Disneyland Good Neighbor Hotel Review: Park Vue Inn
Park Vue Inn is the closest hotel to Disneyland, and it’s pretty nice as far as Anaheim accommodations go. This review features room photos, pros & cons, whether it’s worth the rack rate pricing, our experience of staying here, and amenities you can find at this hotel.
If you’ve been to Disney California Adventure or Disneyland, you’ve probably seen Park Vue Inn…it’s the hotel directly across the street that has a Cold Stone Creamery attached. It’s tough to appropriately categorize Park Vue Inn: like the other hotels on Harbor, it probably could be called a budget.
However, Park Vue Inn describes itself as a boutique hotel (I guess that explains the chic spelling of “Vue” in the name), and given what it offers and the iconic California mission-inspired architecture, I’m inclined to call it a “moderate” hotel. From several perspectives, Park Vue Inn has a lot going for it…
Let’s start with the location. When I say Park Vue Inn is the closest hotel to Disneyland, I mean it. The walk is less than 10 minutes from the hotel to the turnstiles at Disneyland, which makes it closer than every single on-site hotel, including the Grand Californian (although the latter is closer to Disney California Adventure). Another caveat is that whether Best Western Park Place Inn or Park Vue Inn is closer is really a question of which room you get. Again, minor detail.
I think all of the hotels in that cluster right across the street are “close enough” in terms of distance, as there are several that are about 10-12 minutes away, and it’s not really worth paying a premium to save 2 minutes, so in this case, it really comes down to quality and price, and Park Vue Inn excels in at least one of these regards. Although it’s not listed as one of the Disneyland Good Neighbor Hotels, Park Vue Inn is a Good Neighbor Hotel.
You can get an idea of how it stacks up to the competition in our Disneyland Hotels Reviews & Rankings post. Get an idea of our overall comparison of the benefits of staying off-site versus on-site in our Where to Stay at Disneyland post.
So what are the pros and cons of staying at Park Vue Inn? Let’s take a look…
Let’s start with the amenities. A few key ones are free WiFi, free parking, and free continental breakfast. Most hotels near Disneyland offer free WiFi (although some do not), so that’s not much of a plus.
I’d say about half of the hotels in Anaheim charge for parking, especially those so close to Disney California Adventure and Disneyland. Free continental breakfast is fairly standard at the budget locations, but absent from most of the “nice” places. These things may not matter to you, but if they do, that’s some potential savings each day.
I was pleasantly surprised by the continental breakfast. This is something we tend to skip because most hotels in the area are very basic with only cold options that range from highly questionable to okay.
Not only was there hot food (the breakfast potatoes were great), but it’s also served on an open air terrace with views of the Matterhorn. You can also watch the fireworks up here, if you want.
There’s also a pool, fitness center, and Coldstone Creamery on-site. I can’t say any of these things really impressed me.
The pool was serviceable, but small and very basic, although the flowers surrounding it gave it a secluded feel and made the area smell great. The fitness center was ridiculously small and seemed like an afterthought. Better than nothing, I guess?
Coldstone is open to the general public, so I’d hardly call that a hotel amenity. If you’re an ice cream aficionado, perhaps you disagree.
The lobby is basic, but there are complimentary drinks available throughout the day, and it’s a charming little area. I doubt the lobby is anyone’s key criterion for booking one of these hotels, but if it is, have at it.
Then there are the rooms. There are multiple options here, including rooms with bunk beds and in-room jacuzzis. I am guessing these rooms were recently updated at least in part, as it had modern looking carpet, new bedding, and a nice TV with digital cable.
The room we had for this review is the Deluxe King. The standard rooms are going to be cheaper and slightly smaller, but in the same style.
In other places, the room looked more like your standard, basic motel room common to the area. Not that there was anything wrong with it–it was clean and didn’t look too dated, but it felt a bit motel-ish, if you know what I mean.
We were upgraded to a jacuzzi room. It looked nice, but I don’t think “jacuzzi” and “budget hotel” are terms that go together, so I passed on it.
The restroom was basic, but it got the job done and there were plenty of fancy toiletries included. Another nice touch.
The bedding was superb. This is yet another example of the hotels around here having some really nice bedding. When we first started visiting Disneyland, it was rare to find hotels with such comfortable beds, now it seems like the rule more than the exception.
