Grand Califorian overated??????

[nelson84]

How was your experience in the Grand Californian? Is it overated? Any thing I should eat ant the restaurants that is extra good? We will be staying there Feb 24 to March 1.

 

[honeymom]

We really did like the GCH. Just don't go with the expectations of spaciousness for all of the money that you are paying. The rooms are small. However, we found the location unbeatable, the service top notch and the amenities (i.e. the restaurants, pool area) the best on property.

 

[Sherry E]

I have stayed there twice. I don't know if "overrated" is the right word. Maybe slightly. Overpriced, perhaps! I would say that the price, as you know, is quite lofty for fairly basic amenities in even the standard rooms. But it is such a beautiful hotel, with such ambience, that you almost forget what you are paying. The lobby is so spacious and lovely, it sort of looks like an elegant mountain chalet. Dark wood and dim lights provide a warm atmosphere. I love to be there at Christmastime. That's the best of the three Disney hotels to stay at to make your holiday experience complete. It is so cozy to just grab a seat on one of the couches in the hearth area or by the large tree and chat with friends and listen to the nightly carolers while sipping cocoa. We were just there this past December and we are going again this coming December. One time we had a great room overlooking Downtown Disney and the fireworks display in Disneyland, and that was the best place to watch the fireworks, in my opinion.

As for convenience, you can't beat the GC either, because of its entrance into Downtown Disney and California Adventure, and because it provides a shorter route to the Disneyland entrance than the other two hotels. The GC will also let you do an early check-in - hours before your actual scheduled check-in time or before your room is available - and give you your room key in advance too, so you never have to go back to the front desk again if you choose not to.

There are little quirks about the GC that I am on the fence about - like the fact that the guest parking that comes free with packages is actually across the street from the hotel itself, which can be an inconveneince for people who don't wish to schlep luggage more than a few feet. This situation actually encourages guests to use the Valet parking - which, at last count in December was a hefty $17 per night - because no one wants to make that long jaunt across the street with 100 heavy bags. to the guest parking lot. Also, the beds - at least in the room we had - are on the high side. They are not giant, but we (average sized adults) had to climb up on them rather than sit down on them, so if you have little ones, you will have to help them up. You generally get three mushy pillows per bed (with a spare hidden in the closet), and the other hotels tend to have two firm pillows!

As for dining, we have never eaten in Napa Rose - a little too 'nice' for our modest meat and potato tastes - but we have eaten the breakfast buffet in Storytellers Cafe twice. Truthfully, I like the buffet in Goofy's Kitchen better, but this one is fine, and Storytellers will let you order off the menu items too, but that is not as cheap as you would think, so the buffet is a better deal price-wise, though not cheap.

Also, if you have women who love bath and body products in your group, tell them that the bath products in the GC rooms are now all H20 toiletries (H20 is a popular skincare company, for those who don't know). They used to just have things that said Grand Californian in the rooms, but they replaced them with all H20, and very light on the 'Mickey' influence in the packaging, which is very prominent in the other two hotels. In fact, we were looking for signs of Hidden Mickeys anywhere in the room, and we might have missed them, but overall, it is a hotel that keeps Mickey on the down low, rather than in the forefront. You will notice Thumper and Bambi on the shower curtains, though, and you will get a nightly visit from the maid, who knocks at your door around 6 or 7 p.m. and asks if you want turn-down service, and she hands you a few chocolates with characters on the wrappers every night, too (she wants that tip at the end of your stay!!!).

Overall, I would say the GC is a hotel you want to stay IN rather than leave, meaning that because it is so cozy, you are inclined to want to hang out and be lazy, whereas the other hotels are sort of conducive to the 'get up and go' mentality! I hope I was of some help!

 

[vflipo]

hey we're staying the 25-29th! maybe we'll see you there it's my first time staying at GCH so i don't have anything to say about it... i just get excited hehe

 

[lisadoll93]

See ya there!!! We will be there 2/24-2/26.

This is our 2nd time staying there this year. We love it!!!

