You're standing on Harbor Boulevard. Your feet hurt. The kids are currently arguing over who got more churro dust on their shirt, and you’re staring at a map of Anaheim hotels that looks like a giant puzzle with too many pieces. If you’ve been looking for a place to crash near Disneyland, you’ve probably seen the Quality Inn at the Park pop up on every booking site from Expedia to Kayak. It’s one of those spots that looks decent in photos, but you’re likely wondering if it’s actually a "quality" experience or just a place to rest your head before rope-dropping Galaxy's Edge.
Let’s be real. Anaheim is expensive.
You can spend $700 a night to stay at the Grand Californian and wake up to the sound of the monorail, or you can stay a few blocks away and save enough money to actually afford the $20 lightsaber batteries and $15 pretzels. The Quality Inn at the Park sits right in that sweet spot. It’s located at 1750 S Harbor Blvd, which, if you’re doing the math, is basically a brisk ten-to-fifteen-minute walk to the main pedestrian entrance of the Disneyland Resort.
Some people call it "The Park" because of its proximity to the Howard Johnson and the Courtyard Theme Park Entrance, but this Choice Hotels property has its own vibe going on. It isn't fancy. It isn't trying to be a five-star resort with a character brunch. Honestly, it’s a functional, clean, and surprisingly spacious option for people who realize they’re only going to be in the room for six hours of sleep anyway.
What the Quality Inn at the Park actually offers (and what it doesn't)
When you walk into the lobby, you aren't greeted by a three-story chandelier. It’s a standard check-in desk. But here’s the thing that catches people off guard: the rooms are bigger than you’d expect for a budget-friendly hotel in this zip code. Most standard rooms here feature two queen beds, but they also have "Deluxe" options and suites that can fit larger families.
- The Fridge and Microwave Situation: Unlike some of the newer, "hip" hotels nearby that have removed microwaves to save space, the Quality Inn keeps them. This is a game-changer. You can heat up leftover pizza or keep your water bottles cold without having to rely on a communal vending machine.
- The Pool Area: It’s a basic outdoor pool. Nothing fancy. It isn’t the Howard Johnson water playground, but if your kids just need to splash around for an hour while you scroll through Disney Genie+ tip videos, it does the job.
- Parking: This is a big one. Parking in Anaheim is a nightmare. Most hotels charge $30, $40, or even $50 a day. The Quality Inn usually includes parking or offers it at a much lower rate than the Disney-owned properties, though you should always double-check your specific booking rate because these things change seasonally.
You’ve got to manage expectations, though. This is a motel-style layout in parts. That means some doors open to the outside. For some travelers, that’s a "no-go" for security or noise reasons. For others, it’s just easier to load and unload the car. If you’re a light sleeper, ask for a room away from Harbor Boulevard. The street noise in Anaheim is no joke, especially with the modified exhausts of local cars and the constant hum of the ART (Anaheim Resort Transportation) buses.
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The Walk: Is it actually "Walkable"?
Google Maps might tell you it’s a 12-minute walk. That’s "Google minutes," which assumes you aren't pushing a double stroller or carrying a tired toddler who has decided their legs no longer work.
In reality, it’s a straight shot north on Harbor. You pass the CVS (pro tip: buy your moleskin and snacks here, not in the park) and the Walgreens. You’ll see the signs for the Toy Story Parking Lot. If you’re feeling lazy, you can actually walk over to the Toy Story lot and hop on the free Disney bus, though security might check your ID or ticket. It’s a bit of a "life hack" that locals use to save their feet.
Why the "Quality" label matters in 2026
Choice Hotels has been putting a lot of money into their Quality Inn brand lately to shake off that 1990s "musty carpet" reputation. At the Quality Inn at the Park, you’ll see the results of various refreshes. The bedding is usually that crisp white linen rather than the old floral bedspreads that probably hadn't been washed since the Reagan administration.
The staff here knows the drill. They deal with thousands of Disney tourists a month. They can tell you exactly when the fireworks start so you can try to catch a glimpse from the parking lot (it’s not a great view, but it’s free) and they know which shuttle is running late.
Let's talk about the breakfast
Look, "Free Breakfast" is a loose term in the hotel industry.
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At this location, you're usually looking at the standard spread: waffles you make yourself in a rotating iron, some sort of egg-adjacent protein, cereal, and coffee that is best described as "functional." It isn't a Michelin-star meal. But when you consider that a breakfast burrito inside California Adventure costs about $14, eating a free waffle before you leave the hotel saves a family of four over $50 a day.
