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Howard Johnson at Disneyland – Hotel Review

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Need a family-friendly & affordable hotel that’s walking distance to Disneyland? The Howard Johnson Anaheim Hotel and Water Playground is the place for you! This hotel has been a Harbor Blvd staple for decades, and recently went through a refresh that highlights its mid-century modern heritage. Read on to learn all about this charming hotel and grab a special discount for This Fairy Tale Life readers!

Front sign for Howard Johnson near Disneyland
© Howard Johnson

*Disclaimer: I stayed at the Howard Johnson Anaheim Hotel and Water Park with a media rate. 

After driving past it for many years, I finally had an opportunity to stay at the Howard Johnson Anaheim Hotel and Water Playground, just across the street from Disneyland Resort.

I’ve heard my friends rave about this hotel many times, and now I know why! From the fun mid-century architecture and details, easy parking, and the convenient walking distance from Disneyland’s front entrance, I can understand why the HoJo is a crowd favorite.

While the HoJo is really appealing for families, I think it’s a great choice for solo travelers and grown-ups visiting Disneyland as well.

 

This Fairy Tale Life readers can save up to 20 % off the standard Howard Johnson Anaheim Hotel and Water Playground rates!
 

Book with my link & corporate code and get a 15% discount off regular hotel rates, and Magic Key holders save even more!
 
15% off Discount for everyone! Corp code: 1000022077
 
20% off Disneyland Magic Key Passholder Discount – Corp code: 1000025935
 
Click here to book your Howard Johnson hotel stay!
 

Howard Johnson Anaheim Hotel Review

Location

The Howard Johnson Anaheim is located at 1380 S. Harbor Blvd, Anaheim, CA 92802, just off the 5 freeway and is roughly a 10 minute walk to the entrance to Disneyland.

Hotel Grounds

I was really impressed by the size of the Howard Johnson hotel grounds. While many of the hotels on Harbor Blvd across from Disneyland are cramed into small lots, the HoJo covers a spacious seven acres of land. There is ample parking surrounding the multiple buildings that make up the hotel.

I also really enjoy staying at a hotel with interior hallways; it just feels safer and cleaner.

Howard Johnson Anaheim is currently undergoing a multi-year renovation that is scheduled to be complete in 2023. If you are booking in 2022, be sure to request a renovated room.

Rooms

The HoJo hotel room I stayed in was the 2 Queen Deluxe Room in building 2. The room was very spacious, clean, and quiet. it had obviously been recently renovated and felt fresh and new. The color theme is orange and teal, but is not overpowering. In fact, I found the blue wall behind the beds to be very calming. There is also some fun Disney artwork on the wall.

Interior of guest room at Howard Johnson Anaheim hotel showing two beds and window

Interior of Howard Johnson Anaheim hotel room showing desk ,TV, and mini fridge

The rooms include either two double beds, two queen beds, or one king bed. Even with two beds my room never felt small or too cramped.

The bathroom was large and included double sinks and a bathtub/shower combo. I do prefer a split bathroom, but at least the HoJo bathroom was very spacious.

Interior bathroom of guest hotel room at Howard Johnson near Disneyland showing double sinks and toilet

Interior of bathroom inside Howard Johnson Anaheim guest room showing countertop and bathtub

Another feature I enjoyed was the large balcony. If I were on a higher floor, I would have been able to see some of the Disneyland attractions peeking over the trees.

View from balcony at Howard Johnson Anaheim hotel

The rooms include most standard hotel amenities including:

  • Flatscreen TV (with Netflix and Hulu if you log in with your accounts)
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Mini Fridge
  • Microwave
  • Coffee Maker (Keurig)
  • Iron & Ironing Board
  • Hairdryer
  • Toiletries

*Please note Housekeeping is only available upon request. Visit the Howard Johnson website for more health & safety updates.

