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Anaheim & OC Venues: Where to Stay, What to Book Early

Orange County hosts indoor volleyball, handball, and multiple fan experiences—plus easy access to Disneyland’s themed festivities. Here’s how to lock in the right hotel, navigate traffic, and find comfort food between sessions.

Anaheim game plan at a glance#

• Book rooms within the Anaheim Resort Transportation (ART) zone to use shuttle loops instead of driving.
• Plan for 45–60 minutes of freeway time if you’re commuting from LA—Metro doesn’t reach Anaheim yet.
• Grab a multi-day ART or OCTA bus pass if you’re bouncing between the resort district and Huntington Beach fan zones.
• Pair your trip with our family-friendly Olympics guide if you’re bringing kids—Disneyland tie-ins will be everywhere.

Where to stay#

• Anaheim Resort Hotels: JW Marriott, Westin, and Hilton Anaheim put you near the Convention Center (handball prelims) and ART shuttles. Rates range $320–$380 during medal rounds.
• Budget chains on Katella Ave: Courtyard Theme Park Entrance, SpringHill Suites, and Hotel Indigo offer family suites with breakfast (~$260–$300).
• Boutique alternatives: The Viv, Ayres Hotel Orange, and Anaheim Majestic Garden provide quieter stays and shuttle passes.
• Beach basecamp: Prefer the coast? Stay in Huntington or Newport Beach and drive north after morning ocean sessions—see our Long Beach waterfront guide for additional coastal ideas.

Getting there and around#

• From LA: Drive via I-5 or book an Amtrak Pacific Surfliner/Metrolink train to Anaheim Station, then hop an ART shuttle (Route 15) to the resort.
• From Long Beach/South Bay: Take the 405 to 22 East or use Orange County Transit’s Route 43 express.
• Parking: Honda Center lots open two hours before events ($30 pre-paid). Convention Center parking is $25 with in/out privileges.
• Rideshare: Drop-offs use Katella & Douglass or Harbor & Convention Way—see our rideshare cheat sheet for printable references.

Eats & downtime#

• Pre-event: Puesto (tacos), The Fifth Rooftop, and Craft by Smoke & Fire serve hearty meals within walking distance.
• Coffee & breakfast: Contra Coffee, Requiem: Coffee, Tea & Fantasy (great for gamers), and Porto’s Bakery (coming to Downtown Disney by LA28).
• Family fun: Downtown Disney hosts free concerts, while GardenWalk adds pop-up fan zones and esports lounges during the Games.
• Day trip ideas: Spend an off-day in Laguna Beach for art walks or explore Old Towne Orange for antique shopping.

FAQs#

Q: Should I rent a car for Anaheim events?
A: If you’re staying in the resort area, ART shuttles cover most routes. Rent a car only if you plan beach days or late-night excursions beyond the resort.

Q: How early should I arrive for medal matches?
A: Plan to reach Honda Center 90 minutes before start time. Security is tighter for medal rounds and lines form quickly in the afternoon heat.