Howard Johnson Anaheim Hotel Review

Looking for an honest Howard Johnson Anaheim Hotel review? I recently stayed at this popular hotel, and its combination of proximity to the parks, spacious rooms with lots of amenities, family-friendly water playground, and fun retro style makes it a stand-out option among the many hotels near Disneyland.

When you’re choosing a hotel for your Disneyland vacation, location matters. A lot.

And that’s one of the biggest advantages of staying at Howard Johnson Anaheim Hotel & Water Playground. Located on Harbor Boulevard, the hotel is within walking distance to Disneyland Park, Disney California Adventure and Downtown Disney.

But location isn’t the only reason families love this hotel.

Howard Johnson Anaheim – often simply called “HoJo Anaheim” – is also home to Castaway Cove, a pirate-themed water playground that’s a major perk for families with younger kids.

In addition to Castaway Cove, there’s a separate, quieter swimming pool on the other side of the resort grounds. These two pool areas provide lots of options for outdoor fun and relaxation, all depending on who you are traveling with and what type of vibe you are seeking.

This makes HoJo Anaheim a great hotel that works well for families whether you’re traveling with little kids or simply want a convenient place to relax between park days.

Our Experience at Howard Johnson Anaheim

I’ve stayed at quite a few hotels near Disneyland over the years, and one thing I’ve learned is that you don’t necessarily need to stay at a Disney-owned hotel to have an incredibly convenient Disneyland vacation.

Howard Johnson Anaheim is a great example.

If there was just one piece of advice I could give to anyone planning a trip to Disneyland – regardless of their budget – it would be to always stay at one of the hotels walking distance to Disneyland. Howard Johnson Anaheim prides itself as being just an 8-minute walk from the lobby to both Disney parks.

Being able to walk to Disneyland eliminates the need to wait for a hotel shuttle or drive to one of the Disneyland parking areas and pay to park. And when you’re ready for a break from the parks, this hotel offers something many of the more basic Harbor Boulevard hotels do not: a water play areas for kids to cool off and have fun!

I also really enjoyed the hotel’s retro feel. Built in 1965, Howard Johnson Anaheim has been welcoming guests for more than 60 years. Rather than abandoning its history, the hotel has leaned into its mid-century roots in its latest round of renovations, incorporating bright colors, retro-inspired furnishings, and playful design elements throughout the property. I love that HoJo has managed to preserve its nostalgic personality while offering the modern comforts families expect today.

Castaway Cove Water Playground

For families with younger kids, Castaway Cove Water Playground is probably one of the biggest reasons to choose Howard Johnson Anaheim over another hotel.

This isn’t simply a hotel swimming pool with a small splash pad attached.

Castaway Cove is a dedicated pirate-themed water play area with splash features, water slides, and plenty of opportunities for kids to cool off and burn some energy.

This is a great bonus to consider if you’re planning to incorporate some downtime into your Disneyland vacation. Instead of spending morning to night inside the theme parks, you can head back to the hotel in the afternoon, let the kids play at Castaway Cove, relax for a while, and then return to Disneyland later in the day.

Top Tip: If the water playground is a major reason you’re booking the hotel, I’d intentionally build some pool time into your Disneyland itinerary. Otherwise, you’re paying for one of HoJo’s best amenities without really getting to enjoy it.

The Garden Pool

One of my favorite features at Howard Johnson Anaheim is actually its separate Garden Pool.

Castaway Cove gets most of the attention, but I really appreciate that the hotel offers a traditional swimming pool away from all the activity of the water playground. On our recent stay, I was so happy our room was in the building adjacent to this pool so we were close by.

The Garden Pool has a much quieter atmosphere, making it a nice option for adults, families with older kids, or anyone who simply wants to swim and relax. In fact, if you are staying at HoJo Anaheim with teens or older kids who won’t be interested in the water playground, be sure to ask for a room near the Garden Pool.

If you’re traveling with younger children, Castaway Cove may be where you spend most of your pool time. But if your kids are older — or you just want an hour to unwind after walking miles around Disneyland — the Garden Pool may end up being your favorite.

Having these two separate pool experiences is something that differentiates Howard Johnson from many other family hotels near Disneyland.

Guest Rooms

Howard Johnson Anaheim’s 296 guest rooms and suites have undergone extensive renovations, and I think the design is one of the more interesting aspects of the property.

Instead of the neutral beige-and-gray look you find in so many chain hotels, the rooms lean into the hotel’s history with a colorful mid-century modern-inspired aesthetic.

Howard Johnson Anaheim dates back to Disneyland’s earlier years, and the updated design manages to acknowledge that history while still giving guests the modern amenities they expect today.

