Anaheim's Hidden Gem: Clementine Hotel & Suites - Unbeatable LA Getaway!
Anaheim's Clementine Hotel & Suites: My Love/Hate Letter to a "Hidden Gem" (Spoiler: It's Complicated)
Alright, people, buckle up. I’m about to spill the tea (or maybe the lukewarm coffee from the complimentary in-room setup) on the Clementine Hotel & Suites in Anaheim. They bill themselves as a hidden gem, and… well, they're definitely something. Get ready for the good, the bad, and the hilariously awkward, because that's the Clementine experience in a nutshell.
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Accessibility: A Mixed Bag, Just Like Life
Okay, let's start with the whole accessibility thing. This is important to me because my Aunt Mildred, bless her heart, uses a wheelchair. The website boasts about "facilities for disabled guests," which got me hopeful. Finding the entrance itself was a bit of a scavenger hunt (I swear, I almost drove into the pool before I figured it out!), but once we were inside, there was a ramp, so yay! The elevator worked, and that's always a win.
- Wheelchair Accessibility: Generally good, with ramps and elevators. But I gotta tell you, navigating some of the hallways felt… a little cramped.
- Shower & Bathroom The accessible rooms actually had a lot of space and very good access.
On-site Accessible Restaurant/Lounges: Uh… Well…
This is where things get fuzzy. The hotel has restaurants, plural. But calling them “lounges” seems a stretch. Think more "dining areas," and the "access" is really just… location. They're all technically accessible. I really wish there were a proper bar or lounge, a place to just chill with a cocktail after a long day.
Internet & Tech: Bless the Free Wi-Fi (Mostly)
Free Wi-Fi in all rooms? Yes! And actually, it was pretty decent. I was able to stream my, ahem, educational documentaries without a hitch. There’s also access to LAN if you're that tech-inclined (good for you, pal!). The Internet services department seems like something out of 90s film.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Spa Day Dreams (and Reality)
Okay, buckle up because here’s where Clementine starts really shining.
- Swimming Pool [Outdoor]: The pool with a view is the reason I'm giving the hotel a good score (otherwise I wouldn’t show the hotel so much love. The view is incredible (especially at sunset) and the seating area is great.
- Spa & Sauna: They have a spa! And a sauna! And the sauna is actually GOOD! I spent a solid hour sweating out all my anxieties. The best part? The spa treatments, after the sauna.
- Body Scrub, Body Wrap, Massage: Heaven on earth. I swear, the masseuse worked out knots I didn't even know I had. The body wrap was pure indulgence. Be aware that prices are on the higher side, but its worth it.
- Gym/Fitness: I'm not a gym person myself (mostly because my idea of exercise involves getting up to hit the snack bar), but it was there, and it looked…functional? I didn't see anyone in there, so maybe it’s a well-kept secret.
Cleanliness & Safety: Pandemic-Era Precautions (Mostly Impressive)
Look, I was honestly a bit wary about staying in a hotel post-pandemic, but Clementine really impressed me.
- Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Individually-wrapped food options, Rooms sanitized between stays: All present and accounted for. They were thorough. I felt like a germaphobe's dream.
- Hand sanitizer: Everywhere! Which, honestly, is a relief.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: Definitely noticed the staff being extra careful. Mask wearing was diligent and the staff actually seemed trained, not just going through the motions.
- Safe dining setup: Good spacing and things.
Dining, Drinking & Snacking: A Culinary Rollercoaster
This is where things get… interesting. The Clementine’s dining situation is a mixed bag.
- Breakfast [Buffet]/Breakfast service: I've seen worse. The Asian and Western options were good.
- Restaurants & Poolside bar : The restaurants are fine - nothing mind-blowing, but solid. The poolside bar is handy for a quick drink, but it's not exactly a vibrant social hub.
- Room service [24-hour]: A lifesaver after a long day.
Services & Conveniences: The Essentials &… Extra Stuff?
- Air conditioning in public area, Daily housekeeping: All good.
- Cash withdrawal, Currency exchange, Concierge: Actually pretty useful, especially for tourists.
- Gift/souvenir shop: It’s there. I bought a postcard.
- Facilities for disabled guests, Laundry service: Definitely appreciate those.
- Meeting/banquet facilities & Seminars: I didn't attend any of these, but I'm sure they're fine.
- Smoking area: I did not see a smoking area.
- Car park [free of charge]: Very convenient. Car park [on-site]: Again!
- Additional toilet, Air conditioning, Bathtub, Bathroom phone, Blackout curtains, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Desk, Fridge, Hair dryer, In-room safe box, Internet access – wireless-Free, Ironing facilities, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Satellite/cable channels, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Sofa, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels: The basic stuff. It's great.
- Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free]: The hotel is a marvel.
For the Kids: Not as Exciting for Me
They have some features for kids, but I'm not a parent, so… I can't really comment.
Getting Around:
- Airport transfer, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Taxi service, Valet parking: Easy to get around, however you want to get around.
Getting Around: A Few Quirks to Note
- Exterior corridor: Not a big deal, but good to know.
