Candlewood Suites Anaheim Review: Best Budget Hotel Near Disney

Let’s be real — figuring out where to stay for your Disneyland trip is almost as important as figuring out your Genie+ strategy. And if you’re used to Walt Disney World’s 20+ hotel options, the slim pickings at Disneyland (just three onsite resorts, all deluxe) might be a shock to your mouse ears.

So what’s a savvy traveler to do?

You look off-site. You look for comfort, flexibility, and easy park access without blowing your entire budget. And that’s exactly why I want to talk about Candlewood Suites Anaheim — a hotel that quietly checks a lot of boxes without trying to be the star of the show.

Location, Location, Location: How Close Is It?

This hotel is technically within walking distance to Disneyland — just about a mile away. If you don’t mind a 20-minute stroll down Disney Way, you can walk it. But after a long day in the parks? That might not be your vibe.

Here’s the better option: walk 0.7 miles to the Toy Story Parking Lot and catch one of the free shuttles. It’s open to everyone, not just park guests. Even better? They have their own security checkpoint, which usually moves way faster than the main entrance at Harbor Blvd.

If you’d rather skip walking entirely, the ART Bus stops right outside the hotel. It’s $6 per adult for the day or $25 for a 5-day pass — easy, quick, and way cheaper than an Uber if you’re making multiple trips.

Prefer to rideshare? Just plan ahead. Prices surge at peak hours (opening and closing of the parks), and I recommend setting your drop-off and pick-up to the Downtown Disney side for lighter crowds and shorter security lines.

Keep in mind that if you decide to get dropped off or picked up on Harbor Boulevard, it can be a madhouse during opening, closing, and after fireworks. I’ve made that mistake and will never make it again!

Rooms That Work For Real Life

Here’s the biggest reason I’d stay here again: every room is a suite.

I stayed in the smallest studio layout with a single queen bed, and even that felt spacious and thoughtfully designed. The room had A LOT of space to walk in/around to the point you could have easily added an air mattress, if you and your partner didn’t want to share the bed and still have room to walk around.

There was a table I used for both eating and working, a roomy bathroom, and a full-size fridge. It felt like a little apartment, not a basic hotel room.

Each suite includes a full kitchen with:

• Stovetop
• Microwave
• Coffee maker
• Full-size fridge
• Pots, pans, utensils, and dishes

It’s everything you need to cook breakfast before rope drop or make pasta at midnight after fireworks. For families or travelers staying multiple days, this setup is chef’s kiss.

What Amenities Actually Matter?

While Candlewood isn’t trying to compete with luxury resorts, it does deliver on useful amenities — the stuff that actually makes your trip that much better.

Here’s what’s included:

• Free laundry facilities (yes, really free — and they give you a laundry basket in your room to make doing laundry easier)
• Outdoor pool – it’s small, so I can imagine it getting quite crowded in the summer afternoons/months.
• Fitness center
• Covered parking ($17.55 per day)
• Fast, reliable Wi-Fi
• Candlewood Cupboard mini market in the lobby with TV dinners, snacks, drinks, medicine, toiletries, and laundry soap
• Complimentary in-room Folgers coffee — not fancy, but gets the job done

This hotel knows you’re not here to hang out in the lobby. It’s small, functional, and efficient, with everything you need to unwind after a full day at the parks.

Traveling with a Pet? Candlewood Is Pet-Friendly

If your Disneyland trip includes your pup (or a travel-savvy cat), good news — Candlewood Suites Anaheim is pet-friendly and makes it easy to bring them along for the adventure.

To add your pet to your reservation, book online and then call the hotel directly with your confirmation number. They’ll ensure everything is in order before you arrive.

Here’s what you need to know about their pet policy:

• There’s a $75 fee for one-night stays, or $150 for stays of two nights or longer
• A pet deposit of $150 is also required per stay
• Up to two pets are allowed, with a combined weight of no more than 80 pounds
• You’ll need to sign a pet agreement at check-in
• Pets must be leashed in all public areas and are not allowed in places like the pool or fitness center
• Vaccination records should be available upon request
• If you leave your pet in the suite unattended, they must be in a crate or carrier
• You’re responsible for picking up after your pet, both in and around the hotel grounds

What I appreciate is that Candlewood doesn’t just allow pets — they’ve set up a clear and respectful policy that makes traveling with animals feel manageable. And since all suites have that cozy, home-away-from-home layout, it’s easier on your pets, too. They get more space, less stress, and fewer distractions from hotel hallways.

Food Options: Cook, Reheat, or Grab Something Nearby

The in-room kitchen makes dining flexible. If you want to save money and cook your own meals, the setup is there. You can have your groceries delivered via Instacart or pick up easy freezer meals and snacks at the Candlewood Cupboard in the lobby.

Too tired to cook? There are solid fast-casual spots nearby:

• Jersey Mike’s
• Habit Burger Grill
• Luna Grill (Mediterranean)
• California Fish Grill
• Ono Hawaiian BBQ
• 7-Eleven for late-night cravings or essentials

Between the in-room kitchen, lobby snacks, and local food options, you’ll never feel stuck or overcharged when hunger hits.

What Guests Are Saying (Including Me)

Candlewood Suites Anaheim holds a 4.1-star rating, and after staying there myself from October 16–20, I get it.

My room was quiet, clean, and comfortable. The Dove products in the bathroom were a nice touch. I loved having a place to eat, relax, and work. And that laundry room? Total game changer. The vibe isn’t themed or magical, but it’s calm, convenient, and reliable. Sometimes, that’s precisely what you need.

Guests also praise:

• The spacious layouts
• The fully stocked kitchens
• The quieter, homey atmosphere compared to busier hotels
• The affordable price point for extended stays

A few areas for improvement that other guests complain about are some rooms could use a decor refresh, and the A/C units aren’t the quietest. The parking lot is tight when full — something to keep in mind if you’re arriving late.

I didn’t drive/park at Candlewood, so I cannot speak on that, but our A/C unit in our room was quiet. I didn’t even notice it was on, to be honest.

Booking Advice: IHG vs. Disneyland Website

I ran numbers for a mid-February stay to compare options.

Disneyland’s website offered a vacation package with park tickets and some perks like a souvenir lanyard and discounts at Downtown Disney. After subtracting ticket value, the hotel stay came out to around $515.97.

IHG’s site, with a standard member discount, listed the same dates for $544.44 — slightly more, but if you’re an IHG One Rewards member, that could be offset by points or promos.

Either way, parking is not included with either booking.

So, which is better?
If you want a few extra Disney perks and a bundled experience, opt for the Disneyland package. If you’re focused on reward points or are already loyal to the IHG brand, booking directly makes sense.

My Final Thoughts: Is Candlewood Suites Anaheim Worth It?

If your goal is to stay close to Disneyland, save money, and actually enjoy where you’re sleeping, Candlewood Suites Anaheim is a smart choice.

It’s not over-the-top. It’s not immersive. But it is clean, spacious, and set up for real travelers — especially families, remote workers, and anyone staying more than a night or two. You can do your laundry, cook your meals, and get a full night’s sleep without feeling squeezed into a tiny box.

The location gives you options. The kitchen gives you freedom. And the price? Way easier to stomach than those $700/night deluxe resorts across the street.

Looking For More Hotel Options in Anaheim?

Still deciding between onsite and off-site? I’ve got a full post comparing Disneyland’s resort hotels and whether the splurge is actually worth it. Spoiler: it depends on your priorities — and I break down what you actually get for the extra cost.

And if this post helped you out, share it with your travel buddy or pin it for later. Disneyland planning is way more fun when you don’t have to stress about where you’ll sleep.