The Viv Anaheim: Modern Luxury, Art & Disneyland Magic

Modern luxury. The lobby at The Viv Hotel, Anaheim. Image by Dan Sattel

A truly exceptional hotel stands out no matter where it's located. Thoughtful design, elevated dining, memorable amenities, exciting art and a strong sense of place can transform a stay into an experience all its own. The Viv Hotel, Anaheim accomplishes exactly that, offering a sophisticated blend of modern luxury, art, and hospitality that makes it a destination hotel.

What makes The Viv especially unique, however, is its connection to the magic of Anaheim and its proximity to Disneyland. Throughout the Marriott-owned property, guests will discover subtle Disney-inspired artistic elements woven into the hotel's contemporary design. 

From the moment you walk into the lobby, it's clear this isn't just another theme park hotel. The Viv has embraced a modern luxury aesthetic while weaving in subtle artistic details throughout the property, turning the entire hotel into an interactive work of art.  Rather than feeling overtly themed, these touches celebrate imagination, storytelling, and creativity in a way that feels elevated and unexpected. 

Art lovers can spend hours wandering the hotel’s corridors, admiring installations that celebrate animation, imagination, and storytelling. During our visit, one of our favorite activities was simply wandering the property and discovering the creative surprises hidden throughout its spaces.

Christianne and Livi looking for doves in the giant Disney LEGO art installation. Image by Dan Sattel.

One of the most fascinating pieces is a massive LEGO Disney-inspired art installation filled with hundreds of tiny details. Hidden within the display are two white doves- and finding them quickly becomes a challenge that guests of all ages can enjoy. We found ourselves returning multiple times, discovering new details with every visit.

Swatch of colors used in The Little Mermaid at Valencia's inside The Viv Hotel. Image by Dan Sattel

The artistic storytelling continues throughout the hotel. Different corridors inside the Baja-California-inspired Valencia restaurant feature color palettes inspired by beloved Disney classics, including The Little Mermaid and Fantasia.

A hidden Stormtrooper sculpture tucked away in a side corridor feels like a wink to guests paying close attention. Everywhere you look, there are thoughtful nods to Disney history and creativity without ever feeling overly themed or obvious. It’s sophisticated, modern, and incredibly well executed. 

Our room itself was a perfect blend of modern luxury and convenience which offered stunning views of Disneyland (just wait until the nighttime view), allowing us to watch the energy of the parks from the comfort of our own space. The accommodations were stylish, spacious, and contemporary, with clean lines and upscale finishes that make returning to your room feel like a retreat after a busy day. 

Christianne enjoying the great food from Valencia's in their cabana at Oasis Pool at The Viv Hotel. Image by Dan Sattel

One of our favorite ways to spend the afternoon was relaxing in a private cabana by the Oasis Pool. Southern California sunshine can be intense, and the cabanas provide the perfect escape for a few hours.

We enjoyed a leisurely poolside lunch delivered directly to our cabana from Valencia’s, featuring fresh, flavorful dishes like The Viv salad with jicama, orange, radish, queso fresco, and citrus vinaigrette, along with hummus and warm pita with fresh vegetables, chips with salsa and guacamole, and fish tacos topped with pico de gallo and chipotle crema- paired with refreshing drinks, all perfectly suited for an afternoon by the pool.

Livi enjoying the splash pad at Oasis Pool at The Viv Hotel, Anaheim. Image by Dan Sattel

Everything was beautifully prepared and exactly what we wanted for a poolside break.  The circular pool itself was wonderfully refreshing in the warm California sun.  Livi also loved the splash pad, a nice bonus for kids looking for extra fun outside of the pool.  They also have day passes for those not staying at the hotel looking for a dayside escape. 

As much as we loved our cabana retreat, no stay at The Viv is complete without visiting Top of the V. Perched high above Anaheim, the rooftop venue delivers some of the best views in the city and some of the best food in all of Orange County. 

Sunset is absolutely magical, as the sky transforms into shades of gold and pink while Disneyland and the surrounding skyline begin to sparkle below. The outdoor patio and bar create the perfect setting for an evening cocktail, whether you’re starting the night or winding down after dinner. The incredible rooftop restaurant has become one of our favorite spots in Anaheim (it's even a perfect location to watch the fireworks at Disneyland!) We’ll have a full review of the fantastic food at Top of the V coming soon. 

The Viv offers stunning views of Disneyland and Anaheim. Image by Dan Sattel.

We also had the opportunity to partner with The Viv and Top of the V during our Christianne’s Golden Mimosa Mother’s Day celebration, and every experience we’ve had on property has reinforced the same conclusion: the food is consistently excellent, the service is warm and attentive, and the atmosphere strikes a rare balance between luxury and fun.

For travelers looking for a hotel that goes beyond simply being close to Disneyland, The Viv offers something far more memorable. It’s a destination in its own right- a place where modern luxury, thoughtful design, exceptional dining, and artistic storytelling come together to create an experience that’s distinctly Anaheim.

And don’t be surprised if you find yourself spending an extra hour searching for those hidden doves.