What is your favorite/least favorite part about each DLR hotel?

[bethwc101]

We will be doing dapper day again and spring and have budgeted to stay at one of the DLR hotels this time to treat ourselves. We are trying to decide which hotel to get and would love to hear what people like or dislike about each hotel to help us decide.
We stayed at the GC this past dapper day with my family so we didn't pay for it, so would like to see how people compare it to the other hotels.
We are mainly debating between GC and DLH with only a $30 difference, it might be worth it.

 

[DizMe]

For Dapper Day, I prefer to stay in whichever hotel hosts the Expo. For the past few years it has been DLH, but it used to be in GCH. There are so many fun things to see and do in the host hotel for DD.

As for other times, GCH is my favorite with DLH a close second. That is about to change this summer if they follow through on the plan to add a new hotel right in front of DLH. Wouldn't want to stay there during construction!

 

[whoever]

We normally stay at the Grand (10+ times), but have stayed at the DLH twice now (and our upcoming March trip as well).

The Grand:
What I like about the Grand is the theming, balconies (to be fair there are a HANDFUL of EXPENSIVE rooms at the DLH which have balconies as well), underground valet, Napa Rose, Hearthstone Lounge, the AMAZING LOBBY, Private DCA entrance, and proximity to the park. It's our home away from home.

What I dislike about the Grand is the new rooms. Gone are the bunk beds and A&C furniture. It looks like any other hotel room now. BOOOOO. The pools are lackluster. The cabanas just aren't the same and their proximity doesn't align with letting the kids do the pools they want unsupervised. The Concierge club also is interior-facing which means while you can see the fireworks, the view isn't as good as from the E-ticket lounge at the DLH.

The DLH:
What I like about the DLH is the room size, Trader Sam's, SH55, and the awesome pools/cabanas. The DLH does have the themed suites which I'm staying in on our next trip, so that's a plus (the Grand has UBER A&C Presidential suites too though). The E-ticket lounge has great views. I also love the nostalgia of the place and have poured over the books on it as I'm an amateur Disneyland historian and that includes the DLH.

What I dislike about DLH: The walk... it's SOOOOO far. The rooms have the cool headboards, but A&C style > headboards for me. Uncovered valet parking (our vehicle was returned UTTERLY FILTHY, covered with leaves, berries, etc. The check-in takes longer as the reception lobby has less stations.

The Paradise Pier:
I have nothing good to say about it. Its hideous from the outside, ruining vistas from Frontierland and all over DCA. The lobby area is beyond meh. It's just another hotel, not a Disney hotel as far as I'm concerned and now you have to walk a fair bit to even get to a security check point. They should have demolished it and put Starwars/Marvel on the parcel. I have seen some great shots of Paradise Bay shot from the hotel, but that isn't enough to redeem it for me.

 

[whoever]

That is about to change this summer if they follow through on the plan to add a new hotel right in front of DLH. Wouldn't want to stay there during construction!

If they put a hotel between DLH and The parks, it will be the WORST decision Disney has quite possibly ever made.

 

[gottalovepluto]

If they put a hotel between DLH and The parks, it will be the WORST decision Disney has quite possibly ever made.

Not if... they already announced they are...

 

[whoever]

Not if... they already announced they are...

They also announced other things which never happened. Let's hope this gets realized as stupid.

 

[Geemo]

We will be doing dapper day again and spring and have budgeted to stay at one of the DLR hotels this time to treat ourselves. We are trying to decide which hotel to get and would love to hear what people like or dislike about each hotel to help us decide.
We stayed at the GC this past dapper day with my family so we didn't pay for it, so would like to see how people compare it to the other hotels.
We are mainly debating between GC and DLH with only a $30 difference, it might be worth it.

For a $30 difference, I'd select GCH.
I have stayed at all three hotels. For a visit I select the hotel based on price and who will be traveling with me.

If I'm going solo, I generally stay at PPH. Due to cost and I'm only going to be there to sleep.
If I have grandkids tagging along, then the pool area comes into the decision. DLH's pool is preferred for the younger grandkids.
As the grandkids get older they are preferring the GCH because it's not as far to walk.

While the price is lower than rack rate, the price for DD rooms seems to climb a little each year.
If you think you'll be going another time after the spring event, go with the GCH now and DLH the next time.

Have fun
Geemo

The scheduled construction is something I forgot to consider....
It might be nice to stay at DLH at least once before Disney tears up the place....
Whether you choose GCH or DLH it will be a nice trip.

 

[gottalovepluto]

My heart is at GCH but I still enjoy DLH.

