DLH vs GC

[silence]

OK....so I'm planning a last minute trip in July.

Since we are only going to stay a couple of nights, and it is summer hours, I'm going to splurge and stay onsite. We have APs and generally avoid busy times, but I don't think we will make it this fall and I had to cancel our June trip so I wanted to get in one last fix while the kids are out of school.

Anyways, we have stayed at DLH and PP. We MUCH prefer DLH. We have never stayed at GC and so I wanted to know thoughts on one vs. the other.

Most importantly, does GC have a themed pool like DLH? My kids LOVE afternoon breaks at the pool...and so this is quite important for us.

I would really prefer the WALK from GC vs. DLH, since the hours are so long our poor feet will get little rest.

Anyways, tell me what you think if you have stayed at both!

Thanks!

 

[sdfamily]

We've stayed at both and quite honestly I don't remember the pool at GC and I remember the one at DLH was super crowded.

We choose the GC (when we can afford it) as they have bunk beds which work much better for a family of five. They are also super close to DCA as well as the monorail for access to DL.

My kids (all boys) also love the Chip and Dale breakfast they have.

We're staying at GC next week and I if you have questions, I can find out when I'm there.

 

[SeansMom]

"Most importantly, does GC have a themed pool like DLH?"

The short answer is no. While the GCH pool does have a slide, it's just a pool. Search google images for the GCH pool. It will give you a better idea than trying to describe them. Have fun!

 

[YellowMickeyPonchos]

The GCH has special activities for only guests at the hotel. They will drop a list on your bed at turndown and the activities range from special shopping at Build-a-Bear and Sephora (before the stores open) to Power Walks through DCA before it opens and Pilates in the ballroom to Scavenger Hunts for GCH guests.

Definitely worth it.

 

[tinkerbelt]

DLH pool is way better than the GCH pool. The rooms are nicer at GCH than DLH. I was not a fan of the DLH when we were there (the room was filthy and there was black mold growing in the shower, and they refused to switch us). But if I were staying onsite, I'd pick DLH. I like the pool and the fact that it's next to the monorail.

 

[DizMe]

With kids, I prefer DLH. It's just more kid-oriented, IMO, and you get more room. Our rooms at GCH have been smaller and I'm not a fan of the bunk beds (nor are my girls). The walk isn't necessarily better from GCH depending upon the location of your room! It's sure nice to have the CA entrance, though.

 

[WDW Princess 71]

Do all the rooms have bunk beds? We are a party of 3 adults, will there be 2 double or queen beds or is there only one and then one of us will have to use a bunk?

 

[pixiewings71]

Do all the rooms have bunk beds? We are a party of 3 adults, will there be 2 double or queen beds or is there only one and then one of us will have to use a bunk?

At the GCH only a certain number of rooms have the bunk beds, all others are 2 queens. If you didn't ask for bunks when you booked you should be fine.

 

[Niele]

Yep, GCH has only a limited amount of rooms with bunkbeds (remember they are shorter than normal size and fit only younger, smaller kids). The other rooms have either 2 queens or 1 king + small sofa w/ pullout (you'll want to confirm the king has a pullout because once we had a king room without but have been told one of our current ressies has the king with pullout sofa )

 

[Alice28]

I've stayed at DLH many times, and GC once. (on my last trip)

Traveling with kids, I give the vote to DLH. The rooms are a bit bigger, the pools are better kid-wise (the GC pool is nice, but like PP said, it's just a pool. No Disney theming and just a small slide). Also, depending where your room is in GC, it could be a LONG walk anyway to get to your room! It seems like from the elevator, we walked forever to get to our room! (We were overlooking the Basin store).

The GC is a gorgeous hotel, but in my opinion, I didn't think it was quite worth the money. I did like that it had a good quick service option for food, and its own entrance to DCA, but that's about it. We are looking forward to our DLH stay in 10 days!