I have stayed at all three hotels and all three towers at DLH so here are my thoughts:
PPH - least expensive; nice size rooms; great view of DCA at upper resort view; discontinued the private entrance into DCA - now you go through the GC - not sure if this is permanent or just for off season; recently rennovated rooms - much more Disney theming to tie in with Paradise Pier beach theme; new roller coaster slide at the pool; furthest from the park (but honestly, it is not that bad!); has mini fridge & coffee maker; no balconies. Overall, a great Disney hotel if you want to stay onsite but need to watch the budget.
GC - most expensive; smaller rooms; best location with private entrance into DCA; beautiful architechure, however, more woodsy; can be a long walk to rooms from elevator; only hotel with bunk beds (they aren't full size twins and you can only request them - no guarantees); great pool with redwood tree slide; easy to relax poolside and still see your kids swimming; spa services; special peak for GC guests only in DCA about 15 min before opening - CM shares some DCA trivia and you get to ride Soarin'; has coffee maker; must special request mini fridge but has mini bar (beware, items are on sensor and if you move them, they show up on your bill); upgraded soaps and shampoos; real balconies; if you have DTD view, you can see the fireworks. Overall, wonderful luxury hotel right in DCA but more like Yosemite, not Disney.
DLH - my personal fave!! Great Disney touches everywhere; great pool with slide but can get crowded; pixie dust in room wallpaper borders that glows in the dark; rooms with 2 queens and daybeds are 50 sq ft larger than regular rooms with just 2 queens; feel like you never leave the park; very small balconies; has mini fridge, no coffee maker but they will bring you one if you ask. As far as the towers go: Bonita Tower is quietest with waterfalls and koi pond but slightly further away; you can watch Fantasy Water Show from balcony if you have lagoon view; Marina is main tower, older rooms; convenient to everything; Sierra Tower is most recently rennovated; closest to Monorail and DTD; either view is great - pool/resort or DTD (if you are high enough up with DTD view, you can see the fireworks.
Overall, I would recommend the DLH in the Sierra Tower. Your kids will love the pool and it has the best Disney atmosphere!! When we stay there, we feel more immersed in the magic!!