GCH:
Why I love it: maybe because it was my first onsite hotel but this always feels like "home". The Disney bubble is practically impossible to pop when staying there, the theming is beautiful. The access to DCA is amazing. I love GRR and being able to change into a swimsuit in the room and ride it over and over (yay single rider) during summer and go right back to the hotel is awesome.

-recently refurbished, idk if I'll like it having not seen it so I can't say for sure if this is a pro or con but it is something to keep in mind (I'm 99% sure I'll still love it- rainfall. shower. As a tall person that's music to my ears!)

Cons: just because I love it doesn't mean I don't see some downside (besides that ouch price point!). Rooms are small, the pools are themed to boring, the waterslide is also themed to boring & if you have an unfortunately located room it can feel like you've walked halfway to the CA beach by the time you get to your room.

DLH:
Why it's 2nd: I haven't stayed PPH so DLH is #2 by default I've stayed at DLH twice and would happily stay there again when I have the budget to stay on-site but would like to save some money.

Pros: monorail is SO CLOSE! If you're staying in Fantasy or Adventureland Towers it's amazing how fast you get from the monorail to your room (better be one thin hotel they're building in that space...). Theming is indeed magical, love the light-up headboards despite my age. The pool is fun! Slides look great but I never have the energy to climb that staircase to try them after a day in the parks! We got upgraded to a pool view at check-in last time & I actually really liked it. The tiki torches at Sam's and along the paths seemed to stay on all night and I loved going to sleep with that view.

Cons: longer walk to the parks if you're not taking the monorail. I always felt like I was leaving the "bubble" transiting between park & hotel, doesn't have the awe-inspiring feeling the Grand does every time I walk into the lobby. (GCH takes my breath away every time and that in itself adds a dose of happiness to my trips.) The theming is VERY Disney, I see enough Disney in the parks that seeing it all over the hotel could feel like a bit much at times. Also, it felt like it was already ready for a refurbishment, but maybe it was just the rooms I had.

Btw- if kids were in the equation I'd do DLH, the theming that I see as a "con" is most definitely a "pro" for young kids!

Honestly, you can't go wrong with either of these hotels (as I said can't comment on PPH since I haven't stayed there). You want a more upscale feeling hotel, with updated rooms & rainfall showers? GCH. You want quintessential Disney and to feel some of that classic Disney? DLH.

 

[whoever]

If it is just two adults, I'd totally stay at the Grand. If you are taking kids, especially after the room redo, the DLH. Honestly can't see any redeeming aspects of the Paradise Pier other than the view into DCA.

 

[cruisehopeful]

If you are wanting to do the convention/expo things, stay where that is (has been DLH last couple years). If you are going primarily for the parks, choose Grand. It's so convenient to go back to the room for a little while when staying at the Grand.

 

[Malcon10t]

Grand:
Pros - Close to the park, Hearthstone Lounge (but I can access that without staying)
Cons - Everything else. Rooms can be noisy, rooms are small, I haven't stayed since the refurb, but they were dark, no real Disney feel, more of a Yosemite feel, while people love the balconies, they were very small and almost useless, hallways can be long making the trek back to a room almost as long as walking to PPH.

DLH:
Pros - Rooms are larger, love the Disney feel, love finding characters roaming, like the various themes, like that it is only 4 mins further than the Grand, prefer the concierge lounge over the Grands, like that Steakhouse 55 is right there, prefer the pools and cabanas, love the Tiki bar, enjoy sitting by the outside fire pit, I like all the towers (but Adventure tower and Frontier towers are my favorite)

Cons - It is 4 mins further than the Grand.

PPH:
Pros - Rooms are larger, have a Disney feel, suites have a full bath in the main room, suites have Keurigs and Microwaves, cheaper, walk is only about 8 mins further than the Grand, you can use the Grand to exit back to PPH, can look out over DCA, see WOC from room, they are considerably cheaper.

Con - It is 8 mins longer to walk to the park, harder to get bell services or valet (but that is because so few people use these services at this hotel), ELEVATORS are hard to deal with if you are disabled (though they are better than 3 years ago), Concierge lounge closes at 8.

 

[wowsmom]

I like that the rooms at PPH are big and bright and the bathrooms are a good size. The theme park view rooms are nice. I don't like the walk. I don't find the restaurants appealing.

I like the lobby at GCH and the possibility of getting a really close room. Our first stay, we were fairly close to the elevators by Napa Rose (without having requested it). The last time we stayed there, our room was about as far away as it could be - seriously, only 4 rooms were further away. And that was with me requesting a close room due to a major flare of my arthritis. I love having Hearthstone, Storyteller's, Napa Rose and White Water Snacks close by. I don't like that the sink is separated from the shower/toilet - if I'm with my husband, not a big deal, but my 20 year old son doesn't want to see me in my underwear!

