Westin vs Paradise Pier??

[disfan20001]

Taking a trip with DD11. Would like a more resort style hotel. Debating between Paradise Pier vs Westin. Wondering if I’ll regret long walk to Westin or if there are any safety concerns walking back there late at night. Is taxi at end of night an option?

 

[dieumeye]

I would not call Paradise Pier a resort style hotel. There’s not any “grounds”, and while there is a gift shop, there’s currently no dining. The pool area is more like a pool hotel than a resort, although it does have a slide. PPH gets a lot of criticism and I think it’s because people expect a resort style hotel, and it is not that.

 

[RedVines2001]

I would agree with that. Think of Paradise Pier as a themed hotel on Disney property. You won't have to leave the bubble to go back and forth. I haven't stayed at the Westin yet but I plan to. It looks amazing from YouTube and much more of a resort feel. There aren't any stores on Disneyland Dr so there is very little foot traffic except people going back and forth from the park so I think the walk to the Westin would be much better than the same walk on S Harbor.

 

[emmybee]

I really enjoyed the Westin, and my family has no problems with the walk. I don't find it scary at night. My husband loves staying at the Disney hotels, and I would agree if we were choosing b/w DLH or GCH. But I would definitely choose the Westin over PPH every time.

 

[Dory92130]

westin is 5 minutes more than PP. The walk along there is much better than along Harbor down to the convention center IMHO. We've done Hyatt Place many times over the years.

Westin to DTD entrance is fine.

 

[lalasmama]

I can't comment on the properties themselves, but I can comment on the walk.

For what it's worth, I'm a smallish, middle age female who frequently travels to DLR by myself. I've stayed across the street from the Westin, to the west (Best Western Stovall's; definitely not what you're looking for, ha!).

It's a fairly easy walk. You'll cross the street and go north. At some point you'll need to cross to the west side of the street; this can be done at West St/Disneyland & Katella or further north at the crosswalk between PPH and GCH. When you get past PPH, you can either follow the sidewalk, or cut through the parking lot. You'll follow the crowds to bag check, then just walk the length of DTD (or grab the monorail).

On the way home, you'll start in Downtown Disney and cut through GCH (follow the signs to thr lobby). Pass though the lobby, follow the sidewalk to Disneyland Drive, and walk the 5-6 minutes to the crosswalk at West St/Disneyland Dr & Katella, as you're right back at your hotel!

It usually takes me 12-15 minutes. It's definitely not a busy walk; I usually see maybe 1-2 other families on the walk. While I'm not a huge fan of the walk because of the limited number of people, it's DLR property the whole way, so I have no doubt there's survalence (sp?) the whole way, so they'll know if I fart the wrong way, haha, so I'm sure they have tape on me if anything wayward would happen.

A taxi could be an option, as would a ride-share, though some ride-share drivers may pass on it because the will only get a few dollars (like $3) for the ride.

 

[DontSpamMe]

Stayed at both. Without early entry for hotel guests there's really no reason to stay at Paradise Pier. The Westin hands down is much nicer hotel. The difference between the length of walk is minimal.

 

[lulubelle]

I have plans to stay at both in 2022. I love the theming and view rooms from PP, really hoping they have a dining option soon. Can't wait to try the beautiful new Westin even though it adds an additional 8 minute walk. Plus I hear their dining room food is to die for. I can't wait to try it. Neither is a cheap hotel or alternative but both offer a great experience. I will evaluate side by side after both trips are complete.

 

[Ross Kratter]

Westin all the way. It’s a 100% nicer hotel.

 

[Brett Wyman]

Westin all the way. It’s a 100% nicer hotel.

This 100%. PP is a dump for what they are charging.

 

[Lisa_lvspplmvr]

We would never stay at PPH again . It is so old , dated and smells funky. The pool is a small square and very underwhelming. It’s not worth the money at all .

 

[thenicefamily]

With all the glowing Westin comments I thought I'd check it out for our next Trip (early November 2022). The rates, for a double queen park view room, are on par with Disneyland Hotel premium view room and only about $90 less than a GCH standard. Not having stayed at DH, one time at GCH in but in DD view room and, never at Westin, I can't speak to the value difference but, given the price is pretty much on par - at least on our dates - is Westin still preferable over DH Premium View or GCH Standard View?

