Anaheim Marriott Hotel — A Smart Base for British Visitors to Disneyland

Located just a short distance from the magic of Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, the Anaheim Marriott Hotel is a solid choice for British families and couples seeking comfort, convenience and a slightly more grown-up hotel experience outside the park bubble. It sits in the heart of the Anaheim Resort District, giving UK tourists excellent access not only to Disneyland and Disney California Adventure but also to an array of shops, restaurants and entertainment options that make the whole stay feel more like a well-rounded holiday base.

One of the hotel’s biggest strengths is its location relative to Disneyland. The Anaheim Marriott is roughly a 10–15 minute walk from the Disneyland gates, which is ideal for visitors who prefer to pop back to the hotel mid-day for a rest, a swim, or a change of shoes — something British families heading out early and returning late really appreciate. If you prefer not to walk, there’s also a reliable local shuttle service running between the hotel and Disneyland Resort, and ride-share options (Uber/Lyft) are quick and affordable for shorter hops. Taxis and hotel car services are also easy to arrange, which matters if you’re arriving by air late at night or have a packed day ahead.

Rooms at the Anaheim Marriott strike a comfortable balance between modern and functional. Guests generally find them spacious — particularly compared with inner-city hotels — with good storage, air-conditioning (a must in sunny California) and well-appointed bathrooms. Many rooms offer views over the bustling convention district or towards the backdrop of the Disneyland fireworks, which some British guests note as an unexpected — and lovely — bonus. Families travelling from the UK often mention that the bedding and room layout make early starts and late evenings easier to handle, and that standard amenities like USB charging points and reliable Wi-Fi help when planning days in the parks or checking travel connections back home.

Reviewers regularly highlight the hotel’s pool and leisure facilities as another reason it works so well as a holiday base. There’s a large outdoor pool with plenty of loungers, shaded spots and a separate hot tub — a welcome way to unwind after a full day trudging through queues and shows. There’s also a decent fitness centre for those who don’t want to lose their morning routine entirely while on holiday. If you’re travelling in the warmer months — something many UK visitors time to coincide with school holidays — the pool becomes more than just a nice extra; it’s a genuine relaxation destination.

When it comes to dining, you’ll find options that suit both casual and slightly more formal evenings. The hotel’s on-site restaurant and bar serves a hearty American breakfast and dinner, and there’s a lobby café for coffees, quick snacks and a familiar pit-stop before heading out. For British tourists who enjoy a blend of comfort food plus international choices, the nearby Anaheim Packing District and Downtown Disney District (a short stroll away) offer a wealth of varied eateries — from wood-fired pizzas and Mexican cuisine to sushi and afternoon cocktails — so you’re not confined to the hotel menu. Many UK guests appreciate this breadth, as it means you can tailor nights out without resorting to fast food.

Transport logistics are a frequent topic in British holiday forums, and the Anaheim Marriott’s proximity to John Wayne Airport (SNA) and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) makes travel days smoother. John Wayne is around 20 minutes’ drive away, which is ideal for families with jet-lagged kids or a car full of luggage. If you’re flying into LAX (more common on flexible or multi-park itineraries), the hotel becomes a comfortable midway stop before heading further south or east. Car-hire is very popular with UK visitors here — it gives the most flexibility for theme parks, shopping outlets, beaches and even day trips up Highway 1 — and most British families find the Marriott’s self-parking (usually for a daily fee) well worth having.

In terms of value, the Anaheim Marriott finds itself in a sweet spot: nicer and more spacious than many chain hotels but typically more affordable than nearby boutique or luxury resort properties. Online reviews from British visitors often note that the hotel feels like a “grown-up choice for family fun,” with a quieter evenings-focused atmosphere than some of the louder, more theme-park-centric options. That said, being near a major convention centre means you can occasionally hear conference traffic or event crowds during peak periods — something that doesn’t bother most guests but is worth being aware of.

Overall, Anaheim Marriott Hotel is a very sensible choice for British tourists looking for a reliable, comfortable and strategically located base for a Disneyland break. The walking distance to the parks, the relaxed atmosphere after long days, the pool and leisure spaces, and the easy access to transport all mean you’re free to enjoy what matters most: spending quality time with family and friends, experiencing the rides and shows, and soaking up the Californian sunshine without hassle.