Grand Californian standard room or Disneyland hotel club level?

[Pluto468]

For our May trip I'm so torn. I could stay in a standard room at GCH or a club level room at DLH. I've done club level at DLH before and loved it, but I've really been wanting to try Grand Californian.

Last time we stayed at DLH the walk at night felt SO long, but I heard the monorail runs later now and the Paradise Pier DCA entrance seems like it would make a big difference at least on our DCA start days.

Are the courtyard view rooms at GCH nice enough to choose over club level at DLH? I like the idea of having a balcony and generally hear great things about GCH.

Disneyland Hotel would be $200 more for the stay.

I know these "1 hotel vs 2 hotel" posts are tricky because everyone has different preferences, just curious to hear what people think

 

[Malcon10t]

I don't particularly care for the Grand. Rooms are smaller, halls are long. We prefer DLH.

 

[DizMe]

This is such a personal preference that I hesitate to comment, but just take what I say as my opinion and not necessarily what you (or others) might find.

First, I stayed DLH concierge in December (split stay with GCH standard room). Going from GCH to DLH felt, to me, like a downgrade even though we went from standard GCH to concierge level DLH (with a gorgeous view of DTD). Construction was going on then for the new things going in at that end of DTD but we were high enough that it didn't affect much but the downward view.

Standard rooms at GCH are the same as the other rooms, and the view is the only difference. Honestly, we always book standard because there aren't any view rooms that I care much about and almost every standard room I've ever had there has had a nice view anyway. I'm more concerned with location of the room--I like easy/quick access to an elevator. If it's cheaper (and sometimes it's not, depending on what specials are being offered), I always book a standard room. Exception would be be if I were to splurge for concierge or if they're offering a special that makes an upgraded room cheaper.

DLH seems so much older and more dated. The rooms are larger, but the feel is "aging" and somewhat worn. The bathroom setup isn't as good for me (I like the vanity outside the bathroom as it's much easier for getting ready when someone else is in the bathroom). We were one floor below the lounge and it often took forever to get an elevator. The elevators at GCH are very fast--much newer and the GCH has a lot fewer floors. There is no comparison between the small lobby at DLH that isn't designed for much besides waiting for your party to check in and the one at GCH, which is a central hub for the entire hotel.

DLH has TS's/Tangaroa which is awesome, and a lot of people like Goofy's (I'm not one of them) but nothing much in the way of dining beyond that. It's not very close to anything else compared to GCH, though you can have things delivered. Since you'd be staying concierge, that's probably not as important.

The pools/waterslides are wonderful at DLH, especially if you have kids. It's not of much importance to me except that I like to look at it, ha ha! I like the dining terrace next to the pool at GCH, but again, I'm not much of a pool person.

As you said, the walk back to DLH can seem sooooo long sometimes, but having the monorail close is nice.
I like having a dedicated security entrance to/from GCH and the dedicated entrance to DCA is great. I think the new entrance across from PPH will make it a lot nicer for DLH guests but I've not used it.

Now, I only had 2 partial days of concierge lounge at DLH, so not much time for a true assessment, but I found almost nothing there that was worth eating. Granted, I'm picky, but the food was mostly quick-serve junk food that looked really pretty. We definitely did not get our money's worth from the food and drink. Last time I stayed concierge at DLH the food was really good. This time, it was seriously disappointing.

I didn't stay concierge at GCH so I don't know how it compares, but I'd a whole lot rather stay GCH standard than DLH concierge. Again, others seem to love it so that's just my thoughts.

 

[chezcurrie]

I’d do the Grand just to mix it up! Then you’ll know for future trips. We wouldn’t take enough advantage of the snacks in the lounge, which is why I personally would lean to the Grand. The walk back at night is just ::chefs kiss::

EDIT: The $200 savings could buy a lot of snacks for your room (or drinks from Hearthstone Lounge…)

 

[Rich M]

I would take the Grand overall just for the ability to be back to my room quicker.

 

[HIRyeDVC]

Save the money and go with Grand since you've never tried. You'll definitely use up that $200 and more, eating at GCH. But the distance to the parks (especially DCA) is worth it alone. DLH hotel is nostalgic and cute. But GCH is next level in terms of theming, immersion, and bubble.

 

[joseph821]

For our May trip I'm so torn. I could stay in a standard room at GCH or a club level room at DLH. I've done club level at DLH before and loved it, but I've really been wanting to try Grand Californian.

Last time we stayed at DLH the walk at night felt SO long, but I heard the monorail runs later now and the Paradise Pier DCA entrance seems like it would make a big difference at least on our DCA start days.

