Family Vacation Critic Favorite

Candy Cane Inn

1747 S Harbor Blvd Anaheim, Anaheim, 92802, CA

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1 Room / 2 Adults

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2 adults
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Editor's Rating

Overview

As one of the oldest hotels in Anaheim, the Candy Cane Inn is a staple to families who travel to Disneyland Resort and want to stay near the park, without paying the Disney resort prices. Originally built in the early days of Disney, the hotel was to be named Cinderella Inn. When Walt Disney himself objected, the hotel needed to change its name, which happened to take place on Christmas Eve, thus, the name Candy Cane Inn.

Do not expect candy canes throughout the property or a Christmas-themed hotel. Instead, the inn is a traditional U-shaped hotel with outdoor corridors and a simple, comfortable setting, just opposite of the Disneyland theme parks. Guests can walk to Disneyland or ride the hotel’s free shuttle, while parked at the hotel, also for free. With a complimentary breakfast and free Wi-Fi included, the Candy Cane Inn is a wallet-friendly option for families heading to Disneyland.

Our Editor Loves

  • Family-owned property in a sea of chains
  • Walking distance from Disneyland Resort
  • Free breakfast

Family Interests

  • Beach
  • Museum/Cultural
  • Theme Park

Family Amenities

  • Cribs
  • DVD
  • Family Room 5+
  • Free Breakfast
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Kids' Pool
  • Laundry
  • Pool
  • Refrigerator

Room Information

Find the Best Price for Your Stay

The U-shaped, two-story hotel offers 171 rooms. Rooms began renovations in late 2014 to swap out carpeting for hardwood-looking tiles, new bathrooms tiles, and new bedding. The hotel does not offer elevators (although it is hoping to add them soon), so families with small children and strollers may prefer a ground-floor room. Room categories are Standard, Deluxe and Premium, and all feature two queen beds, mini-fridges, coffeemakers, free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs. Complimentary cribs are available upon request.

Standard Guestrooms
At 264 square feet, Standard Guestrooms have two queen beds and can sleep a total of four people.

Deluxe Guestrooms
Deluxe rooms are 308 square feet and can sleep up to five with the addition of a rollaway bed ($10 per night). Connecting rooms are available upon request for guests in Deluxe Guestrooms.

Premium Guestrooms
Premium rooms are 360 square feet, and also overlook Disney's California Adventure, with limited views of the fireworks. Rollaway beds are available for $10 per night in Premium Guestrooms, allowing room for up to five guests. Families staying in Premium rooms also receive extended check-out (2 p.m. instead of 11 a.m.), DVD players, complimentary video rentals and microwaves. They may also have breakfast delivered to the room, free of charge. Connecting rooms are available upon request for guests in Premium Guestrooms.

Reviews

Great for Disneyland and the Convention Center

by JenK5902

I first stayed at the Candy Cane Inn in 2014. The place has definitely improved since then. I am so happy to see it improving each time we return.

The staff has always been one of the best parts and that continues.

The rooms are well maintained, the beds were firm but comfortable. Nice soft and fluffy towels and lots of them.

I had a room with two double beds and it was a reasonable size.

The bathroom was also a very reasonable size and, even better, it made good use of the space. I never felt cramped while using it. In the past, I didn't like their soap/shampoo but what they are using now was perfect. It had a very neutral scent and I used all their products for the whole trip.

The included breakfast had great coffee. The food choices were all the breakfast basics... cereal, bagels, bread, muffins, croissants with ham and cheese inside, donuts, hard-boiled eggs, cheese, apples, bananas and I think I saw yogurt and fruit juices. Even when it looked really busy I was able to find a table. They have made a clear effort to create a relaxing little oasis by the pool.

The shuttle to Disneyland ran on time both ways, that reliability was appreciated.

The Convention Center's main entrance was within easy walking distance. But, I needed to get to Hall D in a hurry so I took an Uber to the Transit Plaza. That ran me around $6 - $8 depending on the time of day.

The free parking was a huge plus given the price of parking for Disney and Convention Center. Plus, it is closer to the park and Convention Center than some of the official parking lots!

The wifi is another thing that has had a phenomenal improvement since my first visit. I was able to do everything I needed to on my laptop with no hiccups.

There were at least three power outlets that I saw in the room so I could plug my laptop in no matter where I was sitting. There was a small table with two chairs that was a good height for working on a laptop.

