Disneyland Hotel or Grand Californian?

[HarborBlvd]

We're planning our September trip to Disneyland and are looking at staying either at the Disneyland Hotel or the Grand Californian. I can't seem to find much of a difference in them to reflect their difference in prices. Any recommendations?

 

[aristocat65]

The main reason is LOCATION. GCH has it's own entrance directly into DCA. It is also newer, but the rooms are smaller.
DLH is a walk through Downtown Disney, but still fairly close. It also had not had a reno in quite a few years and is now undergoing a massive one. I hope that the prices don't go up when it is complete, because I really want to try it.

 

[I'm_Wishing]

I agree that the location for the GC is preferable. Also I would say it feels more like a resort as opposed to the DLH. You do not mention th eages of your party. When our daughters were younger they definitely preferred the DLH over the GC. We have not stayed at the DLH since the refurbishment has been going on so cannot speak of its effect, but I would say that you will enjoy either one. My personal opinion is the GC over the DLH for experience and convienence. But staying at the 'first' hotel has a special place in our hearts as well.

 

[got2gp]

I've stayed at both. The Grand Californian is closer (it even has it's own entrance to DCA), newer, prettier, and just....well grander. Granted the rooms are smaller, but you can't beat the location (or the views if you go for the resort view). Gotta love the lobby and general feel of the place as well.

The Disneyland Hotel is nice as well, but it really does need the rehab that it is currently getting. Larger rooms are a plus, and it is convienient to the monorail to DL as well as ESPN Zone and Rainforest Cafe, but when we stayed there last (a couple years age) it was really starting to show it's age.

Overall, I prefer the Grand Californian but in the end either one is a good choice.

 

[brocklesnar69]

Well, I tend to visit all three hotels even if not staying at them, or if I stay at one, I'll go visit the other two. Between these two, I'd choose the Grand Californian just because it is litterally right in the middle of both parks. It's great!

 

[dbanzai]

As price doesn't seem to be a factor, I'd too say Grand Califorian, although I'm not sure why. Location as everyone says is prime, and you can't get any closer to DCA. It's nice, rustic I'd say. If you can get a view of DTD, I think it's great 'casue you can watch the fireworks there with the music piped into the TV... Closer than if you had a fireworks view at DLH. However, I consider DLH much more charming and Disneyfied. While not the original DLH, it's still the historic one of the three there. The pool is more fun with the Peter Pan theme, while the GCH feels "normal" to me. Beside the pool though, the area between the three DLH buildings, and the wedding area, are great. Some quiet outdoor spaces GC doesn't really have, and the waterfall area is lovely. I'm unsure if I've ever seen any characters walking around GC, but feel like I alway see them in the lobby of DLH. I love the rooms at both, although I don't know if I'll like the new rooms at DLH. I loved the wide-opening windows the rooms used to have.

 

[blackjackdelta]

We have stayed in a number of hotels both on and off site except for PDP. Last year we stayed at the Grand now my DGF will not stay anywhere else unless we really have to. This year we are renting points and staying in the Villas in a 1 bedroom(I think this is an omen for things to come.) She works and saves all year to be able to splurge for this one trip so she can do what she wants to do when we are there. The only thing at DLR that we have not done is Club 33, we have crossed everything else off our list.

Jack

 

[DisneyMomma81]

I've spent at least one night at each of the 3 DLR hotels ~ the Grand is my least fave. My favorite is DLH! Sure the Grand's lobby is lovely but anybody can enjoy that, sit, relax, enjoy a bevarage/treat. Our room was dark and woodsy, DLH and PP have bright cheery rooms (however the reno DLH rooms look a little dark). I actually prefer to stay ofsite and save the $$ for other things or future trips ~ less $$ spent means we go back sooner. Off site guests can choose to check out each of the DLR hotels if they choose to.

 

[blackjackdelta]

I've spent at least one night at each of the 3 DLR hotels ~ the Grand is my least fave. My favorite is DLH! Sure the Grand's lobby is lovely but anybody can enjoy that, sit, relax, enjoy a bevarage/treat. Our room was dark and woodsy, DLH and PP have bright cheery rooms (however the reno DLH rooms look a little dark). I actually prefer to stay ofsite and save the $$ for other things or future trips ~ less $$ spent means we go back sooner. Off site guests can choose to check out each of the DLR hotels if they choose to.

