DLH vs. GCH

[SFMommy]

In May 2011 we stayed in a suite at Hojo's and loved the large space, price and water play area. Over Thanksgiving we were at the PPH and loved the location and on-site perks (multiple Magic Mornings, special entrance into DCA).

We are considering our next trip in September or October 2012 and my husband would like to try GCH or DLH. Me, DH and DD6.

From what I've read here...the GCH's location can't be beat, but the rooms can be small and dark. I haven't read much about the renovated rooms at the DLH. But I am aware of the walking distance of the DLH compared to the GCH.

Can someone give me a general comparison of the rooms at the 2 hotels? Also, what's the best rate you've ever seen at the GCH. I have not been able to stomach the rates that I have seen so far.

Thanks!

 

[skiingfast]

A GCH rate of $300 may of been a low, but may be something of the past too.

I think GCH rooms are small when you have 4 people, and pay a substantial amount for a room. The DLH rooms have grown, so some people who went before the remodel notice more room. With 3 people I don't think you would not have great problems in either hotel's rooms.

The differences in room is really style. DLH uses a lot of classic disney touches. The GCH is a subdued western lodge style.

 

[sonnyjane]

A GCH rate of $300 may of been a low, but may be something of the past too.

The lowest I ever remember seeing was $266 and that was with my AP discount during mid-week in the off-season. That is for a standard room. That's a killer price for the Grand to be honest.

Searching right now, it looks like mid-week rates for a standard room at GCH in Sept. 2012 are about $355 a night, plus 17% tax and $15 per night parking. That's pretty much "normal". Holidays and peak season will be more. There may be special promotions offering 10%-30% off during an off-season, but if you go during the Halloween time in Sept. and Oct. it's not really "off-season" anymore. That quote was for mid-Sept.

It's true...GCH's location is awesome, much closer than DLH. Both rooms are actually kind of "dark" in my opinion, so I wouldn't let that be a factor. Go on tripadvisor and look at lots of room pictures. That's how I make most of my hotel decisions.

 

[nottellin']

I've stayed at both and I prefer the DLH. It just feels more " Disney" to me.

I also think the remodled rooms are much bigger at DLH than a GCH.

Also, for GCH it really depends on where your room is for it to be close. When we stayed, we were really far away from the park entrances, so it still felt like a long hike.

 

[jdb in AZ]

Since you have a 6-yr old DD she'd probably have the most fun in a room that has the castle on the headboard that lights up with fireworks.

Personally, DH and I prefer the Grand Californian because of its close proximity to California Adventure. Plus I just like the western lodge feeling of the place, and the huge openness of the lobby and fireplace.

Disney World has different theming in all their hotels so guests can choose whatever theme they want for that particular vacation. Disneyland also offers a choice of theming, on a much smaller scale of course. Just choose the theme (and price tag) that best fits your personality and life style.

And speaking of WDW and DLR hotels -- we stayed at the Grand Floridian then the Grand Californian this past January and the Grand Californian was way cheaper.

 

[GeneralTso]

With a 6 year old girl, I think the Disneyland Hotel is just perfect. It's magical there.

I love GH, but it's less exciting for kids, I think. We're staying there in January, but just us. We put the kids (in their 20s) over at PP. We'll be doing the Tinkerbell Marathon and wanted to really soak in GH and relax.

 

[BlueBayou]

Maybe my kids are odd - but they love the theming of GCH. They are now 8 and 11 - but we go to Disneyland every year - so they have been around the hotels all their life. The only time we have stayed at The Grand Californian was before my second daughter was born. It was after 9-11 and Disneyland was not doing as strong as it is now. So we got a rate right at $200.

We loved it there. In October we stayed at PPH for the first time. We would stop by the fireplace at the Grand Californian and hang out before traveling back to PPH.

I have to say we liked the PPH better than our stay at the DLH. The walk to the DLH just seemed longer, staff less friendly. We are not complainers - but there were enough issues that they knocked $100 off our bill with us mentioning stuff - not complaining. But even with that I still did not get a good vibe. While the lobby/entrance of the PPH hotel was small and not overly themed - we would stay there before the DLH again (I know there are some people that would think we are crazy).

But if money was no object - it would be GCH all the way

(We have been on harbor too at: Camelot (2), HOJOs (2), Candy Cain, Best Western, Desert Inn and Suites (2) and the Tropicana.

 

[soaringirl]

A GCH rate of $300 may of been a low, but may be something of the past too.

Wow I was lucky last year!!! We stayed at the Grand at $240 usd including taxes and parking, for 4 nights!!

For the OP: I think your kid will like either one, I mean, you will be just in the middle of the magic! The pool area at the GCH is beautiful, and fun for the kids (mine were 9 & 11 at the time). And if she's tired, you can get back at the hotel in no time.
I say, if you can afford it, go with the Grand. We were four, and we didn't feel cramped, it was OK.

 

[blackjackdelta]

I had a senior discount (GCH)of $249.00 for a double queen a few years back, but not this last year. We love the place.

Jack

 

[Me!Thatswho]

We too stayed at both. Loved the GCH for location and overall design, but we didn't get same "oh my god we're at Disney!!!" magical vibe. That being said, we still loved the resort. Between the two, we preferred the themeing at DLH (granted it was before the renovation). But, as pp mentioned, it was a hike to get back and forth. There definitely something to be said about not having to march through all of DTD to get back to the hotel after a long day in the park, especially if your DD needs a break. Our kids were 5 & 8 at the time and, when the walk was factored in, it made a long, hard day of fun actually seem almost like work. As for the GCH rooms being small or dark, yes to both, but, again location trumps even that. But, even on those points, we have stayed at the Polynesian in WDW several times and, while the rooms were slightly darker and smaller, not by very much.

So, if you can afford it, I too would would vote for the GCH!