Disneyland Hotel vs. Grand Californian

[brentm77]

I have stayed at both, and actually prefer the DH.

Theming: While the GC has a fantastic lobby, the rest of the hotel is sub-standard for the price. A visit to the lobby to relax, even when I am staying at DH, is enough for me. I love the simple lobby of the DH, and the feeling you are stepping back in time. And the tropical grounds are fantastic and I prefer them to the darker theming at GC.

Rooms: The rooms at the GC are pretty sub-standard for the price. The feel crowded, dark, and a little dated. The rooms at DH feel more roomy to me, lighter, and I prefer the theming of the rooms. Neither hotel has particularly great rooms for the price.

Location: GC is the superiors location, but a standard room can still be a very long walk to get to the lobby, then the longish walk out of the lobby to get to Downtown Disney if you are going to Disneyland. I don't feel the walk from DH was bad at all. It is rather easy to get to both parks compared to parking from off site or staying in a hotel that isn't right across the street on Harbor. I don't mind the location at all.

Price: The price is always better at DH, but currently, the difference seems to be smaller than it was in the past. Am I wrong about that?

 

[SeaDis]

I have stayed at both, and actually prefer the DH.

Theming: While the GC has a fantastic lobby, the rest of the hotel is sub-standard for the price. A visit to the lobby to relax, even when I am staying at DH, is enough for me. I love the simple lobby of the DH, and the feeling you are stepping back in time. And the tropical grounds are fantastic and I prefer them to the darker theming at GC.

Rooms: The rooms at the GC are pretty sub-standard for the price. The feel crowded, dark, and a little dated. The rooms at DH feel more roomy to me, lighter, and I prefer the theming of the rooms. Neither hotel has particularly great rooms for the price.

Location: GC is the superiors location, but a standard room can still be a very long walk to get to the lobby, then the longish walk out of the lobby to get to Downtown Disney if you are going to Disneyland. I don't feel the walk from DH was bad at all. It is rather easy to get to both parks compared to parking from off site or staying in a hotel that isn't right across the street on Harbor. I don't mind the location at all.

Price: The price is always better at DH, but currently, the difference seems to be smaller than it was in the past. Am I wrong about that?

Fair points here, just adding that rooms at GC were all redone through 2017. They lightened the fabrics, brought in platform beds, and added lighting to try and address this dark/cramped feeling. You can find updated pics and reviews. Rooms at DLH have also been redone now, during the closure. I haven't seen pics, but I'm sure they are very nice yet again.

 

[azdisneylover]

Are the pools heated? Enough to enjoy them in November or December? Anything else I should know?

If you are going in November, you might want to see if the dates for Dapper Days work for you. (google dapper days and click on disneyland ca. ) We love going for Dapper Days (Spring and Fall yearly). I purchased a beautiful dress for my daughter as an option for Fall Dapper Days. We stay at the Grand Californian when we go. You can book your room, get tickets, etc. What ever you decide, I hope you have lots of fun.

 

[OneThree]

Fair points here, just adding that rooms at GC were all redone through 2017. They lightened the fabrics, brought in platform beds, and added lighting to try and address this dark/cramped feeling. You can find updated pics and reviews. Rooms at DLH have also been redone now, during the closure. I haven't seen pics, but I'm sure they are very nice yet again.

Read on the Disney Parks Blog that the carpet in the DLH rooms now has a fireworks pattern. I'm gonna miss the hidden Mickey carpet!

 

[DLgal]

Fair points here, just adding that rooms at GC were all redone through 2017. They lightened the fabrics, brought in platform beds, and added lighting to try and address this dark/cramped feeling. You can find updated pics and reviews. Rooms at DLH have also been redone now, during the closure. I haven't seen pics, but I'm sure they are very nice yet again.

Was just going to say this. The newer rooms are bright, spacious, and beautiful. It was a major refurbishment. They are much nicer than DLH rooms.