Help please - Disneyland Hotel or Grand Californian?

[Disneyfriend]

I just found out we're doing a 4-night stay at the Disneyland Resort in July 2003. We have business in the LA area for a few hours on one of the days, so after we take care of that on check-in day we'll end up with three full days of touring.

Anyway, we've stayed several times at the DLH before and enjoyed it very much. I'm trying to decide between going with a "known" quantity or trying something new with the Grand Californian.

I'm trying to surprise my family, so can't ask them directly. I know my husband would be impressed with the beautiful lobby at the Grand Californian. Our whole family would love the convenience of being steps away from both parks.

On the other hand, I know we'd get more bang for our buck at the Disneyland Hotel. We would even - if we really stretched - be able to splurge on the concierge level at the DLH for around $300/night. ($200 is more our budget, though.)

We're eligible for military discounts, but those rates haven't yet been released for July.

Last year we lucked into some great rates at WDW for the concierge at both the Polynesian and the Animal Kingdom Lodge. They were both awesome - and I think it will be hard to give up that concierge level since we all enjoyed it so much! But I really don't think we could swing the $400 or so for GC concierge.

My two girls are 9 and 11, so convenience is nice, but we're not dealing with sleeping toddlers, strollers, etc.

Any advice for me? In addition to a general recommendation, I have the following specific questions:

1. Are the rooms in the GC noticably smaller than at the DLH?

2. What are the bathrooms like at both? Is the toilet/tub area separate from the sink, so that two people can be getting ready at the same time? (We usually stayed in the Bungalow rooms at the DLH, which are now gone, and it's been so long since I've stayed in one of the tower rooms that I can't remember the bathroom set up.)

3. If we end up going for the GC, is it worth it to get a theme park view? If so, do you overlook DL or DCA?

4. If you had to choose between a regular room at GC (perhaps one with a view) and a concierge room at DLH, which would you pick and why?

Overall, where do you think we should stay? Assuming we can get a military discount of approximately:

$383-401 for GC concierge
$288 for GC theme park view
$239 for GC standard view
$306 for DLH concierge
$139-159 for DLH non-concierge


Thanks for any help you all can offer. We're moving off of the continental US for several years, so this will be the last Disney trip for quite some time!

Thank you in advance!

Disneyfriend

 

[LuvTigger]

I've stayed at both, but DLH was a while ago. I stayed at GC last October, and I really like GC. I felt almost like I was in a WDW resort (my fav is WL). However, the rooms are smaller than DLH, but the theming is terrific. I guess for me, the size of the room wasn't that big a deal because it was just two of us, not a family.

I can't remember the bathrooms at DLH, but at GC, the sinks are outside the tub/toilet area, and there are two sinks, so yes, several people can be getting ready at the same time.

We had a theme-park view and LOVED it (overlooks DCA only--which part depends on the room). Our room overlooked the pool and we could see the other wing on the other side, and Grizzly Peak was just behind/above that. Standing on our balcony and looking toward the park to the right, we had a view of Paradise Pier including the Sunwheel and CA Screamin'. However, while we were walking around the resort, we both agreed that any view would have been okay with us. The only thing is the ones overlooking DD don't offer as much privacy when you're looking over the balcony because the day-guests are walking around too.

As far as which to pick, DLH concierge vs. GC, I personally would pick GC because I just love the atmosphere there. Also, from what I understand, concierge at the DL resorts is not the same as at the WDW resorts. However, I've never stayed concierge, so someone else could probably answer this better than me.

If I could afford to, I would stay at GC theme-park or pool view every trip!

 

[Michelle]

Hi Disneyfriend!

Here's my two cents. I LOVE the Grand Californian, but the rooms are very noticeably smaller than the rooms at the Disneyland Hotel. With two children I think I'd opt for the extra space at the Disneyland Hotel rooms and if you can swing it, definitely do concierge as well.

If you go with the Grand Californian, the theme park views range from directly viewing DCA to overlooking the pool with DCA in the background.

Good luck deciding!

 

[DopeysGal]

We've stayed at both Disneyland Hotel and Grand Californian and we loved GC. I wasn't impressed at all with DH but it was about 6 years ago and GC was brand new when we were there. The lobby is spectacular and we loved just sitting in the big easy chairs watching the people. Our room had a queen size (I think) bed and a set of bunk beds with a trundle underneath, even though it was just 2 of us. We liked the easy access to both DCA and DD. My son actually liked hanging out at GC instead of being at DCA, lol.
I would pick GC if this is going to be your last trip for awhile.

 

[*Flower*]

The last time I stayed at the DH was on my honeymoon (we won't discuss how long ago).
We stayed at the GC Concierge (Military rate) during the last week of August.

We've also done the AKL Concierge (GREAT rate), and did notice that even though the Concierge Lounge at the GC is on the top floor, you need to show your room key to the staff to get in.

People are really piggy (no matter where you are), and take numerous FULL plates of food to their rooms.

Our room was very comfortable (1 King bed & convertible sofa for 2 adults), and my DB and family (2 adults, 2 kids) were very comfortable in a QQ room. Mousekeeping made up the convertible sofa, even though we didn't need it. Turndown service was wonderful!! If we could get the same rate, we'd do it again!!

We went back again 2 nights later (just DH and me) and stayed in a regular room at the GC. We had a DTD view (in Concierge we had a theme park view) and STILL got turndown service!!!

We were really impressed!!!

Hope this helps............