I would have to agree with you if we lived closer, if our job schedules would allow us to take vacation when we wanted to and the family was not so spoiled by the places we stay at sometimes. I have always wanted to try Hojo's kids suite just to see what the hotel is like but that does not meet there needs. My kids have fulltime jobs and go to school fulltime just for these listed reasons. And you are right about anyone can enjoy the lobby because I could never find a place to sit because everyone was enjoying the lobbY.

Jack

 

[CrazyDuck]

Grand... It is the only themed hotel in DLR!

 

[Dobie]

The Grand Californian has balcony rooms, and if you get one with a view, it is a lovely place to sit outside and have a beverage. It is also fun to hang out in the Grand Californian pool area, waiting for DCA fastpass times to come up.

 

[Heymy]

I've stayed at both but I will always prefer the DLH, especially with my little ones. They can't get enough of the Disney touches around the hotel and grounds. And then there's the pool, to have Captain Hook's ship right there with them and Ariel be near them in the hot tub, it's heaven...and of course the Lost Bar is heaven for me and DH I love that the Monorail is right there and we can come back and take afternon breaks at a moments notice. As for the outdatedness, I still think there is so much charm. My girls love to study the bedspreads (pictures of DL attractions) and wallpaper in the bathroom. I'm kinda dreading the remodel because I'm afraid a lot of the charm will be gone. Now once the girls get older, I may want to try the GC again. Either way, you can't go wrong!

 

[pycees312]

I too have stayed at all 3... depends on what kind of experience you are looking for and what matters most.. If you want to feel " Disneyfied" the grand will not do that for you nice room or not it's dark, rustic, and subtle touches of Disney artwork. But if being approx 5 mins closer means alot when it comes to nap time for your little one then I'd say the grand. for me the entrance into DCA is not that big of a deal for people with littles ones because the don't go to DCA as often.. But that is just my opinion.

 

[bumbershoot]

I've spent at least one night at each of the 3 DLR hotels ~ the Grand is my least fave. My favorite is DLH! Sure the Grand's lobby is lovely but anybody can enjoy that, sit, relax, enjoy a bevarage/treat. Our room was dark and woodsy, DLH and PP have bright cheery rooms (however the reno DLH rooms look a little dark).

Same here, except PPH is my favorite. Nice bright airy rooms, and Goofy with a surfboard is fun to be greeted by (it's a statue). Not to mention the smell of suntan lotion that they pump in.


I just looked at mapmyrun, and it turns out that staying in the far away room we were in at the Grand, going from there to the esplanade was .38 mile. DLH (from the big hat, not from the room/wing) is .47, and from the front of PPH it's .46 mile. So yes the Grand was close, but having to backtrack like we did b/c of our room's position was pretty much the most frustrating thing!

 

[Nonsuch]

...This year we are renting points and staying in the Villas in a 1 bedroom(I think this is an omen for things to come.)

The one-bedroom will spoil you, and there is no going back to standard rooms. I just returned from my first trip to the VGC and stayed in a one-bedroom. Now I might need more points, since I don't want to stay in a studio (which is larger than a standard hotel room).

Back on topic:
I have also stayed at all 3 Disney hotels and love the Grand. The Arts and Crafts / Mission design integrates into Downtown Disney and California Adventure -- they were all built at the same time. Once checked into the hotel, I never need to cross a street (or even see a car) until checkout. It might not be the Dream Suite inside Disneyland, but I still feel like I'm inside the park.

 

[Boo Bear]

I prefer the GC when I can afford it. I love the vibe. Don't get me wrong, I love the DLH... it's more along the lines of true Disney magic, but GC is outstanding. The lobby is to die for and so are the rooms. I haven't stayed in a refurbished DLH room, but the TV is better and the bathrooms are nicer at the GC. There is also an entrance to DTD about half way down the stretch and the access to DCA is extremely convenient because it's on the side of the park where I frequent most. If you choose DLH, there is a monorail station in DTD that can take you into DL park. I haven't seen the pool at GC, but the one at DLH is absolutely incredible for both kids and big kids at heart. No matter what, have a blast!

 

[vettegirl]

I loved the DL hotel, the rooms were huge. I also loved all the magical touches and they even had complimentary hot cider and coffee in the lobby.