Hey there Lauren! Welcome to planDisney. I'm so excited to hear that you are making summer plans to visit Disneyland Resort.
While I always prefer to stay at a Disneyland Resort Hotel if possible I think it really depends on what kind of Disneyland Resort vacation you want this to be in order to determine whether a Disneyland Resort Hotel or Good Neighbor Hotel would be the best option for you. The location of Disneyland Resort Hotels is definitely a plus although there are quite a few Good Neighbor Hotels in close proximity as well. When my family goes to the Disneyland Resort for just a day or two we are most likely to book a Good Neighbor Hotel only because we will be spending our time in the parks from open to close and only using the hotel to sleep.
If this is a family vacation that is multiple days, I definitely recommend a
Disneyland Resort Hotel if it is within your budget. The amenities alone cannot be matched. The pools are a great way to spend a midafternoon break. My kids still talk about the water slide at Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa. Hotel Guests can also enjoy activities such as watching a movie at the Upper Pool Deck at
Disneyland Hotel, the Outdoor Fireplace at
Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, or a ballroom at
Disney's Paradise Pier Hotel. Disneyland Resort Hotel Guests can also attend fitness classes for a fee with
Tenaya Stone Spa fitness instructors like yoga, aqua classes, or even a Boot Camp or Power Walk class inside Disney California Adventure Park before park opening! Another perk to staying on property is the food options! These cannot be matched at a Good Neighbor Hotel, not only are there some great food options at Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa or Disneyland Hotel, but you can also mobile order food from Downtown Disney District to be sent to the hotel lobby for pick up!
I just returned from a stay at the Disneyland Hotel this weekend and I absolutely loved that I was still in the Disneyland bubble even when I returned to my room. From the hidden Mickeys in the details of the room or the Disney music when you walk into your room, the details made my visit that much more magical.
Lauren, I hope this information helps you decide which option would be best for your upcoming Disneyland Resort trip. The Happiest Place on Earth is waiting for you!
Carrie