Westin Anaheim Resort: Your Dream California Getaway Awaits!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving HEADFIRST into the Westin Anaheim Resort! "Your Dream California Getaway Awaits!" they say. Well, I'm here to tell you if that dream is a sparkling Disney fairytale or a slightly-too-dry-mashed-potatoes kind of experience. And I'm gonna be brutally honest, because, let's face it, vacations are precious, and ain't nobody got time for a letdown.
Now, I wouldn't normally even consider a place branded like this, you know? "Dream Getaway"… bleh. It's a promise, not a guarantee, and those words always set off my cynicalometer. BUT, the Westin Anaheim? Okay, color me intrigued. Positioned near Disney, promising… well, everything, and that's a lot to live up to.
First Impressions & The Accessibility Angle (Because, Let's Face It, It Matters)
Right off the bat, let's talk accessibility. This is HUGE for some of us, and frankly, it should be a non-negotiable for everyone. They boast about Facilities for disabled guests, but does it actually WORK? I can't give a definitive thumbs up or down, as I am writing this review as a non-disabled person; however, based on their descriptions, they seem to be hitting the major points. Elevators are a must, and they've got 'em. Look for details on specifically accessible rooms when booking; call ahead to clarify. They do seem to be trying, which I appreciate. Accessibility is about more than just ramps; it’s about making experiences inclusive, and that's something I'm always looking for.
Check-in/Out: Keeping It Smooth (Hopefully!)
They offer Contactless check-in/out, which is a HUGE win for peace of mind, especially these days. Who wants to huddle at a crowded front desk? They also have Check-in/out [express], which is a lifesaver if you’re like me and are always running late. Check-in/out [private]? Sounds fancy! Maybe for a celeb, or someone who just wants to avoid the masses. We'll see about that.
The Rooms: Your Personal Californian Oasis? (Or Just a Room?)
Okay, the meat and potatoes. Let's talk rooms. They're promising the works.
- The Good Stuff: Air conditioning (duh!), Blackout curtains (essential for sleeping off the jet lag!), Free Wi-Fi (YES!), Coffee/tea maker (morning rituals are sacred!), and In-room safe box (to protect your Mickey ears and credit cards). Non-smoking is standard these days, thank goodness. They’ve got the basics covered for a comfortable stay. Complimentary tea? Nice touch.
- The Extra Mile: Extra long bed, which is fantastic if you're a giant like me. Interconnecting room(s) available, perfect for families or friends. The Laptop workspace is a great practical feature. Hair dryer (always a good sign). Satellite/cable channels (for those lazy evenings). Slippers (a little luxury).
- The Quirks: They have Bathrobes and Bathtub, but I hate hotel bathtubs. Too much…hotel. But hey, some people love them. Additional toilet? Not sure I need it, but hey, better than not having one! Visual alarm is a great, essential feature to see.
The "I'd-Pay-Extra-For-It" Section: Dining, Drinking, and Maybe Relaxing
Alright, LISTEN UP, people! This is where the Westin can really shine or totally fall flat.
- Food Glorious Food! They're offering Restaurants (plural!), including Asian cuisine, a Vegetarian restaurant (thank goodness; I can’t handle a full vacation of burgers). Room service [24-hour]! Absolute. Lifesaver. Breakfast [buffet] and Breakfast takeaway service are super convenient. Alternative meal arrangement? Love the flexibility. Coffee shop? Gotta caffeinate for those long park days. Poolside bar? Yes, please! They even mention Bottle of water. Now, this is where the Westin either does it right, or fails entirely.
- Relaxation Station: They've got a Spa! With a Sauna, Steamroom, and a Pool with view – sounds idyllic! Massage, Body scrub, and Body wrap are on the menu. Fitness center? Gym/fitness? Okay, so you could work out. But honestly, I'm there to relax, not to punish myself, but good to have the option.
- The Little Things: Happy hour. Yes. Snack bar. Yes. Desserts in restaurant? Double yes!
- Cleaning and Safety: They're emphasizing Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer, Room sanitization opt-out available, and Staff trained in safety protocol. Which is, you know, the absolute bare minimum in today’s world, but it's good to see they're paying attention.
