Need Help Justifying Grand Calif.

[DonnaRy]

I have reservations at the Best Western Park Place Inn for $116 per night for our trip from April 21 - 25, but I got the bright idea that this is the trip that we'll finally stay on property.

I called today and also made reservations at the Grand Calif. It's $230 per night (city view) with a $6.90 per day resort fee and $6.00 per day parking fee, which adds up to a whooping $242.90 per night! The trip is for my husband's birthday and I booked the Grand Calif as a surprise. I figure when we get there and he goes to pull into the Best Western, I'll tell him he has the wrong place.

Now, I'm just having a terrible time justifying this ridiculous price difference (more than double the price of the Best Western). I know the Grand Calif is a beautiful place (we walked through it and ate at the Napa Rose on our last trip), but I'm just not sure if it could possibly be worth this price difference.

I'd like to hear from anyone who has stayed there who might have some words of wisdom for me and can help me make up my mind. Also, anyone out there stay at the Park Place?

I'd appreciate any input!

 

[goofyfordisney]

Are there any AP rates for your dates available? When I checked you could get a city view for $149/nite. You might want to check that out first...

But to answer your question about whether or not it's worth it or not...

We stayed at GC last April--our first time on-site at DL--we absolutely loved it!! We paid around $250.00 a nite!

We loved being able to walk everywhere. I liked the pool area and the lobby and public areas of the hotel.

I think that the price is alittle steep though. I don't think I would ever pay that again (I didn't know about this site last year )

It's a great place to stay--I could justify spending the money for a special occassion--but I would really try to get a better rate if you can!

I think my answer didn't really help you at all--did it? LOL! I sound alittle wishy-washy!


Good luck!
Sue

P.S. I have never stayed at the Best Western--so I really can't compare the two at all--sorry

 

[larry_poppins]

I love the Grand Californian Hotel. However, it is a personal decision whether the room rate you were quoted is worth it or not.

I would see if you could get an annual pass discount on the room. Another poster suggested this and I second it.

Also try Expedia.com Often expedia has great rates on Disneyland HotelS.

Third. Try Mousesavers.com for more suggestions.

Hope this helps.

Have a great trip with the Mouse.

Larry Poppins

 

[daannzzz]

We loved staying at the GC. I think it is worth it on occaision. Is it a stretch for you to do this?If it will cuase any strain on the wallet then maybe you should wait. If it is not a problem, I would say go for it!!!

 

[doombuggy]

You might want to try one of the other two hotels. I have never stayed at the GCH (Last tirp was in 1999), but I have stayed in both of the others. If it's an expense you are worried about, look into their prices. Have a great time - I am going for a quick trip in May.

 

[raidermatt]

Well, assuming you don't find a better rate, the difference is $126.90 per night. The question is, is there anything you want or need to buy with that money? Anything that is worth more to you than the difference in price? Maybe you can cut back on some other non-necessity so you'll feel better about the price at GC?

Most of the benefits are hard to put $$$ figures on.

Close proximity to both parks - saves time
Wonderful theme
Allows you to remain in Disney's world and practically ignore the outside world
Defintely a beautiful hotel

For us, its worth the difference in price.

 

[Tink33]

Try Expedia two weeks before your scheduled dates. You should be able to get Grand Californian for $159 per night.

 

[DonnaRy]

Right now Expedia shows $259 for Grand Calif. and I was quoted $230 when calling Disney directly. Do Expedia's rates go down as the trip gets closer?

 

[Sonya in Boise]

I copied this from another discussion board. From what I have read they only release a certain number of these room for this price per day. So you may just have to call and see if they have any left for your stay. You do have to have an annual passport to get these prices. And yes Expedia's rates go down the closer you get to your trip. Just make sure you know the cancelation policy for any hotel rooms you already have booked.

"WOW! Until the end of June, there are some FANTASTIC Rates at the three Disney Hotels (AP Required). I don't have all the details on the PPier, but for the others:

GC:

Concierge Level - Park View - $259/nt
Standard Level - Park View - $179/nt
Standard Level - City View - $149/nt

DLHotel:

Concierge Level - Park View - $194/nt
Standard Level - Park View - $129/nt
Standard Level - City View - $ 99/nt

PP Hotel:

Concierge Level - Park View - $???/nt
Standard Level - Park View - $???/nt
Standard Level - City View - $ 79/nt"

 

[ceejay13]

I am a huge fan of the GC and am returning next month for our 3rd stay. We actually paid $350/night for a theme park view last year and are getting the same room for $199/night with our APs. We had an incredible room that looked out over Grizzly River Rapids on our last trip. It was magical and felt like we were in the middle of the action, but was totally quiet when the patio door was closed. The first stay we used DVC points and had a view of DD. The hotel is gorgeous, and the service is great. It is also nice to have a seperate entrance to DCA. We actually used this as a short cut to DL, as well. We loved it and can't wait to go back.

 

[Ally2002]

Oh my! Maybe my husband and I should move our trip up from this fall to before the end of June.

But what's an AP?

 

[KarenT]

If you are planning on staying a few days it's definitely worth it.




KarenT

 

[Tink33]

Donna

I just checked Expedia:

Sunday - April 22 $258.00
Monday - April 23 $159.00
Tuesday - April 24 $159.00

You could save a few dollars.