Why Four Points by Sheraton Anaheim Stays Packed Despite the Disney Hype

Why Four Points by Sheraton Anaheim Stays Packed Despite the Disney Hype

You’re looking at a map of Anaheim and everything looks the same. A sea of blue-tiled pools, palm trees that all seem to lean at the same angle, and prices that make your eyes water. But then there’s the Four Points by Sheraton Anaheim. It’s this weirdly perfect middle ground. Honestly, it’s not the flashiest hotel on Harbor Boulevard, but it’s the one that people who actually know Disney tend to book months in advance.

People usually obsess over the "Disney Bubble." They want the monorail running through the lobby or the character breakfasts that cost as much as a car payment. But let’s be real. If you’re spending 14 hours a day chasing a toddler through Galaxy’s Edge, you don't need a themed suite. You need a shower with actual water pressure and a bed that doesn’t feel like a gym mat.

The Walk: What Nobody Tells You About the Distance

Everyone asks the same thing. "Can I walk to the park?"

The short answer is yes. The long answer is that it’s about a 12 to 15-minute trek to the main gates of Disneyland and Disney California Adventure. You’re basically looking at half a mile. On the way there, it’s fine. You’re caffeinated. The kids are excited. The sun is just starting to hit the Matterhorn.

On the way back? That’s when it hits you.

After 25,000 steps, that half-mile feels like a marathon across the Sahara. If you’re pushing a double stroller, you’ll probably start eyeing the Anaheim Resort Transportation (ART) buses. The Four Points is on the ART route, specifically the Route 4 (Harbor Blvd) line. It stops right nearby. It costs a few bucks, but it saves your calves. Some people complain that it’s too far, but compared to the hotels way down by the Convention Center, the Four Points by Sheraton Anaheim is practically next door.

The "Matterhorn View" Myth and Reality

The hotel has this specific layout where some rooms face the interior courtyard—which is where the pool and the massive hot tub live—and others face the street.

If you get a high-floor room facing North, you get the fireworks. It’s cool. You can sit there in your pajamas at 9:30 PM and watch the show without being elbowed by a stranger in a Goofy hat. But don't expect a pristine view of the castle. You're looking over the I-5 freeway. It’s an urban view. You see the peaks of the Matterhorn and the Space Mountain dome, but you also see the headlights of commuters heading toward Los Angeles.

Inside, the rooms are surprisingly huge. This is an older building that has been renovated, which is actually a secret win for travelers. Newer hotels are designed to maximize every square inch, meaning you’re often tripping over your own suitcase. Here, you actually have floor space. The "Sheraton Signature Sleep Experience" beds are the real deal. They are thick, plush, and significantly better than what you’ll find at the budget motels lining the rest of the street.

Tru-Grits and the Craft Beer Scene

Hotel food is usually depressing. It’s often a soggy club sandwich or a $22 bowl of oatmeal.

Tru-Grits, the on-site restaurant, actually tries. It’s got this industrial-chic vibe and a focus on "New American" comfort food. The best part is the beer list. Since it’s a Four Points, they participate in the Best Brews program. They usually have local SoCal craft beers on tap. After a day of theme park chaos, sitting at that bar with a cold IPA from a brewery like Golden Road or Stone is a legitimate vibe shift.

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  • Breakfast: It’s not free. This isn't a Fairfield Inn. You’re paying for the buffet or the a la carte menu. If you have Marriott Bonvoy Elite status, you might get credits, but otherwise, factor that into your budget.
  • The Palapa Bar: Out by the pool. It feels very "Old California." It’s a great spot to hide from the sun for an hour while the kids splash around in the heated pool.

The Parking Situation (The Part Everyone Hates)

Let’s talk about the elephant in the room. Parking in Anaheim is a racket.

At the Four Points by Sheraton Anaheim, you are going to pay for parking. As of early 2026, daily rates are hovering around $30 to $35. It’s valet-only most of the time. This is standard for the area, but it still stings. If you’re driving in, just accept it as part of the "Anaheim Tax."

The upside? The valet team is usually pretty quick. If you’re trying to beat the rope drop crowds at 7:30 AM, they won't leave you hanging for twenty minutes.

Is it Actually Quiet?

You’re right next to the I-5 freeway.

In some hotels, that would be a dealbreaker. But the soundproofing here is surprisingly beefy. If you’re sensitive to noise, ask for a courtyard-facing room. You’ll swap the distant hum of traffic for the occasional sound of a kid cannonballing into the pool, which is a much better trade-off.

The air conditioning units are also the "real" kind—central air, not those loud wall units that kick on and off with a violent shudder every ten minutes. That makes a massive difference for light sleepers.

Comparing the Competition

Why choose this over the Fairfield or the Courtyard?

The Courtyard Theme Park Entrance has that insane water park, but it also costs about double what the Four Points does. The Fairfield is closer to the gate, but the rooms feel a bit more "cookie-cutter." The Four Points feels a little more like an actual hotel for adults that just happens to be near a theme park. It’s less "mickey-mouses-everywhere" and more "modern-business-casual."

Important Details to Note

  • Wi-Fi: It’s fast. You can actually stream Netflix or hop on a Zoom call without the spinning wheel of death.
  • Fitness Center: It’s small but functional. Most people don't use it because, again, you’re walking 10 miles a day at Disney.
  • The Pool: It’s open late. There is nothing better than a midnight soak in that oversized hot tub when your feet feel like they’ve been tenderized with a mallet.

Common Misconceptions

Some people think because it's a "Four Points," it’s a budget brand.

It’s not. It’s "Select Service." You get the stuff that matters—cleanliness, good bedding, a solid bar—and skip the stuff that doesn't, like a 24-hour bellman or a spa.

Another misconception is that the walk is dangerous. It’s not. Harbor Boulevard is one of the most heavily policed and patrolled streets in the country. You’ll see families, security guards, and tourists at all hours of the night. It’s bright, it’s busy, and it’s perfectly safe to walk back after the fireworks end.

Actionable Tips for Your Stay

If you’ve decided to book, do these three things to make the experience better.

First, join Marriott Bonvoy before you book. Even the lowest tier sometimes gets you a later checkout or a slightly better room location. It’s free, so there’s no reason not to.

Second, skip the hotel breakfast if you’re on a budget. There is a CVS and several coffee shops within a five-minute walk where you can grab a box of granola bars and some fruit for a fraction of the price. Save your "food money" for the $15 churros inside the park.

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Third, use the "Digital Key" on the Marriott app. The front desk line at 4:00 PM on a Friday is a nightmare. Everyone is checking in at once. If you can bypass that and go straight to your room with your phone, you’ll save your sanity.

Final Insights on the Value Proposition

The Four Points by Sheraton Anaheim isn't trying to be a five-star resort. It knows exactly what it is: a reliable, comfortable, and relatively affordable home base for people who want to do Disney right. You aren't paying the "Grand Californian" premium, but you aren't staying in a sketchy motel with mystery stains on the carpet either.

It hits that sweet spot of price and proximity. If you want a room that feels like a sanctuary after a day of sensory overload, this is where you go. Just remember to pack moleskin for your blisters and a refillable water bottle. You’ll need both.