Our Room at Howard Johnson Anaheim

We stayed in Building 1, in a newly-renovated City View room with two queen beds. The room actually overlooked the Garden Pool and quiet pathways, so City View room is not quite accurate!

Our room felt fresh, comfortable, and considerably more modern than you might expect if your mental image of Howard Johnson is based on the roadside hotels of decades past.

I especially liked the bright colors and open space. Even with two beds, a table and chairs, big dresser and TV stand, there was plenty of floor space and room to move around or bring in a rollaway bed or crib if needed. I also love that every room at this hotel comes with a microwave, refrigerator and coffee/tea maker.

The bright colors and mid-century touches give the room some personality without becoming overly themed, and the overall design still feels practical for families visiting Disneyland.

Room Amenities

Depending on the room category, amenities may include:

• Mini refrigerator
• Microwave
• Coffee/tea maker
• 37″ Television
• Complimentary Wi-Fi
• Desk/seating area
• Large bathrooms with double sinks
• Balconies in some rooms

Howard Johnson Anaheim offers several room categories, so I’d pay attention to both room type and building location when booking rather than simply choosing the least expensive available room.

We stayed on the first floor of Building 1 on our recent visit, and it was nice being so close to the Garden Pool. However, next time I think I will opt to try a room in the tower, as each one comes with a balcony and it is a slightly shorter walk to the parks from that side of the resort.

Mid-Century Style and Disneyland History

One thing I don’t want to gloss over in this review is the personality of the hotel itself. Howard Johnson Anaheim isn’t a brand-new hotel trying to look retro; it actually has a lot of history.

In fact, the hotel opened on July 16, 1965, just one day short of Disneyland Park’s 10th anniversary!

Designed by renowned architect William Pereira, the hotel is a wonderful example of mid-century modern architecture. You’ll notice details throughout the property, from the renovated rooms to the colors to the building shapes to signs around the property.

For Disneyland fans, I think that’s part of the charm. Disneyland itself opened during the height of the mid-century era, so HoJo’s retro styling feels especially fitting just down the street.

Staying at Howard Johnson Anaheim

Howard Johnson Anaheim sprawls across seven acres. The buildings are spread across landscaped grounds, with Castaway Cove in one area and the Garden Pool in another, providing separate places to relax.

That layout has both advantages and disadvantages.

I enjoyed the greenery and more relaxed atmosphere, particularly around the Garden Pool. But depending on where your room is located, you may have a little more walking to do than you would at a more compact hotel. (Of course, if you’re visiting Disneyland, chances are you’re already planning to do plenty of walking!)

The hotel is also currently undergoing renovations through June 2027, so there are some closed buildings and walkways.

Location: Walking Distance to Disneyland

This is one of the biggest reasons I’d consider staying at Howard Johnson Anaheim again.

You can walk to Disneyland.

The hotel sits along Harbor Boulevard, just north of the primary pedestrian entrance to Disneyland Resort.

From the hotel, you can walk south along Harbor Boulevard and enter the Disneyland Resort pedestrian entrance, where you’ll go through security before reaching the esplanade between Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure.

There’s no shuttle schedule to remember and no need to drive to a Disneyland parking structure.

That convenience becomes even more valuable at the end of a long park day.

Dining at Howard Johnson Anaheim

One potential drawback of Howard Johnson Anaheim is that there isn’t a traditional restaurant at the hotel.

But I don’t consider that a problem. The hotel’s location provides easy access to the many restaurants along Harbor Boulevard, ranging from quick and inexpensive options like McDonald’s and Panera to sit-down restaurants like Mimi’s Cafe.

And, of course, you also have access to all the dining options at Downtown Disney.

That gives you plenty of choices for breakfast before entering the parks, a quick meal during a hotel break, or dinner after leaving Disneyland for the evening.

For my family, I’d rather have a great location with lots of restaurants nearby than choose a hotel primarily because it has its own restaurant.

► Check out our guide to where to find breakfast at Downtown Disney.

Pros and Cons of the Hotel

What I Love

• Excellent location within walking distance of Disneyland
• Castaway Cove is fantastic for younger kids
• Separate Garden Pool offers a quieter spot for swimming and lounging
• Recently renovated rooms
• Fun mid-century modern design
• Lots of restaurants within walking distance
• No need to rely on a shuttle to reach Disneyland

Things to Consider

• No full-service restaurant on-site
• Castaway Cove is geared more to younger children than teens
• Room location can affect how far you walk within the property
• The hotel property is currently under construction through summer 2027, so there may be noise and areas that are closed

Who Should Stay at Howard Johnson Anaheim?

I think Howard Johnson Anaheim is an especially good fit for several types of Disneyland visitors.

