Which onsite hotel?

[Aya]

I've only been to Disneyland once (many visits to WDW, though) and did not stay onsite. Now I'm going with my DH and 2 1/2 year old DS and I want to stay at the Grand Californian or the Disneyland Hotel. Does one have significant benefits over the other? I'd love to hear some opinions and experiences. Thanks!

 

[shkeogh]

Grand Californian is closer to Disneyland and has it's own entrance into California Adventure.

 

[got_ron]

In Feb. my family and I had an awesome experience at the Disneyland hotel. When we checked in we were upgraded to a park/dtd view in the Dreams tower. Our second day there, on my birthday the maids brought me a cake made out of towels and chocolates and then gave me a picture of Pooh, Tigger, Eeyore and Piglet all autographed. They asked my MIL who my favourite characters were. Then also the same day, we had wanted to have congierge but it wasn't available when we checked in, we were upgraded to concierge. We didn't have one rude CM encounter, our room was beautifully cleaned everyday and everyday we had extra towels which had we asked for the first day and didn't have to repeat the the request. All in all it was a great stay and I would definately stay again!

 

[CupidsKiss]

In Feb. my family and I had an awesome experience at the Disneyland hotel. When we checked in we were upgraded to a park/dtd view in the Dreams tower. Our second day there, on my birthday the maids brought me a cake made out of towels and chocolates and then gave me a picture of Pooh, Tigger, Eeyore and Piglet all autographed. They asked my MIL who my favourite characters were. Then also the same day, we had wanted to have congierge but it wasn't available when we checked in, we were upgraded to concierge. We didn't have one rude CM encounter, our room was beautifully cleaned everyday and everyday we had extra towels which had we asked for the first day and didn't have to repeat the the request. All in all it was a great stay and I would definately stay again!

And someday soehow we will have another dream trip like this one. Perhaps it will be Florida here we come?
I too would NOT hesitate to recommend the DLH. I love the HOJO but this was one big treat!

 

[JenDisneylandlver]

Cost is probably one of the bigger factors for us. GCH is a bit more pricey then DLH.

I like both, but they are different in how I like them. It depends on what I'm in the mood for! DLH has some neat Disney theming. I always feel like we've never left the park when we stay at the DLH. The Peter Pan pool is very cool, a big hit with kids of all ages. I love having Goofy's Kitchen right there, the jungle boats to drive. Looking at all the old Disney pictures on the wall and all the old toys they sold!

The GCH gives me a more "resort" upscale feel. The lobby is just beautiful! We've had a park view of GRR and that was the BEST view I've ever had EVER. I loved sitting out on the balcony watching people on the ride, walking around below. It reminds me of Yellowstone which I went quite a bit as a kid so it's nice for me in that way. The location is one of the best (depending on where your room is at). And having the enterance in to DCA is awesome too.

Really I don't think you can go wrong with either!

 

[ballarinamom]

DLH is not that much farther than GCH. GCH is beautiful but is California Redwoods themed where DLH is Disney themed. In the bathroom, the sconces are Mickey's gloved hands, there is pixie dust on the ceiling at night when you turn off the lights, the pool is super cute. It does feel like a continuation of the park, We really missed this when we went to WDW as the only hotel with Dsiney theming was All Star Movies. That's where we stayed even though we would have preferred a moderate or Deluxe. We just figure when we are at Disney, we want Disney all the way. Good Luck and have a great trip!

 

[mlggator]

Both are great and you can't go wrong with either. The themeing at DLH is wonderful. The pool is so cool and the kids will love it. We did have a bit of trouble at DLH right at check in. They were not staffed enough and we had to wait over an hour to check in. Then they couldn't get us into our room until almost 6 pm (even though we arrived at hotel at 8:30 am) so DS couldn't get a nap.

California Adventure is awesome too. You do feel much more upscale and the the convenience of having both DTD right there and your own private entrance to DCA is worth every penny.

We had a very magical trip the last time we went and stayed at GC. DS hit his head and cut it, not badly, but some blood. Well, we went back out to the parks and when we came back there were get well balloons, an autographed picture of Mickey, get well card signed by Mickey and friends, and lots of extra chocolate. It made all of our day! I also enjoyed the automatic turn down service that you get at GC. It is nice to come back and have your room tidy and beds ready to fall into.

I am trying to decide the same thing right now (which Hotel). We have stayed at both and had wonderful times at both. I have a DD 6 and a DS 4. We love to come back in the afternoon and swim before heading out again. I am trying to decide if I want the cool themes of DLH or the convenience of GC (which also has cool themes). I leaning towards GC right now because with DS being so little, a short short walk to the hotel is a major plus!

I would love to hear others thoughts too, as we are on the fence about where to stay again.

Michele

 

[silvababe]

We were unable to book at the Grand so we decided to book an upper level theme park view at the Disneyland Hotel. A month after i booked I had to reschedule and called up the Grand to see if they had any rooms available. Which they did but only had a courtyard view room and i booked it. They were similar in price but i prefer to stay at the Grand it may not be much closer then the DL Hotel but it makes me feel like it is. Plus i like the feel of the hotel!!