My Experience (Stream-of-Consciousness, Because That's How Vacations Feel)
Okay, real talk. I went to the pool bar first. I had to. Ordered a margarita. It was…fine. Not the best, not the worst. But the view? Pure gold. Watching the sunset after a day at Disneyland? Priceless. The service was friendly, if a bit slow. I’m a bit impatient, that's me. What I really loved was the Poolside bar atmosphere. Seriously chill. The music wasn't the awful hotel muzak, but some cool, eclectic stuff. Winning.
The room? Clean. The blackout curtains were a lifesaver. Slept like a baby! (Okay, maybe not a baby, but a well-rested adult). I did get the Breakfast [buffet] one morning, and it was…standard. Nothing to write home about. I'm thinking of trying the Vegetarian restaurant next time, and maybe the Spa before I leave.
Speaking of the Spa… I'm slightly bummed. It sounds dreamy in the description, but let's face it, hotel spas can be hit or miss. I’d love to see MORE details on the spa services here. If I'm paying spa prices, I want a guarantee of relaxation, not just promises, ya dig? I will say, they are keeping up with the cleaning and safety, which is a huge point in their favor.
The Verdict: Is This a Dream Getaway?
It's not perfect. It's not a magical experience. But it's good. It’s a solid, comfortable, and convenient base for exploring Anaheim and beyond.
Things That Could Be Better:
- The food. It's fine, but could use a bit of a kick!
- The Spa Details. More specifics, please!
- Service Speed. A bit of a lag at peak times.
Things That Are GREAT:
- Location! Easy access to Disney.
- Cleanliness and Safety! Super important today.
- Poolside Atmosphere. Very chill vibes.
- The blackout curtains! OMG, blackout curtains!
My Ultimate Recommendation: If you’re looking for a convenient, comfortable, and relatively stress-free base of operations for your Disney adventure (or any Southern California adventure), the Westin Anaheim Resort is a very good choice. If you want a truly magical experience, maybe look elsewhere. If you're looking for convenience and comfort, however, AND if you're flexible and patient, this place hits the mark.
Here's the Deal! Don't Miss Out!
Book your stay at the Westin Anaheim Resort today and use promo code "CALIDREAM" for a complimentary upgrade to a room with an even better view! Plus, receive a $50 credit towards food and beverages at the Poolside Bar, because, let's be honest, you deserve a margarita (or two!) after a day at Disneyland! This offer is for a limited time only, so book now and start packing your bags for your dream California getaway! (Okay, maybe not dream, but a really fun getaway!).
Escape to Paradise: Hotel Waldvogel, Germany - Your Dream Getaway Awaits!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's rigid itinerary. We're going to The Westin Anaheim Resort. Forget perfect squares; we’re aiming for a Jackson Pollock of travel plans. Prepare for a rollercoaster you didn't know you signed up for.
Day 1: Anaheim, Here We Come (And Pray the Baggage Does Too)
- 9:00 AM: Wake up. Okay, attempt to wake up. My internal clock is still stuck on London time, even though it's been a week. Coffee is essential. Seriously, I'm convinced my blood type is now "caffeinated." I need about four shots of espresso and maybe some motivational posters just to function.
- 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Flight to LA! I'm flying out of [Insert City here] and always terrified. Not of flying, but of the TSA agent who’s gonna give me a hard look when I have to get my shoes removed and then give me that pat-down. I spent too much money on this trip. Hopefully, my luggage gets on the plane; I've heard horror stories. Pray for my suitcase, people!
- 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Arrive at LAX. I hate LAX. Truly. It's a concrete labyrinth of delayed flights and questionable food court decisions. But hey, we're here! Now, onto the rental car… which hopefully isn't a jalopy with a faulty GPS and a suspicious smell.
- 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM: Drive from LAX to The Westin Anaheim Resort. Traffic is bound to be a nightmare. I'm already factoring in a detour for a meltdown. I swear, GPS apps think it's fun to taunt you. "Recalculating… Recalculating… You're going the wrong way, dummy."
- 2:30 PM: Arrival at The Westin! Check-in. I'm praying for an upgrade… or at least a room without a view of the parking lot. I'm a sucker for well-done hospitality!
- 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Unpack. Or, you know, attempt to unpack. Messy travel is my brand. The suitcase will explode, clothes everywhere, and then I'll give up and live out of it. That's the plan. I need a nap. My brain is throbbing, and my inner critic has started its negative commentary.
