I got GCH this morning - deciding between that and the westin - help please

[starlite_]

Yes, $150 per night is not a negligible amount for most people. There are plenty of things I could do with that much money! But to be fair, there is something of a return on that money spent at GCH. For one, early entry. I honestly don't know yet how much of a bonus that is but I'll find out soon. For another, walking that distance. To many people, the Westin walk is just too far when you factor in all of the additional walking you do in the parks. You could ride share, but that's an expense not figured into the Westin cost. Granted, $20/day to ride share isn't going to come close to balancing the cost, but it's also taking time.

There are also intangible benefits for many from being on Disney property, like the feeling of being "in the bubble," having park access directly from the hotel, being able to go back and forth easily, and so on.

So staying on site can provide something for that extra money and staying off property can come with hidden costs. It's not going to be equal by any means, but it's enough to make it worth the extra for a lot of people, but there are still many who either can't or won't pay it. I've been in both sets of shoes.

$150 per night. $600 as per OP for the trip is like 5 month groceries for me. I don't know, I understand that ppl find value in it so they pay it. But to me, I can't understand that there are soooo many complains about how value has gone down, and it's soooo expensive now, and lost magic when they are at the same time throwing money at a $400 min per night hotel . Of course it's gonna be super expensive when you are paying premium for a bed! Like, it makes no sense to me at all. So much money for what? 30 extra minutes at Fantasyland? There are so many other cheaper hotels right across the street from the esplanade that require no walking. I find it bizarre, I guess I'm just not fancy enough or something to get it. For that amount of money for a 4 day stay I can literally go to Japan.

 

[DisneylandFan22]

The OP is the one who said the $150 difference was not that much.

 

[lalasmama]

$150 per night. $600 as per OP for the trip is like 5 month groceries for me. I don't know, I understand that ppl find value in it so they pay it. But to me, I can't understand that there are soooo many complains about how value has gone down, and it's soooo expensive now, and lost magic when they are at the same time throwing money at a $400 min per night hotel . Of course it's gonna be super expensive when you are paying premium for a bed! Like, it makes no sense to me at all. So much money for what? 30 extra minutes at Fantasyland? There are so many other cheaper hotels right across the street from the esplanade that require no walking. I find it bizarre, I guess I'm just not fancy enough or something to get it. For that amount of money for a 4 day stay I can literally go to Japan.

Could you perhaps word your response so that it doesn't sound like you are shaming people for their income level or what they can afford or not afford?.... There's no need to make people feel guilty for their financial situation.

We all value differently whatever money we have. We have a frequent poster who uses plaids every visit. Do we need to comment negatively about what a waste of money that is? What about people who go to DLR but can only afford quick service-- is it reasonable for them to shame those eating at sit-down restaurants?

You state you spend $600 in groceries over 5 months. We spend that in 6 weeks. Does that make one of us wrong? Nope. Just means we are individuals.

 

[katyringo]

Two thoughts OP..

We stayed at DLH recently and loved it. WE used Early Entry every day (5 park days)... but doing EE takes dedication and a plan. Will your family wake up by 530 am every day? Do you have enough DCA days that you will really use the designated entrance?

We loved DLH and the grounds there.. but when we walked to CGH we always felt it was SO busy over there. The lobby, the entrance. it always seems slammed. DLH was peaceful retreat from the parks. We had an amazing experience at the Napa rose princess breakfast, but storytellers was SO busy. We walked through the grand alot on this last trip and it literally just felt like an extension of DTD to us.


Some of the posters on here would faint at the amount of money we spend for 7 nights at the DLH, 5 park days, oogie boogie bash and all the special meals/packages we did. $150 night difference would also make me consider on site.

 

[starlite_]

Could you perhaps word your response so that it doesn't sound like you are shaming people for their income level or what they can afford or not afford?.... There's no need to make people feel guilty for their financial situation.

We all value differently whatever money we have. We have a frequent poster who uses plaids every visit. Do we need to comment negatively about what a waste of money that is? What about people who go to DLR but can only afford quick service-- is it reasonable for them to shame those eating at sit-down restaurants?

You state you spend $600 in groceries over 5 months. We spend that in 6 weeks. Does that make one of us wrong? Nope. Just means we are individuals.

I am not shaming anyone for what they can or cannot afford. I am stating how bizarre is is to see ppl spend so much money just to complain later that they spent so much money and having that color their whole experience. How "the magic is gone. And honestly, at the end of the day GCH is just a hotel. A very pretty and nicely located hotel, but a hotel either way.

