FYI to upcoming 1BR Suite @ DLH

[Erikarate]

Hi Guys!

We just got back Sunday from our first trip to DLH and a stay at Loews Santa Monica. We stayed in a 1BR at the Disneyland Hotel from June 30th - July 5th, then moving to Santa Monica 5th-9th.

JUST A HEADS UP: I booked our room way back in October. Some of you may have noticed that a few months ago Disneyland Hotel added a new category of room of a "Junior Suite". This is a SIGNIFICANTLY smaller sized room than the regular suite - the living room does not have a spacious "bar" area with stools, fridge etc instead having a small table in the entry area. There is NOT an additional 1/2 bath. The Master bedroom is not a full size room, but a very small area not much wider than the king bed.

SOOOOO...when we checked in we were given a room in the Fantasyland tower (which I was happy about) however I was super disappointed when we entered our room. Thankfully I had done my research so I knew something was amiss. I contacted the front desk and that moved us to a larger, nicer room in the Frontier tower. I complained that I was put in a Junior Suite when I had already paid in full for a standard Suite (which is over $100 more per night). Obviously I was upset because this would be like shorting me $500!

I was less upset when they explained to me what had happened but I wanted to share with you in case the same thing happens to you: Since I booked my room BEFORE they added the new category I had already been assigned that smaller room, because at that time they made NO DISTINCTION between the larger vs smaller rooms. Apparently people had complained about the variability in size which is why they added the category. They said if they hadn't been able to relocate me to the larger room, they would have credited me the price difference. However, I have to wonder if I hadn't complained, would they have informed me of this? They certainly hadn't mentioned it at check-in.

So, if you booked your suite BEFORE the room category change, you might want to call ahead and check on that!!!

Good Luck!

BTW: We DID have a SUPER AMAZING time at DLH and Disneyland in general! LOVED IT!!

 

[gottalovepluto]

Interesting. And no, they would never willingly inform you that they've put you in an inferior room. It's a good thing you did your own research & then spoke up when you realized something was wrong!

 

[DisneyJamieCA]

That happened to us on a trip. Had stayed in a gorgeous 3 bedroom with extended family, so when we went back to that hotel a few years later with my parents, we booked 2 bedroom. Is was exactly like you described - the size of the master, the smaller family room, no extra bathroom. We were shocked. It was still a great trip and when we questioned the difference (no booking distinction but not at all the room described to us at check in), they offered us premium food vouchers. Super nice of them since they didn't really have to. But it was a good heads up - and good to know now, it is two different booking categories!

 

[5forMickey]

Thanks for the info. I'm actually glad that they have added the category, this way you know what you would be getting ahead of time. I would like them to take it one step further and do categories more like the regular rooms so you can choose you tower and view. I have complained quiet a bit to Disney about the assignments of their suites in the past so this would be helpful for me. I would rather know what I have paid for and what location, type etc. that would give me when I'm booking. If I'm paying that kind of money, I want to know when I book that I'm getting what I think I am. If what I wants not available then I can decided before my trip if I want that room type or not.....I'm glad they rightfully took care of your situation tough........

 

[Erikarate]

I would like them to take it one step further and do categories more like the regular rooms so you can choose you tower and view. I have complained quiet a bit to Disney about the assignments of their suites in the past so this would be helpful for me. I would rather know what I have paid for and what location, type etc. that would give me when I'm booking. If I'm paying that kind of money, I want to know when I book that I'm getting what I think I am. If what I wants not available then I can decided before my trip if I want that room type or not

I think that it might get complicated if they make too many room category distinctions, however I feel like there should at least be a "premium view vs standard view". As of right now its the "luck of the draw" so you could be paying $1000/night for a parking lot view in the Frontier Tower or get lucky with a pool view or downtown disney view in Fantasyland Tower. I was very glad to get my room switched, but our view in the Frontier Tower was of basically the bushes (we were on the 2nd floor).

 

[Malcon10t]

I am booked this weekend for a 1 bedroom, will see what we get!

 

[Erikarate]

I am booked this weekend for a 1 bedroom, will see what we get!

I would definitely ask at check-in so you don't have to switch rooms!

 

[Malcon10t]

No problem with room, Frontier Tower with a balcony! Score!

 

[Erikarate]

No problem with room, Frontier Tower with a balcony! Score!

YAY!!! AWESOME!

 

[twodogs]

I also can NOT understand why I can't pick bedding (king versus 2 queens) when booking a suite at the DLR hotels. I'm paying a lot of money for a suite to be unsure of the bedding. It is to the point that we are going to squeeze into a regular room at GCH as the suite is not worth the risk at that price.

 

[Erikarate]

I also can NOT understand why I can't pick bedding (king versus 2 queens) when booking a suite at the DLR hotels. I'm paying a lot of money for a suite to be unsure of the bedding. It is to the point that we are going to squeeze into a regular room at GCH as the suite is not worth the risk at that price.

Good point, I wondered that myself!! Maybe you could call and request it?

 

[Geemo]

Good point, I wondered that myself!! Maybe you could call and request it?

You can request anything...
They won't guarantee your request though.
Only note it on the reservation.

 

[Malcon10t]

Call and let them know what you need.

 

[twodogs]

I have always requested what we needed. Usually we have gotten it but this last time in May, we booked a 1 bedroom suite at DLH. I asked for a king for DH and me, and the 2 kids were going to sleep on the sofa sleeper in the living room. We checked in around 8pm after a long day of travel, and our suite had 2 queens. DH was tired and didn't want to go back down and try to,change at that point. So we kept it, but it frustrated me the whole time. Repacking and moving for 4 would have been more frustrating... I should have confirmed the bedding at check in but I trusted the super nice CM at the front desk. My mistake.

Even so, at over $1000/night, DLR should get up to the standards at the HAMPTON Inn and let me choose my bedding at time of reservation. They have the ability to do it but they just don't. So, we are done with suites from now on at DLR. I'd love to rent VGC and be sure of the King, but we can't plan that far in advance. The suites are too expensive to me to have no idea of the bedding OR the view. Come on Disney.

 

[Erikarate]

I have always requested what we needed. Usually we have gotten it but this last time in May, we booked a 1 bedroom suite at DLH. I asked for a king for DH and me, and the 2 kids were going to sleep on the sofa sleeper in the living room. We checked in around 8pm after a long day of travel, and our suite had 2 queens. DH was tired and didn't want to go back down and try to,change at that point. So we kept it, but it frustrated me the whole time. Repacking and moving for 4 would have been more frustrating... I should have confirmed the bedding at check in but I trusted the super nice CM at the front desk. My mistake.

Even so, at over $1000/night, DLR should get up to the standards at the HAMPTON Inn and let me choose my bedding at time of reservation. They have the ability to do it but they just don't. So, we are done with suites from now on at DLR. I'd love to rent VGC and be sure of the King, but we can't plan that far in advance. The suites are too expensive to me to have no idea of the bedding OR the view. Come on Disney.

You are 100% right. Maybe if enough of us complain, they will correct this.