As home base for Mickey Mouse, Anaheim has been a Kiwi holiday favourite for decades. But the Orange County tourist magnet has been busy revving up its accommodation offerings of late. If your idea of memory-making vacations entails indulging in luxury hotel stays, Anaheim has recently unveiled and opened some alluring new options. I recently bedded down in two of the shiny new kids on the block – both of which I highly recommend!

First up, JW Marriott, Anaheim Resort. Adjacent to Anaheim Garden Walk, this splendid hotel embodies the brand’s fresh approach it is taking with all their properties, amenities, design, ambience, and distinctive dining experiences. From their impeccably warm and helpful staff to the restful and fun in-house experience, this hotel is a stand-out.

The entrance is grand with sprawling floor-to-ceiling light and decorative art fixtures in earth tones that exude a spa-like feel. From the mighty goddess-like sculpture that greets you upon entry to the serenity garden with edible produce and florals, unlike the steely sterility of corporate-style hotels, this property projects a calming, engaging vibe. The Secret Butterfly Garden and Digital Forest is a great innovation, powered by augmented reality. It will stimulate curious minds. The generously sized pool, with loungers and cabanas is just the spot to kick back after an exhausting day playing tourist.

I stayed in a Deluxe Room with a theme park view, loaded with amenities including a bath tub, refrigerator, desk, large TV and a plush king size bed. The décor is modern and sleek with artful shades to block out the sun, if you’re hankering a siesta. Sleek linens, down comforters, and soundproof windows help to ensure uninterrupted sleep. Pamper yourself further with access to the Executive Lounge, complete with complimentary refreshments and bites, a wraparound balcony and a panoramic view of the city. A buffet-style breakfast can be enjoyed here, while another great spot to fuel up for the day is at Tocca Ferro. They serve up a cranking breakfast, while later in the day, it’s a go-to for hand-cut steaks, fresh hand-rolled pastas and ocean-fresh seafood.

Rooftop bars remain very on-trend in Southern California and at the JW Marriott, the cherry on top is Parkestry. This is the tallest of the Anaheim rooftops, exuding garden party vibes as soon as you step out of the elevator. The plush seating and fire pits add to the fun social vibe. Stay late for a sublime perspective on the Disneyland fireworks. The craft cocktails are divine – order up a Raspberry Revelry, particularly if you’re partial to vodka. And if you’re peckish, the Smash Burger Sliders will slide down with a smile. Their bourbon cocktails are also superb. Try a Midnight Old Fashioned which consists of Buffalo Trace Bourbon, Averna Amaro and Cocoa Bitters. Pair it with their dessert staple - the Triple Chocolate Mousse, a triumph of Raspberry Coulis, Seasonal Berries & Crushed Smoked Almond. That was decadence personified. www.marriott.com

Pool space at the Viv hotel.

Another recent arrival to Anaheim’s accommodation scene is The Viv Hotel. If you like a hotel stay served with sophistication, excitement and a touch of whimsy – this is the place for you. With its swanky atmosphere, faultless service and prime location, The Viv raises the bar on distinctive hospitality. In a city renowned for enchantment and excitement, it’s the chic ambience, playful spirit and exceptional customer service that really impressed me.

Entering The Viv Hotel, the lobby exudes stimulating contemporary luxury and avant-garde design, with sleek furnishings and artful décor. Guestrooms present as spacious sanctuaries adorned with creative artwork and subtle Disney motifs. I often found myself drawn to the sprawling views of the Anaheim skyline, out my floor-to-ceiling window.

With a soothing colour palette and plush seating areas, accommodations serve as havens of comfort. Bathrooms are spacious sanctuaries with rainfall showers and upscale toiletries. There’s two pool areas at The Viv, including the adults-only rooftop pool. However, the lagoon-style below on the ground floor is far less crowded throughout the day, when the kids are at Disneyland! There’s a variety of dining venues, but once again, it’s the rooftop that is the sweetest seduction.

Top of the V is the rooftop bar and restaurant - an elevated perch for dreamy Californian sunsets and the nightly fireworks at Disneyland. This dining destination accentuates the experience with a menu that matches the panoramic views. Swooned over for their sangria selections and Basque Country culinary traditions, I sunk into their Labios Riojia Sangria, a heart-warming concoction of red wine, peach brandy, zinfandel port, lillet and grenadine.

Pair that with some beautifully executed pintxos, like patatas bravas and garlic shrimps. The jamon serrano croquettes with bechamel are melt-in-your-mouth magnificent. They are creamy on the inside yet perfectly crisp on the outside. Then there are dishes like the Spicy Salami Pizza and Truffle Veal Ragu, or the Wagyu NY Strip Steak. The culinary journey is as ravishing as the vistas. Top of the V is undeniably the hotel's crowning jewel, which must be savoured, whether you’re staying in-house or not. https://thevivhotelanaheim.com

I flew from Auckland to Los Angeles with Delta Air Lines. As the airport’s number one global carrier, Delta Air Lines offers nearly 160 peak-day departures out of LAX to nearly 60 domestic and international locations. For extra-comfort, take the step up to Delta Premium Select. With more room to stretch out and premium amenities designed with your wellbeing in mind, including exclusively designed menus, touchdown in LA from the overnight flight feeling refreshed and relaxed. And when flying in Premium Select, you’ll also enjoy accelerated check-in, security and baggage service, plus priority boarding. For best flights, fares and seats to suit, head to www.delta.com

Mike Yardley is our resident traveller on Jack Tame Saturday Mornings.