Desert Inn vs Grand Legacy

[xtina!]

I'm struggling to choose between Desert Inn and Grand Legacy. Both have suites with 2 separate bedrooms and 2 bathrooms with a bit of living space (our preference, we have 3 adults who want privacy as well as 2 toddlers) at comparable prices, and similar amenities. Desert Inn is closer to the park entrance (huge plus with the tots), but Grandview sounds like it might be a little nicer... Although the caution on their website about noise at night from their restaurant is concerning... We will be visiting in early February. Any advice?

 

[starshine514]

I haven't been since the Grand Legacy changed from a Ramada, but at that time it was nicer than the Desert Inn (so, no experience with the restaurant noise). If I was given the choice at the same price point, I would chose the Grand Legacy.

 

[DaveNinja]

I have stayed at both multiple times. Last stay at Desert Inn, they had workers in our room without notice one day, they left a sheet rock dusty mess and one of my kid's toys disappeared. We told front desk about toy but they couldnt find it. Also on that trip, while parked in their parking lot, my minivan got a big scratch along the side.
We stay at Grand Legacy now since its usually the cheapest option of the motels near the harbor entrance. Also their AP discount is (or at least was) nice since you could to check in early and check out later.

 

[tarheelalum]

I've never stayed at the Grand Legacy. What are the rates like? Parking fees, resort fees etc? Its a great location and I hear they have a roof top bar now that you can view the fireworks from.

 

[grnflash]

100% Grand Legacy. Desert Inn is a dump in comparison. The few extra steps are inconsequential. The difference in quality is not.

 

[IDigDug]

I prefer Grand Legacy and have stayed at both multiple times. It is a longer walk from GL, but it's not a long walk, so I don't even consider it a factor. The rooms are clean and I think they are nicer than the Desert Inn, though the rooms we stayed in at Desert Inn were larger (parlor suite vs. 2 Queens at Grand Legacy).

You're going in February, so it may not be a factor but the pool is MUCH nicer at Grand Legacy, even with it being in the middle of the parking lot. The pool at Desert Inn was gross when we used it.

We've never stayed in the suites at Grand Legacy but I believe I have heard a report that the suites were in the same building as the bar and noise could be a factor.

 

[xtina!]

I prefer Grand Legacy and have stayed at both multiple times. It is a longer walk from GL, but it's not a long walk, so I don't even consider it a factor. The rooms are clean and I think they are nicer than the Desert Inn, though the rooms we stayed in at Desert Inn were larger (parlor suite vs. 2 Queens at Grand Legacy).

You're going in February, so it may not be a factor but the pool is MUCH nicer at Grand Legacy, even with it being in the middle of the parking lot. The pool at Desert Inn was gross when we used it.

We've never stayed in the suites at Grand Legacy but I believe I have heard a report that the suites were in the same building as the bar and noise could be a factor.

That is my *only* concern about Grand Legacy. I read several reviews that stated the suites we want are directly under the bar, on the 3rd and 4th floors. The 3rd floor isn't supposed to be as bad as the noise on the 4th, but it goes until 10pm or even midnight. Even GL's website cautions this. No big deal for me (I doubt the adults will be going to bed much earlier than 10pm anyway), but I'm worried that even with a white noise machine going, the noise might be too much for my little ones?

 

[Elk Grove Chris]

100% Grand Legacy. Desert Inn is a dump in comparison. The few extra steps are inconsequential. The difference in quality is not.

Completely agree! I have stayed at the Grand probably 5 times in the last 18 months and Desert Inn twice. I would not worry about that noise too much, after the fireworks the crowds die pretty quickly up on the terrace. It actually is a good place to view the fireworks away from the crowds and they pipe in the music.

 

[RADOPT]

I haven't been to the Grand Legacy but it has to be better then the Desert Inn. A friend of mine was at the Desert on her last trip and the bedding was dirty. Not just slept in dirty either plus the bathroom was not clean. We used to stay here all the time and it was nothing great but it was clean, well taken care of and the staff was good. I will never stay at Desert again after hearing about my friends room. IMHO stay elsewhere.

Have a great trip. My friend and I are going in January.

 

[Frozen2014]

We haven't stayed at Grand Legacy but from the other side, we had a good stay at Desert Inn when we went the end of August. We had no noise issues (were 5th floor facing the 'Guardians' ride). Didn't have a car and didn't use the pool so can't comment on those. The price was decent with a good amount of space (parlour suite for us) and breakfast was basic but fine as it got us going. And...it was right across the street so loved the location. We would have no issues staying at Desert In again.

Also I'm pretty sure Grand Legacy was just one or two motels down the street (Del Sol was right next door) so I wouldn't think that distance to the park would make a difference.