Is the G.C. Really worth it?

[SnoWhite]

Well, after doing some more research, it looks like we could stay at the Grand Californian for our trip. However, the price difference between this and the Shearaton, Hilton and Hyatt is huge. We will have a car, so we will be able to drive, and we will be there for 5 nights. (going to LA for a day and down the to beach for another day)
I'd like to know what you guys think. We do want a nice hotel, so if you have any suggestions, let me hear em!

Thanks so much for all the help

 

[hlbtimes2]

If a nice hotel is important, then you will like it.

Its not worth the money for our family, we dont spend enough time in the room. Dh stayed there in May for work. I asked if we should save up money and stay as a family next time. He said no, the Candy cane works fine for us at a fraction of the price. We need a bed and shower, and have to be walking distance.

 

[Deb & Bill]

The entrance to California Adventure from the Grand Californian is one of the best features. Plus DTD is right there and you are only a few steps away from DL.

You'll have to pay the $15 a day resort fee that includes high speed internet and self parking. You also get a USA Today M-F.

Paradise Pier was also very nice. Again, very close to the parks and DTD. Comfortable beds, nice bathroom, plenty of space.

 

[Shawn]

However, the price difference between this and the Shearaton, Hilton and Hyatt is huge. We will have a car, so we will be able to drive, and we will be there for 5 nights. (going to LA for a day and down the to beach for another day)
I'd like to know what you guys think. We do want a nice hotel, so if you have any suggestions, let me hear em!
Thanks so much for all the help

The GC is very nice and comfortable, the great room is just that. But the rooms
aren't terribly big. When we go to DL, we also spend 5+ days there. But we just
do Disneyland, so we forgo the car rental and apply that saved money towards
the hotel room.

But it sounds like you have other plans, other than DL. Some days you may not go to the park, so if the Shearton, Hilton, etc. are nice hotels it may be better to save money by staying there.

I will point out that because the GC is literally right next to DCA, with it's own entrance, it is super easy to just go to the park for short periods of time. That is, if the kids and hubby are ready to go, and wifey wants to stay at the hotel, it's super easy to do that when staying at the GC. No driving, no planning about who has the car or whatever. It's not a big deal to hop into the park for just an hour for a ride or two.

-Shawn

 

[dizzyami]

Honestly, we were not that excited. The hotel room to us was nothing that special. As you can see though by my sig we will be back there Oct...the only reason is location location location.

 

[Jackoman]

Well, when I go in Fall, I am staying there. I have stayed before and it is very comfortable. The Heartstone Lounge is one of my favorites. The cost is pricey, but it's worth it.

 

[Niele]

We really loved the stay we had. Stayed in a 2br suite with 4 adults and 2 kids. We were all very comfortable. It would have been nice to have a little more space in the living room but, still, the views made up for any inconveniences! The hotel is really beautiful, very close to the park entrances and the service was GREAT! Kids loved the chocolates on the pillow at night. I'm thinking of some special baskets from VP for them this year. Up to you, check the price and see what you think. Sometimes it's worth spending a little extra if you feel it's right. We've never looked back - LOL -

 

[B9erSteve]

I've never Stayed and the GC, but I have found the DLH to be everything we need at a decent price (especially, with an AP discount) The rooms are bigger there and the pool is better. Not much further than the GC to the parks. I'll admit that the ambiance at the CG is pretty awesome.

 

[Maistre Gracey]

I'm no DLR expert. I've only stayed at the GC once, but I just couldn't imagine staying off site. I don't mean to upset the good folks here that stay off site, but I mean..... your right there.... practically IN all 3 areas while at the GCH. You just can't get any better...

MG

 

[hlbtimes2]

I'm no DLR expert. I've only stayed at the GC once, but I just couldn't imagine staying off site. I don't mean to upset the good folks here that stay off site, but I mean..... your right there.... practically IN all 3 areas while at the GCH. You just can't get any better...