That adds up over a four-day trip. That’s a whole extra souvenir or a nice dinner at Blue Bayou.
Hidden gems and weird quirks nearby
The area around the Quality Inn at the Park is more than just a gateway to Mickey. If you walk south instead of north, you’re hitting the Anaheim Convention Center area. This means you have access to some food options that aren't just "theme park food."
- The Pizza Press: Just up the street. It’s a "build your own" pizza place with a 1920s newspaper theme. It’s reliable, fast, and stays open late for those post-firework cravings.
- Joe's Italian Ice: A bit of a walk, but arguably the best treat in Anaheim. If the line at the park for Dole Whip is 40 minutes, just walk to Joe's.
- GardenWalk: This is a semi-outdoor mall nearby. It’s had its ups and downs with vacancies, but it has a Cheesecake Factory and a Bubba Gump. If you need a "real" meal and didn't make a Disney reservation 60 days in advance, this is your backup plan.
One thing people get wrong about this hotel is the "Park" in the name. It refers to the Disneyland Resort, obviously, but don't expect a literal grassy park with swings next door. You’re in the heart of a high-traffic tourist corridor. It’s neon signs, asphalt, and palm trees.
Comparing the competition
If you're looking at the Quality Inn at the Park, you're probably also looking at the Motel 6, the Desert Palms, or the Candy Cane Inn.
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The Candy Cane Inn is often cited as the "gold standard" of Harbor Blvd motels because of its private shuttle, but it's also significantly more expensive and harder to book. The Motel 6 is cheaper, but it’s a bit further away and doesn't offer the same level of room amenities. The Quality Inn sits right in the middle. It’s the "C+ student" that actually works really hard and ends up being more reliable than the "A student" who is always busy.
Practical tips for your stay
If you decide to pull the trigger on a booking, do yourself a favor and call the front desk about 48 hours before you arrive. Confirm your parking situation. Ask for a room that isn't right next to the elevator or the breakfast area.
- Mobile Check-in: If you’re a Choice Privileges member, use the app. It’s faster.
- The ART Bus: If you have a multi-day pass, the bus stop is very close. It’s worth it if it’s raining or if you’ve hit your 20,000-step limit for the day.
- Security: Like any high-traffic area, don't leave valuables in your car. Even though the lot is monitored, it’s better to be safe.
Honestly, the biggest mistake people make is overthinking the hotel. You are going to be so tired after 12 hours of standing in lines and dodging strollers that you just need a cool room, a decent shower, and a bed that doesn't feel like a slab of granite. This place provides all three without making your bank account cry.
Essential Actionable Next Steps
Before you click "Book," run through this checklist to make sure you're getting the most out of a stay at the Quality Inn at the Park:
- Check the Choice Hotels Website Directly: Often, the member rate is $10-20 cheaper than what you’ll find on third-party sites. Plus, you get points that actually work for future stays.
- Map Your Route: Open Google Maps and look at the "Walking" directions from the hotel address to the "Disneyland Main Entrance." Notice where the crosswalks are. It’ll save you time on your first morning.
- Pack a Power Strip: Older hotels, even renovated ones, never have enough outlets for four people who all need to charge phones, watches, and battery packs overnight.
- Grocery Delivery: Use an app to have a case of water and some easy snacks delivered to the lobby right as you arrive. It’s much cheaper than buying individual bottles at the hotel or in the parks.
- Verify the "Resort Fee": Anaheim hotels are notorious for hidden fees. Ensure your quoted price includes the occupancy tax and any daily "resort" or "destination" fees so there are no surprises at checkout.
Staying at a place like the Quality Inn isn't about luxury; it's about strategy. It's about being close enough to the action to be efficient, but far enough away from the Disney price tag to be smart. When you're watching the fireworks from the esplanade knowing you only have a short walk back to your room while everyone else is fighting for a spot on a crowded tram or waiting an hour for an Uber, you'll realize exactly why these Harbor Boulevard hotels are always full.
Take the savings, buy that extra pair of Mickey ears, and enjoy the fact that you aren't paying a premium for a room you'll barely see.
Next Steps for Your Trip Planning:
- Compare Rates: Check the official Choice Hotels site against your preferred travel portal to lock in the lowest price.
- Join Choice Privileges: Even if you only stay once, the member discount usually kicks in immediately.
- Confirm Parking: Call the property directly at +1 (714) 533-3505 to verify current parking rates for your specific dates, as these are subject to change based on local events or peak seasons.