The Family Friendly Courtyard Anaheim Theme Park Entrance Hotel

Located at 1420 South Harbor Boulevard in Anaheim, the family friendly  Courtyard® by Marriott® Anaheim Theme Park Entrance hotel is a short hop away from Disneyland.Moreover, its proximity to major freeways for easy access and multiple budget friendly restaurants make it an attractive choice for all traveling families.

What makes it a good fit for families

From the spacious rooms that comfortably fit six family members to the locking balcony options, this is a great hotel for families to stay at while they explore  Disneyland.The impeccably kept property boasts two hundred and two rooms and nineteen suites spread over six floors.Some rooms offer views of  Disneyland’s Sleeping Beauty Castle with its nightly firework displays while others face its water park.From the Free wi fi and live streaming options on the room T.V.   to the  Surfside water park, entertaining kids while staying at the hotel is a no brainer.

Arrival

We called the property ahead of time and asked them for a quiet and feather free room to accommodate our son with autism. We pulled up to the valet spot ( there’s no self-park option) and were greeted by a smiling staff member. But the real surprise awaited when we entered and saw the sign greeting us by name. Don’t tell the kids but they do that for all guests. Check in was very fast and efficient.And while chatting with the super friendly staff, we discovered they had upgraded our room to a suite since we were Marriott Platinum members.

Décor

The lobby is well lit and vast with multiple options of seating throughout. There’s a small area where they even had board games. The decor is modern with earth-toned colors creating a welcoming ambiance for fellow families staying.

Our Suite

The hotel features two types of rooms both large enough to accommodate large families of six.The standard guest rooms are over 500  square feet and the suites that are two rooms and are over 800 square feet. Some have a king bed while others have two queen beds. Complementing all rooms are two bunk beds that can sleep younger kids.

As mentioned we were upgraded to a suite. The suite had two rooms, with colorful carpeting decorated in a modern style.  The surfing pictures and wall paper poster behind the queen beds added to the Southern California whimsical vibe.

The ‘Living Room.’

The first one as we entered was a ‘family room’ of sorts with a gray sofa and big red leather double chair in the corner. Completing the look was a small white coffee table and a large standing lamp.

The right side of that room started with a closet that housed the safe and ironing supplies.Next was a mini kitchenette area with a small fridge, microwave, and coffee maker if one wanted to have a light breakfast in the room. Alongside that stood a long table/desk that was accompanied by an office chair for those who wished to work during their stay. To the far end stood the dark wood double bunk beds covered in colorful bedding.

The ‘Bedroom.’

To the left, the suite had its ‘bedroom’ outfitted with two very comfortable queen sized beds separated by a  wooden nightstand.  There was a wooden chest of drawers large enough to house guests belongings facing the two beds. Both rooms had 47 inch TV sets hanging on the wall that offered premium channels as well as streaming from Hulu and Netflix.Each room also comes with heavy weight curtains. These curtains will allow you to not only have privacy but allow for late morning sleeping.

Our corner suite had a small balcony where guests could sit and relax.Ours faced the Surfside water park.When you reserve your room, be sure to ask for a key lock for balcony door. Having this lock is one more layer of protection from children being able to get out on the balcony, and worst case scenario fall.

Bathroom

Our spacious suite bathroom had a double sink vanity, with incorporated lighting in the mirrors. We loved the fact that it had a tub and shower combination as well as a separate stand alone shower.
Using that configuration, multiple family members can go to the bathroom at the simultaneously. The white tub separated by a curtain sported tan natural stone tile walls and a fixed rainfall shower head.

The stand alone shower with similar walls and flooring had a glass enclosure.Like all other Courtyard by Marriott properties, this one also featured my favorite the Paul Mitchell bath products.

Restaurants

The hotel has the bistro restaurant that offers light fare for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Also, they have a 24 hour Starbucks that is there to get a java fix when needed. Like all other Courtyard by Marriott hotels, this one also has a small market.The Markethat sells snacks, drinks and some frozen items that can be microwaved in the room.

For guests wishing more extensive options, there is a Mimi’s Cafe sit down restaurant next door as well as a Macdonald’s, Panera Bread and IHOP within a five-minute walk.

Amenities

The Surfside Water Park is one of the highlights of this property. The park has slides and several mini pools for kids to run and play. There are chaise lounges for the adults to relax in as well as complimentary clean towels to use. Best of all since the park is compact which means it is easy for parents to watch them.Though the hotel doesn’t have life guards, they do have staff monitoring the park at all times making sure patrons are safe.

As we were busy visiting the theme parks we didn’t have time to check out the gym. The staff did mention that it is over 1,100 square feet filled with free weights ellipticals, bikes, and treadmills.
The hotel has coin operated washers and dryers which are a bonus for those traveling with younger kids.

Cost

We stayed at the Courtyard in the Spring of 2017 and paid $350 plus tax a night for a standard guest room. Anaheim is a tourist destination, so prices vary according to seasons and will be higher over holidays. Moreover, guests arriving by car will also have to pay an extra $20 a day for valet parking.This may sound high. However, Considering the prime location, room size, amenities and excellent service I would say it is well worth the price.

Autism Travel Tips

• The Courtyard® by Marriot® is very autism-friendly. The locking balcony door may be one of my favorite amenities due to my son having autism. I can sleep well at night, knowing he is safe.
• We loved the 24 hours Starbucks and Market that enabled us to stock up on snacks for the room.
• The housekeeping is very attentive to any needs you may have. If you need extra towels, sheets or shampoo, they will accommodate you immediately.

Margalit Sturm Francus

A reformed dentist who gave up pulling teeth to show her son the world! Need tips on how to #travel with #autism? Follow me on Instagram & Facebook