Are the courtyard view rooms at GCH nice enough to choose over club level at DLH? I like the idea of having a balcony and generally hear great things about GCH.

Disneyland Hotel would be $200 more for the stay.

I know these "1 hotel vs 2 hotel" posts are tricky because everyone has different preferences, just curious to hear what people think

HI. I had to make the same choice. I decided to do the GCH - Woods Courtyard room vs. DL Hotel Premium View.
I will be going in August. I have never stayed at GCH. It only $93 dollars more for the 6 nights at GCH so I booked.

 

[GoofyGoofyGoofy]

For our May trip I'm so torn. I could stay in a standard room at GCH or a club level room at DLH. I've done club level at DLH before and loved it, but I've really been wanting to try Grand Californian.

Last time we stayed at DLH the walk at night felt SO long, but I heard the monorail runs later now and the Paradise Pier DCA entrance seems like it would make a big difference at least on our DCA start days.

Are the courtyard view rooms at GCH nice enough to choose over club level at DLH? I like the idea of having a balcony and generally hear great things about GCH.

Disneyland Hotel would be $200 more for the stay.

I know these "1 hotel vs 2 hotel" posts are tricky because everyone has different preferences, just curious to hear what people think

I know what ever hotel you decide, you will have a good time. My family has tried all 3 hotels, and we prefer the Grand. Location is nice. Having the exits/entrances to DTD and DCA is a plus. If you have young kids that would love the pools you may want the DLH. If you have older kids that love riding Grizzly Rapids until they are totally soaked, GCH is for you.
What ever you decide, have a great time!

 

[ClaraOswald]

I know what ever hotel you decide, you will have a good time. My family has tried all 3 hotels, and we prefer the Grand. Location is nice. Having the exits/entrances to DTD and DCA is a plus. If you have young kids that would love the pools you may want the DLH. If you have older kids that love riding Grizzly Rapids until they are totally soaked, GCH is for you.
What ever you decide, have a great time!

I haven't ridden Grizzly in years because I hate walking around soaked. (We're normally on Harbor.) On our next trip, it will be summertime and we'll be at the Grand so I'm super excited to finally get back on it and then go right back to the room to change or for a break.

Personally, I'd rather save the money and stay closer. But I honestly know nothing about club level except that you get snacks or something. But I'd rather just get snack at DTD or Craftsman Grill at the GC.

 

[RoseColored97]

I've said on here before, but we much prefer DLH. I dreamt of staying at GCH ever since I was really young. I thought it would be so amazing being so close. When I finally got the chance, 20 years later, (last year) to stay at the GCH I was so disappointed. The rooms are smaller/darker/more dated, the hallways are louder and longer, the common areas are much more crowded all the time between Napa Rose/lobby being packed/people using it as a shortcut. DLH is so quiet and charming (seriously, it's serene stepping out of DtD with just how quiet the ambient noise is), it's just where we love staying and fits our wants so much better.

GCH has it's lobby and proximity going for it. Typically, you'll not be able to get a spot to sit in the lobby unless you dedicate time to wait for a spot to open up (at least when we've been there, maybe our problem was that we didn't hover near the rocking chairs or couches long enough but I didn't want to awkwardly wait). So, that leaves the proximity as really the only perk. To take advantage of EMH, you need to be up pretty early because the lines at both the DCA entrance and courtyard DtD entrance get long quick. But that's the same for DLH/PPP, too.

If you are like me and really want to experience GCH at least once, do it and that way you can see for yourself. It really helped me to know and not feel like I was missing out on anything. I happily book my DLH CL room in peace now

 

[RoseColored97]

Another factor is that they brought back turndown service for CL guests. That was incredible coming back to a made up room, fresh towels/robes, chocolates on the bed, they even put a fireplace on the TV (I think the channel was called Arendelle Yule Log) so it was on when we came back to the room. That, plus unlimited mimosas, snacks/lunch/dinner, and dedicated CMs...we were in Heaven!

 

[twodogs]

We LOVE the GCH. The proximity is unbeatable. We have stayed CL and have stayed at DLH several times also. I just do not think DLH **for us** is the right fit. It feels so far after a long park day. And the hotel feels like a hotel, whereas GCH feels like a resort, to us.

I love being able to grab drinks from Hearthstone and bring them back to the room after a long night. We have teens, and they appreciate the better parks access at all hours of the day and night. Our kids aren’t into the water slides at either hotel, so that is a non-factor for us. CL is nice when my parents are with us, as they like to have a slower start to the day and enjoy the lounge. For us, we are RD, let’s get on the rides, folks, so the CL is lost on us.