There is a small store for basics in the lobby. But CVS and Walgreens are extremely close. Between those and the front desk, I was able to find everything I forgot to bring or unexpectedly needed.

No place is perfect so there are a few things I would just say to be aware of before you arrive.

- The bathroom lights are still dim/yellow and not suitable for putting on makeup. It also isn't near a window so either bring a light or some kind of setup to deal with that if you need it.

- There is no elevator to the second floor. If stairs are a problem make sure they know that. I asked during check-in and they were able to move me to a first-floor room but I really should have put that in my booking request.

- The downside of a first-floor room is the noise from the second floor. But, this was mostly during check-in/out times of day when people were dragging suitcases around. It also could have been because I was near a stairwell.

Top choice at Disneyland!

by FormerNavalPersons

We were planning a family visit to Disneyland and looked at all the hotels within walking distance. We normally visit Disney World and stay on the property. We looked at that in Anaheim, but the options were limited, so we ventured off park. We are delighted that we did, because we found the Candy Cane, which delivers all the atmosphere and experience of a Disney property at a fraction of the cost in Anaheim. First, the desk staff were fantastic. We all arrived at different times over 2 days, yet we had 3 rooms next to each other. Considering the guest turnover they experience, that had to have taken some extra effort on their part and was most appreciated. We had not even asked for that as it seems to be an impossibility at most hotel chains these days. The "continental" breakfast was much bigger than we've ever seen -- not just the usual bagels and toasts but fresh donuts of several types from a bakery, croissants filled with ham and cheese, cubed cheeses, boiled eggs, cereals, fruit, juice, yogurt. It really was pretty amazing. Everyone at the hotel was cheerful, helpful, courteous and embodied that can-do attitude when it comes to guest relations. There was a bus that ran on the half hour to the park and back from the park, but we walked as it was an easy 2 block walk. Very convenient location and FREE parking. The layout of the hotel is delightful as it is built around a courtyard with the pool in the center. It is a garden courtyard with many plants and flowers that are immaculately maintained. The charming rooms were bigger than all but the most expensive resort hotels on the property at Disney World. They were clean and well maintained. We would definitely stay here again if we return to Anaheim. Everyone in our party loved the Candy Cane. Special kudos to the front desk staff!

Family Activities

Pools
The hotel caters to families visiting Disneyland Resort and its theme parks, but offers a heated swimming pool and a separate heated wading pool with ample seating for families with small children. The pools are open year-round, 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Family Dining

Complimentary Continental Breakfast
The hotel does not offer a restaurant, but it does provide a complimentary continental breakfast buffet daily near its lobby. The hotel is expanding the breakfast space, and will grow it to two floors. Breakfast can also be enjoyed by the pool on the patio terrace.

Planning & Tips

All About the Extras
Free Parking and Shuttle Service
The hotel provides free parking, which is a savings for families visiting Disneyland. A free shuttle will drive and pick up families at the theme parks, or families may walk the eight-minute journey. For families checking in before rooms are ready or visiting the parks after check-out, the hotel will allow them to continue to enjoy free parking at the hotel until 4 p.m.

Cribs and Rollaway Beds
Cribs are available at no charge; rollaway beds are available for $10 per night.

Free Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi is complimentary throughout the hotel.

Laundry Facilities
A coin-operated laundry room is available for families.

Check-In/Out
Check-in is at 3 p.m. and check-out is at 11 a.m., except for guests staying in Premium Guestrooms, who have the option of an extended check-out time of 2 p.m.

The Art of Smart Timing
Anaheim is a year-round vacation destination, welcoming families to the theme parks during summer, holidays and spring break, and convention-goers in the off-peak months. Candy Cane Inn caters to families and not the convention crowd, so it is easiest to find rooms and savings if traveling during off-peak times.

Getting There
The hotel is located in Anaheim, which is convenient to both John Wayne Airport in Orange County and Los Angeles International Airport. The hotel does not provide transportation from the airports and although they are close, traffic may extend drive times and make taxis expensive. Most families choose to rent cars for their visits to the area.

Getting Around
Guests of the hotel can enjoy a free shuttle to Disneyland Resort, and free parking at the hotel. For a small fee, the Anaheim Transportation Network also provides service to Disneyland, Knott's Berry Farm, beaches and area hotels. The hotel is located across the street from Disneyland, so families can also walk to the theme parks.