Hotel Indigo Anaheim Review
Hotel Indigo Anaheim is a Disneyland Good Neighbor Hotel on Katella, 10 minutes from Disney California Adventure & Disneyland. This review has room photos, info about amenities, and thoughts about our experience of staying here. For starters, Hotel Indigo offers hip & modern accommodations, and one of the best off-site hotels near Disneyland, ranking #2 of 115 hotels in Anaheim on TripAdvisor.
In terms of location, Hotel Indigo Anaheim is near Anaheim GardenWalk, pretty close to the intersection of Harbor Boulevard and Katella Ave. Being only a 10 minute (slightly more, depending upon how you hit the intersection signals) walk to Disneyland, combined with its trendy style makes Hotel Indigo a really appealing hotel for certain demographics.
I’ve written variants of this “perhaps the best” line several times while I’ve reviewed hotels near Disneyland, and that’s partly because it’s an evolving process–I didn’t stay at all of these hotels in succession and then start writing reviews of them. I have stayed at them over the course of time (albeit the bulk of stays have been recent, 1-night test stays), so things have changed as I’ve gained experience. Expect a post with definitive rankings once I “finish” staying at the bulk of the good options in the immediate vicinity of Disneyland (along with updates to older reviews).
The other challenge is that there are several different categories or tiers of Disneyland Good Neighbor Hotels. There are the “proximity” hotels that are right across the street from the Esplanade; there are the “business” or chained-brand Convention Center hotels; and then there are options like Hotel Indigo that are somewhere in between.
Hotel Indigo competes with the very best of the Convention Center hotels in terms of room quality with a bit of a fresher edge, but also offers a far more desirable location for those primarily interested in visiting the parks. I’d liken it to a cross between one of the Anaheim Convention Center hotels and Hotel Menage, actually. Ideal for adult couples or business travelers, but not so trendy as to scare away parents.
Before we delve further, let’s start with a bit of background about Hotel Indigo. It’s InterContinental Hotels Group’s “boutique” line, and they are trying to expand the line into urban, mid-town, and near-urban markets proximate to entertainment venues. The LA Times compared Hotel Indigo to W Hotels, saying, “both W and Indigo are pitched for younger travelers and have fanciful designs that reflect their local settings.” Based upon what I saw in the Anaheim location, that sounds more or less right.
To get an idea of how it stacks up to the competition, check out our Disneyland Hotels Reviews & Rankings post. You can also read 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 Hotel Indigo Anaheim? Let’s take a look…
Outside and in, the common areas of Hotel Indigo look pretty chic. The hotel opened two years ago after a $5 million renovation converted it from a Holiday Inn Express.
The results are positive, with the hotel having a fresh and hip vibe. It does not feel like a simple, cheap re-branding in order to sell more expensive rooms. Well, it mostly doesn’t.
I arrived at Hotel Indigo Anaheim before my room was ready, and the courteous staff provided me with a key to the lounge area that overlooks the main lobby where I could use the WiFi and watch TV. Definitely a nice little area.
The pool was a disappointment. As with many hotels in the area, it’s distinctly utilitarian, but I definitely expected more given the overall quality of the hotel.
While there are some nice lounge chairs and a covered “spa” area (not really a spa), this feels like a distinct holdover of the old Holiday Inn Express.
Likewise, the fitness center is very basic. It works if you want a light work-out, but with both the pool and the fitness center, I felt like the hotel was going more for boxes to check-off on an standard amenities checklist than trying to really offer a nice guest experience.
I didn’t dine in this bistro, but overheard other guests praising it at checkout. Based upon some of the signage, it sounds like they have good happy hour specials.
While solid, Hotel Indigo Anaheim definitely falls short of the Convention Center heavyweights in terms of amenities. These amenities are like an enhanced version of what you’d find at a Harbor Boulevard hotel.
For many travelers, this won’t be a big deal, as most of the important things are there for non-business travelers. Really, the only major disappointment is that pool.