I see so many folks getting upset at the smallest things because it "ruins" their vacation. Of course they do if they are spending $$$$ money, folks wanna feel like they are "getting their money's worth", everything must be perfect, that's what to me feels like a loss of magic. It's weird and I wish I had data because I'm pretty sure there is some psychological thing happening here that I can't really put my finger on. So many comments about there being more rude guests on both coasts. Rude guests leads to rude cast members (which I've never encountered but I could understand). I don't know, it seems to me that if there wasn't such a trend about getting the perfect ADR, or the most fancy hotel with the best view, or the latest pop corn bucket or whatever the expensive item of the day is we wouldn't have so many problems. At least I feel like the nickle and diming Disney is doing would be less effective. And I'm not saying it's guests fault, it's simply a weird vicious cycle we are feeding and normally I wouldn't care but seeing so many upset ppl with October trips kinda got me thinking.

Again, could be just me that is weird and not fancy and too young to get it. Folks are free to use their money in whatever way they want.
---
I'm unsure what you mean by plaids, is that the checkered shirts? Why would anyone comment on what others wear? Weird comparison.

 

[katyringo]

I am not shaming anyone for what they can or cannot afford. I am stating how bizarre is is to see ppl spend so much money just to complain later that they spent so much money and having that color their whole experience. How "the magic is gone. And honestly, at the end of the day GCH is just a hotel. A very pretty and nicely located hotel, but a hotel either way.

I see so many folks getting upset at the smallest things because it "ruins" their vacation. Of course they do if they are spending $$$$ money, folks wanna feel like they are "getting their money's worth", everything must be perfect, that's what to me feels like a loss of magic. It's weird and I wish I had data because I'm pretty sure there is some psychological thing happening here that I can't really put my finger on. So many comments about there being more rude guests on both coasts. Rude guests leads to rude cast members (which I've never encountered but I could understand). I don't know, it seems to me that if there wasn't such a trend about getting the perfect ADR, or the most fancy hotel with the best view, or the latest pop corn bucket or whatever the expensive item of the day is we wouldn't have so many problems. At least I feel like the nickle and diming Disney is doing would be less effective. And I'm not saying it's guests fault, it's simply a weird vicious cycle we are feeding and normally I wouldn't care but seeing so many upset ppl with October trips kinda got me thinking.

Again, could be just me that is weird and not fancy and too young to get it. Folks are free to use their money in whatever way they want.
---
I'm unsure what you mean by plaids, is that the checkered shirts? Why would anyone comment on what others wear? Weird comparison.

What a weird response.

Plaids are VIP tours. Around $600 per hour with 6 hour minimum.

 

[foolish_mortals]

I am not shaming anyone for what they can or cannot afford. I am stating how bizarre is is to see ppl spend so much money just to complain later that they spent so much money and having that color their whole experience. How "the magic is gone. And honestly, at the end of the day GCH is just a hotel. A very pretty and nicely located hotel, but a hotel either way.

I see so many folks getting upset at the smallest things because it "ruins" their vacation. Of course they do if they are spending $$$$ money, folks wanna feel like they are "getting their money's worth", everything must be perfect, that's what to me feels like a loss of magic. It's weird and I wish I had data because I'm pretty sure there is some psychological thing happening here that I can't really put my finger on. So many comments about there being more rude guests on both coasts. Rude guests leads to rude cast members (which I've never encountered but I could understand). I don't know, it seems to me that if there wasn't such a trend about getting the perfect ADR, or the most fancy hotel with the best view, or the latest pop corn bucket or whatever the expensive item of the day is we wouldn't have so many problems. At least I feel like the nickle and diming Disney is doing would be less effective. And I'm not saying it's guests fault, it's simply a weird vicious cycle we are feeding and normally I wouldn't care but seeing so many upset ppl with October trips kinda got me thinking.

Again, could be just me that is weird and not fancy and too young to get it. Folks are free to use their money in whatever way they want.
---
I'm unsure what you mean by plaids, is that the checkered shirts? Why would anyone comment on what others wear? Weird comparison.

I think it’s okay to pay a lot for a service or item that you can’t get anywhere else and still complain about value. Especially if the price has gone up and the quality down.

I see it as no different than complaining about shrinkflation at the grocery store. Sure, I could buy the store brand Cinnamon Toast Crunch and save some money but it tastes awful. So I buy the branded version because I prefer the taste but I can still be salty about a smaller package at a higher price.

OP I stay at the GCH for the convenience. If the price difference is negligible to you stay at the GCH. I have had a good time post Covid, but maybe that’s because I never cared for the chocolates on the pillow.