 

[toocherie]

There are little quirks about the GC that I am on the fence about - like the fact that the guest parking that comes free with packages is actually across the street from the hotel itself, which can be an inconveneince for people who don't wish to schlep luggage more than a few feet. This situation actually encourages guests to use the Valet parking - which, at last count in December was a hefty $17 per night - because no one wants to make that long jaunt across the street with 100 heavy bags. to the guest parking lot.

Could you not pull up, drop your bags with bell services and then go park across the street?

Having asked that--I love the GCH but can only stay there on occasion because it is PRICEY.

 

[BunnieGene]

It's really grown on me alot. My very favorite WDW hotel is the Grand Floridian...and these 2 properties are completely different, but not in a bad way. I actually find the rooms pretty spacious...maybe because it's just me and hubby in them. And it is very relaxing and the location is wonderful, too. We'll be there again next month...can't wait!

 

[lisadoll93]

Could you not pull up, drop your bags with bell services and then go park across the street?

Having asked that--I love the GCH but can only stay there on occasion because it is PRICEY.

That is what we do.

 

[JenDisneylandlver]

It's a beautiful hotel with an excellent location. So no, I would never say it's overated. Over priced? Yes, if you pay full price. I can't justify paying $350-400 a night anywhere! We've only stayed there when we found a good deal!

 

[LisainCalifornia]

We have stayed at both The Grand Californian and the Disneyland Hotel. We only stayed at the Grand Californian once, and all the other many times we picked the Disneyland Hotel to stay at. The reason we stay at the DLH rather than the GC is that we found that after staying at the GC we really "missed" the Disneyland hotel and found that it was much smaller and darker than we anticipated. The rooms at the GC are very neat in a sort of "lodge" sort of way--but all of the woodwork does make them darker. The views are also very limited. We paid for a deluxe view (I think that is what they call it--a higher level downtown Disney view) but because this hotel is only about 5 stories high (compared to the DLH which are towers) we were put on the third floor and could barely see anything--despite paying a premium rate.

We had one of the rooms with the bunkbeds (which the kids did like) but it was so cramped in there compared to the room we were used to at the Disneyland hotel. We have three kids, though--so if you have less, it may be perfect for you. We were tripping all over each other trying to get ready in the mornings, which never happend at the DLH.

The other issue is that when we checked in (at 4:00) we had to wait forever for our room to be ready (to be fair this has happened at the DLH too). When they finally gave us a room, it was dirty. The trash had not been emptied, the toilet looked dirty and there was a lollypop stuck inside of the sheets of the bed--which looked to be slept in! Not what you expect when you are paying like 400.00 a night. I went down to complain and they they sent up a maid while we ate dinner, but I didn't really think they apologized correctly for all of it. Actually, no one apologized at all--they just said "we'll send a maid up...".

The lobby is really beautiful, but most of the time you are not hanging out in there if you have kids. We are the type of travelers who pay to stay in some very good hotels, because for us that is part of the experience. This hotel seemed like a disappointing one to us for the expense. We have paid more in other places (Maui, Hotel Del Coronado in San Diego) but those were great hotels.

But even with all of these issues, I might want to stay there again if we go at Christmas time. We took our first Xmas time trip last December (stayed at the DLH again) and had a wonderful time. Like Sherry said--I did notice that the GC had lots of extra charm during the holiday season (really pretty tree, fireplace, lots of decorations, etc...) and I can see how it would feel very "winter challet" to stay there at that time of the year. So as we walked through the lobby to eat our breakfast at Storytellers on that trip I thought "...hmmmm, maybe for next Christmas?"--so I would consider it again.

So for our family the DLH is a better fit for us. We like having a really great view of the Peter Pan pool or Downtown Disney, and all of the extra room and Disney theme touches. The extra space (especially around the bathrooms and closet areas) helps us to have some breathing room. But the GC is a pretty hotel with a neat design, and I can see why people like it too. If I were going there with just my husband (sans kids--like that would ever happen ) I would maybe like to stay there.

Hope this helps. I am a die-hard fan of the DLH I even wrote a review on tripadvisor.com last night!