The guest rooms are where Hotel Indigo Anaheim really shines, and I think will be the basis for most people choosing to book this hotel. I’ll start with the bathroom, because that’s the “bigger deal.” Most of the time, in these reviews, I devote only a couple lines to the bathroom as Anaheim hotels usually phone it in when it comes to bathrooms, which is true even of the Convention Center hotels.
The bathroom is the bright spot at Hotel Indigo Anaheim. The space is well-utilized, there’s nice in-mirror lighting and a vessel sink, and there’s a nice selection of high-end Aveda toiletries. Most importantly, there’s a walk-in shower rather than a bathtub!
I know those with children might scoff at this, but this is becoming industry standard, and I far prefer it to a tub. The majority of modernized hotels rooms at which we’ve stayed that aren’t near Disney parks have this type of setup, and for those of us who haven’t taken a bath in the last 20 or so years, it’s nice.
Those with kids who don’t shower can always stay in the ~834 other hotels in Anaheim with bathtubs.
The sleeping area was also super nice and trendy, what with the large walnut art on the wall and all. Huh? You’ve never seen walnut wall art?
Clearly, you are not hip if you don’t get down with walnut wall art. It’s all the rage right now, and if you don’t understand it, I’m not even about to explain why this is so rad…
Okay, really…what’s with the walnut wall art? I’ll admit I’m not cool, and I don’t “get” this. At all. Is it some SoCal hipster thing? The walnut motif is all over this hotel, and I have no clue why. Hotel Indigo’s brand page indicates the design influence of its locations is “truly reflective of the local community.” I’m not sure what walnuts have to do with Anaheim. Wouldn’t oranges be more fitting? The only thing I see connecting walnuts to Anaheim is this, and I don’t think an assisted living center exactly says hip or a “refreshing and inviting guest experience.”
(UPDATE: The mystery of the walnuts has been solved. “Apparently, the hotel is located near what used to be a wagon trail that connected several ranches responsible for producing nearly half of America’s walnuts in the early 1900s.” Well…umm…okay?)Irrespective of that, the room does feel refreshing and inviting, with some excellent design choices that make it feel trendy (at least to my un-cool eyes). Everything from the sleek desk lamp to the chair in the corner adds to the design. The beds are also incredibly comfortable, about on par with the nice bedding at Convention Center hotels.
There’s also a fully-stocked Keurig machine if you want coffee or tea, and a mini-fridge in the rooms. As a whole, I’d actually put the guest rooms above the Convention Center hotels, with this being the nicest guest room at which I’ve stayed in Anaheim thus far.
Booked directly, Hotel Indigo Anaheim costs around $165-200/night before tax depending upon season, which makes it more expensive than the “proximity” hotels and more in line with the “business” hotels in terms of cost.
Parking and WiFi are both included in that rate, but it’s still pricey. The good news is that you can find deals in the $125-150 per night range for select dates. We’d say it’s worth those rates.
Overall, Hotel Indigo Anaheim ranks right up there as one of my favorite hotels near Disneyland–my second favorite hotel now, actually (Park Vue Inn remains the top dog). Price is the biggest downside for me, but at the ~$125/night rate I can score it, it’s not that bad. About the closest competitor to Hotel Indigo Anaheim is Hotel Menage (which I previously reviewed). While Hotel Menage offers stellar amenities and an average guest room, Hotel Indigo delivers a stellar guest room and (slightly above) average amenities. Personally, I much prefer Hotel Indigo of the two. While it’s not the closest hotel to Disneyland, the walk isn’t bad, especially compared to other high-quality hotels. If you want want a “cool” place to stay for your trip to Disneyland, Hotel Indigo is a wonderful option that I’d highly recommend for honeymooners on a budget, solo adults, or hip parents whose kids are showering age.
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 Hotel Indigo Anaheim? Did you enjoy your stay? What did you think of the guest rooms? 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!
Thanks so much for this review! We stayed at Menage in 2015 and it was one of our favourite hotels on our 7 week trip, but was a little bit out of our budget range for next years trip, this one looks like its cheaper than Four Points by $200 for the total stay so well worth switching!
