and refill it about an hour before park opening. I liked watching the water gush through as it filled up the ride.)

[Aubree's Travel]

You will love the Grand. Have a fantastic time!