I suspect many of these hotels are elevating their standards as competition increases. With several new hotels set to open in the next couple of years and others currently undergoing refurbishment or having just completed refurbishment, I suspect this trend will continue. It’s nice to see happening, as for a while the hotels at which we stayed near Disneyland were resting on the laurels of their location.
Now, the biggest question mark about the hotel is the price. In looking at rates for random dates right now on their website, I’m seeing prices starting at $150/night, with prices significantly higher for peak season.
Given that Desert Inn next door is often $99/night, that extra $50 might be difficult to justify. Park Vue Inn is definitely nicer, but unless you’re going to be spending a decent amount of time in the room, it’s not that much nicer.
Overall, Park Vue Inn is one of the best hotels near Disneyland–arguably in the top 5. The rooms are nice, clean, and modern, and the included amenities are good. Of course, the single-biggest selling point is going to be location, and from that perspective, only Best Western Park Place Inn can beat Park Vue Inn. Even if you can’t score an extreme deal on Park Vue Inn, if you have a car or want a slightly nicer room within walking distance to Disneyland, it’s a very tempting pick in the $150/night range. If prices get too much higher than that, I’d have a tough time justifying Park Vue Inn, but it’s still a very nice hotel with some California mission-style charm.
As for figuring out the rest of your Disneyland trip, including how to save money on Disneyland tickets, our Disney packing tips, the best restaurants for dining at Disneyland, and a number of other things, check out our comprehensive Disneyland Trip Planning Guide!
Your Thoughts…
Have you stayed at the Park Vue Inn? Did you enjoy your stay? Considering this hotel? Do you prefer staying off-site or on-site at Disneyland? Please share your thoughts or questions in the comments section below!
Hi, I have been checking Hotel Tonight and have not seen this hotel on there. Do you know if it still is? Also, was reading some other reviews on other websites and there was an issue of noise. People said you could hear lots of noise from people walking by outside your room and also from people walking above your room if you were on a downstairs room. Do you have any thoughts about that?
It hasn’t been on there at all this summer, unfortunately. Due to summer tourist season, availability has been poor for Anaheim in general. Things should start to get better in the next 1-2 weeks.
Availability was pretty constant until around the first week of June. Although other times of year can be really crowded, most of the time it’s locals who don’t need hotels.
We are staying at this hotel March 7-9, coming in from Bali. Is this a slower time of year for park attendance?
Any suggestions for ways to find discounts for Park Vue (I have AAA, too). I’m nervous to wait and book with Hotel Tonight because we are staying 4 nights in a row and a lot of the other Harbor Blvd hotels are already full for one or more of the nights we’re staying… But because we’re going right before Christmas, the website is quoting $200/night! Going for honeymoon/my birthday, so would really like a place that sounds as great as this!
I emailed them directly to ask about discounts. They had AARP – most likely have AAA. AARP was 10.00 off a night. I would call or email them to ask. They don’t publish on site and said I needed to call to book the rate.
I recently purchased the Unofficial Guide to Disneyland. Why do you think they rate this hotel so low? I was all set to book and then read their rating and started second guessing my decision. Perhaps there was remodeling after they stayed in it?
I just asked the authors and will get back to you! 🙂
The Unofficial Guide uses an absolute scale and awards points for things such as on-site dining, bars, laundry, etc–things absent from budget hotels. In other words, it skews towards the hotels that are objectively nicer, and you account for “value” yourself.
Hope that helps!
Hi Tom
Thanks for posting this review… I usually stay at the doubletree when I come to Disneyland, but booked this place instead based on location and price, and now am happy with my choice given your review. Question. Can you purchase your tickets from the hotel, so it saves me lining up at the resort? I’m from Melbourne, Australia and I hate e-tickets so prepurchasing is off limits to me, and any chance of avoiding the lines to buy tickets makes me happy.
Thank you
As with all of the Good Neighbor Hotels, you can purchase tickets here.
This is a great source of information that you have provided! We will be flying in from Hawaii on the 30th of June and booked the Park Vue Inn based on your reviews. The prices are not that low, but much cheaper than if we stayed within Disneyland. Also being that most of the hotels within walking distance are very similar, I picked Park Vue because of the free parking, free hot breakfast and free wifi.
I am so glad to see this review. We have booked our first stay for four nights in September. I’m thinking the jacuzzi may be a great amenity after a long day at the park. It always is for me in Disney World. Thanks Tom.
