Is the Disneyland Hotel really worth the extra cost?

[It'sASmallWorld]

Could anyone who has stayed at the DLH and other Disney hotels please give advice on whether it is really worth the extra cost? I would love to stay there, but I cannot see what exactly, apart from loaction, makes it worth hundreds of pounds more than the Hotel New York, for example.

Thanks!

[Belle's World]

I have stayed at Santa Fe, Seqouia Lodge, Newport Bay and the Disneyland Hotel and you pay for waht you get. DLH is undoubtably the best hotel, it really adds to the magic and makes the whole holiday a fairy tale. The staff treat everone like VIP's and the breakfast is fantastic. As they say its location, location, location. I don't know if it's worth the difference in price between New York Hotel which is next on my list but it really dies stand out against the other hotels.
Ro

[Enchantedmum]

Hi

Just to say we loved the DLH and are going for the second time soon, we also stayed in the Hotel New York in may and imao it is not a patch on the DLH, yes the rooms are nice and breakfast is good, but it seems to lack any real theming or homely feel, I think it is a good hotel if you are just a couple but it lacked anything for the children where as the DLH you got loads of charater interaction, the 4pm parade, lovely pool, the minnie room, fab restaurant and bar. It's also the special little touches that makes the DLH a bit special, like the robes and slippers, the lovely toiletries, the themed furniture, being right at the gates (no walking around in the cold or getting up too early) getting breakfast/dinner watching the castle, the amazing smell as you walk in the door, the decorations.

Don't get me wrong i loved the hotel new york, but the DLH made our holiday and cant wait to go again, you might even get a bit of a bargain with the offers that are on at the moment.

I'm sure what ever you choose you'll have a fab holiday

[britchic4]

Do you know, it's actually a bit hard to explain? Of course most of it is the location. The hotel is nice but I've stayed in a lot of decent hotels around the world and it ain't THAT nice. It's lovely not to have that extra slog to the car park or the hassle of the shuttles. It's lovely to stroll down to have a cocktail and to look out of the windows near the restaurants over the park. It's quite special going down into the lobby.
I wouldn't stay there unless I got a very good deal, but in March I will be getting that very good deal for the third time.

[scottwb]

Originally Posted by Enchantedmum

the amazing smell as you walk in the door

I noticed the smell when we went to Inventions, any idea what it is?

[mummybear]

It is quite hard, because it seems to be most peoples "Must Do" to stay at the DLH. (us probably included) Glad we did, but I didn't think it was worth the extra for us

On site we have stayed at Santa Fe, The Cheyenne and The Disneyland Hotel.

Of the 3 hotels, I would go back to Santa Fe before the other 2. The rooms were clean and I prefered the breakfast area compared to The Cheyenne. I loved the theming in the Cheyenne and the bunk beds. To me the ONLY benefit The Disneyland Hotel had for us, was the proximity. We went Jan 4th this year and it was VERY cold and snowing. So with a 8yr old and 2yr old it was good to go back to the room during the day. I personally found the cast members at the Santa Fe more friendly. I can't explain it, I just didn't get the whole "The Disneyland Hotel is Great" feel (Nobody shoot me, it's just my opinion )

Now, having said that, we have stayed at The Magic Circus, The Dream Castle and Davy Crocket Ranch. Of ALL the hotels, The Dream Castle is our overall favourite. I know it can be a pain having to get the bus, but I liked the atmosphere here and felt it had as much LUXURY as DLH.

But, we want to try all the hotels so we can make our minds up which one we think is best

[Calumsmummy]

We have stayed in The SL, NBC and DLH.

The DLH was very special for a Disney Hotel. We were very lucky to be Castle Club and were treated like VIP's. It seems like a magical place, and it is very good yes. We loved the theming, the food was excellent quality and we were very comfortable and happy there.

However, it is also extremely expensive for what it provides. Yes, the rooms are nice, but I have stayed in much nicer hotels elsewhere in the world with much better facilities
This may sound like snobbery, but I'm trying to be honest in saying that its not that luxurious or great for the price we paid (or should have paid, but thats another story )

Its about the location and the atmosphere. There is nothing better than the DLH in Disneyland Paris and yes, you do feel like a Princess when you stay there. HOWEVER, it depends on whats important to you and how tight your budget is.

We still had a lovely time when we had an Admirals Floor Room at NBC.

If I am completely honest, unless I get a real bargain or I have money to burn I couldn't justify staying there again. Next time we will be staying in The New York (Empire room if poss) as I think the NY offers a very good and decent compromise considering the difference in price.

That my honest opinion x

[Disneyfanswicklow]

Hi We have stayed at all but the NY Hotel and my favorite overall was the DLH, having said that when I asked my daughters one said she prefered the SL (for the swimming pool) and the other chose the DLH too. I am hoping that i wont regret trying the last one (NY) on our list for our next trip but am also hoping it is a good comparison to DLH.

My highs for the DLH : Location, ambiance, restaurants (breakfast and dinner) and last but not least the amount of characters wandering around the hotel throughout the day - I have some great photos of my daughters having tug a war with chip and dale in the middle of the corridor outside our bedroom!

Whereever you stay you are bound to have a wonderful time! let us know what you decide

[stevelamb121]

I have yet to stay at DLH, We've been to Santa Fe, Cheyenne and Newport.

When at Newport, I missed the walk along the river, and a couple of times made a trip to the garage outside Santa Fe just for the walk.

Someone above mentioned the robes/slippers, do you mean you get to keep these?

[thelittlemermaid83]

I have stayed at the DLH and yes i'm glad i stayed there but tbh i wouldn't stay there again. Your basically paying for the location, yes its a beautiful hotel but unless i got a great deal like i did in January I won't be staying there again.

DD keeps begging to stay in the DLH again though

[karenmoloney]

I have stayed at the DLH. It is in a great location & very handy if you have young children to nip back to the room for naps. The hotel is lovely & so is the breakfast & restaurants but it is still a standard hotel room that you sleep in. Personally I would rather stay at the Marriott resort 5 km away than at Disney because we have young children who go to sleep early & then we have to spend the rest of the evening in the ensuite! So, in my opinion, it is not worth the extra money.

[It'sASmallWorld]

Thanks for your replies!

I should have said, I was looking to book for this Sunday and Monday- short notice really. Our previous plans had fallen through, so we needed to make a quick last minute decision. Expedia were offering the DLH at £299 per night (without park tickets) which seemed to be the lowest I have ever seen for that hotel, and I price up a lot of trips!

Anyway, I have now booked, and the result is rather less exciting than the DLH I'm afraid- Santa Fe on Sunday night (£55) and Cheyenne on Monday night (£52). So, we will buy our tickets at the Disney Store tomorrow and then use our saved Euros for the park and shops!

Can't wait now- only 3 more sleeps!

[karenmoloney]

Have a great trip. I'm going on Sunday too - although i'll be staying at the Marriott. Hopefully we'll have nice dry weather to enjoy the Christmas magic.

[Disneyfanswicklow]

Dont say less exciting! it will be great - loads of great reviews for santa Fe. have a ball and dont forget that trip report when you get back. To earlier question by ? noo you do not get to keep the robes and slippers - though I do wonder about the slippers as they are quite flimsey maybe they are for keeps?? anyone elso know?

[brehede1]

Just in case you are interested, the Disney web site is offering Sun & Mon night at DLH, with tickets and all meals for £905 (this is 2 adults & 2 kids 9 and 5 - on free meals and under 7 free offer). We are staying there next weekend on the same deal. Have been very interested in everyone's views as this will be our first stay in DLH.

Enjoy the trip.

Deirdre