MG

But for the price, I can walk for an extra 5 minutes. I can spend 3 nights at the candy cane or one at the GC. Those 5 minutes of walking are worth the extra days!

 

[Maistre Gracey]

But for the price, I can walk for an extra 5 minutes. I can spend 3 nights at the candy cane or one at the GC. Those 5 minutes of walking are worth the extra days!

Yes, you make a valid point here.
I really never did see the "outside world" of DLR, and I guess you are very close by staying off site as compared to WDW.

I just really loved walking out my door and being right at DL, DCA, and DtD.

MG

 

[Rella Bella]

We stayed off site on our first trip last July. We chose the Sheraton Park and loved it. The walk wasn't much, just a couple of blocks. I would stay there again in a heartbeat. (See my trip report below)
Everything was so close we didn't use our car once, (but most of the offsite hotels do charge for parking... at Sheraton Park it was $10.00 a day).

I think it would be awesome to stay at the GC, especially if you like to take mid-day breaks. The entrances to CA, and DTD are so convenient, and the hotel is beautiful.

The best decision for you would depend on how comfortable you are with the price difference and how important being very close and doing less walking is to you.

 

[GailT]

I'm staying at the GC for a few reasons. 1, I'll never probably go back to Dl because it is cheaper for me to fly to DW. 2, I vae MS and the walking issue of being closer works for me, when I get tired in the parks I can go back for a short rest and refresh my body and mind. It was a little, ok is was alot more money but for me the benifits foe me outweighed the money. I am sure whatever you choser you'll have a great time, just remember, your on vacation not moving to your permeant residency Have a GREAT trip

 

[two-foxes]

If I were you, I would stay there at least once....you can decide for yourself if you think it is worth it. We stayed there earlier this month and simply loved it. It spoiled us for future trips. It is a lovely hotel, beautifully decorated, GREAT service and the location is unbeatable. If the cost is do-able for your budget, I would highly recommend it.

 

[HydroGuy]

but I mean..... your right there.... practically IN all 3 areas while at the GCH. You just can't get any better...

Actually, you can. See "How Far Is It?" (shows actual distances in feet from hotels to DLR entrance plaza) www.mouseplanet.com/articles.php?art=mm060329as

 

[HydroGuy]

Well, after doing some more research, it looks like we could stay at the Grand Californian for our trip. However, the price difference between this and the Shearaton, Hilton and Hyatt is huge. We will have a car, so we will be able to drive, and we will be there for 5 nights. (going to LA for a day and down the to beach for another day)
I'd like to know what you guys think. We do want a nice hotel, so if you have any suggestions, let me hear em!

IMO anyone who goes to DLR and does not stay within walking distance is making a mistake. Even if you have a car, there is no reason to deal with the hassles of transportation, parking, trams, etc., except in special circumstances. Whether on-site or off-site, there are lots of choices.

See "HydroGuy's Hotel Rule" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1199862

 

[victorandbellasmom]

If I were you, I would stay there at least once....you can decide for yourself if you think it is worth it. We stayed there earlier this month and simply loved it. It spoiled us for future trips. It is a lovely hotel, beautifully decorated, GREAT service and the location is unbeatable. If the cost is do-able for your budget, I would highly recommend it.

I agree with two-foxes. If it's in your budget then do it. If your not really goin to take advantage of someof the activities and amenities that Gch has and are only using a hotel to sleep then GCH wouldn't be a smart $$$financial move. We stayed at Gch for the 1st time last Oct and loved it so much we went back this pst August. Dh complained about it's cost and didn't understand whi we just couldn't stay at a hotel on Harbor Blvd. But after staying there, he'd love to do all our disney trips by staying at GCH. Will we stay here every trip? Probably not. But if we can get a good rate and stay within budget then yes. We have 2 young kids and we like taking breaks in the afternoon to head to the pool and enjoy the activities GCH has to offer. So for us it's worth it. If you want a nice hotel and still want to stay on property, have you thought about Disneyland Hotel or Paradise Pier?