Let’s be honest: Anaheim is synonymous with magic, themed thrills and sugar highs. But sometimes you want a family staycation that’s just as enchanting as the parks without stepping foot inside them. Enter the JW Marriott Anaheim Resort, a swanky sanctuary where nature meets luxury and family fun feels effortless. Here are five reasons this upscale escape, just a short stroll or shuttle ride from Disneyland, should be at the top of your local getaway list.
A Suite Start
Credit: JW Marriott, Anaheim Resort
Credit: JW Marriott Anaheim Resort
Credit: JW Marriott Anaheim Resort
From the moment you arrive, JW Marriott Anaheim Resort has kids and parents grinning. The hotel’s Family Bunkbed Suites aren’t your ordinary rooms, but instead a virtual playground with premium comfort. Think built-in queen-sized bunk alcoves for the little ones, a sumptuous mattress for the adults and a trundle for even more variety. For a touch of whimsy that’ll have everyone buzzing, book the In‑Room Glamping Package in which the hotel brings “a night under the stars” straight to your suite with a whimsical tent, board games, books, a flashlight to inspire nighttime adventures and a welcome kit with ingredients for making s’mores. It’s a staycation twist that turns bedtime into an event of its own.
Dining With a View
Credit: JW Marriott Anaheim Resort
Credit: JW Marriott Anaheim Resort
Credit: JW Marriott Anaheim Resort
Credit: JW Marriott, Anaheim Resort
Credit: JW Marriott Anaheim Resort
Credit: JW Marriott Anaheim Resort
Credit: JW Marriott Anaheim Resort
Credit: JW Marriott, Anaheim Resort
Elevate your dinner with an experience that’s as easy as pressing a button. Start on the second floor at the JW Garden, named for the brand’s founder, J. Willard Marriott. This lush green space supplies herbs and produce to the hotel’s culinary venues, alongside vibrant flowers and thriving succulents. For kids, the highlight is the pollinator pathway, planted with native species like milkweed that offer monarch butterflies a safe place to eat, rest and lay eggs. When you’re ready to dine, head up to Parkestry Rooftop Bar, Anaheim’s highest rooftop bar and restaurant. Parents can sip creative cocktails while kids enjoy playful mocktails like the Baby Shark, all against sweeping panoramic views. As night falls, the city lights set the scene, and on select evenings, Disneyland’s fireworks turn dinner into a full-on spectacle. If you’re craving a family-friendly Italian option instead, Tocca Ferro, also located on the second floor, serves hearty fare with a sweet perk: kids eat free Wednesday through Thursday with the purchase of an adult entrée or cocktail, making it a win for both little appetites and your wallet.
Family Fun
Credit: JW Marriott, Anaheim Resort
Credit: JW Marriott, Anaheim Resort
Credit: JW Marriott, Anaheim Resort
Although this family‑friendly hotel near Disneyland puts you close to the parks, it also offers plenty of amenities that lend themselves to family time. Rather than scheduling time to connect between your adult plans, build child-focused moments into your itinerary for a staycation you’ll all enjoy. Families can enjoy an array of Anaheim resort activities, from themed nights and impromptu lawn games near the garden to cookie decorating, arts & crafts, movie screenings and weekend scavenger hunts. And if you want to tailor your trip even more, the resort’s concierge team is happy to help craft a calendar that fits your crew.
Magic On & Off Property
Credit: JW Marriott Anaheim Resort
Credit: JW Marriott, Anaheim Resort
Credit: JW Marriott Anaheim Resort
Credit: JW Marriott, Anaheim Resort
Credit: JW Marriott, Anaheim Resort
Sure, Disneyland is practically in the resort’s backyard, but getting there should be part of the fun, not a chore. From JW Marriott Anaheim Resort, both Disneyland and Disney California Adventure Park are only about a 10-minute walk away, close enough to feel effortless, far enough to build a little anticipation. After the parks, take a breather at Anaheim GardenWalk via the property’s private pathway, where Bowlero, House of Blues Anaheim, an AMC movie theater and plenty of local favorites await. To sprinkle extra pixie dust on your stay, the resort also offers a nightly $20 dining credit and a one-time $50 Disney gift card per stay when you book the Disney 70th Anniversary sale, perfect for grabbing snacks or souvenirs during your adventure.
Poolside Play
Credit: JW Marriott, Anaheim Resort
Credit: JW Marriott, Anaheim Resort
Let’s talk about downtime. JW Marriott Anaheim Resort’s heated outdoor pool, open year-round, is more than just a splash zone; it’s a full‑on leisure destination. Choose a shaded cabana to keep little ones out of the sun or a daybed if your vibe is more about floating with a refreshing drink in hand. The team can even style your space with celebration décor or specialty treats if you’re marking a birthday, anniversary or “just because.” Poolside is where parents relax and kids burn energy, and in this sunshine‑filled oasis, everyone leaves happy.
Credit: JW Marriott Anaheim Resort
If you’re craving a getaway that’s equal parts luxe, playful and downright effortless, JW Marriott Anaheim Resort wraps it all, from butterfly trails to poolside cheers, into one unforgettable family staycation. Come for the comfort, but stay for the sparkles.
Ever since she was a child, Ashley Ryan knew she wanted to write. After working on her high school newspaper and college magazine, she graduated with a degree in journalism and anthropology, eager to tell the stories of people and places in Orange County and around the world. Her prolific career as a writer, editor and photographer has led her to write about travel, culture, art, home design and so much more. When not working on her latest piece, she enjoys visiting new places, going to concerts, hiking, doing yoga on the beach, reading, cheering on her favorite sports teams and spending time with beloved friends and family.