A property that connects with the kid in all of us, The Viv Hotel is the vibrant Anaheim outpost of Marriott’s irreverent, independently spirited Tribute Portfolio. It gives young-at-heart OutThere travellers access to the fun-filled attractions in the area, yet offers a more sophisticated stay than the more generic theme-park properties in this part of Southern California.
Expect carpets with colourful paint splotches, characterful Star Wars installations, pencil-drawn ‘street-art’ walls that pay tribute to the old animators, old Magic Kingdom photography and customised artwork from fan favourite Disney shows. They say the Walt Disney-themed touches at The Viv are subtle, but if you know, you know. The mouse-head-shaped Oasis swimming pool deck could be a giveaway, but then you’ll need a bird’s eye view.
If you’re looking for an elevated place to stay near Disneyland in Orange County and desire an experience distinct from the usual amusement park staple hotels, then the Viv is where it’s at. Let’s face it: many of us are theme-park lovers, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that we have to make compromises when it comes to our choice of luxury accommodation. So here at the intersection of larger-than-life entertainment options, we’re thrilled that there’s an equally imaginative hotel for those seeking an accommodation upgrade.
The Viv Hotel brims in personality. It’s a colourful and vibrant property, bringing out our inner child at every turn. It is (as the name of the pool area suggests) an oasis – a place to escape the crowds after a day of enjoying the attractions. For OutThere families, it’s an ideal choice as it offers so much for parents and children alike. But for grown-ups travelling without kids, it also provides some respite from the families. There is a top-floor pool deck for adults only and a rooftop garden with fire pits that are perfect for watching the end-of-night fireworks over the Magic Kingdom with a cocktail or two in hand.
| Perfect for | Fly into | Right on time |
| The Insider | SNA | GMT -8 |
| While you’re Out There |
| Anaheim’s theme park attractions are literally on your doorstep, so it’s safe to assume that you’ll probably be spending most of your time out, enjoying the thrills and spills in the area when you’re here. But when you get sick of theme-park food and chain restaurants, eat at The Viv’s own 12th Floor Top of the V, where a curated and sophisticated Spanish dining experience awaits – not to mention some delicious, wholesome Basque country food (best enjoyed as tapas) and Latin-inspired cocktails. The view of otherwise flat Anaheim is incredible from the restaurant, and if you time your dining right (around 9/9.30pm) you’ll get to experience the Disney fireworks, away from the hot polo of the Magic Kingdom. |
Our large, stylish Park View corner suite was contemporarily decorated. The bathroom and bedroom area were a tad clinical – a shame, considering the Tribute Portfolio pride themselves on characterful yet comfortable design – however, the latter comes with huge wrap-around windows, letting in plenty of natural light with a view overlooking Disneyland. Our bed offered an exceedingly uninterrupted night of slumber. The suite’s living area, with a deep settee and a wall filled with old Disney-themed photography was much more consistent with the hotel’s overall theme of animation, magic and storytelling.
Suites connect with other rooms for larger parties, some coming complete with bunks for little ones or those looking to reminisce about teenage sleepovers. We also got to peek into similarly designed accessible rooms for disabled travellers, which do not skimp on the wonderment.
The Viv Hotel is a welcoming home for the curious and inspired, designed to keep guests in awe before the parks open and long after they close. But even when you’re done with the parks (if that’s possible), it’s still the perfect basecamp to explore everything else that Anaheim has to offer. The bustling downtown area offers amazing restaurants, breweries and drinking dens. And with a dense population of imagineers from all over the country and world, they’re very inclusive and welcoming to all. Those from Anaheim like to say that it’s a city built on imagination, so whether it’s your first time or you’ve returned hungry for more, there is so much to see and visit… a magic kingdom beyond the Magic Kingdom.
Staying here in Anaheim also provides access to a great variety of experiences across Southern California. There are wine regions, charming towns and cities and pristine beaches to discover. So whether you’re a ‘Mouseketeer’, sports fan, live music and entertainment fiend, a foodie, beach bum or brew connoisseur, there’s something for you right on The Viv’s doorstep.
Photography courtesy of The Viv Hotel