- Smoke alarms: I’m a fan of things that keep me from dying.
Rooms: Comfortable, With Some… Personality
The rooms themselves are decent. The beds are comfy, the blackout curtains are a godsend, and the shower pressure is surprisingly good. They’re not luxurious, but they’re clean and functional.
- Alarm clock, Complimentary tea, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, High floor, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Laptop workspace, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm: All good things.
- I do not know what's "Family/child friendly"
Final Verdict: Clementine – The Good, The Bad, & The Somewhat Baffling
So, is the Clementine Hotel & Suites a hidden gem? Hmm. It’s definitely a diamond in the rough, that’s for sure. It's got an amazing pool, a spa that will make you weep with joy, and a solid commitment to safety and cleanliness. On the other hand, the dining options are a bit… meh, and some areas could use a little sprucing up.
Would I stay here again? Absolutely. Especially for the spa. And the pool. And because, honestly, I kind of like its quirks. It's not perfect, but it's got heart, and that, for me, is what makes a hotel memorable. Just… don't expect the Ritz. Expect… Clementine. And that’s part of its charm. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm off to book another massage.
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Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into my Clementine Hotel & Suites Anaheim Los Angeles (CA) United States adventure. Forget your perfectly curated travel blogs; this is the raw, the messy, the gloriously human truth.
Day 1: Arrival, Anaheim, and the Curse of the "Welcome Basket"
- 1:00 PM: Arrived at LAX, completely disheveled. You know that feeling? Plane hair, the existential dread of baggage claim… the usual. Took an Uber to the Clementine. The driver, bless his cotton socks, told me about the latest celebrity sighting at Disneyland. Because, naturally, that's the only reason to be in Anaheim.
- 2:30 PM: Check-in. The Clementine…it’s cute. Not "Instagram-worthy" cute, but solid, reliable-grandma's-house cute. Got a room with a kitchenette. Score! I’m a sucker for mini-fridges. The initial excitement was short-lived.
- 3:00 PM: The infamous Welcome Basket. Oh, the horror. I had gotten a basket, it looked fancy. But it contained…a single, sad granola bar, a bottle of water that had obviously been sitting in direct sunlight, and a flyer for a timeshare presentation. I almost cried. Seriously, is it too much to ask for a tiny bag of M&Ms? The blatant attempt to lure me into debt before I even unpacked my suitcase was truly offensive.
- 4:00 PM: Recovered from the Welcome Basket trauma. I decided to walk around Anaheim to find some food. I needed to find something that would get me out of the hotel.
- 5:00 PM: Found a small, hole-in-the-wall Mexican place (Taco Loco, if you're curious). The tacos were heavenly. I ate three. In retrospect, maybe four. Hey, I was dealing with emotional baggage.
- 7:00 PM: Back at the hotel. I spent the next hour trying to figure out the television, failing, and deciding to embrace the digital detox. Read a trashy novel. Bliss.
- 8:00 PM: I noticed the hotel's pool at night. The thought process was along the lines of "Maybe a swim will clear my mind of all the things currently weighing on me". The pool was closed. Figures.
- 9:00 PM: Went to sleep.
Day 2: Disneyland – The Kingdom of Contradictions
- 8:00 AM: Dragged myself out of bed, fueled by overpriced hotel coffee and the vague promise of churros. Disneyland, here I come! (The enthusiasm was mostly manufactured, I will admit).
- 9:00 AM: The absolute chaos of Disneyland parking. It's a special kind of hell, a symphony of honking horns and desperate drivers. Finally, I survived it.
- 9:30 AM: The sheer scale of it all hit me. It’s Disney, and it will never not be impressive. The sheer volume of people, the squeals, the music. The air tastes like popcorn and existential dread. I had a moment there, staring at Sleeping Beauty's castle. I felt something. A weird mix of nostalgia, wonder, and a deep-seated craving for a nap.
- 10:30 AM: I wanted to ride the Haunted Mansion. The line was ridiculously long. The sun was beating down. I sweated profusely. But the ride was worth it.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch in New Orleans Square. Gumbo! It was ridiculously overpriced, but the atmosphere was fantastic. I felt a weird sense of belonging, surrounded by people who were either children, or children at heart.
- 1:00 PM: I tried to get on Space Mountain! The line was even longer. I didn't manage to get on.
- 2:30 PM: The Parade. Honestly? Spectacular. The colors, the music, the sheer effort of it all. It was exactly what I'd wanted. I think I cried, a little.
- 4:00 PM: I saw a show. Fantastic entertainment.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner. I got pizza.
- 7:00 PM: Fireworks. They were so grand.
- 9:00 PM: Back to the hotel, utterly exhausted, covered in sunscreen, and with a Mickey-shaped balloon that I knew I’d have to awkwardly shove in my suitcase. But happy. Surprisingly, genuinely happy. Something happens at Disney, something…magical.
Day 3: The Hollywood Hustle and That God-Awful Hotel Breakfast
- 8:00 AM: The hotel breakfast. Oh god. The instant coffee was like battery acid, the "fresh fruit" was depressingly sad, and the toaster seemed to operate on a single, mournful setting: char. I barely choked down a piece of bread.
