Staying at the SpringHill Suites, California

The SpringHill Suites is a hop, skip and a jump from Disneyland.

Shandelle Battersby checks in to SpringHill Suites in Anaheim, California.

Location: A hop, skip and a jump from the Happiest Place on Earth - in fact, I could see the top of a couple of rides from my window.

Check-in experience: Standard, friendly.

Room: Long, with a lounge area and two TVs, plenty of cupboard and drawer space, a small fridge, a microwave, and a basic coffee machine (though I'd go downstairs to the CVS/Pharmacy and buy milk, rather than using the hotel's powdered stuff). There's a little iPod speaker dock/alarm clock, and bright and interesting art, furniture and decor. The 6-month-old hotel also has pet-friendly suites, rooms with bunks, and accessible rooms for those with disabilities.

What's in the neighbourhood?: As well as being next door to Disneyland, it's right next to the huge Anaheim Convention Centre, and very close to the Anaheim Garden Walk dining and shopping precinct, the excellent Anaheim Packing House dining complex downtown, the very cool Centre Promenade specialty shopping street, the Honda Centre and Angel Stadium. Downstairs is a CVS/Pharmacy, which stocks all your essentials and things you didn't know you needed.

Exercise: There's an outdoor heated pool and a cool patio area on the top floor, as well as a fully equipped gym.

The bed: King-size, nice and firm. And there are nifty little USB charging stations on either side.

Bathroom: Slick and modern with a large shower box and a fantastic round mirror with a lit frame on top of the wall mirror. A great trick to make you look (slightly) better after a long flight and busy day.

Toiletries: Paul Mitchell.

Noise: The air-conditioning panel, which is near the bed, is big and noisy, and there's a bit of street noise, as well as construction noise from the hotel building site next door. The biggest noise of all, though, comes from the daily fireworks at Disneyland at 9.30pm, which I could watch from my window. That sort of noise I can deal with.

Price: About US$169 (NZ$238).

Food: Buffet breakfast is included. It's basic, but fine - bagels, waffle maker, cereals, fruit and cooked items such as eggs and bacon.

Free Wi-Fi: Yes.

Contact: SpringHill Suites Marriott is at 1801 South Harbor Blvd, Anaheim, California.

What's so good about this place?: It feels fresh and interesting, and it's good value for the level of accommodation. Plus it's almost as close to Disneyland as you can get, as well as Anaheim's other attractions.

Would I return?: Sure - the rates are good and it's handy to everything.