I just came across your blog the other day and it has been very helpful! I have one question about the Hotel Tonight app, we are going to Disney with our toddler and 7 month old in 4 weeks. We were going to use the app to book a hotel but checking it out made me think we would only be given a room suitable for 2 adults, which would mean 1 bed? 😕 We definitely need two beds so my almost 3 year old has his own sleeping space. Any experience with this? Thanks!
Unfortunately, I have no experience with this. My recommendation would be to call Park Vue Inn before you book, tell them you’re planning on booking via the app, and asking whether they can provide 2 beds.
Most hotels WILL accommodate your bed request at check-in if there are open rooms with both types, but I would not wait until then if you *need* a room with two beds. Better to play it safe and ask prior to booking.
We stayed at Park Vue at the end of April and had a room with 2 Queen-size beds, so they do offer rooms with multiple beds. 🙂
We LOVED the free parking, free wi-fi, and short walk (across the street!) to DL/CA. No complaints about this place.
They also have guest laundry facility, something that might be of interest for families.
Hope this helps!
Free parking really adds to the value, esp as some charge like $25!
I stick with Ramada Main Gate. Just 2 properties to the right. They usually have some special and we normally score $89 to $99 a night. Regular rooms have been redone. Back wing is all new supreme rooms and suites ( higher prices ). Front end is a total remodel finishing this summer with new rooms, breakfast area and roof top area for fireworks viewing. They have free WiFi, free breakfast and free parking. New jacuzzi and pool with shallow end for kids. Staff has been very nice.
Great review! We stayed at the Camelot Inn on our last trip, which I believe is right next door or close to it. I was happy with the accommodations, but seeing this resort, I now know we can do much better!
Completely agree! We stayed at the Park Vue Inn during our visit in February, and I was completely impressed. We booked it for the location (and price), but were pleasantly surprised at the hotel itself. Comfortable rooms, very clean, nice breakfast. Surprisingly good coffee at breakfast from the Nescafe machine. When we were there, they were remodeling many rooms, so I expect the rooms to be even better than what we experienced.
One small complaint was that with the hotel rooms facing the outside corridor (hallway is outside), we could hear outside noise. It wasn’t a problem at all after 10pm, but it did get a little noisy during the evening and morning when everyone was running to breakfast (or going to/from the park).
Next visit over Labor Day we’re staying at the Anaheim Desert Inn to try that one out, but I would absolutely stay at the Park Vue Inn again. Ultimately, it’s all about location. If you want something close to the park, this can’t be beat.
I agree. We were a party of 17 from Sydney and started there in 2013. Wouldn’t stay anywhere else. Location can’t be beaten. Good breakie good view of fireworks. Comfy rooms.
Great review and definitely a spot I’ll consider for future visits. We often end up in the Fairfield Inn because we have Marriott status and can earn more Marriott points. The prices at the Fairfield are usually competitive with all the other places along South Harbor as well. But when there are real savings to be had, I’m always willing to consider a switch! 😉
Thanks for the review, I have to say that for on property I prefer Paradise Pier over Disneyland hotel. We always cut through the grand Californian so the walk is actually pretty short. Of all the character meals the surfs up is our favorite so that is a pull as well. Got the best series of pics last time while Stitch and my daughter were dancing. But mostly I just like the décor. Maybe a bit bias since that was the first “on property” hotel we ever had and it was for our sons Make-A-wish trip and the way Disney treats Make-A-Wish kids is out of this world.
Hey Tom, My daughters and I are planning to tag along on one my husband’s business trips to the West Coast this coming June and hoping to get in a day or two at Disneyland. I have noticed that you mentioned the Hotel Tonight App a couple of times. I know June will be crazy busy at Disneyland, but my question is whether all these hotels within walking distance will likely be booked before we could make use of this app. Would it be risky to wait until a couple days out during the peak season at Disneyland??
Right now is peak season (Spring Break, Easter) and I see availability tonight for Tropicana Inn, Alpine Inn, Hotel Menage, Anabella, etc., all of which are in walking distance.
You’re not not guaranteed to have your pick of hotels by waiting until 7 days out, but there should at least be something worthwhile. You might start by downloading it now and keeping an eye out for what’s available. Obviously, everything is subject to change, but this week is busier than every week of summer, save for maybe July 4th.
Thanks! That’s a huge help. Also, it’s a relief to know that we will not be subjecting ourselves to obscene crowd levels. I was worried.
Hi Tom! Similar question about Hotel Tonight: What do you think the availability will be like during the Disneyland Half Marathon weekend, September 4-7? I’m looking around at options for that weekend now and things are pretty pricey. Thanks!
