DL hotels

[ebthorne]

so right now we have a reservation at Desert Inn but we are thinking of splurging and staying in a hotel on the DL property. Of the 3 which one would you recommend? What are the perks and disadvantages of them? Just trying to explore all our options

 

[minnie mum]

I can't help you, since we've never staying on property at DL. But you might get more help if you try posting on the Disneyland forum further down the forum page.

Hope you have a great stay: I've always wanted to stay at the Disneyland Resort Hotels.

 

[Jestocost]

We've only stayed at the Disneyland Hotel--which we liked very much--but have visited both of the other properties.

IMO, the DL Hotel is the most "Disney-ish" of the properties and has a lot of history (it opened in 1955). Downtown Disney and a monorail to the Disneyland park are just a short walk away. Be aware, however, that the DL Hotel is in the midst of a major refurbishment, so there will be lots of construction going on for a while yet. Some of the rooms have been refurbished as of today and some have not. In addition, I believe the main pool area and many other common areas of the resort are currently closed and under construction, with a plan to reopen in 2012.

The only advantage I can see to the Paradise Pier Hotel is that it's the cheapest. The theming didn't do much for me (lots of Lilo and Stitch) and the walk to DTD and the parks is pretty far.

The Grand Californian Hotel is beautiful--similar to WL at WDW--and is the only Disney resort that is partially in a theme park. GC extends into DCA and actually has a private park entrance for hotel guests. It is the most expensive of the three, however.

 

[Pakey]

We have stayed at the Grand Californian and the Disneyland Hotel. I have not even walked into the 3rd one so I can't tell you anything about it.

The Grand Californian is very close to the parks; the advantage is convenience. You do not need to take any kind of transportation to get to DTD or either parks. It's a nice hotel, the restaurant, Napa Rose, is very good (I actually thought the food was better at Napa than at Club 33). I had not expected to like this hotel because I dislike the decor but we had a very nice stay here.

The Disneyland Hotel has the history but it's definitely not as nice of a stay as the Grand Californian. It's a little less convenient because it's not as close but the prices are definitely better.

 

[Lynne M]

I'll move this to the Disneyland board for you. You're likely to get more responses over there, as this board is for discussion of the Disney resorts at WDW.

 

[Caseystigger]

We love the Grand California , it always feels like coming home. it is pricey but worth every penny IMHO. The location is the awesome, centrally located with an entrance to DCA. The turn down service is nice, it's always fun to come back at the end of the day and find a treat on the pillow. The spa is nice, White Water Snack is really yummy too. LOVE the lobby with the big fireplace and the piano music. Sigh...wish I was there now.

 

[skiingfast]

An important question is when are you going?

The GCH is by far the nicest hotel and you pay for it. Most common complaint is the rooms are smaller than expected. It's also super close to pretty close depending on you room location. I'ts built against DCA.


The DLH and PPH have a slight price difference but neither are super close. the Desert Inn is closer.

But Staying onsite gives you some perks. Disney touches all throughout. Magic Mornings each day they are available, Usually Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday. MM allows entry to DL an hour early before general guests. However with a three day or longer PH you get one MM credit regardless of where you stay.

You also get to enter DCA a half hour early through a special entrance in the GCH when you stay at any of the Disney hotels.

If you book a package tickets/hotel you may get more perks. A package is not always the best price.

 

[KCmike]

GCH is the way to go if money is not an option. Location, location, location. The hotel in my opinion is way better than Wilderness Lodge at WDW. I love it there. I put it up there with the best of all the places we've stayed. GCH other advantages include: private entrance to DCA, magic mornings other DLR have it too, wonderful chaisse lounge chairs (their unbelievably comfortable), great dining, did I mention location?, awesome lobby, and most rooms have balconies.

Personally I love it and its worth it to stay on property. I don't like walking on Harbor Blvd. I don't feel the Disney experience when I do stay in a good neighbor. I like walking through Downtown Disney vs. walking the congested street traffic.

 

[DeluxePrincess]

I highly recommend Grand Californian. GCH is so close to the parks. California Adventure is practically right outside your door. The short walk to Disneyland is through Downtown Disney, or you can hop on the DTD monorail and get off at Tomorrowland. Besides the location, the lobby is gorgeous and relaxing. I loved sitting by the fireplace and listening to the piano player. You also have robes and turn down service in your room. The bed was very comfortable and I peacefully drifted off to sleep each night. I found the place well worth the price tag.

 

[nemofans]

We have stayed at Paradise Pier & it was okay. That stay was 5 yrs ago & I honestly don't remember much about it b/c it wasn't really that memorable. We did have a view of DCA which was cool & we stayed club level which was very nice. I did not like the walk though. I am one that likes to be fully immersed in Disney & crossing the street & then the long walk thru DTD didn't help that feeling. We would cut thru GC to get to the GC entrance into DCA & I loved walking thru GC. Back then I hoped to stay there someday.
Now we are! We are staying at GC for our next trip & am totally psyched about it. I know I'll have the fully immersed feeling for sure.