Follow the signs to Knott's Berry Farm only a short walk away from the Knott's Hotel [Candice Merrill/Pasadena Now]
Walkway from the Hotel to Knott's Berry Farm [Candice Merrill/Pasadena Now]
Welcome to the Ghost Town [Candice Merrill/Pasadena Now]
Colorful flowers abound throughout the Park [Candice Merrill/Pasadena Now]
More colorful flowers [Candice Merrill/Pasadena Now]
Don't forget the Boysenberries! [Candice Merrill/Pasadena Now]
Entrance to Chicken Dinner Restaurant [Candice Merrill/Pasadena Now]
Lobby of the Reimagined Knott's Hotel [Knotts Hotel]
Exterior of the Knott's Hotel [Knott's Hotel]
Amusement Park View from Hotel Room [Candice Merrill/Pasadena Now]
Knott's Independence Hall, an exact, brick-by-brick replica of the original historical Philadelphia landmark [Candice Merrill/Pasadena Now]
Guest room of the Reimagined Knott's Hotel [Candice Merrill/Pasadena Now]
In Buena Park, the recently renovated Knott’s Hotel invites guests not just a place to stay but to a time capsule of nostalgia, especially for those of us with cherished memories of Knott’s Berry Farm. After undergoing a multi-million dollar transformation, the hotel has embraced a refined farmhouse-style decor, echoing the legacy of its founders, Walter and Cordelia Knott.
Upon entering the revitalized hotel, visitors are greeted by interiors that blend rustic charm with modern sophistication, a tribute to the pioneering spirit of the Knotts. The friendly hotel staff enhance this welcoming atmosphere, ensuring every corner—from the lobby to the guest rooms—is pristine, clean, and inviting.
Each redesigned guest room offers comfort and a sense of escape, with many providing picturesque views of neighboring Knott’s Berry Farm. This proximity not only offers visual delight but also eases access to the park, making it an effortless continuation of the adventure.
My visit to the Knott’s Hotel served as an introduction to the new spaces. The hotel has been renamed to pay tribute more directly to Walter and Cordelia Knott, and boasts the newly renovated Thirty Acres Kitchen restaurant. This name is a nod to the original size of the Knott family farm. The restaurant serves farm-inspired delights alongside classic American cuisine, blending tradition with culinary innovation.
A short stroll away, Knott’s Berry Farm itself remains a mainstay of childhood joy and adult amusement. During the annual Boysenberry Festival, the park vibrates with energy, offering an assortment of attractions that range from culinary delights to artisan crafts. For me, with deep-rooted memories of the park, like enjoying dinner at the famed Chicken Dinner Restaurant or marveling at curiosities in the Geode Store and the Bottle House, the visit felt like a homecoming.
Knott’s Berry Farm has always been more than an amusement park; it’s a community staple that evokes a sense of excitement and nostalgia. For many, including me, it’s a place woven into the fabric of family traditions and personal histories, making this visit not merely a fun day out but a poignant journey down memory lane.
The combination of the hotel’s luxurious yet homey accommodations and the park’s vibrant festivities makes it easy for locals and tourists alike to explore this beloved part of California’s heritage. Whether it’s the thrill of the rides, the taste of boysenberry pie, or the comfort of a well-appointed hotel room, the experience is sure to leave guests with new memories as sweet as the ones they came to revisit.
The Knott’s Hotel is located at 7675 Crescent Avenue, Buena Park. For more information call (714) 220-5200 or visit www.knotts.com.