 

[Ross Kratter]

With all the glowing Westin comments I thought I'd check it out for our next Trip (early November 2022). The rates, for a double queen park view room, are on par with Disneyland Hotel premium view room and only about $90 less than a GCH standard. Not having stayed at DH, one time at GCH in but in DD view room and, never at Westin, I can't speak to the value difference but, given the price is pretty much on par - at least on our dates - is Westin still preferable over DH Premium View or GCH Standard View?

There's nothing like staying at the GCH, but the Westin will be comparable in terms of level of service and amenities.

 

[AndrewC]

With all the glowing Westin comments I thought I'd check it out for our next Trip (early November 2022). The rates, for a double queen park view room, are on par with Disneyland Hotel premium view room and only about $90 less than a GCH standard. Not having stayed at DH, one time at GCH in but in DD view room and, never at Westin, I can't speak to the value difference but, given the price is pretty much on par - at least on our dates - is Westin still preferable over DH Premium View or GCH Standard View?

Depends how much you're in the hotel. I don't like the GCH because it's very expensive but after staying there, I'm so hooked. I hate it. I want to stay there every time now just because of how much shorter the walk is (who would believe like 5 to 10 minutes less would make a world of difference, but at least for me, back and forth a few times a day, it really does!), how nice the grounds are, and how big and grand the place is.

That said, I personally love DLH. I feel like that is iconic Disney. The grounds are nice (from the view of an adult with no kids), I like the music in the common areas and hallways, the rooms are perfectly fine, it's usually pretty mellow at night, especially if you're like 4th floor or higher, etc. It's my go to hotel and I think gives off great Disney vibes. Honestly none of the rooms are "premium view." You'll be higher up and looking at the pool area, palm trees, or downtown Disney (though I think that's it's own booking class). Even the downtown Disney view isn't really worth extra unless you already are booking on a discount and have budgeted extra money before the discount. It's a nice view, but you're way down on the end of the DTD district and you can see a couple bits of Disney off in the distance (Matterhorn, etc) but it's 100% not a theme park view or anything. I probably would just book the standard room and then request for the highest floor possible, unless you plan to be in the rooms a lot.

I would pick DLH over off property if the cost was about the same... I MIGHT actually switch to GCH if the price was less than $100/night.

 

[thenicefamily]

For us, service and amenities aren't really relevant if you're only visiting for 3 days - i.e. if you're at the hotel, you're wasting valuable Disney time. Having said that, we're all adults travelling now so our wants/needs will differ a lot from families, who would no doubt take more advantage of resort-type amenities as a break from the Parks. I love what you said about Disneyland Hotel AndrewC. I also hear you, 100% about the GCH.

Up until this past visit (November) we were totally a Harbour Hotel group on our infrequent (once every 1-2 years on average) visits. Tropicana was the closest we got to "luxury" with regards location. BUT, wow, GCH hotel - the little surge of satisfaction every time we quickly popped back to the pool or the room or the lobby if only for a short respite from the Parks, was priceless. Truly. Everyone who poses the question - "Is GCH really worth it?" - hasn't, I expect, been privileged enough to experience that. That's how we felt. Privileged but, also, knowing we'd worked and saved so hard to be there, which was the icing on the enjoyment cake.

Sorry, I seem to have hijacked the thread, which had nothing to do with GCH or DLH! I hope the OP comes back and shares their decision with us. I'm certain, no matter where they stay, Disney Magic will make the visit amazing. Can't wait to return!!!

 

[thenicefamily]

dupe post - oops

 

[Astylla]

I didn't even have to read the OP or replies to give my answer : Westin hands down if that's your only other choice between that and PP.
I've become spoiled by GCH and if I can't rent points or find a dedicated reservation for dates I want, I stay across at Park Vue Inn but that's definitely not a resort style place.

For more resort stays even consider HoJo Anaheim or Courtyard by Marriott.
Even a split stay for GCH and DLH may be more feasible !

 

[ter-moo]

I stayed at the Anabella several times before they tore it down for the Westin. The walk is longer than a lot of the Harbor hotels/motels, but not undoable. It is nice to be walking distance from Downtown Disney. If you can cut through the GCH, it really saves some time and is a very safe and pleasant walk. The best part? Walking in the "hidden Mickey" along Disneyland Drive! ❤