Del Sol Inn - Anaheim Resort

There's a Denny's right on the hotel lot where we grab breakfast before starting the day, and an IHOP just two doors away. It's very close to the Disneyland entrance, which makes this my go-to when we're staying for a late event. If you need an affordable, convenient room with two queen beds and a bunk bed for the kids, this is the spot.

The workers were really sweet, but the place felt grimy, and we wouldn't stay again. The location is perfect, which makes its run-down condition a shame. We had two double beds plus bunks, but the carpet looked really dirty, one supposedly clean towel had someone else's hair, and a little strip of decorative bedding had a stain we couldn't identify. The walls are so thin that we could hear everything. From our first-floor room, the upstairs guests and people talking by the pool kept us awake. Parking was tough too. Cars were squeezed in so tightly that it felt like only the valet could move them. With our new truck, we worried a neighboring car door would hit it when someone reached into their car.

The bugs were the last straw. Our room had all kinds of insects, so sleeping with bug spray seemed necessary. This hotel didn't feel worth the price, with no real amenities. There were no blankets, just sheets, so we hadn't expected to buy blankets at the park but ended up doing it. They no longer serve breakfast either, and instead have a mini mart where you can buy food. The room was small, like a shoe, though we didn't plan to spend much time in it. If you're put on the second floor, there's no wheelchair or stroller access. Someone has to climb the stairs and carry the chair up. Parking was another surprise, about $30 a night and valet only. The one thing I liked was the decorated toilet paper. I'd expected more because my husband grew up visiting Disneyland every other year, and his family had stayed here and at the Days Inn a few blocks away. I'd rather walk those extra blocks and stay at Days Inn. We definitely won't return to Del sol.

The room had a very strong smell of sanitizing alcohol that we couldn't air out, and it stayed that way for all three nights. We were in room 222 above the laundry room, so maybe the odor came from there. The front desk service was poor, though the valet was nice and the overnight desk worker was helpful. Doors don't close quietly, so late neighbors may slam them. From the first floor, you can also hear footsteps.