Bad reviews on the PPH- starting to get nervous

[rentayenta]

Hi all. I am starting to get a little nervous about our upcoming stay at the PPH. We stayed there about 10 years ago and left feeling underwhelmed. It was a good stay but not great and DVC has since spoiled us. When booking this trip, I was seeing some positives on the PPH.

When planning our trip this time we were initially going to save some $$ and stay off property at the Homewood Suites Anaheim Resort- Convention Center. Its the newer and closer one and looks really nice. .http://homewoodsuites3.hilton.com/e...m-resort-convention-center-ANADLHW/index.html

I also put in a wait list for the GCV for Dec 1-3.....had very little hope but alas we granted major pixiedust and both nights for a one bedroom villa ended up coming through.

Then the Disney Visa rates came out for the 3 DLR hotels....I ended up booking the PPH concierge for the night before our DVC stay.

Then the AP rate with one FP per person and one $20 Disney gift card per reservation came out.....I ended up booking two more nights at the PPH (standard). I was also able to save on our concierge night and have something like a $130 resort credit.

So now our stay looks like: 2 nights in Seal Beach prior to our Disney days, two nights PPH standard, one night PPH concierge theme park view, and two nights GVC. I know I'm bananas but spilt stays don't bother us at all. Its just packing and Disney does all the work.

Anyway, too late to make this long story short, I am reading terrible reviews on Trip Advisor for the PPH. From what I was reading initially here it seemed that the PPH had improved from when we stayed a decade ago but I'm seeing similar complaints to what bothered me when we stayed.

I still have my Homewood Suites reservation. When you factor in parking, the gift cards etc...the difference in price between the two hotels on our standard view nights is $137 more per night for the PPH. We are keeping the concierge night no matter what because my kids can eat their weight in treats and DH and I love *free* beer and wine. I stayed once at the GCV concierge for a dear friend's birthday and it was amazing! I know the lounge hours are shorter but I would love my family to experience this extra spoiling.



Thanks for reading all of this and for any insights.

 

[Darkbeer1]

IMHO, Disney charges extra and provides less service just because they have "Disney" in their name.

Issues about the PPH is that it is an older Hotel that Disney bought from an Asian Company (and why you have weird floor numbers, based on the Asian culture, not the American style, such as the 13th floor). The elevator issue has been an issue since oit was built, not enough of them,and the fact that most guests want to use them at the same time (getting to the park at opening, or returning after the Fireworks).

Add to that the Disney attitude in general, where they only take requests and won't guarantee things like a King Bed, or other style of room (while all other chains do it on a regular basis), limited room service options for a Full Service Hotel, etc.

IMHO, you can get a lot more for your money opting to stay of-Property, places like the Sheraton Park, Hilton and Marriott are close by and Full Service, the Great Wolf Resort in Garden Grove is a true resort hotel with family friendly amenities, though you do need to take a shuttle to get to Disneyland and DCA.

If I was in your shoes, I would either opt for the Homewood and enjoy the extra benefits of a limited-service Hotel, or look at something like the Sheraton Park and its Club level which comes with a lounge and breakfast. Plus you can get some great views of the Fireworks from their upper levels facing north.

 

[cinder-ellah]

Hi all. I am starting to get a little nervous about our upcoming stay at the PPH. We stayed there about 10 years ago and left feeling underwhelmed. It was a good stay but not great and DVC has since spoiled us. When booking this trip, I was seeing some positives on the PPH.

When planning our trip this time we were initially going to save some $$ and stay off property at the Homewood Suites Anaheim Resort- Convention Center. Its the newer and closer one and looks really nice. .http://homewoodsuites3.hilton.com/e...m-resort-convention-center-ANADLHW/index.html

I also put in a wait list for the GCV for Dec 1-3.....had very little hope but alas we granted major pixiedust and both nights for a one bedroom villa ended up coming through.

Then the Disney Visa rates came out for the 3 DLR hotels....I ended up booking the PPH concierge for the night before our DVC stay.

Then the AP rate with one FP per person and one $20 Disney gift card per reservation came out.....I ended up booking two more nights at the PPH (standard). I was also able to save on our concierge night and have something like a $130 resort credit.

So now our stay looks like: 2 nights in Seal Beach prior to our Disney days, two nights PPH standard, one night PPH concierge theme park view, and two nights GVC. I know I'm bananas but spilt stays don't bother us at all. Its just packing and Disney does all the work.

Anyway, too late to make this long story short, I am reading terrible reviews on Trip Advisor for the PPH. From what I was reading initially here it seemed that the PPH had improved from when we stayed a decade ago but I'm seeing similar complaints to what bothered me when we stayed.

