What to Know about GCH

[fairycat]

Well after a very bad week, DH decided to cheer me up with a trip to DLR this week and a long desired stay at GCH. I have never stayed there and want the most out of our overnight stay. What would you say you have to do? Do the special things offered only count for Concierge guests? Also can you buy AP blackout day tickets at the hotel so you can enter in the hotel entrance?

Any good info. you can offer would be fantastic!!!!! Thank You.

 

[toocherie]

Heather--I hope your trip is wonderful.

I don't believe you can by the block-out tickets at the hotel--but ask (and let us know). Try Guest Relations or the dreaded ticket booths.

Non-concierge level doesn't have a lot of "perks"--there is an architectural tour they give sometimes. That might be neat.

Otherwise, just bask in the ambiance of the GCH--and be sure and tell us all about it!

 

[Marilynbn]

Try to get a pool view room on upper floor. Wonderful morning sunshine can cheer you up!

Marilyn

 

[DangerMouse]

Don't know if they are still offering this, but back in 2005, as GCH guests, my dd and I were able to do a pre-park opening DCA Condor Flats Tour which included us being the first to ride on Soarin that day. We had the whole flight to ourselves (well, with about 5 other GCH guests who took the tour with us - obviously we were in B1). All we had to do was show up at the private DCA entrance at around 9:00 am and inquire if the tour was being provided that day. The turnstile CM radios someone to come take you on the "tour". I had also heard that asking a front desk CM or concierge CM will get you no accurate info about the tour. Really, it's the private entrance turnstile CM that knows about it.

Have a great stay at the GCH Heather!

 

[drag n' fly]

Each day you will get a list of activities slipped under your door. Highlight any that interest you. These have been some of our favs

-the scavenger hunt. If you win you get to use the concierge level all day!
-drawing mickey mouse class
-touring condor flats and riding soarin before DCA opens
-ee to either build a bear or lego store
-sitting in front of the big fireplace with a glass of wine and a cheese plate from Napa Rose

lots more these are just a few I could think of

 

[mechurchlady]

There is a story telling time at the great hearth that is interesting. A wonderful nook is the bar and I think that is behind the hearth, very nice place.

http://www.stickleymuseum.org/stickley.php
Read up on the craftsman style of architecture so that you can better appreciate the furnishings, carpets, light fixtures, and design of the GCH.

 

[DizMe]

On the activity list mentioned by drag 'n fly, they had Pilates offered when I was there, which was really cool!

Definitely have a drink in the Hearth Lounge! You can sit on a nice chair or couch and "hang out" while munching on their snack mix. I missed this the first time but make a point to always go there at least once during my trip.

Not exactly in the hotel, but right outside the DTD entrance is Hagen Daaz. I had an absolute obsessive craving for their Belgian chocolate chocolate ice cream when we were there, and was so happy that it was right outside the door

 

[fairycat]

Each day you will get a list of activities slipped under your door. Highlight any that interest you. These have been some of our favs

-the scavenger hunt. If you win you get to use the concierge level all day!
-drawing mickey mouse class
-touring condor flats and riding soarin before DCA opens
-ee to either build a bear or lego store
-sitting in front of the big fireplace with a glass of wine and a cheese plate from Napa Rose

lots more these are just a few I could think of

This was what I was wondering about!!! I am so excited to hear this is available to all guests! I am trying to get excited about this trip and want to stay busy and get the most out of the experience. I just wish we were getting in earlier on Friday. But have to go to the dentist first.

 

[farmfresh]

Anyone know if the Condor Flats Tour is just GCH or are other Dl hotels included?

 

[DangerMouse]

Anyone know if the Condor Flats Tour is just GCH or are other Dl hotels included?

From what I have read and was told by the CMs, the tour is for GCH guests only. But that was in 2005, so things may have changed since then.

 

[lulubelle]

From what I have read and was told by the CMs, the tour is for GCH guests only. But that was in 2005, so things may have changed since then.

For my birthday in Nov 2008, it was just GC guests. And it is hush-hush in that they don't advertise it, you just have to "know about it and show up". There were 6 of us and it was really cool to be the first to do it. We had heard that the CM gives you a bit of history regarding creation of the ride, but that was not the case.

You also get turn down service and chocolate coins on your pillows. They will come into your room and do it weather you are there or not. And you simply must sit in the lobby and enjoy a set by the piano player. Very soothing and enjoyable. Have a great time, Heather.

 

[SeansMom]

Some of our favorite things:

Order room service for breakfast. The amounts are huge and the presentation is quite nice, too.

Take the tour. It's fun.

Find the balcony area that overlooks the pools and sit for awhile; great view, relaxing place to be.

Enjoy!

 

[YellowMickeyPonchos]

Don't forget the morning Power Walk through DCA before it opens to guests!!!

Just you guys and the segway tour folks!

Make sure to read the flyer that is on your bed or nightstand every night!!!!

 

[Hester]

Oooh ... there's stuff even I didn't know about here!!!

Please elaborate on the Condor Flats Tour and the Morning Power Walk??? Are these available simply for hotel guests? Not concierge level, or ticketed, etc.?

Defintely do the architectural tour and story time at the hearth/fireplace.

 

[YellowMickeyPonchos]

Oooh ... there's stuff even I didn't know about here!!!

Please elaborate on the Condor Flats Tour and the Morning Power Walk??? Are these available simply for hotel guests? Not concierge level, or ticketed, etc.?

Defintely do the architectural tour and story time at the hearth/fireplace.

Any Grand Californian guest can do the activities on the sheet they receive at turndown. That's a perk of being at the Grand over all the other hotels.

Cool.

 

[Cliffside]

For my birthday in Nov 2008, it was just GC guests. And it is hush-hush in that they don't advertise it, you just have to "know about it and show up". There were 6 of us and it was really cool to be the first to do it. We had heard that the CM gives you a bit of history regarding creation of the ride, but that was not the case.

You also get turn down service and chocolate coins on your pillows. They will come into your room and do it weather you are there or not. And you simply must sit in the lobby and enjoy a set by the piano player. Very soothing and enjoyable. Have a great time, Heather.

The tour of Condor flats sounds really cool. Where do you just show up to to do it. That would be an awesome way to start the day.

 

[Marilynbn]

Is there a cost for the Condor flats tour?

Marilyn

 

[DangerMouse]

The tour of Condor flats sounds really cool. Where do you just show up to to do it. That would be an awesome way to start the day.

Yes, you just show up at the GCH private entrance to DCA at around 9:00 am, and ask the CM at the gate if there is someone available to give the tour that day.

Is there a cost for the Condor flats tour?

Marilyn

It's free for GCH guests!

 

[Cliffside]

Yes, you just show up at the GCH private entrance to DCA at around 9:00 am, and ask the CM at the gate if there is someone available to give the tour that day.



It's free for GCH guests!

Thanks for the info. We are definately going to try and do that.

 

[lisadoll93]

Yes, you just show up at the GCH private entrance to DCA at around 9:00 am, and ask the CM at the gate if there is someone available to give the tour that day.



It's free for GCH guests!

Thanks for the info