Grand Californian or Disneyland Hotel?

[bennifer]

Let’s pretend that those are the only options for staying close to the parks. Which one would you choose and why?

 

[CaliforniaGirl09]

Grand. Location location location! DL hotel is fine but it can't compete with ease and access of GC IMO.

 

[bennifer]

Grand. Location location location! DL hotel is fine but it can't compete with ease and access of GC IMO.

That’s what I was leaning towards! Thanks!

 

[DLgal]

Grand for like 100 reasons right now. Mostly location, but also nicer rooms, better (and more) restaurants, better staff, better beds, no construction noise...

 

[seacruise]

We've walked around and eatten at both several times on previous trips, but never stayed at eather. Decided to stay at DL hotel over Grand for our trip later this week mostly because the kids liked the pool area and slides better. Construction noise concerned me a little bit, but we won't likely be there much while it is going on other than when swimming in the afternoons. Tangaroa Terrace and Trader Sams are open so that's pretty much all I need for food on site.

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

Both are really nice, and I'm leaning towards the Grand. Love their lobby and other nooks to relax in, and also really like their Hearthstone Lounge. Having said that, you can't go wrong with either one.

 

[disEAR]

Grand. Though we love both.

 

[somecrazedfan]

Let’s pretend that those are the only options for staying close to the parks. Which one would you choose and why?

Depends on what your priorities are.
Magical "traditional" Disney themed rooms, the OG Disneyland experience and easy access to Trader Sam's/Disneyland Hotel amenities..... or.....
A more sophisticated/adult vibe, slightly smaller rooms, but with balconies/patios and walk-in access to DTD/DCA on a whim?

I like both personally, it just depends what kind of atmosphere I'm looking for on that particular visit.

 

[Lillebelle]

I love that the Disneyland feels so...Disney-ish, but the location of the Grand is hard to beat. I also love the Hearthstone Lounge!

 

[whoever]

Wait...... I thought they WERE the only options. We only stay at one or the other. Pool is better at the DLH and the rooms are larger. The signature suites at the DLH crush the Grand's (But the Grand's are pretty amazing too). More cabanas at the DLH and they are situated in a better spot. DLH has Sam's and formerly, SH55 with are both amazing. Grand has the better lobby, and the best restaurant on site (Napa) if you don't take 21 Royal into account. Better views into DCA. Private entrance to DCA is so convenient. Acorn Gift shop has cooler stuff. Much closer to the parks to boot.

 

[Rolem]

I think the Grand Californian has a sense of place and the Disneyland hotel does not.

 

[DizMe]

If you have younger kids, then I'd say DLH. If you're planning on getting a suite, DLH. If you'll be going on Grizzly RR, GCH. If it's adults only or adults and older kids, GCH.

 

[PirateBrigade]

Grand -- location, and yes, the current construction at the DLH location (and the unknown noise/dust factor) is a concern for me until I get reports stating otherwise.

 

[bennifer]

Fantastic information! Thank you all! This will be our first trip to DLR and idk how often we'll be able to go back. I think GC wins

 

[Malcon10t]

We had been staying at the Grand for the last couple visits because the DLH wasnt open. Now that it reopened, our last trip last week, and our next trip in 2 weeks will be at the DLH. Our group just really prefers the larger rooms, the more Disney feel, and for us, the more welcoming feel. The walk (which we timed) thru DTD is 5 mins further from the entrance to Sephora to the Hat at DLH. For us, the walk is worth it, especially if you have a room further away in the hotel.

 

[bennifer]

We had been staying at the Grand for the last couple visits because the DLH wasnt open. Now that it reopened, our last trip last week, and our next trip in 2 weeks will be at the DLH. Our group just really prefers the larger rooms, the more Disney feel, and for us, the more welcoming feel. The walk (which we timed) thru DTD is 5 mins further from the entrance to Sephora to the Hat at DLH. For us, the walk is worth it, especially if you have a room further away in the hotel.

And now I'm back to not knowing which to pick I always thought DLR was more "quintessential Disneyland", but the location and the grandness of GCH looked hard to beat.
Also, when does booking for the next year usually start? We aren't going until June 2022, but I like to have my plans on the books!

 

[Disneyland1084]

Though I like DL hotel's pool better, I'd go with the Grand because of location, and it's a shorter walk to the entrance to DL. I've stayed at both, the last being the DL hotel in 2018 because it was closest to the monorail. But during our whole trip there we only rode it twice because it doesn't run when it's too hot. What a rip off!

 

[kristensideaoffun]

We stayed at GCH in June and our room was the equivalent or further away than any room we’ve ever had in the DLH Adventure tower. We had a DTD view, but our was at the very end of the wing of the building with no direct access to it, so we had to walk all the way through the hotel and then double-back. It was sooooo tiring. I’d much prefer walking through DTD to our usual concierge room in the Adventure tower. We will be staying at DLH for our next trip in October. We love the pools, Trader Sams, and the concierge lounge.

 

[DizMe]

We stayed at GCH in June and our room was the equivalent or further away than any room we’ve ever had in the DLH Adventure tower. We had a DTD view, but our was at the very end of the wing of the building with no direct access to it, so we had to walk all the way through the hotel and then double-back. It was sooooo tiring. I’d much prefer walking through DTD to our usual concierge room in the Adventure tower. We will be staying at DLH for our next trip in October. We love the pools, Trader Sams, and the concierge lounge.

This is a great point--be cautious about where they put you in GCH. My tip is to go with standard or courtyard view and request "close to elevator." Honestly, the view isn't worth paying extra for IMO, and you'll often get as good or better in any room near an elevator.

 

[whoever]

This is a great point--be cautious about where they put you in GCH. My tip is to go with standard or courtyard view and request "close to elevator." Honestly, the view isn't worth paying extra for IMO, and you'll often get as good or better in any room near an elevator.

Best views and location IMHO is right above Napa Rose. My favorite room blocks