Brown table and two blue chairs next to floor to ceiling window at Howard Johnson Anaheim hotel room

Close up of bed inside Howard Johnson Anaheim hotel guest room

Suites

Howard Johnson Anaheim offers two specialty suites:

House of the Retro Future

The brand new House of the Retro Future suite is a 700 square foot tribute to the old “Montsano House of the Future” walk-through that was located in Tomorrowland from 1957 to 1967. The suite is a mid-century modern dream, featuring unique furniture and artwork you won’t find anywhere else. 

One of the coolest features is a record player complete with vinyls to set the tone! Plus it’s located on the top floor of building 2 with views of Disneyland.

The one bedroom suite features two queen beds and can sleep up to 4 people. 

Right now the suite is only available for a 2 night stay, for $1957. Price is subject to change at any time.

King Suite

The King Suite, located in building 1, also offers views of Disneyland Park on its two balconies. This one-bedroom space has a king bed, plus a queen-sized sleeper sofa in the living space. It sleeps up to four people. Availability and pricing varies.

Kids Suite

The Kids Suite is the smallest of the three specialty suites, but it’s probably the most fun! The two room suite features a king bed in the bedroom, and a bunk bed and sleeper sofa in the main room. It’s great for a family of 5! The Kids Suite at Howard Johnson Anaheim has a pirate theme and city views.

 

Pools and Amenities

The Howard Johnson near Disneyland has two pool areas available for guests.

Water Playground at Howard Johnson Anaheim
© Howard Johnson

Castaway Cove is a pirate-themed water playground that kids are sure to love. This area also includes a toddler pool and a whirlpool spa.

Garden Pool is located next to Building 2 and offers a more traditional pool experience and quieter environment. 

Garden Pool at Howard Johnson Anaheim Hotel

Both pools are open from 10am to 10pm. Space is limited and guests will be asked to queue outside if maximum capacity is reached.

Neither pool has food/drink service, but guests may bring in their own food (no glass allowed).

***

As far as other amenities and activities, the property also has the following available:

  • Coin-operated laundry room
  • Main Street Market – mini market and gift shop open from 7am to 11pm
  • Game Room (currently closed due to COVID)
  • Water and soda vending machines around the property

Dining

HoJo does not have any on-property dining locations or room service, but there is a gift shop called Main Street Market with snacks available for purchase (including beer & wine). Main St Market is located adjacent to the lobby.

Restaurants nearby include Mimi’s Cafe, McDonalds, and Panera Bread. 

Exterior sign that reads "Howard Johnson" in red
© Howard Johnson

Parking

At the time of my stay in 2022, parking was $20 per night and only one car per room is permitted. Additional parking is available at GardenWalk, which is a bit of a hike.

Guest cars may stay in the HoJo parking lot until noon on check out day. 

Summary

I very much enjoyed my stay at Howard Johnson Anaheim and think it’s a great choice for both adult Disney fans and families. The mid-century modern decor is really fun and the refreshed rooms felt sparkling clean. The downsides for me are lack of on-property dining/bar, and the walk to the Disneyland front gate is a little longer than most of the other hotels on Harbor Blvd. 

This Fairy Tale Life readers can save up to 20 % off the standard Howard Johnson Anaheim Hotel and Water Playground rates!
 

Book with my link & corporate code and get a 15% discount off regular hotel rates, and Magic Key holders save even more!
 
15% off Discount for everyone! Corp code: 1000022077
 
20% off Disneyland Magic Key Passholder Discount – Corp code: 1000025935
 
Click here to book your Howard Johnson hotel stay!
 

 

Interior of Howard Johnson Anaheim hotel room with orange background and text overlay "Hotel Review Howard Johnson Anaheim near Disneyland"

About Mindy

Mindy Marzec is a life-long Disney fan who grew up in Los Angeles. She started This Fairy Tale Life to share Disneyland travel tips for adults. When not at Disneyland, you can find Mindy at home snuggling with her cats and re-watching Thor: Ragnarok for the billionth time.