Took my teen to disneyland last year for her graduation trip. We stayed at this hotel and she asked if we could stay at HI again. At checkin explained that every hotel indigo is themed to the community in which it operates. As you mentioned, the history of that street is walnut transport. So, it changes in each location depending on what is nearby. Cute little colorful glass elevator. Small, secure underground garage. Walking distance to a FABULOUS taqueria a couple buildings away that was open late (and packed). I loved the crisp, clean feel (no gross carpet) and housekeeping was always incredibly friendly and helpful. Oh and occasionally you can see the fireworks at the park. For traveling with my teens, yes! We love love love this hotel and will definitely be back (next month actually)
Hi – I’m excited with what everyone is describing! We will be there end of June. 🙂 Are there places to eat outside of the hotel anyone recommends? We we be mostly at Disneyland but will do some breakfast lunches and dinners outside the park.
Than you in advance!
“Hip parents whose kids are ‘showering age’” …not sure why exactly, but I can’t stop laughing. Thanks for that!
Hahaha! Me too! And oddly…this is me exactly. Single 34 year old with an 8 year old daughter and this is kinda why I like the hotel lol….my requirement is Hip With a Hot Tub and a bar….my daughters requirement is close to Disneyland.
I lived this line. We’ll be there for 9 days In June.
We have booked to stay for Christmas. VERY EXCITED. We have stayed at the Red Lion before and really enjoyed it but the Hotel Indigo looks nicer.
Have you been here recently? We’re booked in October for 4 nights after reviewing your rankings. I’m sure it’s not a *bad* choice…just hoping someone can attest it’s still #5 worthy. Of course, we would love to do the Disneyland hotel, but at last than half the price, our budget demands “off-site” instead!
Thank you for this great blog!!!!
I am wondering what is your best choice between indigo and vue inn if indigo is 50$ less than vue inn? Thank you
If Hotel Indigo costs less, I’d definitely book it.
I have stayed at several hotels near Disneyland and this is the only one that I wouldn’t consider staying at again. The room is nice but in my opinion there are several major downfalls.
1. While the hardwood floors look nice, they make it sound like a herd of elephants are in the room above you.
2. The HVAC system doesn’t have a “fan on” option and the unit was very loud when it would turn on and off. Even with a white noise machine running, the AC was still incredibly loud turning on and off.
3. If you want to take an afternoon break in the room, it’s very difficult here. Instead of changing linens as they are cleaning each room, they go through and remove bedding from all rooms at once then will replace it when they clean your room. Your room could go several hours with a bare mattress.
4. The restaurant is terribly slow for breakfast with high prices and poor quality.
Prior to staying here I was thinking that this would likely become our new go to, but I wouldn’t consider staying there again.
I love the Disneyland Hotel, but for how often we visit the prices make it a little to unrealistic. My top two choices for Disneyland visits are Hilton Anaheim and Candy Cane Inn, but I’m very anxious to try the Park Place again after they refurbish their rooms this year.
Not a good hotel for younger kids.
^re #1 we weren’t even in our room for 5 minutes and got a call from the front desk about a noise complaint. Instead of relaxing in our room after our park days I was stressed trying to get my kids to step lightly and speak in whispers despite their Disney excitement. Telling the little guy to tiptoe just made him high step march and step even harder so I restricted him to stay on the bed which was no fun for him. We travel fairly frequently and have never had a noise complaint, never mind in the first minutes in the room. This hotel has terrible soundproofing and not good for younger kids. We could hear people walking and speaking in quiet voices all times of day in the hallway and everyone’s doors opening and closing.
Our shower also had mold on the ceiling and mold in several spots on the shower. Not cool for my asthmatic kid.
The walk to the park was fine and the walk back felt 3 times longer than the walk there, but really it wasn’t bad. I felt pretty safe on the walk with young kids, one panhandler and one street vendor guy on the way but not aggressive. Wide sidewalks and well marked crosswalks at lighted intersections.