I like the size of the rooms at DLH, love the headboard. This is the only pool I've used on property and I loved having adult beverages delivered. Like having Tangaroa Terrace, the Coffee House, etc close by. So far, can't think of anything I don't like...except maybe the walk at the end of the day?

 

[DizMe]

I guess I didn't answer you question about the pros and cons to me of each hotel.

PPH: I just plain dislike this place. I stayed in it long ago when it was the Pan Pacific Hotel. At that time it was a pretty good deal, because you could easily access the monorail and it cost a lot less than DLH, which was the only resort hotel at that time. There was no DTD, just streets and parking lots, but you could walk from Pan Pacific straight down to DLH and all of the amenities. The other options were pretty far away at that time. DCA didn't exist and there was a big parking lot between most of the motels and DL. But anyway, it never really made the grade as a DLR hotel. Just because it was purchased and sort of themed by Disney did not magically turn it into a DLR-worthy accomodation. it never had any of the character or amenities of the other 2 hotels. There are no grounds whatsoever. There is a pool that is basic. The lobby and restaurants are lacking. Service, when I've stayed there, has been way below the level of the other hotels. Rooms are good sized, clean, and have a nice decor, and it's possible to get a room with a cool view, but it still doesn't make up for the fact that you're really off-site and facing a traffic street. The biggest plus is that you get the perks of staying on site and if you go with a view room with concierge, it's not a bad deal compared to DLH and GCH.

DLH: I used to love DLH best. It was my favorite. They always had the coolest things on site out of all the hotels. Over the years, though, many of those have gone away, like the lagoon with paddle boats, waterfalls, and remote-controlled water boats. Way long ago, DLH had a whole shopping area that was great. Loved the dining options, like the Monorail Cafe. When they refurbished the hotel rooms some years ago, it seems almost everyone else loved the changes but I did not. I much preferred the earlier decor that was magical and reflected the idea of fantasy. I know mid-century modern is hot right now, but to me it's meh. I grew up with it so it has a bit of a nostalgia factor but I find the plain lines and ugly colors kind of blah. I'm sad they took out the statues and sparkly pavement as you came in the door from the car entry. I miss the whimsical touches and I liked the four-poster beds and Tinkerbell's pixie trail that would stay lit up around the top of the room walls for a while after you turned off the lights. I liked the fixtures and bedspreads that were all part of that whimsy/fantasy. But anyway, it's still a great hotel and they added some truly fantastic things, which takes away some of the sting from losing other stuff I liked. Trader Sam's = the best!! Just wish they'd made it bigger. Love the outdoor fireplaces. The pool is ok, but nothing spectacular. I, as an adult, have zero interest in the monorail waterslides and liked the old pirate ship better, but I can see how it would be fun for kids. I like that there are different things featured in each tower. Love the characters that wander through on a regular basis. Dining options are really good IMO. Lots of fun things to explore, with many historical items to look at. Good-sized rooms but I don't like that there isn't a sink outside the bathroom! LOL to previous poster on that one. With 5 of us, it's a pain when someone is showering or...well, you know...and no one else can get ready. DLH has a good concierge lounge but I personally prefer the one at GCH, although I don't know how the new refurbishment may have changed it. It has the best hours (or used to), a lovely balcony, and is more spacious. DLH has a good lounge but it's a little cramped IMO and having 2 levels makes it a little less easy to move around. I like that the concierge staff at GCH are outside the lounge, whereas in DLH they are in it. Honestly, though, I've had very poor dealings overall with concierge staff at either hotel. They simply are not what you would normally expect from concierge personnel.

GCH: My favorite. Rooms are smaller, but not that much. If you like a balcony, they have them and I actually find them very nice. My sister and I use the balcony often. However, I consider the balcony a minus if you have young children because of the safety issue. One of my little ones nearly climbed over the balcony railing to try and see the monorail once (many years ago). They used to have a table and chairs right next to the railing so my kid climbed onto a chair, then onto the table and was in the process of climbing onto the balcony railing when I looked up from my paper and saw her! Yikes! Good dining options at GCH, but pricey. I am not a fan of Whitewater Snacks so that holds no draw for me. Love the lounge and it's a great place to hang out. Plus, the location of GCH is fantastic. There are so many things right out the door. I love the architecture and feel, whereas I find DLH kind of cold and uninspired in the common areas. I think the architect should have gotten 50 lashes for the layout, though. What a maze and nonsensical setup! So many parts of the hotel are far away from elevators and everything else. My kids like GCH best now that they're older and since both hotels have been redone. They liked the older DLH but they aren't that impressed with the newer changes. I would have to say that DLH is probably nicest for younger kids. Both DLH and GCH have wonderful gift shops. GCH has many site-specific items you won't find elsewhere.

