Why You Should Stay Embassy Suites Anaheim South Guest Post

I have felt for quite some time my website has been missing something. I can provide you with tips to avoid long lines at Disney and other useful information. What I lack is the ability to recommend a good hotel. I am a local so I do not need to stay at a hotel. This is where Kylee from Green Monorail Destinations comes in. Kylee will share her experience staying at one of Disney's Good Neighbor Hotels the Embassy Suites.

Kylee Gano is a Disney Travel Planner and founder of Green Monorail Destinations, a Travel Agency and blog focused on whimsical adventures for young adults. You can find her on her blog here or subscribe to her newsletter for more adventures.

I always suggest staying in a Disney owned resort because the amenities are fantastic and you can't beat the location. But, Disneyland resorts aren't always in the budget for many families. If you need to save some dough, the next best choice is a Disney "Good Neighbor Hotel," which is a non-Disney hotel, but stamped with Disney's approval.

The Embassy Suites are owned by Hilton and qualifies as a “Disney Good Neighbor Hotel” so I trusted that the rooms and pool would be decent. I was pleasantly surprised by my stay and felt very much at home in my own little 1-bedroom suite. The prices are moderate for an Anaheim hotel (about 120-180 a night) and the perks were great! My only complaint was that the lobby/restaurant area may be trying too hard with the African safari theming. Still, despite the fake plants and animatronic lion, I found it kind of charming. I love a good water feature and I enjoyed eating breakfast in the atrium-like common area. The free hot breakfast buffet and nightly complimentary happy hour were my favorite perks for this hotel.

Please Note: There are three Embassy Suites near Disneyland. Embassy Suites Anaheim South, Embassy Suites Anaheim North, and Embassy Suites Anaheim Orange. When traveling from the airport or parks, make sure you have the correct address. I made this mistake coming from the airport and by the time the Concierge informed me, my Lyft driver was gone. The hotels are close to each other so it wasn't that big of a deal, but just a heads up! Here's the Embassy Suites Anaheim South website so you know which one I'm addressing.

Transportation to Disneyland

• Close Proximity to Disneyland: It's about a 10-minute drive to the park entrance, so not too shabby at all. However, this means it's a long walking distance. The hotel is about a 30-minute walk to the parks, so I'd advise taking a taxi/Lyft or using their shuttles.

• Free Shuttle to the Parks: The shuttle leaves every 15 minutes and 45 minutes after the hour (i.e. 11:15 am, 11:45 am, 12:15 pm, 12:45 pm). You will share the shuttle with the neighboring 2 hotels, so plan to get in line early for morning rides.

• Onsite Parking: Shared lots with the neighboring hotels, but it wasn’t difficult finding a spot at the time. It is rather expensive at $17 a night.

Onsite Restaurant

Serengeti Grill and Lounge: Serving breakfast, lunch, dinner, and a happy hour.

• Hot Breakfast Buffet: This is one of the best features of the hotel and a big sell for me. The "cooked-to-order" breakfast buffet serves make-it-your-way omelets, waffles, sausages, bacon, cereal, coffee, juice, fruit etc. Oh, and $5 mimosas and bloody mary's.

• Lounge: Wine, beer, cocktails, and food

• One Free Breakfast: One of the unexpected perks was the voucher for 1 free meal at the Hot Breakfast Buffet. Especially awesome since this isn't your typical "free breakfast" sporting dry bagels and cereal.

• Free Happy Hour: For a moderate resort, this is a great offer, and it made me feel like I was staying at club level for a second. Every night from 5:30-7:30 they offer complimentary snacks like veggies, chips, dip and 1 free drink.

Bonus Amenities

·      Free Wifi: The login will ask you to join "Hilton Honors" to access the wifi. This just means putting in your email address.

·      Gym: A small gym with weights and treadmills is available.

·      Some Nearby Establishments:

o   Buca di Beppo (Italian chain restaurant): In the parking lot of the hotel

o   Target: 1 Block Down

o   Walgreen's: 1 Block Down

o   Jack in the Box: Across the street

o   Pizza Hut: 1 Block Down

o   Red Robin: 1 Block Down

o   Joe's Crab Shack: 1 Block Down

Pool and Hot Tub

Without the furniture, the pool would be ok but reminiscent of a Motel 8. With the simple touches of nice outdoor furniture, the pool is a pretty nice place to go sunbathing or park yourself while the kids play. It’s also a huge bonus that they have a small hot tub!

Rooms

Hence the name, all the rooms at the Embassy Suites are indeed, suites. What this means is that the bedroom is separated from the common area by a door and wall. Giving the guests some privacy if others are staying on the fold-out couch in the common area. Also gives you the feeling of staying in an apartment rather than a hotel room. I've never stayed in a suite before and I really loved this aspect.

Room View: I stayed on the pool side of the resort, giving me a bit of a city view and not much else. If booking directly through Hilton's website, you can reserve a Firework View Room, facing the park. This usually costs about $50 more per night. Disney's website doesn't allow the option to book a firework view room, so if this is something that is important to you, you might want to book through Hilton.

Room Types:

• 1 King Bed-Firework View

• 1 King Bed-City/Pool View

• Larger Suite 1 King Bed

• Deluxe Suite 1 King Bed

• 2 Double Beds-Firework View

• 2 Double Beds-City/Pool View

Kitchen Area

• Small Fridge

• Coffee Maker

• Microwave

• Sink

• Counter Space

Common Area

• Dinner Table

• Sofabed

• Armchair

• 32-inch Television

• Coffee Table

Bedroom

• 1 King Bed or Two Double Beds

• 32-inch Television

• Boudoir

• Dresser

• Vanity

• USB Outlets Everywhere! Many hotel rooms (especially Disney) lack USB outlets and outlets in general. They were plentiful in this suite and it was such a great amenity I didn't realize I needed.

If you're looking for a romantic getaway with luxurious amenities and breathtaking atmosphere, Embassy Suites isn't for you. Now, if you're looking for a nice hotel with some good perks, good service, and spacious rooms, Embassy Suites will do nicely. Flopping on my giant poofy bed and watching Fraiser on my personal 32-inch television was a fantastic way to end a long day at the parks. 8/10, would definitely stay again.