Do you want to be a seven-minute walk from Disneyland? Have cheap meals literally in your parking lot and spend 35,000 Marriott points per night (or perhaps less than $150) instead of $500 or more at a Disneyland hotel?
Me too. That’s why, on a recent trip to Disneyland in California for the launch of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, I spent the first night of my trip at the Fairfield Inn by Marriott Anaheim Resort, paying only 25% of what I would have paid at the Disneyland hotels.
Booking
I paid cash for my night at the Fairfield Anaheim because the paid rate was around $150 per night all in and the alternative would have been spending 35,000 Marriott points, which I valued more than that cents-per-point rate. When cash rates are higher, another attractive alternative is to use the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card or the Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card to earn up to 35,000 points per year.
When comparing a $500 or more Disneyland hotel room to an award night granted with a credit card each year, the winner is certainly quite evident for most trips.
Location
The Fairfield Inn Anaheim Resort is a hotel in Anaheim, California that is close to Disneyland. It’s situated on South Harbor Boulevard, so you can stroll through the parking lot and down the sidewalk up to the Disneyland crosswalk. Along the way, you’ll pass a Panera and a McDonald’s in case your group wants some less-expensive-than-Disney quick snacks.
On your way to Disneyland, you’ll pass through this McDonald’s.
When it comes to finding a hotel near Disneyland, you can’t go much closer than the Fairfield, unless you stay at one of the three official Disneyland hotels, where you’ll likely pay three or four times the cash prices.
You’ll be at Disneyland in seven minutes if you walk.
Room
I spent a few additional dollars after seeing the photographs on the hotel’s website to obtain the premium rooms with Disney theming. You can’t book these rooms directly with points, however it appears that Marriott elites may be promoted to these rooms when they become available. The wallpaper is another distinguishing feature between premium and ordinary rooms. (Yes, I paid extra for different wallpaper. I know, I’m embarrassed.)
This premium king room had a blue sofa, some small tables, a king bed, a work desk, and a big smart TV that could stream Netflix shows.
The Fairfield Inn’s rooms all had direct access to the outdoors, which I typically dislike, but it was almost pleasant in Anaheim. Aside from that, the room was ideal for a quick stay near Disneyland.
The bed was extremely comfy (or maybe I was simply weary), the bathroom was adequate, and there were power outlets right next to the bed. Everything I needed to refuel for another exciting day in Anaheim was literally at my fingertips.
The room had clearly been refurbished in recent years, and a little colourful wallpaper goes a long way towards making the hotel feel a little more distinctive. While a Fairfield will never be luxurious, I’ve stayed at midrange Disney World resort hotels in Florida that didn’t feel as new as the Fairfield Inn Anaheim.
Amenities
This hotel had a modest rectangular pool and whirlpool in what was effectively the hotel’s parking lot. Stay next door at the Courtyard by Marriott Anaheim Theme Park Entrance for a larger hotel complex featuring a small waterpark, a larger pool, and slides. However, you should expect to pay more in cash or points for that luxurious pool setup.
Back at the Fairfield, I could go to the third level for a Pizza Hut Express, Seattle’s Best Coffee, or the arcade. However, I could have the local Panera deliver to my room.
Because it is a Disneyland Good Neighbour Hotel, it has a small gift store with Disney merchandise and the opportunity to purchase theme park tickets from within the hotel. You may also rent strollers and scooters from the hotel to use in the parks.
The Fairfield Inn Anaheim Resort does not provide free breakfast. It makes no difference if you have Marriott Platinum elite status. Platinum elites receive 500 additional points, 10% off at Pizza Hut Express, and late or early check-in and checkout. I ate at some of the greatest restaurants at Disneyland and within Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, so I can’t comment directly to the hotel’s dining offerings.
Overall Impressions
I didn’t have high hopes for my stay at the Fairfield Inn Anaheim, but I was pleasantly pleased. The stay was not spectacular by any means, but the rooms were charming, and it provided good value for money. Unlike at Disney World, where staying off-property means foregoing convenience and valuable amenities, when you save money and stay in a hotel like the Fairfield, you may still be just a short stroll from the parks at Disneyland. Staying off-property doesn’t cost you with ride wait times, though, thanks to the way Disneyland runs its version of FastPass.
If this is a once-in-a-lifetime family trip to Disneyland, I’d choose the Disneyland Hotel or Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa (if your budget allows), but the Fairfield should enough for a short weekend at the parks.