Candy Cane Inn always gets two thumbs up from me...it is a WONDERFUL place to stay. The breakfast, location, room & rate are all a big plus. I definitely recommend the CCI.
Desert Inn has a great location (so does Park Vue, but I have not stayed there)...my only hesitation on Desert Inn is that its AAA ratings & such have fluctuated a lot. The quality of their rooms & services seems to be inconsistent, possibly due to changing management?
For a price comparable to Desert Inn/Park Vue & often cheaper than CCI, go one property further and go for the Desert PALM Inn & Suites. It's a few steps further from the gate than CCI (just around the corner on Katella) but the newly-remodeled hotel is GORGEOUS. They have a decent continental breakfast, beautiful rooms, competitive rates, a pool & a spa. It felt like a 3-1/2 star hotel for a 2-star price.
