The hotels that surround Disneyland are fairly expensive. Like you said, you would have to get a package deal. The best package deal that I know of is when you go directly through Disney, and stay at the Disney hotel (right in back of D-Land). They will give you tickets for entrance, nights in the hotel, food, parking, etc...for one package deal.
If you want to go on a lower budget, you can get a motel somewhere down Katella or on Ball Rd. for about $50 a night. Just take the bus to Disney, it's not far. You'll find coupons for the amusement park's tickets all over the place.