Photos of Disneyland's periphery

Castle Inn & Suites, 1734 S. Harbor Blvd., Anaheim, CA 92802, (714) 774-8111

Castle Inn & Suites is probably the most thematic of all modern Anaheim hotels.

The pair of lion statues at the entrance must've been the subject of hundreds of tourist photos.

This stained glass window in front shows a knight battling a dragon.

An Italian style fountain is at the front of the parking lot, which is immediately inside the entrance passage.

Gargoyles and flower pots add to the castle atmosphere.

A suit of armor stands inside the registration lobby.

A curved wooden staircase and massive chandelier grace the registration lobby.

Of all the modern hotels on Disneyland's periphery, I believe this one has the most character, and therefore it adheres most to the '60s philosophy of mirroring Disneyland's attractions. You can tell they put some work into the architecture and decor, especially around the entrance and registration lobby. Some of the details that provide the castle theme are parapets and spires on the roof, gargoyles, colored banners, lion statues in front, a European style fountain, stained glass windows, tiny protruding rooms on the roof, a suit of armor, a massive chandelier, a massive chair with carved lion heads, and flower pots. Surprisingly, this photogenic hotel often gets poor reviews on MousePlanet, and is sometimes jokingly called "The Dungeon."

PHOTO TIPS: The stained glass window in the registration lobby looks far better when photographed from inside during the day than from outside at night, since sunlight is brighter than interior light. Also, you must approach the window closely from inside to see the dragon's head and other details obscured by the low-hanging ceiling.

The dragon's head in the stained glass cannot be seen from inside unless one closely approaches the window.

The way it used to be... Fantasy Motel used to stand where Castle Inn is now, and was flanked by an orange grove in its early days. Photo courtesy of Synthetrix [4-26-07]. Fantasy Motel used to have two pools, one for children, one for adults. Photo courtesy of Synthetrix [4-26-07]. Fantasy Motel [1976] 1734 S. Harbor Blvd. Anaheim, CA 92802 (714) 794-8111 Fantasy Motor Inn Reservations [1978] 1734 S. Harbor Blvd. Anaheim, CA 92802 (714) 533-6000

Created: February 24, 2007
Updated: May 7, 2007