- 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Exploration of the hotel. Oh, the pool! Do they have poolside cocktails? Please say yes. I deserve a margarita after that flight. I bet the lobby smells good!
- 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Freshen up. I want to look presentable at least once on this trip. I'm not sure how to be presentable.
- 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM: Dinner at one of the in-hotel restaurants. I'm leaning Italian or maybe something with a really good burger!
- 8:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Check the room. I'm hoping it's good. I want to see the pool so I can go over for a quick dip!
- 9:00 PM: Lights out. Sleep. Or at least try. My brain will be buzzing from the flight and anticipation.
Day 2: Disney Day (Cue the Magic… and the Melodrama)
- 7:00 AM: Wake up. Or, again, attempt. The only thing I want is coffee, but I will probably want to go to Disneyland.
- 7:30 AM - 8:00 AM: Quick breakfast at the hotel. I need fuel for this marathon of fun. This could be challenging.
- 8:00 AM - 8:30 AM: Head to Disneyland. Uber or shuttle? We shall see. I hate tourist-y things, but I'm planning to love it!
- 8:30 AM - 7:00 PM: Disneyland! Okay, this is where things can go beautifully or catastrophically. I'm aiming for a day of pure, unadulterated joy. I'm on a mission to ride every ride, eat all the churros, and get my picture with all the characters (even if it means elbowing a toddler).
- Ride 1: Space Mountain. I don't do well with rollercoasters, but I love them! I will be scared.
- Lunch: Something unhealthy, delicious, and worthy of an Instagram post. I'm thinking a corn dog and a Dole Whip.
- Ride 2: Pirates of the Caribbean. Because, why not?
- Ride 3: Haunted Mansion.
- Ride 4: Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge. I want to try to eat some alien food.
- Parade: The parade? Yes, please. I'm a sucker for parades.
- Fireworks: The fireworks over Sleeping Beauty Castle? Ugh, I'm gonna cry. Pure, unadulterated magic.
- 7:00 PM - 7:30 PM: Head back to the hotel.
- 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM: Dinner at the hotel.
- 9:00 PM: Lay in bed and cry. It always happens!
Day 3: Relaxation & Departure (Embrace the Chaos)
- 7:00 AM: Sleep in a bit… maybe. Or maybe I'll be up, already jittery from the anticipation of the flight home.
- 7:00 AM - 9:00 AM: Sleep-in. Or not. I'll just see how I'm feeling. Breakfast at the hotel - maybe a final indulgence before reality hits.
- 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM: Pack. Yep, the dreaded moment. How did I accumulate so much stuff?
- 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM: Check-out.
- 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM: Lunch, then head back to LAX.
- 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Airport. This is the worst part. Waiting.
- 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Flying home.
- 4:00 PM - onward: Home. Unpack again. Cry. Miss this. Plan another trip.
This, my friends, is my attempt at an itinerary. It's messy. It's probably unrealistic. But it's me. And I hope, at the end of it all, I have a few good stories and maybe even some good memories. Wish me luck. I'm gonna need it.
Escape to Germany's Hidden Gem: Hotel Veltrup's Cozy Charm Awaits!
Westin Anaheim Resort: Your Dream California Getaway... Or Is It? FAQs!
Okay, spill it. Is this Westin really as "dreamy" as the brochure makes it out to be?
Alright, alright, settle down. Dreamy? Depends. Let's be honest, brochures are professionally-filtered lies. The Westin Anaheim? It's a solid contender in the Disneyland-adjacent hotel game. Honestly, the *location* is gold. Walking distance to the magic... which is a huge win for tired parents and, you know, anyone who's ever spent a day hoofing it around a theme park. Seriously, my feet were screaming for mercy after Fantasyland. Being able to *stroll* back to the hotel after fireworks? Priceless.
But dreaming? Well, that’s a bigger ask. It’s clean, it’s modern-ish, the pool is... a pool. Remember that time I booked a "deluxe" room, and it turned out to be facing... a parking garage? Yeah, the dream kind of deflated then. It's not *bad*, but manage your expectations. Think "Reliable Ride" more than "Fairytale Carriage."
The pool... tell me about the pool experience. My kids are basically amphibious creatures.
The pool? Okay, okay. Not gonna lie, it's pretty decent. The main pool is a decent size, and the kids' splash pad area is a *lifesaver*. My youngest, bless her heart, has the attention span of a goldfish in a tornado. The splash pad kept her occupied for, like, a whole hour. That's practically a lifetime in kid time.