I check Hotel Tonight on an almost daily basis to see if there are any deals (in which case I’ll do a one-night stay so I can review the hotel) and there are ALWAYS hotels available. Even Easter Weekend, there were hotels.
You may not be able to get the exact hotel you want, but you’ll be able to get something within walking distance of Disneyland. What I’d suggest is to start watching now, checking the app on a regular basis to get an idea of what pops up regularly. Put in “Disneyland Dr” (not Anaheim) as your destination.
Great review! I was considering this one for our trip in August. We stayed at the Fairfield Inn last year for our 1st trip to DL and were really happy with it. This year I decided since it’s my birthday trip we’re going to splurge a little and stay at the DL Hotel 🙂 But I’m thinking in the future we’ll probably state at Park Vue Inn.
Park Vue Inn supplanting Desert Inn & Suites at #1 in the off-site Disneyland Hotel rankings?! I’m dazed and confused. As a Desert Inn & Suites loyalist, this is going to take some time for me to get over.
Desert Inn is still a great option, especially given the price and location. I think it’s due for an upgrade given how many of the other hotels on Harbor are being remodeled, but you really can’t go wrong for the price. Plus, I think the lockers are a nice perk.
As Coldstone is one of my favorite chain ice cream parlors, and they closed the one near me a few years ago, that might just be the thing that pushes me off the fence. 😉
In all honesty, this is the first Good Neighbor Hotel that really appeals to me. I’ve stayed in everything from a hostel in Arizona to a 5-star resort in NY, and I’ll be the first to tell you that I am NOT picky. As long as I can lock my door, I’m usually ok with whatever hotel I find. But I can easily see myself staying here, if I wasn’t dead set on staying at Paradise Pier. Hey, I may not normally be picky, but I know that my November trip may be the one and only time I ever visit Disneyland. I’m going to live it up. If I do make it back in the future, these reviews will definitely come in handy.
Just out of curiosity…why Paradise Pier Hotel? It might cost a bit more, but I would strongly recommend Disneyland Hotel instead. Paradise Pier Hotel is a good neighbor hotel that Disney bought and renamed. I mean, it’s not awful, but it’s a bit of a walk and really overpriced for what it is.
Paradise Pier is totally overpriced, especially because of it’s crappy location. However, I love concierge level on the rooftop with a private deck out to the pool. This is also a superb location to privately watch fireworks. 😉 Where PP lacks in walking location and price, it excels with some of the best views of DCA. So, basically it really depends on how much cheaper the rooms are than the Disneyland Hotel. Sometimes the price difference isn’t much, so in that case, Disneyland Hotel wins every time with nastalgica, charm, and Trader Sams!
Hi tom,
I appreciate your reviews. Coming july 13 for a few nights…would love to stay on property as this is my kids’ first visit to LAND (done the world many times) but military discounts aren’t helping us that much that particular week. My question for you is which of these really close, walkable hotels have the quietest rooms? We are relatively light sleepers and concerned about this in less expensive good neighbor options. Need something super close since we’ll likely come back midday when crazy hot and busy…
Thanks!
Park Vue Inn and Farfield Inn Anaheim Resort are what quickly come to mind that meet your qualifications, but we’ve yet to do Best Western Park Place and I wouldn’t be surprised if that’s also quiet. Desert Inn and Del Sol Inn were a bit noisier. No matter where you stay, request a top floor room so you don’t hear people stomping around on your ceiling.
Hi Tom,
We must have crossed paths with you since we just got home from the Park Vue less than a week ago.
I agree that it is a decent place. The room was nicer than expected and the location was great. We got to breakfast early our first monrining and the potatoes weren’t yet available. Maybe that’s why we weren’t impressed. We didn’t go back to try it after that.
We did plan ahead and paid almost twice what you did! But, compared to the spring break prices at the Grand Californian, it was a bargain. 😉
I don’t want to hype up the potatoes too much, because at the end of the day…they’re still just breakfast potatoes, but I thought they were pretty good. That, the fresh fruit, yogurt, and turkey sausage made for a decent meal. Certainly better than shelling out $9/person for some powdered eggs and paper bacon in the parks.
Compared to the Grand Californian, I think just about any hotel in Anaheim is a bargain.
I think the potatoes are every other day if I remember correctly I loved them 🙂 We enjoyed our stay last summer and I am trying decide if I want to stay here next summer or save a little money and stay at Stanford Inn