Accommodations
Trip Ideas
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Away from the Disney resorts, the accommodations in inland Orange County run to chain motels. The good news is that you can find a decent room for a reasonable price almost everywhere you go in the O.C. The less-good news is that you won’t find much of anything in the way of character or distinction in any of them.
The Red Roof Inn Buena Park (7121 Beach Blvd., Buena Park, 714/522-7280, www.redroof.com, $74) offers a clean bed and bathroom near Knott’s and Disney. Amenities include a heated pool and a spa, free Wi-Fi, and a fitness center. Medium-sized motel rooms feature a standard motel setup with a variety of bed configurations, dark carpets, and floral bedspreads.
At the Best Western Orange County Airport (2700 Hotel Terrace, Santa Ana, 714/432-8888, www.bestwestern-oc.com, $110) you’ll find everything you expect of the popular national chain, including floral and wine-colored édecor in your comfortable guest room, a pool and hot tub, and a free shuttle to and from John Wayne Airport. Down in the lobby, you’ll find a complimentary “cook-to-serve” breakfast each morning (that is, prepackaged heat-and-eat items plus cold cereals, bagels, and coffee).
In Garden Grove, stay at the Hyatt Regency Orange County (11999 Harbor Boulevard Garden Grove, 714/750-1234, http://orangecounty.hyatt.com/hyatt/hotels/index.jsp, $165). The attractive rooms are decorated in the latest style inside a tall glass-fronted tower. White linens emphasize the cleanliness of beds and bathrooms, while bright yellows and deep blues provide classy artistic touches. In the sun-drenched atrium, enjoy a cocktail or sit back and read a good book in the attractive atmosphere. Grab a chaise lounge by the pool or take a refreshing dip. If you’re bringing your family, consider renting one of the “family-friendly suites” that have separate bedrooms with bunk beds and fun édecor geared toward younger guests.
If your major destination is Knott’s Berry Farm, consider staying at the Knott’s Berry Farm Resort Hotel (7675 Crescent Ave., Buena Park, 714/995-1111, $175–250). This high-rise resort includes all the extras and amenities you’d expect from a corporate hotel. You can lounge by the pool and spa, work out at the fitness center, and have dinner in one of the on-site restaurants, the Amber Waves dining room or the Citrus Café. Get a drink at the Sports Bar after a long day out at the park or seeing the sights of O.C. Your comfortable room will greet you each night; choose one queen, two queens, or a king bed. Check the Internet for a variety of specials and discount rates.
© Liz Hamill Scott from Moon California, 2nd Edition
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