As an absolute Disney fan family, we took a summer vacation to Disneyland in Anaheim, California.      We looked at many hotel possibilities that would allow us an enjoyable yet affordable trip and our finding has left us with the desire to go back to this gem of a place.   I am talking about the “Candy Cane Inn” and I cannot say enough nice things about it. I have even said to their Manager Jeff, it is “The Second Happiest Place on Earth” , Disneyland being the Happiest One.

It is a beautifully kept, family owned motel on the same sidewalk and block  (giant block -  the only parcel on that block that for whatever reason Walt Disney did not acquire) as Disneyland itself.    To get to Disneyland/California Adventure Parks, you are as far as a ten minute walk, it is safe and shady, bordered by trees or you can take a shuttle ride that leaves the hotel on the hour and 30 minutes past the hour and picks you up at the park right at the Harbor Blvd entrance  at 15 and 45 minutes past the hour.    Do synchronize your watches with hotel and drivers.   You will feel compelled to leave a gratuity for the drivers as they are genuinely nice.
The rates are very affordable and the cost of your room includes WiFi  (Roadrunner Business Internet), Continental Breakfast Buffet, free parking (most hotels charge $10 a day and Disney Parks $15 a day) and of course, the free shuttle.    A real bargain.
The rooms are  very clean and clean smelling;  something you don’t see too often, even on very well known hotels.   You get very comfortable beds where you will have the best nights’ sleep  (I can vouch for this because I have this thing about beds and pillows, I could be a tester of these items).   They have different size rooms to suit your needs and also connecting rooms, great for larger families.
Breakfast is served between 7 and 9 a.m. and promptly retired at 9 a.m., so get there early.
It is a very generous breakfast comprising of 3 types of cereal,  yogurt (variety),  muffins: (blueberry,chocolate chip, cranberry/orange, bran/raisin), donuts, pastries, toast (white and whole wheat),  bagels (great variety) both of which you can toast in their conveyor belt toaster. Jams, jellies, butter, peanut butter, creme cheese, half and half.    Orange and apple juice.   Coffee, hot chocolate, 2 % milk.   Apples, bananas and oranges.   Do come early and enjoy your breakfast at tables set up by pool side or inside if you so wish.   While you breakfast, there is a gentleman on site, who wears a lanyard fully loaded with Disney trading pins, he is a wealth of information on anything Disney and the surrounding areas.  The Breakfast Room attendants are courteous and pleasant.   The atmosphere is comfortable and relaxing.
The area is beautifully landscaped, with blooming magnolias, pink bougainvilleas and other vines and greenery that  combined with the cobble stoned entrance and parking, makes this property so quaint and relaxing.   Their gardeners are  so polite and even answer questions and give you gardening tips.    Beside the main pool, (not Olympics size), there is  a kiddie pool so the whole family can enjoy a midday dip/break from the parks.   Across the street you find some restaurants (Chinese, Subway) and there is a 7-11 and gift store at the corner, next to the hotel.    McDonalds is across  the street  from Disneyland, as are IHOP,  Denny’s and Tony Roma’s Ribs.
The staff at the “Candy Cane Inn” lobby are very pleasant, professional, polite and helpful. AARP cards are accepted for room rate discounts.   Housekeeping personnel are efficient and courteous.
I would round out the experience to a 5 star level in service, affordability, convenience and the overall comfort.   I am not saying it is a five star hotel but it comes pretty close taking into consideration all the pros I have mentioned and for the value of  your money.   And believe me, we have stayed at great hotels where service and quality are there but where you are just a number.    At the Candy Cane Inn we felt that you are treated as a friend of the family and you truly feel you are on vacation, that is why I call it “the second happiest place on earth” and I wrote the Hotel managemet to tell them that.
You start your day on the right note in these surroundings.    During the Holidays the place is beautifully decorated to give you the Christmas feel.   Can’t wait to go back.