Overall impression:
A stunning hotel that blends modern amenities with quaint farm décor. From lighting to color scheme, the interior design is just one of the features that make this worth every penny. If I could give this hotel 10 out of 5, I would!
Vibe & Atmosphere:
From the moment I walked in, I could smell the aroma of cleanliness with just a touch of berry farm aromatics. The lobby was immediately welcoming, with friendly staff greeting me as I entered through the door. The music was at a perfect volume, the lighting not too bright nor too dim, and the ratio of staff to guests was noticeably well-balanced. The vibe somehow struck the right chords of both homey and high-class; it feels comfortable and accommodating while being cleanly designed and professional. As a testament to this balance, I saw multiple conventions meeting here during my week-long stay as well as a high school graduation celebration. To me, this demonstrated the diversity of vibes in the intentionally planned atmosphere of this hotel.
Service & Staff:
The staff was arguably the glue that brought the entire experience together. From the front desk to the parking lot entrance security, everyone I encountered was smiling, pleasant, kind, welcoming, and above all, attentive. During my week-long stay, I interacted with security, doormen, front desk, guest services, custodians, and the restaurant staff. Across all of these various roles, not one unpleasant interaction was had! I cannot praise this experience enough!
Cleanliness & Comfort:
The hotel, as far as I understand, is recently remodeled and IT SHOWS! It never ceased to amaze me that each time I entered the lobby, I could detect the “new car smell,” so to speak. Diligently maintained, cleanly designed, and sparingly decorated, the facilities were comfortable and perfectly clean. Every corner of the hotel I encountered seemed to be sparklingly fresh. You might think I am exaggerating, so I recommend you go see for yourself.
Food & Amenities:
While I was there, I usually ordered DoorDash, which was easy to retrieve. I did, however, eat lunch at the restaurant/Bar in the lobby, and it was exquisite. I had a burger with berry jam topping that was flavorful and filling. I also used the laundry room while I was there, which was surprisingly easy to access despite needing to download an app to use it. I am typically very annoyed when I have to download a new app just to access an amenity, but in this case, it was user-friendly and intuitive, so I had no issues and found myself blissfully NOT annoyed.
What I did while there:
I came to Buena Park to revisit all the old haunts from childhood because I grew up in Buena Park. My family of origin moved me out of the town when I was 13, and occasionally, I like to go back and see how the setting of my formative early childhood and pre-teen years has evolved. While I was there, I spent a day in the original park: Knott’s Berry Farm itself. I also visited the chicken restaurant. And I spent an appropriate amount of time enjoying my room and the beautiful view it afforded me. As I drove around the “inland empire”, coming back to the Knott’s Berry Farm Hotel every day was a comforting treat that felt more like returning to a cozy home than to a temporary lodging. I also took the time to tour the facilities of the hotel and take in the well-groomed grounds.
My favorite Moment:
Reflecting upon my entire stay, the unequivocally favorite moment was the first moment I walked into the hotel. I grew up in Buena Park in the 1990s; Knott’s Berry Farm property was a crucial and magical part of my childhood. When I first walked into the lobby, I was suddenly transported back to that feeling of comfort, cozy contentment, and farm-style accommodation in a big-city setting! It is hard to describe how this hotel managed to bring me a blended experience of nostalgia and modern lodging, and yet easy to remember how it felt. It is rare that a place can be updated AND capture the spirit of a bygone age; this hotel manages to do that for the Knott’s legacy.
Pros & Cons: The only con I see is the nightly rate, as long stays can add up to a significant price tag. That established, I believe that the Pros outweigh the cons immeasurably. The Hotel is a few minutes walk from the front gate of the main park. The parking lot is spacious and monitored 24/7. The hotel has a conference center, laundry, pool, gym, restaurant, and more. The Rooms have everything you could need for maximum comfort for short and long stays alike. There is even a card on the bed for you to order breakfast the night before and have it waiting for you in the morning! If you are in town for the Knott’s Berry Farm parks, you cannot go wrong with this hotel. The other pro is that if you are looking for a more upscale experience, this hotel is significantly cheaper than other resort hotels nearby, such as the Disneyland Resort Hotel. I am personally a fan of the Disneyland Hotel, and still believe the Knott’s Hotel is a significantly higher value for your dollar!
Tips for Future Travelers: Do yourself a favor and stay here!