 

[KPeterso]

I wonder how many of the people raving about the Grand, saying it's "only" $150 more per night, etc. have stayed there since COVID. Yes, it is still in the same convenient location has the same beautiful design and decor, and allows access to the parks 30 minutes early in the mornings. But it has lost as much of the magic as the parks in terms of nickel-and-diming and cutbacks, has more grumpy/indifferent CMs than ever before, is actually difficult to get food & beverage, and is simply not comparable to other hotels anywhere at its price point. I used to be a big proponent of the Grand, but my family won't be staying there again until things change, and unless the benefits I described far outweigh any other factors, can't recommend others stay there either. Sadly we had the same experience at our one post-COVID DLH stay, and I can't bring myself to stay at the PPH until the renovations are complete and they at the very least offer on-site dining again. Meanwhile, the area in the immediate vicinity of Disneyland has added upscale options like the Westin and JW Marriott that deliver a full guest experience at a more reasonable price.

Well, I have stayed at VGC 3 times since reopening (July 2021, November 2021, July 2022 (plus a Paradise Pier night in December 2021)), and have another stay booked there next week. Admittedly, I do not pay the rack rate, but I did pay a lot for my VGC dvc points. I have had no issues at all and have found the staff just as welcoming and accommodating as ever. I am excited that this trip that early entry will also finally be back for us. We have even been known to duck into the quick service for lunch when it is crazy in the parks. It is a nice and relaxing place to us. And love the new entrance to the parks that basically is right by the VGC end.

 

[Aurora0427]

Well, I have stayed at VGC 3 times since reopening (July 2021, November 2021, July 2022 (plus a Paradise Pier night in December 2021)), and have another stay booked there next week. Admittedly, I do not pay the rack rate, but I did pay a lot for my VGC dvc points. I have had no issues at all and have found the staff just as welcoming and accommodating as ever. I am excited that this trip that early entry will also finally be back for us. We have even been known to duck into the quick service for lunch when it is crazy in the parks. It is a nice and relaxing place to us. And love the new entrance to the parks that basically is right by the VGC end.

So happy to read this…. We are staying at the GCH for the first time at the end of November. I’m excited and happy to read you guys still love it.

 

[DLgal]

I wonder how many of the people raving about the Grand, saying it's "only" $150 more per night, etc. have stayed there since COVID. Yes, it is still in the same convenient location has the same beautiful design and decor, and allows access to the parks 30 minutes early in the mornings. But it has lost as much of the magic as the parks in terms of nickel-and-diming and cutbacks, has more grumpy/indifferent CMs than ever before, is actually difficult to get food & beverage, and is simply not comparable to other hotels anywhere at its price point. I used to be a big proponent of the Grand, but my family won't be staying there again until things change, and unless the benefits I described far outweigh any other factors, can't recommend others stay there either. Sadly we had the same experience at our one post-COVID DLH stay, and I can't bring myself to stay at the PPH until the renovations are complete and they at the very least offer on-site dining again. Meanwhile, the area in the immediate vicinity of Disneyland has added upscale options like the Westin and JW Marriott that deliver a full guest experience at a more reasonable price.

I've stayed at the Grand twice post covid and the DLH once. Other than not getting daily housekeeping on 2 of those stays (we didn't miss it and would have opted out anyway) nothing else was different from before.

We stay there for the proximity to the park, the pool, and the "Disney" since we live so close. These are getaways for us, so we would never stay off property because at that point we could just stay home.

I do agree that the more upscale hotels in Anaheim offer an overall better experience, but when you want to stay IN a park, the GCH is the only one that delivers on that. And it's a pretty amazing benefit.

 

[DLgal]

I looked this weekend since Hotel Del Coronado on Coronado Island sent out it’s holiday information…. We can stay there on a Saturday night during December for $300 less than what the Grand Californian is charging on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving in November. I mean, that’s crazy.

Have you ever stayed at the Del? It's not the room cost that gets you there, it's how much everything ELSE costs. Makes Disney prices for food and drinks look like the Dollar store.

 

[DLgal]

$150 per night. $600 as per OP for the trip is like 5 month groceries for me. I don't know, I understand that ppl find value in it so they pay it. But to me, I can't understand that there are soooo many complains about how value has gone down, and it's soooo expensive now, and lost magic when they are at the same time throwing money at a $400 min per night hotel . Of course it's gonna be super expensive when you are paying premium for a bed! Like, it makes no sense to me at all. So much money for what? 30 extra minutes at Fantasyland? There are so many other cheaper hotels right across the street from the esplanade that require no walking. I find it bizarre, I guess I'm just not fancy enough or something to get it. For that amount of money for a 4 day stay I can literally go to Japan.

Like everything else related to money, its all relative. $150 is one sit down meal for the 4 of us. I'd much rather spend that $150 on an entire day at a hotel like the Grand than stay a 20 minute walk away to "save" only enough for one meal for our family. We can just eat counter service instead. That's the calculation.

