The Candy Cane Inn has always been a fan favorite, so I was excited to take a look at the property following its lengthy post-COVID renovations. The 171-room property reopened in January 2023 with a new brighter look, but some of the same fan-favorite amenities.
The Disneyland Resort is surrounded by locally owned and chain non-Disney eateries, lodging and more, so sometimes there are some great options (and values) to be had just outside of the gates. When it comes to hotels, Disney has partnered with nearly 60 area hotels that can be included with your tickets as part of a Disneyland Resort Good Neighbor Hotel Vacation Package.
The Candy Cane Inn is located on Harbor Boulevard, just south of Katella Avenue. The hotel is part of a small triangle of businesses that share that corner, which sits just behind Cars Land in Disney California Adventure. In fact, you can see the back of the Cadillac Mountain Range from the hotel.
The Candy Cane Inn is operated as a small family-owned boutique hotel, despite rumors that the property may have a more familiar neighbor as its owner. From the candy canes in the lobby (and pens shaped like candy canes) to the upgraded toiletries, guests should feel pampered when they stay here.
While the public areas of the property look familiar similar following the renovation, you’ll definitely see that the rooms have received a big makeover.
I stayed in a Standard Room, but the hotel also features Deluxe and Premium rooms as well.
The Standard Room was 264 square feet and features two queen beds. Deluxe Rooms are 308 square feet and also have two queen beds, plus the option of connecting rooms.
Premium Rooms are 350 square feet and come with a larger television, upgraded spa-quality amenities, turn down service, in-room breakfast, and late check out included, plus the option of adjoining rooms.
Candy Cane Inn fans will be glad to know that the rooms still feature the classic plantation-style wood shutters you’re familiar with, however the rest of the room is new.
The flooring in both the main area and bathroom has received an upgrade, with the bathroom featuring a beautiful tile look. Between the beds is a throw rug featuring Mickey Mouse that I’ll be searching the internet for.
The split bathroom has a variety of amenities, including individual bottles of bath products, lotion, cotton swabs, shower caps, and a Candy Cane Inn branded comb that went right into my toiletry bag.
There’s a sink and large countertop in the main area, while the shower and toilet are behind closed doors.
In addition to the beautiful floral mural above the toilet, one of my favorite details in the room is the seal on the toilet paper.
Across from the beds is a brightly colored armchair, a small desk, and an armoire that has plenty of storage.
Be sure to pack your swimwear, because the central patio area features not only a refreshing pool, but also a hot tub and wading pool for the kids.
The patio also doubles as a seating area for the hotel’s expanded continental breakfast, which is served 6:30am-9:30am just behind the lobby.
In addition to a plethora of pastries, enjoy fresh waffles, cereals, oatmeal, fresh fruit, yogurt, cheeses, and hard boiled eggs. Fresh coffee is available along with several juices and milk (or chocolate milk, if you prefer).
Candy Cane Inn offers plenty of free parking and is one of the only Good Neighbor Hotels that offers its own free hourly shuttle service. If you miss the shuttle, the Disneyland Resort is just a short 13 minute walk away.
The hotel also has onsite laundry, a fitness center, and a small gift shop off the lobby. If you can’t find what you need in the gift shop, there a couple of convenience stores next door, plus Walgreens and CVS just beyond that.
The Candy Cane Inn was always one of my favorite places to stay, even before I started working for The DIS (the first time), so it was a pleasure to check out the new vibe. The nostalgia (see the final picture below) and awesome customer service were still very evident, but I think the refreshed rooms were just what the hotel needed.
Here is some sample pricing at the Candy Cane Inn for a visit in November:
-2 adults and 2 children (ages 8 & 9) for 3 nights mid-week in a Standard Room, with 3 day park hoppers, including Lightning Lane – $3,333.61
-2 adults and 2 children (ages 9 & 15) for 3 nights mid week in a Standard Room, with 3 day park hoppers, including Lightning Lane – $3,358.61
-2 adults and 2 children (ages 9 & 15) for 3 nights weekend in a Deluxe Room, with 3 day park hoppers, including Lightning Lane – $3,490.52
Keep in mind that all pricing is subject to change at any time.
Do you have a favorite Good Neighbor Hotel I should check out next?
Tom is the former host/producer of the Disneyland Edition podcast and is currently the co-host of the Connecting With Walt podcast, plus is also providing Disneyland content from the parks. He enjoys traveling with friends and spending time with family, including his son and grandson. In his spare time he volunteers with Scouts BSA and Cub Scouts, and helped found his son's former Cub Scout Pack. His favorite Disneyland attraction is Space Mountain.
