First, I need to let you know that we chose the Clarion out of the Get Away Today brochure. It was the most reasonably priced hotel we could find that was supposedly within walking distance of the Disneyland Park. We chose Clarion because they had a 4th night free promotion that was available all year long. The service people on the Get Away Today Vacations were very helpful and patient with this high maintenance customer. Eventually we booked a 4-night stay arriving on August 17th 2005. Out trip was sort of last minute so we had to have Get Away Today send our information directly to the hotel. This was a convenient service.
We arrived at about Noon in the hopes of being able to check in early, we first went to the Front desk. However we were redirected to the Bell Desk where they hold the overnight deliveries for customers. After getting out the package and opening it, we took it back over to the Front desk and checked in. The Front desk was very pleasant, helpful and quick. We quickly got our room. I however did have to ask where would be the best place to park. The gentleman at the bell desk was pleasant and efficient as well, yet not too rushed to make us feel uncomfortable.
When we arrived in our room, it was as expected in size and appointments. The descriptions on a number of hotel websites as well as the Official Clarion website was satisfactory in describing the room. However it was a little misleading to say that the park was only 2 blocks away. Those “blocks” were very large and constituted a rather significant walk compared to a city block. An actual distance of miles would be much better and more effective in the future.
After dropping off our stuff we needed to go and get a new Digital Camera so we went to the bell desk to get directions to the nearest Sam’s Club. Everyone did a wonderful job trying to find the information we needed and we were on our way. As we returned in our vehicle we called the bell desk again on our cell phones. The bellman helped us locate the closest Best Buy as well. So far we had very excellent service.
After getting back to the room we went to Disneyland and enjoyed our evening. Upon returning to our room there were a few things we noticed as we prepared for bed. The first was that many of the glasses in the room were still dirty even though it had been sealed as sanitized. It hadn’t been cleaned thoroughly enough, lipstick still on the rim of two and one still had dirt attached to the bottom. There was still a glass clean enough so I didn’t feel it was worth making a fuss over. However we didn’t know where the bedding was for the fold out couch. A quick call to the front desk resolved that issue as they informed me where the bedding was. Again, we received great front desk service at the time of request.
Our plans for the next morning were to go to Disneyland for the Early Entry part of our vacation. On that day the Park opened at 7:00 am. So we awoke at 6:00 am. We called asking the schedule for the ART (Anaheim Resort Transit) that provides shuttle service to the park from the hotel for a fee. We were informed that the bus came at 6:20 and every 20 minutes after that. We hustled out the door to get there by 6:35. No shuttle. No shuttle until 7:00 am. We spent the rest of the day at the park and returned at midnight taking the return shuttle. The driver then told us that the first ART comes to the hotel at 7:00 am. This was in contradiction of what the hotel had informed us that morning. We were frustrated but not angry. We were also too tired to even take the time to mention it.
We spent the next two days enjoying Southern California activities. I was frustrated to find out that there is only one entrance into the Hotel later at night requiring me to park on the far side of the building and walk all the way around.
Our room was well attended each day with one glaring exception. The glasses that were originally dirty were never replaced (this is partially my fault for not taking off the cling wrap that had been attached). The beds were comfortable and the shower worked fine. The view from the room was wonderful and the curtains in the room worked very well (almost too well one morning).
During our stay we had no opportunity to use the pool facilities. I do feel that the pool hours could be extended to midnight to accommodate guests that may not get back to their room until later in the evening. However, we knew when the pool was available therefore this is not a complaint but just a suggestion.
Our checkout was, of course, harried with two kids. However, again the front desk was exceptional as was a very busy bell desk. They let me borrow a cart to bring our items to the car, which was parked at the back end of the building.
Checkout took no time at all. We decided to eat at the Tivoli Restaurant for our first meal of the day. I regret to say that the food itself was not very good. The quality was comparable to eating at a hospital. The service however was in line with the rest of the establishment and very good. Of course it needed to be because of the “Tip included” part of the bill. I dislike this concept.
So overall, our experience was pretty good. Here are a few graded ratings I would give the Clarion Anaheim Resort.
Cleanliness – C what I expected with a few pluses and minuses.
Service – B+ Very good service with a few areas to work on.
Web Site – B+ Good information with the exception of the distance from the park.
Rooms – B useful appointments