Families with younger kids: Castaway Cove is the obvious draw. If your kids love splash pads and water slides, having this right at the hotel can be a huge perk.

Families who want to walk to Disneyland: The Harbor Boulevard location makes getting to and from the parks simple.

Families planning midday breaks: HoJo is particularly appealing if you don’t intend to spend 12 straight hours in the parks. Walk back, swim, rest, and return to Disneyland later.

Disneyland fans who appreciate retro style: The hotel’s mid-century modern personality and long history give it considerably more character than your average chain hotel.

Families with older kids or adults who like to swim: Don’t overlook the Garden Pool. I actually think having the separate quieter pool makes HoJo appealing to a broader range of guests than the water playground alone might suggest.

Who Might Want to Stay Somewhere Else?

I’d compare other hotels if:

You want on-site dining. If having a restaurant, bar, and multiple food options inside your hotel is important, there are better-equipped Disneyland-area hotels.

You won’t use the pools. Castaway Cove and the Garden Pool are two of HoJo’s biggest amenities. If you’re planning to spend every waking minute at Disneyland, you may find a more basic hotel at a lower rate.

You want a luxury hotel experience. Howard Johnson Anaheim is fun, comfortable, and family-friendly, but it’s not trying to compete with a luxury resort.

► For a complete guide to where to stay for your Disneyland vacation – including on-property Disney Resort Hotels and off-property hotels near Disneyland – be sure to read our Disneyland Hotels Guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far is Howard Johnson Anaheim from Disneyland?

Howard Johnson Anaheim is located on Harbor Boulevard within walking distance of Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure. You can walk to the main Disneyland Resort pedestrian entrance without relying on a shuttle.

Does Howard Johnson Anaheim have a water park?

Yes. Castaway Cove is one of the best hotels near Disneyland with water park features. Its pirate-themed water playground is designed primarily for younger children and is one of the hotel’s most popular family amenities.

Does Howard Johnson Anaheim have a regular swimming pool?

Yes. In addition to Castaway Cove, Howard Johnson Anaheim has a separate Garden Pool. I especially like this option because it provides a quieter, more traditional swimming experience away from the activity of the water playground.

Is Howard Johnson Anaheim good for families?

I think it’s particularly well suited to families who want to be within walking distance of Disneyland and will take advantage of Castaway Cove. Having a separate swimming pool, renovated rooms, and lots of nearby restaurants adds to its appeal.

Is Howard Johnson Anaheim worth it?

For me, the biggest question is whether you’ll take advantage of the location and pools.

If your family wants to walk to Disneyland, return to the hotel for breaks, and spend some time enjoying Castaway Cove or the Garden Pool, you’re getting more than simply a room near the parks.

If you’re only looking for the least expensive place to sleep after Disneyland, I’d compare rates with some of the more basic hotels along Harbor Boulevard.

Hotel Information & Reservations

• 1380 S. Harbor Blvd., Anaheim
• Reserve a hotel and ticket package and save! View discount rates for Howard Johnson Anaheim Hotel from Get Away Today and use code CFT10 for an additional $10 savings!

► Check Rates & Availability for Howard Johnson Anaheim Hotel & Water Playground

Final Thoughts: Staying at Howard Johnson Anaheim

Would I stay at Howard Johnson Anaheim again? Yes.

There are two things that really stand out to me about this hotel: the location and the pools.

Being able to walk to Disneyland is a huge advantage, particularly when you’re tired at the end of the night or want the flexibility to return to your room during the day.

And I love that Howard Johnson offers two completely different pool experiences.

Families with younger kids get Castaway Cove, while the separate Garden Pool provides a much quieter place to actually swim and relax. I really appreciated having the option to choose.

But what surprised me most was how much I enjoyed the hotel’s retro personality. The renovated rooms feel fresh and modern while still embracing the property’s mid-century roots. That gives HoJo a sense of history and character you don’t necessarily find at every hotel surrounding Disneyland.

If you’re looking for a family-friendly hotel within walking distance of Disneyland with a fantastic water playground, a separate swimming pool, and a little more personality than the typical chain hotel, Howard Johnson Anaheim is definitely one to consider.

For more help planning your Disneyland vacation, check out these other articles:

• Hotels Near Disneyland with Shuttle Service
• Marriott Hotels Near Disneyland: Top Picks for Families
• Downtown Disney Quick Service Restaurants
• 17 Disneyland Mistakes & How to Avoid Them
• Disneyland Hotels with Bunk Beds Families Will Love
• Hotels Near Disneyland with Free Breakfast

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Thank you to Howard Johnson Anaheim for hosting our stay. As always, all opinions are my own.