I still have my Homewood Suites reservation. When you factor in parking, the gift cards etc...the difference in price between the two hotels on our standard view nights is $137 more per night for the PPH. We are keeping the concierge night no matter what because my kids can eat their weight in treats and DH and I love *free* beer and wine. I stayed once at the GCV concierge for a dear friend's birthday and it was amazing! I know the lounge hours are shorter but I would love my family to experience this extra spoiling.



Thanks for reading all of this and for any insights.

Sounds like fun !

I did our Reservation with my AP for Dec and got the AP discounted rate. Do you know if you have to remind Guest Services at check in about the Gift Card and FP's ?

In August when I went, luckily I knew the FP offer was available. But no one at check in knew about it. Thankfully I had a screen shot to show them. And then they gave us the FP's.

Just wondering where that shows up for the CM at check in or is it usually you have to remind them.

 

[cruisehopeful]

Will you use the early park entry? That could be the deciding factor.
Do you spend a lot of time in your hotel? That will make a difference as far as wanting a nicer room in a full service hotel.

I haven't stayed at PP in many years. I always thought it was a fine, middle of the road hotel - even back when it was called something else and wasn't owned by Disney. Pan Pacific, I think. At any rate, the rack rates are much higher than they are worth, but you have some discounts and things and if you don't plan to spend a lot of time at the hotel, it will probably be fine.

I haven't stayed at the new Homewood Suites, yet. Obviously, the full breakfast and weeknight snacks and drinks makes it a very good value. Maybe you will your hotel portion of your stay better there, but then it is further and not as convenient to go back and forth.

If I were in your shoes, I'd stick with what I have booked. I think more people complain on tripadvisor, etc about Disney Hotels because when you pay $300 - $1,000/night, you expect excellence. Disney can give moderate service and charge those rates and people will keep paying. Other hotels don't have that luxury.

 

[Nevada Jen]

I just stayed at PPH recently in a concierge room. The park and the hotel was packed. And I actively noticed that I had none of the elevator problems that people complain of and we were using the elevators during peak hours. The shower was underwhelming but didn't actually change temps on me this time. I happen to like this hotel better than the GCH for 3 main reasons. 1. I can find my room and know ahead of time that it will be within a certain distance from the elevator. 2. I know if I book a two queen room, I am getting a fold down couch bed and the rooms are much bigger than GCH 3. Hotel noise is way less at PPH than GCH from neighboring rooms and especially the hallways. COncierge makes a huge difference for us as well because not only do we actually save money with it but everyone can eat when they are hungry and it keeps away the crabbies. Add in EMH every day and I wouldn't even consider changing to off-site. Also, you may be able to add concierge to your standard days when you get there if you want.

 

[rentayenta]

IMHO, Disney charges extra and provides less service just because they have "Disney" in their name.

Issues about the PPH is that it is an older Hotel that Disney bought from an Asian Company (and why you have weird floor numbers, based on the Asian culture, not the American style, such as the 13th floor). The elevator issue has been an issue since oit was built, not enough of them,and the fact that most guests want to use them at the same time (getting to the park at opening, or returning after the Fireworks).

Add to that the Disney attitude in general, where they only take requests and won't guarantee things like a King Bed, or other style of room (while all other chains do it on a regular basis), limited room service options for a Full Service Hotel, etc.

IMHO, you can get a lot more for your money opting to stay of-Property, places like the Sheraton Park, Hilton and Marriott are close by and Full Service, the Great Wolf Resort in Garden Grove is a true resort hotel with family friendly amenities, though you do need to take a shuttle to get to Disneyland and DCA.

If I was in your shoes, I would either opt for the Homewood and enjoy the extra benefits of a limited-service Hotel, or look at something like the Sheraton Park and its Club level which comes with a lounge and breakfast. Plus you can get some great views of the Fireworks from their upper levels facing north.

I have a Friends & Family rate at the Homewood. I looked at the others initially and it's not a cheap week. I do love Sheratons though so I will look again. Thanks for the ideas.

The close proximity and ability to truly walk after a long day is a huge perk to me but not as important as a clean room and good service.

Sounds like fun !

I did our Reservation with my AP for Dec and got the AP discounted rate. Do you know if you have to remind Guest Services at check in about the Gift Card and FP's ?

In August when I went, luckily I knew the FP offer was available. But no one at check in knew about it. Thankfully I had a screen shot to show them. And then they gave us the FP's.

Just wondering where that shows up for the CM at check in or is it usually you have to remind them.

I'm not sure but I like the idea of a screenshot. I would think it would show up on the reservation but truly have no idea. Glad you got that amazing rate too!!!

 

[Darkbeer1]

I haven't stayed at the new Homewood Suites, yet. Obviously, the full breakfast and weeknight snacks and drinks makes it a very good value. Maybe you will your hotel portion of your stay better there, but then it is further and not as convenient to go back and forth.