We always book Woods/Courtyard view and love the quiet balcony, usually with the monorail to watch. I think that view is the best value in the resort.

You will have a great time either way, but if it is me, GCH every time now. We only do DLH if GCH is booked.

 

[AstroBlasters]

I think others have summed up the pros/cons of each property.

I will add on that DLH will most likely be a lot better once all of the new DVC tower construction is done and opens in September…. But that also is another 350 rooms of people on the DLH property.

I will also comment that being able to check in and out on the DLand app has helped with the congestion in the GC lobby.

 

[Chili327]

You wont know until you try it.

 

[DizMe]

There are some downsides to this, but you could try staying at GCH and moving to DLH concierge on your last night. That would give you 2 days of concierge to try it out. We did that in Dec. Our last day wasn't a park day and our flight home wasn't until evening. If you're staying concierge, you have access to the lounge both days, starting at 7 or 8 am check-in day. They will move your bags for you, too.

The main downside is no access to your room until afternoon of the first day when you move and not having your bags. If you were wanting that move day as a pool day, it would be somewhat inconvenient.

It does give you the chance to compare the 2 options.

 

[Pluto468]

Thanks for all the input! I'm going to try the Grand, just because I've always wanted to. I'll either love it or will know I'm not missing much lol. If I can swing it I'll try to get club level there, but even a courtyard room would be neat to try.

 

[Rich M]

Thanks for all the input! I'm going to try the Grand, just because I've always wanted to. I'll either love it or will know I'm not missing much lol. If I can swing it I'll try to get club level there, but even a courtyard room would be neat to try.

You will love it. At the end of the night I walk back to the Grand everynight and wish I was staying there as I call for my Lyft to my hotel. I love being able to get quickly back to my room after a long day at the parks or even after a few hours in the park

 

[austinalexander]

I've said on here before, but we much prefer DLH. I dreamt of staying at GCH ever since I was really young. I thought it would be so amazing being so close. When I finally got the chance, 20 years later, (last year) to stay at the GCH I was so disappointed. The rooms are smaller/darker/more dated, the hallways are louder and longer, the common areas are much more crowded all the time between Napa Rose/lobby being packed/people using it as a shortcut. DLH is so quiet and charming (seriously, it's serene stepping out of DtD with just how quiet the ambient noise is), it's just where we love staying and fits our wants so much better.

GCH has it's lobby and proximity going for it. Typically, you'll not be able to get a spot to sit in the lobby unless you dedicate time to wait for a spot to open up (at least when we've been there, maybe our problem was that we didn't hover near the rocking chairs or couches long enough but I didn't want to awkwardly wait). So, that leaves the proximity as really the only perk. To take advantage of EMH, you need to be up pretty early because the lines at both the DCA entrance and courtyard DtD entrance get long quick. But that's the same for DLH/PPP, too.

If you are like me and really want to experience GCH at least once, do it and that way you can see for yourself. It really helped me to know and not feel like I was missing out on anything. I happily book my DLH CL room in peace now

The rooms are definitely not dated. Did you stay in a DVC room? Those are much older than the refurbished rooms that were done in 2018, which are very bright and updated inside. They also have nice ambient lighting going around the perimeter of the walls.

 

[ClaraOswald]

The rooms are definitely not dated. Did you stay in a DVC room? Those are much older than the refurbished rooms that were done in 2018, which are very bright and updated inside. They also have nice ambient lighting going around the perimeter of the walls.

Good question! Because we were just there this year (hotel room, not DVC) and the room was not dated to me at all. Unless one just finds Craftsman style dated, perhaps?

 

[DizMe]

Good question! Because we were just there this year (hotel room, not DVC) and the room was not dated to me at all. Unless one just finds Craftsman style dated, perhaps?

The irony is that I find DLH dated. Sometimes, that's in a good way, as it has preserved some of its original flavor. But to me, our room felt "old" from the perspective of plumbing, configuration, certain fixtures, and sloooooow elevators in some areas--I mean, it's much older than GCH and in some ways, even with updating, that's part of what you get. I do still love it, but I now prefer GCH for the fresher design and the many options on site. DLH used to have a lot of dining choices and I hope they will bring some back.

I think you may be right about pp referencing DVC rooms and not the regular hotel rooms. Then again, sometimes it doesn't take long for hotel rooms to start showing wear, so maybe it was a room that had seen a little more wear and tear?