Which on-site hotel is the best?

[Artoo]

In terms of view, pools, and theme, which DLR resort do you suggest to this first-timer who will be spending her first wedding anniversary in the happiest place on earth?

 

[Danauk]

I would suggest the Grand Californian Hotel, although it is the most expensive. We have chosen to stay there for our 1st trip for our 10th anniversary in the summer with a theme park view. The theaming looks lovely (kind of like the Wilderness Lodge at WDW), it has its own entrance to DCA and the pool looks really nice too. Plus to me it seems the most adult themed of all the Disney hotels.

 

[bradk]

GCH is the only hotel Disney built - it acquired the other two. DLH is retrofitted to a more Disney theme (the neverland pool, glow in the dark pixie dust on the ceilings, mickey accents). Paradise Pier is.. well... Paradise Pier.

 

[sunking]

My wife and I just returned from a 6 night stay at the Grand Californian. I can't explain in words just how nice this hotel was. While I have never stayed at Paradise Pier, I have stayed at the Disneyland Hotel and the Grand Californian has this beat easily.

My only "complaint" about the Grand Californian is the restraunt situation. While there is a counter service restraunt available, the hours are fairly inconvienent so when returning from a late night at the park and you want a quick bite your choices are limited.

Have a great trip!
Sunking

 

[nunzia]

I also vote for Grand Californian. Beautiful and the best location hands down.

 

[mlggator]

I also vote for the GCH. We have stayed at DLH and GCH and I just really love the GCH. I prefer it over DLH for the following reasons:
I love the private entrance to DCA
I love the two pools (just don't seem as hectic and crowded to me)
I love the arts and crafts style of the hotel
I like having poolside service to order drinks and snacks (although it is very SLOW)
I like turn down service

Last time we stayed there, we had and pool/theme park view that was just awesome. Here are some pics:

and here is the room:

And don't forget that they have a wonderful spa there. Book some massages for you and your husband . Have a wonderful trip and really enjoy it.

Michele

 

[lisadoll93]

Grand California

 

[Pinkstarblm]

i want to stay at GCH soo bad one day! My family always stays at paradise pier it's cute never had a problem and last time our room overlooked DCA.

 

[kmab00]

We recently returned from our first wedding anniversary at Paradise Pier and we LOVED it!! It was nice that the GCH was right across the street because we walked through it every morning to get to the parks for the DCA entrance and then through DTD for Disneyland entrance....also when leaving at night, it was nice to have a little shorter of a distance to walk.

The staff at check in at PP were AWESOME!! We received turndown service every night (not requested by us but by the CM who checked us in) and we also had a special surprise waiting in our room the first night that we were there. The rooms were nice and spacious and we had a BLAST!

Good luck deciding!!

 

[avalon451]

GCH if you can afford the splurge. It's beautiful. and... Location, location, location.

 

[SANDIEGOFAN]

I'm a little wacky with my staying onsite rules.

Just the wife and me, GCH - anytime of the year.

The family (wife and 2 girls, 8 and 10) we stay at DLH April through October and PPH November through March. We stay at DLH mainly for the pool so we try to book it when it's warmer and we know we'll use it more. We don't like the pool as much at PPH and the kids don't spend a lot of time in the pool (even though it's heated) during the colder months and love the DCA view with the longer nights.
For some strange reason, the girls don't like GCH - they say the rooms are too small. Doesn't bother me, I like to save the money and enjoy the other hotels.

 

[Anything Disney!]

My first stay at GCH is next month. I'd call the rooms craftsman rustic. The suites look a little more subdued and not as kitschy. My last stay at DLH the room was very elegant and more than a little grown up. It will be interesting to see which I prefer! Since I live in the forest, log cabin style is the everyday norm, just not on that "grand" of a scale. I've also stayed at PP and the Theme Park View is fantastic. The room was colorful and very clean.

I guess it depends on your taste as to what type of room you are looking for. If you can get a concierge room, spluge for your Anniversary!

Each hotel has a different feel, but hey, your at Big D, you can't go wrong with either 3 of the choices.

 

[spaceace510]

One more vote for Grand Californian...i jusst got back and loved it!!!!!! We had an amazing view of DTD. We could even had a fairly good view of DL fireworks (we couldn't really see the low stuff). I loved it! Here are some pics of that views...but go GC!
Fireworks from GCH

GCH from DTD

DTD from GCH

 

[JenDisneylandlver]

The best view we've had was at the GCH. A view of GRR.

The best pool, we like the DLH pool, with the Netherland theming.

As far as regular theming goes. DLH has the best Disney theming in our opinion. Although we love the GCH for the whole woodsy, upscale, resort feel.

It really depends on what we are in the mood for, and really what we can afford for that trip!

 

[Artoo]

Wow, thank you so much for all of your advice and pictures!!!
I read up on the GCH and it does seem very nice. I like that there is a spa there. When we were on our honeymoon, DH and I got a couples massage at Saratoga Springs and loved it!
GCH is a little pricey, but the trip is still a ways off and we can save.