The decor at Hotel Indigo is fun and the bed was clean and comfy with 4 pillows on each bed which was nice. I actually liked the big shower with no tub even with kids. The vessel sink is too high for younger kids to reach. I wouldn’t recommend Hotel Indigo if you have younger children.
We are here now Aug 2017
I stayed here last November when Disneyland Hotel and Grand Cali were booked solid.
It was clean, but for some reason the decor just felt really cold to me. I like trendy, but I think it was a combination of trend and poor quality materials.
Also, totally agree with the previous commenter – get the top floor. Was on a lower floor for two nights – no sleep, heard every step above me – and asked to be moved.
I like the look of this hotel…are you sure it’s a Good Neighbor Hotel, though? It’s not included on Disneyland’s list (https://disneyland.disney.go.com/hotels/good-neighbor/).
While that list is incomplete (hotels have to pay extra to be on it but can still be a Good Neighbor Hotel), I can’t find anything now that supports my ‘Good Neighbor’ label. I don’t remember now how I came to the conclusion…I’ll have to call up the hotel and see…
Thanks for the heads up, either way.
Your article is very informative. It’s a welcome change from other supposed informational content. Your points are unique and original in my opinion. I agree with many of your points.
I think this place started out as something else (Ramada possibly) before Intercontinental took over and rebranded it as a Holiday Inn Express.
As to the Walnuts, there’s a Walnut Street nearby as well …
We stayed at the Hotel Indigo this past February and really enjoyed it. The staff was friendly and helpful. The room was very comfy. We were there for 5 nights. It is an easy walk to the parks. We never used the shuttle even though we were pushing our son in a wheelchair. I highly recommend the Indigo. We actually stayed using IHG points for free which was an extra bonus.
Thanks for the review! Are you planning to do a “Book with Hotel Tonight” guide post?
I’d like to see a suggestion on which are the best hotels to try to get and when (season and day of the week) it’s easier to get a good deal near Disneyland. For example, I’m hoping to go to Disneyland this November(6-10) and I need an hotel for a couple of night at the ends of my GCH reservation. Is it worth to not book anything and wait for Hotel Tonight? Thanks
Great renovation on a hotel close to Disneyland. Stayed here and I recommend getting room on highest floor because you can most definitely hear every footstep above you with the laminate flooring. I also heard loud conversations at 2:00am with some guests not using their indoors voices. Quiet is hard to find while sleeping nowadays.
So glad you included that info about the decor. Our room had a giant wagon spoke on the wall and none of us could figure it out. The pool is definitely lacking but when I stayed in January with three friends, the late night hot tub was great (and empty) after a full park day. The price is a little higher than others but includes parking and wifi which feels more rare than not! There’s also a good bagel/smoothie shop on the walk to the park for a quick cheap breakfast beforehand!
I guess I should clarify about the price: I think it’s *totally* worth the price–especially the $125/night rate I often see. If I were going on a honeymoon or an adults-only trip (similar to yours) with the parks factoring in heavily but not wanting to spend the money to stay at Disneyland Hotel or the Grand Californian, this would be the perfect spot. Not too far away, and with really nice rooms perfectly suited for adults.
I would take Hotel Indigo over Paradise Pier Hotel any day of the week–even if both were $125/night!
“If I were going on a honeymoon or an adults-only trip (similar to yours) with the parks factoring in heavily but not wanting to spend the money to stay at Disneyland Hotel or the Grand Californian, this would be the perfect spot. ”
This sentence is describes EXACTLY what we’re looking for!! 🙂 Thanks for all the great info and updates!
The walnuts are a tad odd, but I think it’s supposed to be an attempt to bring in the outdoors. Maybe just leaves would’ve been better, but I like color choices!
The overal look of the room and bathroom reminds me of the rebranding of the once Imperial Palace in Vegas, now called Linq Hotel
I found the walnut explanation and added it to the post. Makes sense…I guess?
Regardless, the color scheme is great, and if a walnut motif is what was needed to make that happen, I’m perfectly fine with it! 🙂