Which hotel? Anabella vs. Howard Johnson

[jenmch]

I am having trouble deciding between hotels......I've done alot of research on both; they both have pros and cons. I know that Howard Johnson is older, but has recently been remodeled, and I understand the rooms are pretty good size. It's also right across the street. However, the Anabella seems newer and a bit "classier" overall, but I am concerned about room size. Also, what restaurants are nearby? And is the walk to Disney too far? I would much prefer to not have to rely on transportation.

Any help from recent guests at either of these hotels would be much appreciated!!

Thank you!

[AVP]

Both hotels have been reviewed on our fabulous MousePlanet Hotel and Restaurant Review System.

The Howard Johnson Plaza Hotel has an average rating of 5 Planets, and was the winner of the 2003 MousePlanet Reader's Choice Awards for Best Anaheim Area Hotel.

The Anabella Hotel has an average rating of 3.5 Planets.

In general, the Anabella has smaller standard rooms, but the family suites and mini suites are large and affordable. The Tangerine Grill in the hotel is fantastic - I've eaten there many, many times and really like it. There is also a Tiffy's restaurant nearby. The Anabella is a longer walk from the Disneyland entrance, and you may want to take the shuttle.

The Howard Johnsons has been completely remodeled. The hotel is closer to the Disneyland entrance, and definitely in close walking distance. There are more food options right around this property - a Mimi's in the adjacent lot, and the "Harbor Blvd Restaurant Row" between it and Disneyland.

Hope this helps. When you return, please be sure to file your own Hotel Review, to give future travelers the benefit of your experience!

AVP

[disneylandia]

The Anabella may look classier on the outside, but its not on the inside! I've never stayed at HoJo yet , but already I'd suggest it over the Anabella.

[CarlieB]

I've stayed at both, and I would recommend the HoJo. The Anabella is nice, but the standard rooms aren't as big, and we found some of the staff to be not very helpful (others were fine though). The main pool at the Anabella is really nice, but I believe the pool area at the HoJo has recently been remodeled and is now very good too. I agree with AVP about the Tangerine Grill at the Anabella - it is very nice, and has patio seating as well as indoor seating. However, we don't often eat at the hotel, so we didn't eat there so much (had breakfast a few times, which was good, and dinner once).

We are going to the resort in December and will be staying at the HoJo again (its proximity to the Parks is another plus)

[Christiii]

Ive got a review up about the Hojo...and its my fav palce to stay!! I used to ONLY stay at the Disneyland hotel...but the price just started getting to me...now Im a TOTAL Hojo fan!! I just got back from there in Tues..and will be there again this Fri. for four nights..does that tell you anything?? I think Mouseplanet has good deals there..so try book thru them..also the Entertainment card gets me an upgraded romm for an incredible..I mean INCREDIBLE price...dont want to say, since I dont want people complaining to them...but the Entertainment card WORKS!!

[disneylandia]

Not to beat a dead horse . . .
Another good source for hotel reviews is Trip Advisor . Their rank is HoJo at #2 (right after the Grand Californian), and Anabella at #41. Trip Advisor can give you a good feel for a hotel/motel based on the volume of reviews, many from outside the U.S.