There are probably close to a hundred hotels near the Disneyland Resort and in the surrounding area, and many of them are nearly interchangeable. Most have the same basic room and amenities, with only the location or price point to set them apart. During my recent visit to Anaheim, I stayed at the Hotel Lulu and found that it struck a balance between the expected and the unusual.
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 its Good Neighbor Hotels, which can be included with your park tickets as part of a Disneyland Resort Good Neighbor Hotel Vacation Package.
Hotel Lulu is part of the BW Premier Collection by Best Western (think points!) and is located a short walk from both the Disneyland Resort and the Anaheim Convention Center. The hotel was rebranded about 4 years ago and was previously a Red Lion.
The fun starts at check-in when you’re offered a complimentary cocktail or mocktail to get your vacation started.
Rooms come with either two queen or one king bed with pillow-top mattresses, bright white duvets, and fluffy pillows. I was in a spacious room with queen beds with fun faux leather headboards.
Opposite the beds was a 55″ television, a small refrigerator, some desk space, and a bit of storage.
Just inside the entry, between the bathroom and the main area, is a little alcove, with a safe, microwave, and an electric kettle. That’s right, there is no coffee maker in the room, just the kettle along with tea and instant coffee. I had never used an electric kettle before so I was pleasantly surprised that it heated up the water almost instantly. I might need one of those at home.
The electric kettle wasn’t the only unusual appliance in the room at Hotel Lulu. In the closet near the front door was a fabric steamer in place of an iron. An iron and ironing board are available upon request.
The bathroom was bright, with a nice-sized countertop and full-sized tub with shower, plus upgraded toiletries and plenty of fluffy towels.
As we head back down to the lobby, let’s take a moment to check out the fun elevators. Keep in mind that for your safety, the elevators require a room key to operate.
The lobby has several areas for comfortable seating if you need to wait for the rest of your group (or enjoy your complimentary cocktail).
Near the lobby is a small store with drinks, snacks, and a souvenir Hotel Lulu t-shirt.
The hotel does not have a fully functioning restaurant, however there is a kitchen and breakfast is available each morning (for an additional fee). Order from kiosks near the lobby and enjoy your breakfast in the dining room or your hotel room.
Just beyond the dining room is a small bar that also opens onto the pool area.
Besides the access to the bar, the pool area offers several lounge chairs, patio umbrellas, and some fun games for the kids and kids at heart.
While you do have to cross two major streets, Hotel Lulu is still a reasonable walk to the Disneyland Resort (and even closer to the Anaheim Convention Center). It is located next door to an iHop and the hotel just beyond that has a Blaze Pizza and Luscious Dumplings. That intersection, Harbor and Katella, also has a Walgreens, CVS, and 7-Eleven, so there are many conveniences nearby.
There is plenty of parking located behind the hotel. The current rate is $32.50 per day, plus tax and local fees.
During my visit, the laundry facilities and fitness center were under construction, so I wasn’t able to check those out. For the fitness center, the hotel has coordinated with a nearby hotel for the use of their gym.
I love that Hotel Lulu has some personality. Between the cocktails at check-in and the slightly irreverent Disney artwork, there is a lot of fun to be had when you stay with Lulu.
