The hype
Families are obsessed with the water park and location, but the divide between the 'new' and 'old' rooms is the single biggest source of drama.
Howard Johnson By Wyndham Anaheim&Water Playground
$170-290/ night
Book this if You want the closest thing to a Disney resort pool without the Disney resort price tag.
Why People Love It
- Castaway Cove water park is a legitimate thrill for under-10s
- Building 1 & 2's retro-mod renovation is actually stylish, not just 'theme park cute'
- Eight-minute walk to the Disneyland gates (yes, we timed it)
Quick Take: A tale of two hotels: a chic, retro-cool resort in the front, and a tired 1970s motel in the back.
Reviewed by @brynny_md: I stayed here for my Disney trip and the fireworks view from my balcony was actually insane. We skipped the park crowds at night and just watched from the room! The water park downstairs was perfect for cooling off midday too. Highly recommend for families.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
If you book the cheapest 'Standard' room, do not expect the cute retro photos you saw on Instagram; you will get a basic motel room with exterior corridors.
- You have kids ages 3-10 who will lose their minds over a pirate ship splash pad
- You appreciate mid-century modern design (and book the right room)
- You want to walk to the parks but refuse to pay Disney Grand Californian prices
Cleanliness & Maintenance
8.2
- Housekeeping: Daily service is back. Generally thorough, though 'Standard' rooms often have reports of dust in corners.
- Bathroom hygiene: Renovated bathrooms are sparkling with subway tile. Older bathrooms are clean but suffer from worn grout and aging fixtures.
- Maintenance: Building 1 & 2 are pristine. Buildings 3-6 show their age with peeling paint, older AC units, and worn carpets.
- Linens & towels: Crisp and fresh in Deluxe rooms; occasionally threadbare in Standard rooms.
- Odors & scents: Renovated rooms smell fresh/neutral. Older rooms can have a faint 'old hotel' mustiness.
Sleepability™
7MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Interstate 5 traffic (constant hum in back buildings)
- Fireworks boom at 9:30 PM
- Exterior corridor foot traffic
Before you book
Good to know
- Renovations for the old buildings (3-6) are slated to start April 1, 2026
- Parking is $25+tax/night and strictly limited to one car per room
- You need your hotel confirmation number to book your pool slot online
What to pack
- Water shoes for the kids (the pool deck gets hot and slippery)
- White noise machine if you are stuck in a Standard room
Room Genie
Best picks
- Building 1, Top Floor (7th): Skylights and potential park views
- Building 2, Pool View: Renovated, quietest location, overlooks the Garden Pool
Rooms to avoid
- Building 6: Furthest from the lobby, closest to the freeway noise
- Any 'Standard' room if you have dust allergies or hate 90s carpet
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I am requesting a room in Building 1 or 2 (Renovated Deluxe). If possible, a high floor in Building 1 facing the park would be ideal. Please avoid Buildings 3-6 due to noise sensitivity.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is the water park free?
Yes, it's included, but access is time-limited. You must reserve your 2-hour slot in advance.
How far is the walk to Disneyland?
About 8-10 minutes to the security checkpoint. It's an easy, flat walk along Harbor Blvd.
Does the hotel have a resort fee?
No. Unlike many neighbors, HoJo does not charge a resort fee, just the nightly parking fee.
Is breakfast included?
No. There is no free breakfast. Mimi's Cafe is adjacent, and there's a market on-site for grab-and-go.
Are the pools heated?
Yes, both Castaway Cove and the Garden Pool are heated year-round.
Can I see fireworks from the hotel?
Yes, specifically from the corridors of Building 1 and the pool areas. Some north-facing rooms have direct views.
Insider Tips
- ✨
Building 1's top floor rooms have vaulted ceilings with skylights that make them feel twice as big.
- ✨
The 'Garden Pool' is much quieter than Castaway Cove—go there if you want to actually swim, not just get splashed.
- ✨
You can buy milk, beer, and frozen pizzas at the on-site 'Main St. Market' at reasonable prices.
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'Standard' rooms have exterior corridors, meaning people walk right past your window.
💡The drench bucket at Castaway Cove dumps 200 gallons every few minutes—it's loud and aggressive for toddlers.
💡There is no gym or fitness center on the property.
💡The 'freeway noise' isn't just a hum in Building 6; it's a roar if you open the balcony door.
💡Mimi's Cafe next door is technically a separate business, but it's closer than the lobby for some rooms.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Howard Johnson By Wyndham Anaheim&Water Playground is located and what's nearby.