Paradise Pier Vs Howard Johnsons

[marvel]

I am making a booking for another family that have a 12 yr, 9 yr and a 10 month old and I am tossing up whether to recommend the Paradise Pier at $180 per night, or Howard Johnsons at around $100.

They are not particularly Disney Nuts like ourselves, but I want to try and make the right decision since we are travelling together and we are staying at the GC. They will be doing Disney all week with us, so hoping that people can shed some light.

I know PP has got some bad review and HJ has had plenty of good ones, so I am swaying towards HJ's but being on site still holds some value I think??

 

[PryncessChrysty]

If the $ difference isn't too big of a deal, I would go with PP. I think HoJo's would be a good choice since you said they aren't Disney nuts, but given the situation, PP is a better choice, IMO.

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

I agree. I think PPH is a better choice, and they'll be a lot closer to you than if they were at HoJo.

 

[raidermatt]

We just stayed 8 nights at the PPH and I can't think of a reason not to recommend it. It is a bit of a walk to DL, but definitely still walkable, and you do have access to the Monorail at DTD. Also, its pretty close to the GC, which is a positive since that is where you are staying.

Unless the price difference is a major consideration, I'd recommend PPH.

 

[gmi3804]

Here's a stupid question:

Can I take the monorail from DTD to Disneyland? I'll have a park-hopper pass. It's been years since I've been (before DTD and DCA were created!) so I'm not sure.

 

[PryncessChrysty]

Here's a stupid question:

Can I take the monorail from DTD to Disneyland? I'll have a park-hopper pass. It's been years since I've been (before DTD and DCA were created!) so I'm not sure.

Yes, the monorail station in DTD is what used to be the monorail station in the parking lot of the DLH. Also, the monorail only makes two stops, DTD and Tomorrowland, so it's going exactly where you need it to go!

Have a great time on your trip!! There are definitely a lot of changes, and the park looks beautiful for the 50th celebration!

 

[disneymommyof2]

We've stayed at both hotels, and liked them both. But if money isn't an issue, I would go with the Paradise Pier hotel.

 

[Amy&Dan]

I agree with everyone else, Paradise Pier seems like the best choice! I have stayed at both and while I liked the HoJo just fine and would stay there again if I couldn't stay onsite, Paradise Pier is nicer. Staying onsite is a great perk whether you are a Disney nut or not IMO, also the slide at the PP pool would be great for their kids. I would have to save more than $80 a night to justify staying offsite but thats just me. It will be much, much easier for your two families if they stay at PP since it is so close to GC. Good luck!

 

[CalGal]

Another vote for the PP. Most definitely!

The negative reviews against the PP that I've seen have been based upon expectations of staying "on-site" and the costs which often run well over $200/night in peak season. It doesn't have the full Disney theming and isn't as grand as the other Disney properties. Furthermore, it isn't as close to the Disney entrance as less expensive, non-Disney properties. But these are not important factors in your case. PP is a nice hotel, and most people, particularly those who are not full Disney nuts, are very happy there. But even more important is what the other posters have pointed out. The PPH is very convenient to the GC. Staying off-site will separate you much more physically, and perhaps even a bit spiritually.

Your friends will be very happy with a decision to stay at the PP.

 

[LucyKate]

Haven't stayed at PP, so I can't make the comparison, but I would DEFINITELY stay at the Howard Johnson.

There is an (understandable) in built bias on this board in favour of all things Disney. But, the PP gets some horrible reviews on tripadvisor.com while Howard Johnson rates 2nd or 3rd, which is why we chose it.

The PP may be a Disney hotel but it is most definitely NOT on site. From the short drive we did around the park complex, the Howard Johnson appeared to be much closer to Disneyland than the PP. (it's about a 10 minute walk). The rooms are also quite big, and with a rollaway would easily fit 5.

In short, HoJo is much cheaper, closer and, based on tripadvisor, much nicer.