This is the best Good Neighbor Hotel near Disneyland

According to Disney, Good Neighbor Hotels “offer quality accommodations that are located near the Disneyland Resort.” There are more than 50 of them in the area, with rates to fit most budgets. Of all those Disneyland hotels that aren’t run by the company, our top pick is planted just across the street from the resort on Harbor Boulevard and offers guests all of the amenities they’ll need for a great vacation.

Why Howard Johnson Anaheim is our top pick

The Howard Johnson Anaheim Hotel and Water Playground is in an ideal location, just across the street from the Harbor Boulevard entrance to Disneyland Resort that leads to the Esplanade, the central hub between both parks and the Downtown Disney District. In addition to its prime location, the Howard Johnson Anaheim has some fantastic amenities, themed rooms and an impressive on-site water park. Guests with a keen eye will also catch the bright red Disneyland monorail making its way past the hotel regularly, adding to the immersion.

The hotel can be identified along the main thoroughfare near Disneyland by its midcentury modern look, and circular lobby building that features arched windows and a unique geometric design. Each of the six buildings in which rooms are located has recently undergone major refreshments in the corridors and rooms, allowing for a better overall guest experience.

The rooms cater to Disney lovers

No matter who you’re traveling with — if anyone — there’s a room type at the Howard Johnson Anaheim for everyone. Rooms vary in size from standard two-double bedrooms to large suites that can sleep up to five people on traditional beds and a set of bunk beds that little ones will love.

What makes each of the rooms ideal for Disney fans is all of the thoughtful decor touches. In each of the standard double rooms, there is a print of concept art from the legendary Disney artist, Mary Blair, who was said to be Walt Disney’s favorite artist. The deluxe and premium rooms feature artwork of Mickey Mouse and Disneyland attractions in a more modern, brightly colored form.

The suites are themed to the classic Pirates of the Caribbean attraction, with moody garnet colors, dark wood furniture and plenty of pirate-inspired artwork. Some of the art is actually prints of concept art for the attraction drawn by Marc Davis, one of the original Imagineers at The Walt Disney Company. A new suite that debuted this summer at the hotel, the House of the Retro Future suite, is faithfully based on the defunct Disneyland attraction, the Monsanto House of the Future.

Kids love the on-site water park

Going along with the pirate theme happening in some of the suites is the on-site water park, Castaway Cove. Kids love this large water playground, especially on Anaheim’s summer days. Castaway Cove features slides, water cannons, drench buckets and a jungle gym where kids and adults can have fun together. The hotel uses a reservation system for its water playground to help better manage crowds. Reservations can be made up to 30 days prior to arrival, giving guests a peace of mind they’ll have a guaranteed spot to enjoy the unique amenity. Each reservation is for two hours and covers up to five people per room.

For those wanting a more subdued pool experience, the hotel’s Garden Pool does not require reservations and is open for the majority of the day. Lounge chairs and tables are set up around the pool, so parents can relax by the pool and keep an eye on their kids after a day at the parks. 

The proximity to Disneyland is unrivaled among Good Neighbor Hotels

Being able to get up, get dressed and walk across the street to enjoy a day at Disneyland Resort is one of the biggest reasons the Howard Johnson Anaheim Hotel and Water Playground is our top pick among Good Neighbor Hotels. The proximity of this one to Disneyland is truly unrivaled.

Because of how close the lodging is, visitors staying at the Howard Johnson Anaheim don’t have to worry about the walk that can be a mile or longer down Harbor Boulevard from other Good Neighbor Hotels. This means you can spend more time in bed in the morning before the park opens and take it easier on your beleaguered feet at the end of the day.

Another advantage of being so close to Disneyland is seeing the park’s legendary fireworks from the comfort of your private balcony, should it be facing the right way, of course. Kids love being able to watch the skies light up in their pajamas, and adults love not being in the long lines of crowds trying to file out of the park when the display is over.

Despite them all carrying the Disneyland Resort seal of approval, a stay at the Howard Johnson Anaheim Hotel is above the other nearby Good Neighbor Hotels. The level of service, amenities, carefully themed rooms and proximity to Disneyland make this our go-to for a few nights away in Anaheim, particularly when you don’t want to shell out the extra cash to sleep at one of Disneyland’s few official hotels.