- 9:00 AM: Uber to Hollywood. The traffic… the traffic. Los Angeles. I was expecting it, and yet, as I inched along the 101, I felt it – the primal urge to scream.
- 10:00 AM: Walk of Fame. Okay, fun for about five minutes. Finding your favorite movie star's star is cool, but the crowds… the aggressive souvenir vendors… it’s an experience. I found Harrison Ford's star. I took a picture. I felt…underwhelmed.
- 11:00 AM: TCL Chinese Theatre. More crowds. More chaos. Did you know they are trying to get rid of all the people?
- 12:00 PM: Lunch at a diner. Burgers, fries, the works. Comfort food. And the waitress, bless her heart, was a total character. Told me all the gossip, from parking issues to the best time to have dinner.
- 2:00 PM: The Griffith Observatory. Finally, some peace! The view of the city was spectacular, although the air was hazy. It made me realize how small it all is. How temporary.
- 4:00 PM: Back to the hotel. Needed to just lie down.
- 6:00 PM: Found a good restaurant. The portions were huge.
- 8:00 PM: Went to the hotel lobby so I could relax and read.
Day 4: Departure and the Lingering Smell of Chlorine
- 9:00 AM: Another sad breakfast. This time, I just went straight for the coffee. I needed strength.
- 10:00 AM: Checked out. The staff at the Clementine were actually lovely, despite the depressing Welcome Basket. They were kind, helpful, and seemed genuinely happy to see me go.
- 11:00 AM: Uber to LAX.
- 1:00 PM: Flight.
- 2:00 PM: Home.
Final Thoughts:
The Clementine Hotel wasn't perfect. The food wasn't amazing. The location was a bit…meh. But it was fine. It was a place to sleep, shower, and escape the emotional roller coaster of a solo trip. And Disneyland…well, Disneyland is something else entirely. It's a mess, it's chaotic, it's expensive, it's cheesy…and it's also kind of amazing. I was tired, but I also felt… different. I had seen things, done things, eaten way too many tacos, and learned that even a sad Welcome Basket can't completely ruin a trip. And the lingering smell of chlorine from that closed pool? It’s now forever etched in my memory, a weird, slightly melancholy reminder of my Anaheim adventure. And yes, I'd probably do it all again. Maybe next time I'll actually get to swim in the pool.
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Okay, Okay, Clementine Hotel & Suites: What's the *Real* Deal, Honestly? (The Good, the Bad, and the Surprisingly Cozy)
**Bottom line:** Think "pleasant surprise" over "five-star fantasy." You get what you pay for, and honestly, you might get a little bit *more*. Especially if you love free breakfast (see below. I'm an absolute fiend for a decent waffle).
Is This Clementine Hotel "Family-Friendly?" (Because, Let's Be Honest, That Can Mean a WAR ZONE)
**The caveat:** It's not *overwhelmingly* kid-centric. There aren’t, like, bouncy castles in the lobby. Which is probably a good thing for those of us traveling *without* ankle-biters. It strikes a nice balance. Enough space to keep the kids happy, but not so crazy that you feel like you're living in a Chuck E. Cheese. (Though, let’s be real, sometimes *that* sounds fun, too…in a masochistic kind of way).
The Breakfast Buffet: Is it Worth the Calories? (Because, Let's Face It, We're All Secretly Judging)
**The potential pitfalls:** I once got there late and the waffle batter had gone a little… thick. But the staff quickly refilled it. The coffee isn't gourmet; but then again, it's free. And sometimes, you just need caffeine. And a waffle. Lots and lots of waffles. I feel like I need a waffle right now, thinking about it. Maybe I’ll call and check if they still have those waffles…
Location, Location, Location! How Close is Clementine Hotel to the Magic (and How Easy IS it to Get to Disneyland?)
**The practicalities:** I rode a shuttle, and yes, it’s quicker than driving yourself. Save yourself the parking fee, the stress, and the potential screaming match with your kids (or your significant other; we've all been there). It’s easy; it’s affordable, it's stress-free.
Suites and Space: Actually, What's a Suite *Really* Like at Clementine Hotel & Suites? (Is it Worth Paying Extra?)
**My Personal Experience:** I'm not a fan of cramped hotel rooms. I'm claustrophobic sometimes. So, if that sounds like you too, *DEFINITELY* book a suite. I once stayed in a standard hotel room, and I felt like I was living in a closet. (And don't even get me started on the noise.). The suites are worth it. You've been warned! You can thank me later.
Any Hidden Gems Nearby - Beyond the House of Mouse? (Gotta Get AWAY Sometimes)
**My Secret Tip:** A little bit further out? Knott's Berry Farm! A completely different vibe, but still tons of fun.
The "Not-So-Shiny" Stuff: What are the Downsides to Staying at Clementine? (Be Honest!)
The pool area, while functional, isn't exactly a tropical oasis. It’s small, and duringOcean By H10 Hotels
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