We decided to stay at Holiday Inn Express Anaheim because of all the good reviews we've read here. I just want to say that all the good things that were mentioned in the past reviews were all accurate. Room was decent and very basic with a small fridge. We didn't have any high expectations given that it's not a 5-star hotel or anything. But because of the people that works there, they have something "great" going on there. My husband and I were very impressed especially with Arthur. He was very personable, sincere and friendly. We love to travel so we've been everywhere and often times people at the front desk doesn't have that "appreciative attitude" anymore. It's like they're just there to do a job. With Arthur, he was very appreciative and you can tell that he really values his job. I wish he could get a raise :).... You deserved one.
Location is awesome- about a 2- minute walk to Anaheim Garden Walk and about a 15- minute walk to Disneyland.They also offer FREE BREAKFAST BUFFET, FREE WI-FI & FREE PARKING, need I say more?!
Well, we're annual pass holders and we will definitely be back. We've finally found our hotel near Disney.Thank you guys!

The management of this hotel is unbelievably stupid and incompetent.

I stayed at this hotel from Nov 10 to Nov 14, 2011, on a business trip. Unfortunately, I got sick with the flu the evening I checked in and was forced to stay in most of my stay due to fever and colds. My flight was leaving late on the evening of the 14th so I notified the desk of wanting to extend my stay for one more night as I had planned to leave the hotel around 6PM the next day, thinking I didn't mind paying for one more night, if only I could use the entire day to rest and gather enough energy for the 14-hour flight back home.

On the morning of the 14th, I was awakened by what sounded like someone continuousy hammering at something outside the hallway. I called the desk to try to request that the noise be kept to a minimum or, at the very least, postponed until I could check out. I informed the desk that I was sick and was trying to rest. The guy on the line was unsympathetic. Said he can't do anything about the noise as renovation was ongoing and that if I wish, I could be transferred to another floor.

At the time, my clothes were not yet packed. I decided to lie down again for an hour before moving to pack and get another room. As I opened the door of my room, I was shocked to discover that the entire hallway had already been ripped apart. There were two construction workers ripping the ceiling, the entire floor of the hallway was covered in debris and dust was all over the place. I had to navigate and walk through all the debris, inhaled dust I was ill-prepared to do so with a congested chest.

This hotel risked its guest's safety and health. I can only begin to guess all the building and health codes this hotel violated. I am now currently consulting with my lawyers to file the appropriate legal sanctions against this hotel.

Attached are photos I took with my phone camera. Notice that even the construction workers are not properly attired for safety. Both were not wearing hard hats, safety vests, and work boots, as is required by Safety Codes when working in such conditions.

I live in Texas where good manners are the rule rather than the exception, but I grew up in SoCal and know that sometimes service takes a second chair to efficiency. I was pleasantly surprised at how helpful and friendly the staff was at the HI Maingate. Maybe it's the close proximity to the happiest place on earth or maybe it's the economy, but I have never had a front desk representative actually step out from behind the desk to show me where the dining room, elevator and general direction of the room were located. Not even in Texas.

The rooms were basic, but had all of the necessities including a generously sized mini fridge. Disney was within a ten minute walk, and the hotel is located on a busy street with dining options from an upscale steak restaurant to convenience store fare. The area is quite safe for walking. The hotel also has a hot tub which would be perfect for soaking your tired feet.

Now to the breakfast... Which is mostly how I rate the hotels... The cinnamon rolls were really good. Did I mention that already?? There was a variety of hot and cold dishes and they changed the selection slightly each day. An egg dish, sausage or bacon, biscuits and gravy, cereal, pastries, a pancake maker and fresh juice, coffee and milk. I was thrilled that breakfast came included in the price of our room. We were able to get really full at breakfast and then eat a lot later at the parks, saving us some pennies.

We will definitely return to this hotel the next time we come to Disneyland!

So it was three days away from the convention and thats when i decided to book a room! I spend HOURS trying to locate a room and a 4-5 star hotel without paying a fortune. If i had booked earlier, I would have found what I wanted. But here's the thing.I booked at the Holiday Inn Express because the staff on the phone when I call had a genuine feel to them. I asked, "When was the hotel last renovated?" "Would they have their family stay there?" "If there was 1 thing they wished the hotel would change, what would it be?" and the answers I received were off the cuff, sincere and proven to be accurate.
So I booked the room for 4 nights and every day (i kid you not), i thanked the staff for being pleasant, helpful and caring.
The lobby was a normal 2-3 star lobby. Hallways were always fresh and clean, my room was immaculate and the proximity to the Convention Center perfect (2 City blocks long). A 10-15 minute walk and there i was. Many good restaurants close by (3 minute walk) and so not so good ones too. Be sure to ask the front desk for anything and everything you need. Authur, in particlar was fantastic! "Good morning Mr......" "Good Afternoon Mr....." I am really floored with the service level of this hotel.
Now if your looking for luxuary or amenities, look elsewhere. Although they did have an outdoor pool and jacuzzi, onsite laundry and a suprisingly decent daily breakfast. Outside of that...oh yea free wireless internet access throughout the hotel and 2 computers in the lobby to use if you traveled without one. Go stay here, unless you want to spend more for a higher end place. But if were me, I'd save the money and book here each time I was in Anaheim.