One WEEK of groceries for us is like $300. So, to me $150 isn't a huge amount of money. It's one meal at a restaurant. A few days worth of groceries. One nice dress for a special occasion.

Some people really value convenience and others do not. We do.

 

[Aurora0427]

Have you ever stayed at the Del? It's not the room cost that gets you there, it's how much everything ELSE costs. Makes Disney prices for food and drinks look like the Dollar store.

Yes. I have. But it’s also a historical landmark located in one of the most beautiful places in California. Little different vibe than Anaheim and Disneyland. Just depends on what type of vacation or staycation you’re looking for!

 

[julesann]

I'm sitting at the airport after a 4 night stay at the GCH. I found cast members there to be gracious and friendly and housekeeping did a great job and they are back to daily service. It continues to be a perfect place for me to stay now that I can afford it. I love proximity to the parks and staying in the Disney bubble and walking out either gate into DTD or DCA. I like being able to drop off a jacket, change shoes, or ride GRR then take a hot shower and head out.

I like a late afternoon drink at the Craftsman Grill and enjoy a nightcap at the Hearthstone--it feels friendly and welcoming. Last night I took my drink to the lobby and sat with full contentment in the quiet beauty. I agree with pp about how overwhelming it can feel in the lobby mid day but it doesn't detract much from all the other perks including early entry. A 30 minute early entry doesn't feel like quite enough but it gets me to being one of the first on PP and on other fantasyland rides at DL and then positioned at rd again to head to my favorite rides like IJ, BTMRR, HM and Pirates and on Guardians and Webslingers at DCA.

 

[tink89]

If not for early entry, I would pick the Westin even if it were a little bit more expensive than the Grand Californian.
With early entry, I still wouldn't pay an extra $150 to stay at the Grand Californian but I can completely understand why some people would.
But I know a lot of people get more bothered by the walk than I do.

Pros of the Grand Californian: proximity to the parks, early entry, pool, and for some people FOMO or bucket list
Pros of the Westin: room quality, food quality, gym, price

the GCH also has a small fitness place. I didn't go into the one at Westin, but DD did go in with DH at GCH and they liked it.

 

[Aurora0427]

I'm sitting at the airport after a 4 night stay at the GCH. I found cast members there to be gracious and friendly and housekeeping did a great job and they are back to daily service. It continues to be a perfect place for me to stay now that I can afford it. I love proximity to the parks and staying in the Disney bubble. I like being able to drop off a jacket, change shoes, ride GRR then take a hot shower and head out.

I like a late afternoon drink at the Craftsman Grill and enjoy a nightcap at the Hearthstone--it feels friendly and welcoming. Last night I took my drink to the lobby and sat reveling in the quiet beauty. I agree with pp about how overwhelming it can feel in the lobby mid day but it doesn't detract much from all the other perks including early entry. A 30 minute early entry doesn't feel like quite enough but I gets me to PP and all my favorite fantasyland rides at DL and on Guardians and Webslingers at DCA and then positioned at rd again to head to my favorite rides like IJ, BTRR, HM and Pirates.

This is what we’re so excited about…. Having a lovely hotel to go back to and have a nice drink, while enjoying the holiday beauty.

 

[twodogs]

Also there are several quiet seating areas throughout the GCH, other than the main lobby. You have to look around, but they are there. Sometimes we don't want to relax in the room and sit on our beds; we find these other seating areas (indoors and outside) to be wonderful and often very quiet.

 

[gelatoni fan]

the GCH also has a small fitness place. I didn't go into the one at Westin, but DD did go in with DH at GCH and they liked it.

I meant that the Westin gym is better than the one at the Grand Californian while the Grand Californian pool is better than the one at the Westin. Not that the other hotel doesn't have that facility at all.

The Westin gym has hyperice machines for massage and is in general a bit nicer. I know the Westin has refrigerated towels but can't remember if the Grand Californian one does or not.

 

[flipflop]

Thank you for the input. We are looking forward to staying at the GCH on this trip. Convenience and holiday decorations won out over what was likely to be a nicer room at the Westin. Normally, we are a family of 6 when traveling (we - second marriage - have 4, 17 year olds). It will be really nice to get some alone time with my bonus daughter and treat her to staying there.

 

[DLgal]

I meant that the Westin gym is better than the one at the Grand Californian while the Grand Californian pool is better than the one at the Westin. Not that the other hotel doesn't have that facility at all.

The Westin gym has hyperice machines for massage and is in general a bit nicer. I know the Westin has refrigerated towels but can't remember if the Grand Californian one does or not.

No chilled towels, but they have a chilled filtered water dispenser and free full sized Kind nut bars you can help yourself to.