Disneyland Hotel or Grand Californian Hotel for 1st DLR stay?

[Nanabug02]

So, DH and I have a trip planned for DLR June 1st - June 5th. We can stay at either DLH or GCH - DH said no need to worry about price.

I can't decide which one we should stay at. Not to be totally lazy, but I really don't want to walk any more than I have to. LOL! Ya know, after a long day in the park, you don't want the walk back to the hotel to make you miserable! Other than that, we want a great atmosphere. One of the things I love about Disney is having that great "escape" and magic.

So, which one should we pick and why? Any help is greatly appreciated!

 

[Dobie]

If you are looking for great atmosphere, no walk, and price is no object, then book a room near the main lobby elevator at GCH.

Warning: it may spoil you for any other place!!!

 

[DizMe]

GCH, definitely!!! I love DLH, but mostly because it's best for my family. If it were just dh and I I'd go with GCH. The location is great and the atmosphere is incredible. Lots of romantic spots to hang out, have a drink, enjoy the piano player and so on. The jacuzzi is very nice in the evening and GCH is right there in DTD.

ETA: If money is no object, I'd take dh up on that one and book concierge!!!

 

[DisneyWithTot]

If you are looking for great atmosphere, no walk, and price is no object, then book a room near the main lobby elevator at GCH.

Warning: it may spoil you for any other place!!!

Words of wisdom above - we did exactly that for our first trip last month and couldn't have been happier. Awesome location and you'll feel pampered too.

 

[lulubelle]

GCH hands down!
You will be spoiled.
Have a magical trip.

 

[Nanabug02]

If you are looking for great atmosphere, no walk, and price is no object, then book a room near the main lobby elevator at GCH.

Warning: it may spoil you for any other place!!!

Is there a special room view I need to book to ask for a room near the main lobby elevator?

 

[aussietravellers]

Another vote for GCH. We stayed there for two weeks in December and it was wonderful, we loved every minute of it!

Staying close to the lobby would depend on which room type you choose. The DTD rooms I do not think are the closest to the lobby and neither are the Theme Park View. We stayed in the new wing (near the villas) in a theme park view and we didn't feel it was too far to walk anywhere. It is just such a wonderful hotel. You will love it I'm sure.

 

[Dobie]

Is there a special room view I need to book to ask for a room near the main lobby elevator?

When you check in, ask the CM what room choices are available. He/she may show you a map. There are standard view (overlooking the parking lot) and view rooms--they are across the hall from each other. Ask for the available room closest to the lobby elevator, depending on which view you booked.

 

[tara30us]

You cant beat the California for being the closest. We stayed two weeks at Christmas when it first opened and I have stayed at the disneyland hotel ever since I guess I am just not into the log cabin feel of the California.

I have always thought the disneyland hotel is more "magical" and I dont mind the walk through the downtown disney. But I am probably in the minority here lol

 

[NewbieMouse]

We faced this same decision for our June trip, and we're going with DLH because of the kids. But if it was just DH and I, I would probably pick the GCH.

This decision tortures me daily.

 

[Dobie]

We faced this same decision for our June trip, and we're going with DLH because of the kids. But if it was just DH and I, I would probably pick the GCH.

This decision tortures me daily.

 

[DisneyWithTot]

We booked a standard room and asked for something close to the lobby. We actually got room 3338, which was very close to the elevator near the Napa Rose. What was neat about that was that we got a partial pool and theme park view, even though it was a standard view room. I could see Mickey's Ferris Wheel and California Screamin' while sitting on the lanai. But since it sounds like price is no object, I'm sure there are great view rooms near the elevators too.

 

[pinner33]

i'm sitting in the grand right now and was so happy with it bought into the dvc here at the hotel yesterday