If I were in your shoes, I'd stick with what I have booked. I think more people complain on tripadvisor, etc about Disney Hotels because when you pay $300 - $1,000/night, you expect excellence. Disney can give moderate service and charge those rates and people will keep paying. Other hotels don't have that luxury.

Interesting to note, the walk from the PPH is about 3/4 of a mile to the center of the Main Entrance Plaza (Star), and the new Homewood is a mile, so not much difference.

And on the walk to/from the Homewood you have some good shopping choices to help save money, such as the CVS, Walgreens and 7-!!. Food options like Subway, Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf, IHOP, Denny's and more.

Plus you could opt to use the ART Shuttle, Route 1 drops you of near the front lobby. Or you could be cheap, and use ART Route 20, which is the free service to the Toy Story Parking Lot, where you would still have to walk about 1/3'rd of a mile to get to the Hotel,but still closer. At the PPH, there is no real option other than to walk. Yes, the Monorail is an option if it is running, but its limited capacity doesn't work well during busy times such as park opening.

 

[DisneyMooners2010]

We stayed at PP at the end of Sept and it was great! Only waited on the elevator once and that was because people were checking out and had it full of luggage. We left for midday naps so had plenty of opportunities to use those elevators! Our room requests were granted and we met some friendly staff. I think you will be fine!

 

[rentayenta]

Will you use the early park entry? That could be the deciding factor.
Do you spend a lot of time in your hotel? That will make a difference as far as wanting a nicer room in a full service hotel.

I haven't stayed at PP in many years. I always thought it was a fine, middle of the road hotel - even back when it was called something else and wasn't owned by Disney. Pan Pacific, I think. At any rate, the rack rates are much higher than they are worth, but you have some discounts and things and if you don't plan to spend a lot of time at the hotel, it will probably be fine.

I haven't stayed at the new Homewood Suites, yet. Obviously, the full breakfast and weeknight snacks and drinks makes it a very good value. Maybe you will your hotel portion of your stay better there, but then it is further and not as convenient to go back and forth.

If I were in your shoes, I'd stick with what I have booked. I think more people complain on tripadvisor, etc about Disney Hotels because when you pay $300 - $1,000/night, you expect excellence. Disney can give moderate service and charge those rates and people will keep paying. Other hotels don't have that luxury.

Great insight on the extra hours! In general we do not use the early park entry but the hours during our visit are much shorter than usual so there is a fair chance we would. That Tuesday Disneyland's hours are 10 am- 9pm with MM at 9 am. 9 am would be very easy for us to make so I anticipate we will use some of the MM/EMH. DCA closes at 8. Even with an evening drink or two, our nights won't be all that late.


We won't spend a ton of time at the PPH during the day on our first day as we have a VIP tour booked. We will on our GCV days though; I love their pool. I plan on taking advantage of the concierge perks though on that 3rd day for sure.

I just stayed at PPH recently in a concierge room. The park and the hotel was packed. And I actively noticed that I had none of the elevator problems that people complain of and we were using the elevators during peak hours. The shower was underwhelming but didn't actually change temps on me this time. I happen to like this hotel better than the GCH for 3 main reasons. 1. I can find my room and know ahead of time that it will be within a certain distance from the elevator. 2. I know if I book a two queen room, I am getting a fold down couch bed and the rooms are much bigger than GCH 3. Hotel noise is way less at PPH than GCH from neighboring rooms and especially the hallways. COncierge makes a huge difference for us as well because not only do we actually save money with it but everyone can eat when they are hungry and it keeps away the crabbies. Add in EMH every day and I wouldn't even consider changing to off-site. Also, you may be able to add concierge to your standard days when you get there if you want.

That's great to read about the elevators as thats one of the major complaints along with tired rooms. I do like the extra sleeper as well as we have three kids. Do you have any suggestions on room numbers for our two standard nights? We have concierge one night only but I like the idea of trying to add it; any idea on how much that would cost?

 

[rentayenta]

Interesting to note, the walk from the PPH is about 3/4 of a mile to the center of the Main Entrance Plaza (Star), and the new Homewood is a mile, so not much difference.

And on the walk to/from the Homewood you have some good shopping choices to help save money, such as the CVS, Walgreens and 7-!!. Food options like Subway, Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf, IHOP, Denny's and more.

Plus you could opt to use the ART Shuttle, Route 1 drops you of near the front lobby. Or you could be cheap, and use ART Route 20, which is the free service to the Toy Story Parking Lot, where you would still have to walk about 1/3'rd of a mile to get to the Hotel,but still closer. At the PPH, there is no real option other than to walk. Yes, the Monorail is an option if it is running, but its limited capacity doesn't work well during busy times such as park opening.

I didn't realize there was not much difference in location for the Homewood and the PPH. Thank you!