Take care,
Lisa

 

[KerTggr]

As for dining, we have never eaten in Napa Rose - a little too 'nice' for our modest meat and potato tastes - but we have eaten the breakfast buffet in Storytellers Cafe twice. Truthfully, I like the buffet in Goofy's Kitchen better, but this one is fine, and Storytellers will let you order off the menu items too, but that is not as cheap as you would think, so the buffet is a better deal price-wise, though not cheap.

I agree with the Goofy vs Storytellers assessment - I like Goofy's more. Also dinner @ ST is overpriced. While Napa Rose can be expensive, you definately get your monies worth on quality.

BTW - Meat & Potatos was what I got the last time we went to NR. It was amazing!

 

[Amy&Dan]

We have stayed at both The Grand Californian and the Disneyland Hotel. We only stayed at the Grand Californian once, and all the other many times we picked the Disneyland Hotel to stay at. The reason we stay at the DLH rather than the GC is that we found that after staying at the GC we really "missed" the Disneyland hotel and found that it was much smaller and darker than we anticipated. The rooms at the GC are very neat in a sort of "lodge" sort of way--but all of the woodwork does make them darker. The views are also very limited. We paid for a deluxe view (I think that is what they call it--a higher level downtown Disney view) but because this hotel is only about 5 stories high (compared to the DLH which are towers) we were put on the third floor and could barely see anything--despite paying a premium rate.

We had one of the rooms with the bunkbeds (which the kids did like) but it was so cramped in there compared to the room we were used to at the Disneyland hotel. We have three kids, though--so if you have less, it may be perfect for you. We were tripping all over each other trying to get ready in the mornings, which never happend at the DLH.

The other issue is that when we checked in (at 4:00) we had to wait forever for our room to be ready (to be fair this has happened at the DLH too). When they finally gave us a room, it was dirty. The trash had not been emptied, the toilet looked dirty and there was a lollypop stuck inside of the sheets of the bed--which looked to be slept in! Not what you expect when you are paying like 400.00 a night. I went down to complain and they they sent up a maid while we ate dinner, but I didn't really think they apologized correctly for all of it. Actually, no one apologized at all--they just said "we'll send a maid up...".

The lobby is really beautiful, but most of the time you are not hanging out in there if you have kids. We are the type of travelers who pay to stay in some very good hotels, because for us that is part of the experience. This hotel seemed like a disappointing one to us for the expense. We have paid more in other places (Maui, Hotel Del Coronado in San Diego) but those were great hotels.

But even with all of these issues, I might want to stay there again if we go at Christmas time. We took our first Xmas time trip last December (stayed at the DLH again) and had a wonderful time. Like Sherry said--I did notice that the GC had lots of extra charm during the holiday season (really pretty tree, fireplace, lots of decorations, etc...) and I can see how it would feel very "winter challet" to stay there at that time of the year. So as we walked through the lobby to eat our breakfast at Storytellers on that trip I thought "...hmmmm, maybe for next Christmas?"--so I would consider it again.

So for our family the DLH is a better fit for us. We like having a really great view of the Peter Pan pool or Downtown Disney, and all of the extra room and Disney theme touches. The extra space (especially around the bathrooms and closet areas) helps us to have some breathing room. But the GC is a pretty hotel with a neat design, and I can see why people like it too. If I were going there with just my husband (sans kids--like that would ever happen ) I would maybe like to stay there.

Hope this helps. I am a die-hard fan of the DLH I even wrote a review on tripadvisor.com last night!

Take care,
Lisa

You sound like mem I agree with all your points! We loved the GCH, but the DLH is very special to us and its hard for us to elsewhere when in Disneyland. If we ever go at Chirstmas however, the GCH would be our choice. Also if dh and I went just the two of us, then the smaller rooms wouldn't be such an issue. So I don't think its overrated but for us, its not worth the extra pricetag when we are so happy at the DLH. I think everyone needs to try it and the DLH at least once, they are both very special.

 

[Silly Little Pixie]

Thanks for the reviews! I love the DLH, but have always dreamed of staying at the Grand Californian. I love Craftsman architecture... it would definitely have to be a trip for me and DH. We live locally so rarely stay at the hotels... and when I do it's typically not during low season!

