I am considering staying at the Residence Inn Orange? Any info on the area would be helpful.

What's the purpose of your stay? Business or pleasure? Length of your stay?

Sorry, no one has ever been to Orange, CA.

Pleasure, the World Gymnastics Championships next August. Length of stay 10-12 days

I visited Orange County for 4 days a few years ago in January and will never forget getting sunburned! I was there with my husband while he was there on business so didn't see much (except for wonderful Disneyland...much more fun than Disneyworld) but with my short, quick impression...it seemed like the closest thing to heaven I've ever seen. The people are very nice and helpful that I met. We stayed at the Embassy Suites not far from John Wayne Airport. I'd return in a heartbeat!!! I think you will love it there. Sorry , not familiar with the REsidence Inn.

What is the address of the REsidence Inn in Orange? I can give you an idea of the neighborhood if I know the address as I live in Orange County. Most of OC is nice but there are some areas that are not as safe as most. Most Residence Inns are nice and in pretty good neighborhoods.

3101 W chapman avenue

I've been living and working in the city of Orange since '96. We stayed at that property 3 years ago during a home renovation. Lots to do and see!!! What are you looking to do?

Michael,

We are there for the world gymnastics championships. We (my teen-aged daughter and I) will be there for 2 weeks. Need I be concerned about the area? Is the property itself well maintained. I will have a car, so transportation is not the problem. Only concerned about the area and the condition of the property. Oh yea, how's the pool?

Orange is an older town in Orange County. Orange and Orange County was so named, because decades ago it was a prime citrus growing area. Orange was the town surrounded by groves. Orange has a large older downtown with many antique shops, with surrounding neighborhoods.
As in all of Southern California, a car is really essential to getting around. Disneyland is fairly close, as are all LA/Southern Cal attractions

You might want to check out a few of the local universities while you're in town. Seems like most teenagers who get a glimpse of the Southern California lifestyle want to head back for college.

AlbanyGirl: Why did you like Disneyland better than Disneyworld?

I live in Orange County, and work very close to where you are considering staying. There is another individual who asked the same questions yesterday (11/18), and I answered here. The topic is under "Anaheim/Orange".

The Residence Inn you are considering is well maintained. The area around the hotel is a little less than pleasing to the eye, however. It is safe, but I wouldn't recommend an evening stroll. The area used to be a major hub of activity, but has declined in recent years.

You will be very close to two major freeways (5 and 57), that will connect you to anywhere you need to go. The Pond (where the championships are being held, I believe?) is very close, although not within walking distance. You will be near lots of shops and restaurants, though, again within close driving distance. If you want to do the Disney thing, you will be close enough for that as well. Also, you will be very close to Edison Field, so depending on the time of year and your personal interests, you might consider taking in an Angel's game. As mentioned in an earlier post, the city of Orange has an older section to it (right on Chapman, btw), that has lots of little antiques shops and small restaurants. It's quite attractive, gives an impression of early 20th century Orange, and is easy to stroll casually.

There is lots to do in the area, the beaches are not that far away, and I don't think you will be disappointed. I would only caution that the area is a bit run down (though not the hotel), and there is quite a bit of car traffic, being that it is close to freeways and a major hospital.

Hope you have a good time!

Ken, to answer your question..
I just preferred Disneyland to Disneyworld for a couple of reasons...primarily, Disneyland is smaller and easier to maneuver. I found Disneyworld just way too large. We saw all of Disneyland in 2 days. Also, the weather in California was far superior to the weather in Orlando. I just don't do well with humidity. JMO.

I visited that area last year. I wasn't there for the Disney thing so I stayed away from Anaheim. If you use the freeways at the right time of day, you can be to the beach in less than 30 minutes, and several shopping centers, including one in downtown Orange, very charming I might add. I don't recall it being run down, but that might be from a Beverly Hills perspective. I am from the Midwest, Chicago, and rundown is a very relative term!!

there's the BLOCK AT ORANGE an outdoor shopping, dining, and events area which should be fun esp. for the teenager at night. popular for the 20 AMC theater and lively atmosphere. other than that, there isn't a whole lot in orange itself, but it's pretty close to disney and to knotts and you could always use it as a driving point to see sea world in san diego or universal studios or a drive to the beaches too.