I really dislike ART. We would either walk, uber, or drive and pay to park. The latter two are not the most economical though I think ART is $3 a person per trip and uber would be cheaper. I hate that cramped bus feeling.

We stayed at PP at the end of Sept and it was great! Only waited on the elevator once and that was because people were checking out and had it full of luggage. We left for midday naps so had plenty of opportunities to use those elevators! Our room requests were granted and we met some friendly staff. I think you will be fine!

Thats awesome! We really prefer to stay on property but those reviews.... Nice to read some positives here. Any thoughts on rooms to request?

 

[MacMama0930]

My dad and I are staying there next month. We just stayed a week at DLH and I think it spoiled me! I'm nervous about the PPH but the cost was what sealed the deal. What is exactly is the deal with the elevators? Is there just a wait to get on them or are they slow once you're in them? I'm claustrophobic and already elevators cause me panick. If the elevators were really slow going up and down or stopping, that may be a deal breaker for me! How are the stairs??

 

[rentayenta]

My dad and I are staying there next month. We just stayed a week at DLH and I think it spoiled me! I'm nervous about the PPH but the cost was what sealed the deal. What is exactly is the deal with the elevators? Is there just a wait to get on them or are they slow once you're in them? I'm claustrophobic and already elevators cause me panick. If the elevators were really slow going up and down or stopping, that may be a deal breaker for me! How are the stairs??

The issue with the elevators is them taking forever not that they get stuck with people in them but that they are slow. I read that the stairs are not fully accessible but don't recall where I saw that. I would much rather take the stairs especially in the morning if its an option. Can anyone confirm stair usage?

 

[fsjking]

Then the Disney Visa rates came out for the 3 DLR hotels....I ended up booking the PPH concierge for the night before our DVC stay.

Is there Special rates for Disney Visa Holders? I've not seen those anywhere.

 

[rentayenta]

Is there Special rates for Disney Visa Holders? I've not seen those anywhere.

There was but it's since expired. I'm trying to find the email but may have deleted it.

 

[5forMickey]

I feel bad for you because I'm in the camp that a bad hotel can ruin my trip. Sometimes I even get myself worked up that if I don't get the right tower at DLH it's going to be awful (and it never is). I think you will probably be fine at PPH. I think what happens is people get irritated that they are staying onsite and expect a 5 star resort and then when it falls short they are really angry. I haven't ever stayed there and I'm sure it's not going to compare to the Grand, but I think with the early entry and still being onsite I would still choose PPH over Homewood Suites. It's still a property resort so it is going to be clean and well kept and especially if you are keeping the first night you won't want to move. Maybe they will be able to get you concierge for the last two nights and that will help.

 

[Xenorye]

To answer OP's original concern:

Don't be worried. The PPH is a fine hotel (I'm not here to talk about whether it's worth it or not). I've stayed twice in the past five years for multi-day trips and have yet to be disappointed.

I would suggest, when you check in, to mention to the person at the desk that you're starting to worry about changing rooms and ask how much it would be to upgrade to theme park view concierge the whole time... see what happens. Maybe it's a lot cheaper, maybe they give you a free upgrade. Doesn't hurt to ask.

 

[coaches24]

Ive only stayed there once back in 2012 and I thought it was terrific but I am also used to staying at cheaper hotels so PPH was a big time spoil for us. The CM that checked us in told me about the elevators sometime being an issue at peek times but said the secret is pushing both the up and down buttons and just getting on the first elevator that shows up regardless of which direction it is going. And it worked as I never had a long wait for the elevator. A couple times I had to ride a couple floors in the wrong direction but it was much faster than only pushing one direction and waiting.

 

[disneyobsessed808]

I thought the PPH was great. I have stayed in both the other resort hotels, and felt the rooms were just as comfortable and cutely appointed as either of the hotels. The main concern I had with the hotel is that there is no quick service option besides that coffee shop. We did experience some slowness on the last day regarding the elevators around 10 am, and ended up riding up to the top level so we could go down. A little annoying but only happened to us once.

 

[Bud Ice]

PPH is good value for a stay . The Lobby Cafe is great for morning or evening snack with WiFi.
The pool is cool. PCH Grill is there. Kids cartoon room and arcade keep em busy.

Elevators are fine based on my experience.

 

[Aladora]

PPH is good value for a stay . The Lobby Cafe is great for morning or evening snack with WiFi.
The pool is cool. PCH Grill is there. Kids cartoon room and arcade keep em busy.

Elevators are fine based on my experience.

Ditto to all of this, we prefer PPH to the other two onsite hotels. No problems with the elevators and I am pretty sure that the walk from our room at PPH was shorter than from our GCH room which was waaaaaaaaaay at the end of the furthest hallway!