Of course, all of this is not going to mean a thing once they start the new hotel.

 

[Iceman93]

GCH:
+ Great decor, upscale feel, best pools (for lounging and general swimming), proximity to spa and nice restaurants, easy access to DCA, some staff are excellent.
- Sounds like the refurb genericized the rooms, concierge lounge is overrun with guests, rooms can be a long walk away, some staff are so far from excellent it's amazing they work here.

DLH:
+ Fun pools, that's about it.
- Generally a dud in terms of Disney quality and theming--is really just a standard Hilton with light-up headboards, snooty staff, far away from everything.

PPH:
+ Great Disney theming, nice rooms, best staff friendliness and professionalism of the three hotels, poolside cabana rooms are awesome, upper level theme park views are fantastic, underrated on-site restaurant, lowest prices.
- A bit further away.

 

[skuttle]

That is about to change this summer if they follow through on the plan to add a new hotel right in front of DLH. Wouldn't want to stay there during construction!

Not if... they already announced they are...

We are planning our first Disneyland stay for mid-June 2018. We were going to stay at the DLH. Is this construction something I need to be concerned about?

 

[Malcon10t]

GCH:
+ Great decor, upscale feel, best pools (for lounging and general swimming), proximity to spa and nice restaurants, easy access to DCA, some staff are excellent.
- Sounds like the refurb genericized the rooms, concierge lounge is overrun with guests, rooms can be a long walk away, some staff are so far from excellent it's amazing they work here.

DLH:
+ Fun pools, that's about it.
- Generally a dud in terms of Disney quality and theming--is really just a standard Hilton with light-up headboards, snooty staff, far away from everything.

PPH:
+ Great Disney theming, nice rooms, best staff friendliness and professionalism of the three hotels, poolside cabana rooms are awesome, upper level theme park views are fantastic, underrated on-site restaurant, lowest prices.
- A bit further away.

I've never had a snooty CM at any of the 3 hotels. And I have never seen the Grand concierge lounge "over ran" with guests. And the Pacific Grill is nice, but I wouldn't consider it "underrated."

Disney has a variety of hotels so they meet the appeal to various demographics. I'm glad you prefer the Pier!

 

[gottalovepluto]

We are planning our first Disneyland stay for mid-June 2018. We were going to stay at the DLH. Is this construction something I need to be concerned about?

DLH will operate through out the construction. Disney has only said "summer 2018" is when they'll start, nothing else. We have no idea what that will entail at this point. They will have methods for getting guests from DLH & PP to the parks during construction.

Should you change hotels? Idk. Personally I'd book a refundable backup since we like afternoon breaks & construction noise would kill those. Whether the backup is another Disney hotel or an offsite hotel would depend on the trip budget.

ETA: oh! First timer! So, to give you the lay of the land... it will absolutely affect DLH to Disney Parks walking, they'll have to create some sort of walk through area for access. DLH exits into the middle of the proposed hotel & Disney will be demolishing that end of DtD to make room for the hotel. But Disney & Anaheim are not simpatico these days so who knows when all this mess will actually start?

 

[whoever]

But Disney & Anaheim are not simpatico these days so who knows when all this mess will actually start?

Hopefully NEVER

 

[tink89]

I have never stayed on property and this year will be our first. We are staying at the DLH. I think it is the most Disneyish hotel and I as well as DD have always wanted to stay there. But if I had the option to switch to GCH for just $30 i would do it in a heartbeat. It closer and the pool looks amazing as well as the lobby.

 

[skuttle]

DLH will operate through out the construction. Disney has only said "summer 2018" is when they'll start, nothing else. We have no idea what that will entail at this point. They will have methods for getting guests from DLH & PP to the parks during construction.

Should you change hotels? Idk. Personally I'd book a refundable backup since we like afternoon breaks & construction noise would kill those. Whether the backup is another Disney hotel or an offsite hotel would depend on the trip budget.

ETA: oh! First timer! So, to give you the lay of the land... it will absolutely affect DLH to Disney Parks walking, they'll have to create some sort of walk through area for access. DLH exits into the middle of the proposed hotel & Disney will be demolishing that end of DtD to make room for the hotel. But Disney & Anaheim are not simpatico these days so who knows when all this mess will actually start?

Thanks, I guess we will wait and see. We definitely want to stay onsite at either DLH or GC. We picked DLH because it’s so different. We’ve stayed at WL at WDW and GC reminds me of that. But this possible construction scares me. We switched resorts at WDW due to construction. I wouldn’t want to Be walking back and forth through that mess every day.