HoJo vs. Disneyland Hotel

[jsaul5364]

This question is to anyone who has stayed both at the HoJo Plaza and at the Disneyland Hotel. We have stayed at the HoJo and loved it. But my DD is asking to stay at one of the Disney Hotels.
What do you get at DLH that justifies the price difference?

Thanks in advance!

___________________________
Next trip to DLR - June 2012

 

[LisainCalifornia]

This is an impossible question to answer--because it depends what you value and what you think is worth it. It is always worth it to us (it is a while different vacation experience when you stay on property--and the DLH is our favorite on property hotel) but that doesn't mean we can always afford it. We have stayed at Hojos 3 times now, and it is a good solid choice for a hotel on Harbor. Even there, we always spring for a DL view room and I request the 7th floor, but it isn't th same as staying at the DL Hotel. I know what I am getting there--and it isn't anywhere the same experience as an on property hotel.

If your daughter wants to stay there and you have the money to spend, then by all means give it a try. If your budget doesn't allow a stay there, then just explain that to her.

I personally love a great hotel. It is half the experience of the vacation to me. If I am willing to pay that much for a good hotel room, then I am typically am willing to pay for a good view. There is nothing like opening your curtains in you hotel room and being right there at the Disneyland Hotel--overlooking the pool or downtown Disney. Seeing all of the beautifully done disney touches is a great added bonus to spending time in the parks. We don't spend every second in the parks no matter the hotel, so having a good hotel to go back to and crash at is a heavenly retreat.

You will likely find just as many people who tried it once and don't think it is worth it. The one thing that is important to know is that if you are looking for bargins (and I am the ultimate bargin hunter)--then you need to wait for 2-3 months prior to your travel dates to see how much Disney will drop their prices. We are going in June, and there is nothing out there yet because Disney is still focused on Spring offers. People will start planning right now for summer, and go to disney.com and see that rooms are full price and compare that to a sale price they go on a Harbor hotel--and of course there is no comparison. Typically you can at least get your DLR hotel 25-35 off depending on the day and hotel.

 

[kkmcan]

We've been to DL dozens of times and never stayed on property. I would really love to though!!! Actually been dying to try at least it one time. But I add up the cost of 4 night stay at a motel vs a Disney resort and end up staying across the street somewhere (hojos, park vue, etc). I just can't justify the extra $400-$700 it would cost us.

I know that money could be spent on getting in another trip that year. I will always go for more Disney vs luxury Disney.

Now if a deal came along that I couldn't pass up then I might take the plunge and try it, but so far I haven't ever seen any drop dead rates.

 

[kelmac284]

I just did this exact thing this past weekend. We had a week long trip and stayed in several different hotels in different locations. We had the DLH booked for Fri and Sat of our trip and then our plans changed and we needed a few extra nights. It was too much to go to DLH but we opted for Hojo with their retro rates. I really like this hotel and it is a great choice if you are on a budget. HOWEVER if you can afford the Disney properties it makes it so magical.

The new rooms were incredible and just the little things like the chocolates on your pillow and the birthday treats they sometimes give etc. Plus just being their to use the pool, restaurants etc. Was so nice. Not saying you can't use the restaurants but I just mean if you are there you can just walk down and have a nice evening and then you are RIGHT there.

We usually have to stay on Harbor but my mom travels with us and has gotten quite spoiled on the Disney properties and so the last few trips we have done the Grand, PP and now the DLH. YES it is expensive and we can't always swing it but it makes it SO much more fun in my opinion when you can.

 

[jcarwash]

The new rooms were incredible and just the little things like the chocolates on your pillow and the birthday treats they sometimes give etc.

What type of room did you have / what building were you in? Looking to stay at Hojo for the first time this year.

 

[DisneyJamieCA]

Sorry, double post

 

[DisneyJamieCA]

It's just different. We have stayed at Hojo a lot and we love it there. It is our go-to hotel.

There is just something magical about staying onsite & I can't even put into words. I feel like even when we go back to our room, we haven't left Disney. If our budget allowed us, I would absolutely stay onsite every time.

Actual benefits to us are the early entries, Vacation planning and this last trip, concierge service. Whether they justify the price is up to you.

 

[DisneyMomma81]

You could try a split stay *we've done so several times* start off site and switch to the DLH for your last night or 2 - we like to time it so we get an extra MM.

We love the HoJo and the DLH.

 

[nicolispicoli]

I agree with DisneyMomma, a split might be a good place to start. We usually stay at the DLH, but last weekend we opted for Hojo's since we had no kids. It was lovely there, the retro rates were amazing and the walk just as far as walking down the entire length of DTD to the park from the DLH. While I didn't feel the magic at Hojo's, I didn't really need to because of having no kids. We're returning in October and thinking of doing a split stay. As of right now, we have a retro room booked at Hojo's, but we're thinking of doing 2 days at Hojo's and 2 days at GCH, depending on what kind of rates come up as it gets closer.

Overall, it's just the feel of staying on site that is more magical to me and my family. Also, since we're AP holders, it's definitely nice to have magic morning. I think the amount of stuff we get done in those MM's make it worth it. We usually average 3-4 MM's during our trips and since we have little ones, that Fantasyland MM time is sooooo nice!!