Desert Palms Hotel & Suites Anaheim

Desert Palms Hotel & Suites — A Relaxed, Well-Located Base for British Families Visiting Disneyland

If you’re a British family, couple or solo traveller heading to Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, Desert Palms Hotel & Suites presents a comfortable, practical and well-located hotel option that delivers a relaxed stay without the premium price tags of on-site resort hotels. Tucked just a few miles from Disneyland’s gates — and also close to other top attractions — this hotel offers sensible comfort alongside plenty of conveniences that UK visitors often appreciate on a Disneyland holiday.

One of the first things UK guests notice about Desert Palms is its convenience of location. You’re typically only around a 10–15 minute drive from both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure, which makes it easy to plan park days without long commute times. For British tourists who might be juggling park tickets, dining reservations and early starts after long flights, that short travel time between hotel and magic can be a genuine holiday bonus. Many guests either hire a car (very common with UK visitors) or choose ride-share services like Uber/Lyft for swift and cost-effective transfers.

Rooms at Desert Palms are spacious and clean, with a layout that leans toward suite-style comfort rather than tiny, compact boxes. Most units include separate living areas, mini-kitchens or kitchenette facilities (fridge, microwave and sometimes hob), and generous storage — all of which work well for families staying several nights, or British visitors who appreciate having space to relax after long theme-park days. Reviewers often highlight that the beds are comfortable, the decor is light and welcoming, and that the overall feel is one of “holiday comfort without fuss.”

One of the resort’s standout features is its array of outdoor amenities. The centrepiece — a large, beautifully landscaped outdoor pool and spa area — gives you several options for downtime between parks. There’s a split-level pool with jacuzzi zones, plenty of loungers for sunscreen-soaked evenings, and shaded spots that UK holiday-makers consistently rate as a perfect place to unwind, soak up California sunshine, or let younger ones splash about while adults relax with a drink. Several guests mention that it feels like having your own little weekend resort, but with the buzz of Disneyland just minutes away.

In addition to the main pool area, there’s a fitness centre and barbecue/grill spaces, which are ideal for those who want some variety in their holiday routine. Having these extra social and active spaces resonates with many UK visitors, particularly those travelling in larger groups or staying longer than a quick city break. It’s the sort of hotel where mid-week “down days” feel genuine holidays in their own right.

Practical amenities at Desert Palms are solid and family-friendly. There’s free Wi-Fi throughout the property, free parking (a real plus for British families hiring a car), and a complimentary continental breakfast that gets your day off to an easy start before heading to the parks. Whilst it’s not the all-you-can-eat buffet of some major resort hotels, the breakfast offering earns frequent praise from UK guests for being reliable, well-presented and helpful — a trust-worthy start to busy theme-park mornings.

Location-wise, you’re also not limited to Disney alone. The hotel sits close to Downtown Disney District, with shops, dining and entertainment just a short hop away, and is within easy reach of Anaheim GardenWalk — a lively outdoor mall with restaurants, bowling, cinema and nightlife. For those British visitors who want to pack evenings with variety beyond park rides, this mix of casual options is especially easy to manage without a car.

Reviewer feedback from British guests tends to reflect comfort with the overall value proposition at Desert Palms. Many note that the hotel feels like a step up from basic motels, but without the premium price hikes of big theme-park resorts. Staff are often described as friendly and helpful (especially when assisting with local directions, park transport tips or tour bookings), and the property feels safe and well maintained — two points UK families frequently flag as important when holidaying abroad.

Of course, it’s worth bearing in mind that Desert Palms isn’t a themed “Disney resort hotel”: you won’t find characters in the lobby, fireworks views from your balcony, or monorail access the way you might in Florida. But for many British tourists who prioritise park proximity, comfort, flexibility and good value, it offers an excellent balance — letting you focus your holiday budget on tickets, dining and experiences rather than splashing out on overnight stays alone.

Summary — Why Desert Palms Works Well for British Visitors

This hotel scores highly if you want:
✔ A well-located Anaheim hotel for UK tourists near Disneyland without the Disney price tag
✔ Spacious, comfortable rooms with kitchenette options
✔ A standout outdoor pool & spa area for relaxation
✔ Free parking and practical amenities for families
✔ Easy access to Downtown Disney, GardenWalk and wider dining/shopping
✔ A relaxed base after busy park days

Best for:
✔ British families and couples planning 4–10+ night stays
✔ Visitors who value space, comfort and convenience
✔ Guests who may plan park days and rest days in between

Worth noting:
If your priority is immersive resort theming, character experiences, or immediate in-park ambience, one of the on-site Disney hotels might be preferable. But for many UK travelers, comfort, value and proximity to the parks make Desert Palms a very sensible and enjoyable choice — especially when you plan to sleep, recharge and explore rather than stay rooted in the hotel all day.

Nearby Attractions & Things UK Families Appreciate

🎢 Theme Parks & Disney Area:
• Disneyland Park (~10–15 min drive)
• Disney California Adventure (~10–15 min drive)
• Downtown Disney District (short rideshare/taxi — quick, easy evenings)

🍽 Dining & Easy Eats (Walk/Short Ride):
• Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.
• Naples Ristorante e Bar
• ESPN Zone
• Tortilla Jo’s
• The Cheesecake Factory (in GardenWalk)

🛍 Shops & Evenings Out:
• Anaheim GardenWalk — cinema, stores, bowling, restaurants
• Downtown Disney — shops, live entertainment

🛒 Practical Stops:
• Ralphs Supermarket
• CVS / Pharmacy
• Local cafés and bakeries for quick breakfast or snacks

🚗 Transport Tips (UK Friendly):
• Free parking — great if hiring a car
• Taxis/Uber/Lyft are affordable and easy for park runs or evening outings
• No on-site shuttle — but proximity makes rideshares short and sensible – Disney is walkable