The slides? Good enough. Not Six Flags level, mind you. But fun for kiddos. They have a swim-up bar, which is great for parents who've earned a cocktail. Seriously, after a day of navigating strollers and snack demands, that margarita tasted like pure bliss. Now, finding a chair… that’s a whole other adventure. Get there early, people. It’s basically a free-for-all at prime pool hours.
Oh, and don’t forget the sunscreen. Seriously. I ended up looking like a lobster. Not a good look. And I *thought* I was prepared!
What about food? Are we talking greasy burgers and overpriced pizza, or something… *better*?
The food situation… It’s a mixed bag, honestly. You've got the usual suspects: a decent restaurant (Tangerine Room), a casual cafe, and a quick-service spot for the inevitable "I'm STARVING!" meltdowns (looking at you, kids!). Tangerine Room... well, it's okay. The food is decent enough - the service can be a little slow sometimes, though. I swear, waiting for that appetizer felt like an eternity after a day with a toddler. And the prices? Let's just say you'll be happy you packed some granola bars. (Seriously, pack snacks. You'll thank me later.)
BUT! …there's a *super* cute little coffee shop near the lobby (Blossom Marketplace) that sells some *amazing* breakfast pastries. Seriously, their croissants are incredible. They also had some decent grab-and-go options. I became a regular, fueled by caffeine and desperation. If you're looking for something nicer? You're going to need to leave the hotel. Plenty of great options nearby, but factor in travel time and, you know, trying to wrangle the kids.
The Rooms! Let's talk about the rooms. Are they well-appointed and spacious, or… well, let's just say *cramped*?
Okay, the rooms... this is where it gets... interesting. The beds? Actually, pretty comfy. Westin's Heavenly Beds are indeed heavenly. Seriously, I could have slept for a week. After walking around Disneyland, you *need* a comfy bed. We're talking *serious* sleep deprivation in that park.
Space? Depends which room type you get. We had a standard room one time, with two adults and two kids. Let's just say it was... cozy. And by cozy, I mean "Tetris-level expert at packing suitcases." The "Deluxe" room was better, but, as previously mentioned, the view of the parking garage kinda killed the vibe a little. (Still bitter). They are clean, though. And that counts for a *lot*.
Pro tip: If you're traveling with a family, consider springing for a suite *if* it's in your budget. It's worth it for the extra space. Trust me.
Is there a gym? Because all that churro eating and park walking...
Yes, there is a gym! I think. Honestly, I've *seen* it, but I can't tell you anything more than that. It's got the requisite treadmills and weights and whatever. Never used it. The siren call of the pool bar (and the sheer exhaustion of parenting) always won out. Perhaps you'll have better willpower than I did. Let me know if it's any good!
Parking? How much is it, and how much of a nightmare is it?
Parking... ugh. Be prepared for the parking fees. It's a reality of staying near Disneyland. They're... not cheap. Check the website for the current prices, but expect to pay a pretty penny.
Is it a nightmare? Not *usually*. They have a garage, and the valets are generally efficient. But, be warned, during peak season, it can get busy. So, factor in a little extra time when you're leaving (especially if you're trying to catch a flight!). Also, tip the valet. They're working hard. Trust me. They will appreciate it. I swear the one helping me was genuinely happy to help.
Okay, hit me with the *unvarnished* truth. The good, the bad, the ugly of the Westin Anaheim. Lay it on me!
Alright, let's get REAL. The Westin Anaheim... it's a gamble. It's not *perfect*, but it has a lot going for it.
The good: Location, location, LOCATION. The pool is fun. The beds are comfy. The staff are generally nice. Walking distance to the magic is a game-changer. The coffee shop!
The bad: It ain't cheap. The "deluxe" room view let me down. The food is a bit hit and miss. Getting a good chair at the pool is like winning the lottery.
The Ugly:...Ugly? Nothing *truly* ugly, thankfully. The parking fees can be a bit of a shock. The occasional service hiccup (nothing major, mostly slow restaurant service).
Overall? If you're going to Disneyland, and you can swing it, the Westin Anaheim is a solid choice. Manage your expectations, pack some snacks, and grab a margarita. It's not perfect, but it gets the job done. And beingRest Nest Hotels
