When we headed to Anaheim, California, to take in Disneyland, the Solara Inn & Suites was our first stop. The hotel’s free parking was one reason I chose this hotel for our one-night stay. We had two cars. When I booked two double queen bedrooms, one for my daughter, her husband, and two kids (a 3-month-old and a 7-year-old), and one for my college-age son and me, I also looked for comfort, affordability, and convenience. We were on a quick family vacation that included Los Angeles and San Diego. Disneyland was our in-between. Solara Inn & Suites delivered what the website promised.
Checking-In Early at the Solara Inn and Suites
We arrived at the hotel before hitting Disneyland with the idea of leaving one car in the parking lot packed with our luggage. Instead, we checked into my daughter’s room early. This canceled out saving money by not parking two cars at Disneyland because there was a $35 early check-in fee. Still, with the baby’s gear, the luggage, and my laptop safely in my daughter’s room on the 2nd floor, the early check-in option was a good move. Although the parking lot was probably safe, why worry? Also, who wants to schlep luggage with tired kids in tow after a day at Disneyland?
The hotel reception attendant was friendly, and check-in to the one room was a fast process. Within a few minutes, we left our gear in my daughter’s and her family’s room, parked my car near the stairs to the 2nd floor, and headed out.
Location, Location, Location
Along Harbor Boulevard, the street that runs past Disneyland, there are plenty of hotel and eating options ranging from budget to high-end. In general, the closer you are to Disneyland, the higher the hotel price. Solara Inn and Suites is about a mile from Disneyland Park, making for a quick drive or a 20-minute walk. Because it’s close to Interstate 5, this makes area attractions easily reached. Knotts Berry Farm is 7 miles away.
The hotel’s close proximity to Disneyland made returning at the end of the day easy. My son and I opted to stay longer than my daughter and her crew with the idea that he and I could walk back after taking in a few more rides and catching the fireworks.
We nixed that idea after becoming thoroughly soaked on Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. Seriously. Blue jeans, shirt, sneakers. Soaked. Dripping wet. My daughter was happy to come get us. By the time we sloshed out the gate, she was parked in back of Denny’s across the street. In 5 minutes, I checked my son and me into our room, and we didn’t miss the fireworks. We heard them first, then headed outside our guest room for a great view of the show.
About Solara Inn and Suites
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Our rooms served us well. The modern furnishings of the two beds, an armchair, dresser, desk, and bedside table have enough space between them so a family of four won’t feel cramped. The vanity of the sink is longer than most, giving extra room for baby paraphernalia. Outlets are well-placed for the hairdryer, iron, and whatever electronics one needs to plug in.
Because the sink area, luggage rack, and clothing rack are separated in an entryway space to the bathroom, this adds to the room’s spaciousness.
The mounted flat screen TV is well-placed so a person working on a laptop at the desk isn’t bothered by a person watching TV. In the morning, I was able to make coffee in the room’s coffee maker and quietly leave the room without waking my son.
Other hotel amenities came in handy. My daughter needed to do laundry, so I threw in some clothes as well. The hotel’s laundry facilities are clean and well-managed. I was able to get quarters from the front desk. My son-in-law used the exercise room to get in his morning workout.
The seasonal, heated pool was open, but we left not long after breakfast. About breakfast. One can purchase microwavable breakfast food in the hotel’s lobby or head to one of the restaurants nearby. I was still making use of the hotel’s free Wi-fi while everyone else grabbed something to eat at one of the restaurants. By the 11 am checkout time, we were heading to I-5 for our trip to Cabrillo National Monument in San Diego.
Although our rooms didn’t connect, they were next to each other. There are connecting rooms. In addition to standard two queen bedrooms, there are king bedrooms, upgraded queen rooms that come with a microwave and a refrigerator, two-room suites, and handicapped-accessible rooms. All rooms open to the outside in a classic two-story horseshoe configuration.
I booked our two rooms for a little over $100 a piece, including taxes and fees, at Hotels.com. Rates change depending on the season.
Check rates for the Solara Inn & Suites online at Expedia, Booking.com, or Hotels.com.
