Which hotel?

[melvin1970]

We normally go to WDW but decided to change and go to DL. We have a group of 6. Can’t decide whether to get a 2 brm suite at DLH or 2 rooms at GC. I’ve only stayed at Paradise Pier years ago. Would love some opinions on each hotel. Thanks!

 

[theluckyrabbit]

For DLR, it isn't absolutely necessary to stay on site. The EMH/EE perk given to on site guests is great, but can easily be made up with MP by off site guests. So you can stay at one of the three on site hotels if you wish, but you can have an equally wonderful trip (and save tons of money to be spent on other things in the parks!) by staying off site, too. There are many different kinds of hotels off site now (newer, older, all suites, breakfast included, etc.), and some of the closest hotels on Harbor are closer to the gates than some of the on site hotels. Uber/Lyft make staying a little further away even easier now.
Here are two classic threads to give you lots of great planning information:
A DLR Guide for WDW Vets
www.disboards.com/threads/choosing-the-right-hotel-for-you.3656512/

Bag check for the DLH and the PP (on the west end of DTD by EOS and ESPN Zone) is usually not crowded and moves quickly. The GCH entrance to DCA has a bag check and can back up in the early mornings, but calms down by late morning (usually). The GCH bag check to DTD can back up, too, but usually isn't bad. Only registered GCH guests with a valid, current room key and guests with a confirmed TS reservation at the hotel are allowed to enter using the front entrance of the GCH. All DLR guests can exit the GCH through the front entrance.

 

[DCLPrincess]

We stayed at DLH and loved it. I know they have off-site hotels that are close but we wanted the Disney experience. It was fun to walk through downtown Disney to get to the park. We also walked through GC and into DCA.

 

[melvin1970]

We stayed at DLH and loved it. I know they have off-site hotels that are close but we wanted the Disney experience. It was fun to walk through downtown Disney to get to the park. We also walked through GC and into DCA.

What tower did you stay in?

 

[DCLPrincess]

What tower did you stay in?

Fantasy. We did not put in a request and didn't book a special view. It was a good location. We had a parking lot view but could actually see the DL fireworks from the window.

 

[calilou]

We’ve stayed at both properties multiple times, though never in a suite at DLH. The pool at DLH is better overall, especially for kids and teens. However, you just can’t beat the proximity of the GCH. I’d choose it just about every time given the choice
though both are wonderful hotels.