Guess I'll keep better track of AP rates this year and see if I can squeeze in a romantic getaway. Everything everyone has said, is pretty much what I thought it might be like.

 

[kikiq]

Guess I'll keep better track of AP rates this year and see if I can squeeze in a romantic getaway. Everything everyone has said, is pretty much what I thought it might be like.

GCH is perfect for a getaway...that's what we did last month for my bday weekend. Loved the beds, stayed on the concierage floor and my dh loved working in the lounge while I slept in.

Overrated? No, overpriced if you are paying full price. That said...Napa Rose is NOT overrated or overpriced...pricey but worth every penny. If you can afford it, the food and wine were wonderful and the service was incredible. You can even make reservations to sit at the chef's counter to watch the kitchen. My only complaint was not with the resturant but with a family who sat down to dinner at 9:15pm with 2 tired chlldren and attempted to eat a leisiurely dinner with each child having their own melt down. The wait staff was wonderful in finding ways to keep them entertained and occupied while their parents ate dinner.

 

[JenDisneylandlver]

The views are also very limited. We paid for a deluxe view (I think that is what they call it--a higher level downtown Disney view) but because this hotel is only about 5 stories high (compared to the DLH which are towers) we were put on the third floor and could barely see anything--despite paying a premium rate.

If you do try it again, go for a DCA view. Those views are better than anything we've ever had at the DLH. Our balcony was right over GRR, just amazing. We even had a good view of the fireworks, and it was fun watching them open and close the park each day.

I'm partial to the DLH too. We love the pool and it just always feels so "disney" while were there.

 

[Silly Little Pixie]

GCH is perfect for a getaway...that's what we did last month for my bday weekend. Loved the beds, stayed on the concierage floor and my dh loved working in the lounge while I slept in.

Overrated? No, overpriced if you are paying full price. That said...Napa Rose is NOT overrated or overpriced...pricey but worth every penny. If you can afford it, the food and wine were wonderful and the service was incredible. You can even make reservations to sit at the chef's counter to watch the kitchen. My only complaint was not with the resturant but with a family who sat down to dinner at 9:15pm with 2 tired chlldren and attempted to eat a leisiurely dinner with each child having their own melt down. The wait staff was wonderful in finding ways to keep them entertained and occupied while their parents ate dinner.

Nice to hear that about Napa Rose. It would make a great anniversary dinner! We've done Storyteller's already. Good, but not Wow, kwim?

 

[Judy from Boise]

I agree with the sentiment that GC does what it does very well, but is a poor value from a financial perspective. Of course, if it is what makes you happy , then perhaps it is more priceless.....I think the coolest thing is the entrance into DCA.

 

[mt mommy]

It's a beautiful hotel with an excellent location. So no, I would never say it's overated. Over priced? Yes, if you pay full price. I can't justify paying $350-400 a night anywhere! We've only stayed there when we found a good deal!

Any good places to look for the "good deal" you were talking about??

 

[godalejunior]

We have stayed at GC once for a quick trip just DH and I. We loved the hotel. We did have the AP rate otherwise I would not pay full rack rate as it is too expensive. We choose DLH as we normally travel with DS whom is 6 and loves it there.

 

[Sherry E]

Could you not pull up, drop your bags with bell services and then go park across the street?

Having asked that--I love the GCH but can only stay there on occasion because it is PRICEY.

Yes, of course, you could do that if you wanted to, I suppose, but it is an extra pain that some people might not want to deal with, especially if you don't KNOW the guest parking is across the street and then you pull up at the hotel expecting to park, only to then have to drive across the street and then come back. Plus, if you have impatient or cranky people with you, or various people with aches and pains, like in my party, they just want to get into Disneyland and be done with it. Plus, I was not driving! My friend drove, and she preferred the valet idea. HOWEVER, when we checked out and had to get the car from valet, we waited a looooooong time for it! So bring a book and have something to read just in case! SOmetimes, you just want to be ready to leave and come out of the hotel and have the car just magically be there, but it doesn't work that way!

I was kind of annoyed that free guest parking was paid for in our package, and then we had valet prices to deal with as well, but it seemed to be the best choice at that time and we will probably end up doing it again in December.