Desperate for hotel advice in Anaheim!
 

I have to be in Anaheim for a business convention the same weekend that I celebrate my 40th b-day. Since I won't be at home to celebrate, my hubby is coming along and we want to find a nice hotel (4 stars) fairly near the Anaheim Convention Center (a quick cab ride away is ok), BUT that will also be a nice place for my b-day celebration. It will be just the two of us.

I REALLY want a hotel with a large, landscaped, beautiful pool area. I figure if I have to be away from family and friends on my milestone b-day, I want to spend it lounging poolside with my husband, drinking smoothies and catching some sun.

I've Googled Anaheim hotels numerous times and am actually more confused than ever...

Any advice is most appreciated!

Disney's Grand Californian has a nicely landscaped pool area. And make him take you to Napa Rose in the hotel for dinner.

get a rental car and go to laguna beach or newport beach, about 15 miles from the anaheim conv center. the anaheim area is too inland into orange county and does not offer the beach ambience california is known for. the montage in laguna beach is nice, the ritz carlton in laguna niguel is closed for renovation ( i think ) and surf and sand hotel in laguna beach is also a nice beachfront property. there's plenty of fine dining, great restaurants in the area. some suggestions: mastro in newport coast, five crowns, flemings steakhouse, roy's, etc.

If you want to stay near the Anaheim Convention Center the very best place to stay is Disneyland's Grand Californian. It is very nice and the Napa Rose Restaurant is excellent. It will be a special Birthday if you celebrate there. Have fun!!

I stayed at the Hilton for a convention a few years back. Not four stars but a solid 3 maybe 3.5.

The Hilton right at the convention center has a very nice pool area up on the (I think) 8th floor, and the Marriott across is also very nice, has somewhat more cachet (but I don't know about its pool).

Other than those two, within reach of the convention center I can't think of anything where the word nice would apply - adequate, handy, useful - but not nice. Try those two, ask for upper floors away from the conventioneers crowding the lobbies down below.

Here is another vote for the Grand Californian. But know that it may be considered 5 stars (and carry the price tag with it).

If that does not work for you, the other Disney Hotels (Disney Hotel and Paradise Pier) would be okay. The Paradise Pier pool is not that great but you can use the Disney Hotel pool (which is very nice) if you stay at the Paradise Pier hotel. But just remember, you will be surrounded by kids/families any where near that area. So don't exactly expect a quiet & relaxing day around the pool. Being the father of an 8 yr old, its not a big deal for me. But others may have issues with it.

Napa Rose is a good call for a restaurant as well. But you may want to plan ahead as reservations are a must. They book (or at least used to) weeks/months ahead of time. Other options include Catal (in the Disney Resort area and part of the Patina Group of restaurants) and a quick cab ride away, Mr. Stox.

Have a great time!

I agree if Napa Rose doesn't work out, Mr Stox is wonderful too. Have fun!!

I'd go for the Grand Californian, we loved our stay there last Nov. and the pool area is very pretty. ***kim*** ((#))