We stayed at the DLH for two nights last week. I was nervous based on some negative reviews both here and on other sites. I was pleasantly surprised in some areas and disappointed in other areas. We've stayed at the GCH a few times and stayed at the Sheraton Park early in our trip so those were my two comparison points. Note, per the front desk CM they aren't starting on the room renovations until the end of Aug. Not sure if they will have any completed by your trip, but it's worth asking at check in.
+'s: The rooms were big, very clean and the bathrooms clean and spacious. We were given a two queen and daybed room which worked out great for our family of 4. We were on the 7th floor, park view in the Dreams tower and had a wonderful time watching the fireworks from our room. The pool was the best of all resorts, great theming and waterslides. The grounds in general are beautiful with the waterfalls, koi ponds and toy boat area. We decided last minute to have a meal our last morning at Goofy's Kitchen. So glad we did, it was a great experience.
-'s: The room didn't have the rich wood and rich colors of the Grand or Sheraton, so it made is seem a bit dated, but it was very clean. I also missed the central lobby. The DLH has the 4 separate towers so you don't get the same cozy, central lobby feel of the grand. The CMs didn't seem as friendly or attentive as they did at the Grand. Not sure if that is just a product of the economy, being there during busy season, or the resort, but it was something we noticed. The biggest negative was the thin walls between the rooms and hallway. The first night we were there our neighbors came home around midnight and woke us all up with their noise. Not sure how many people were in the room but it sounded like at least two families. Could only make out one adult and lots of kids. It wasn't just end of the day excitement noise either. Kids knocked and banged on our ajoining door, their son screamed and swore at his parents about how it was his birthday and he wanted better this, better that for a good 20 minutes. The next day we were in our room again resting for the afternoon when they came home. Kids were bouncing from bed to bed, hitting walls, screaming, running up and down the hallways. I could hear the monther so I knew she was in the room, but did nothing. We finally had to call the front desk to report it. We were that shocked and upset by the whole thing. The front desk basically said there wasn't much they could do, but did send security up who told them to be quiet.
Sorry, for the side rant, but my point is that even though this may have been an anomily, I just couldn't see this happening at the Grand. Maybe we've just had secluded rooms, but the atmosphere seems a bit more reserved there. Family friendly but a bit more respectful.
Anyway, my two cents. We had a great stay and apart from our noisy neighbors liked the hotel and loved the grounds. Not sure if we'll be back (bought DVC there so we are tied into the Grand for 50yrs
) and have Sheraton points we need to burn down.
