Originally Posted By ArielSong We have our choice of a 2 night stay at one of the 3 hotels at Disneyland. I was hoping to get opinions on whether we should stay at Paradise Pier, DL Hotel, or the Grand Californian. Where would you stay? There will be 5 adults in our party and we will be going in late January. Thanks very much in advance for your help!
Originally Posted By RoadTrip If cost is not an issue then definitely the Grand. If cost is an issue you would probably want the DLH or PP. Of the two the DLH is usually more expensive and I'm not at all sure it is worth the extra. Although I've always enjoyed the DLH, we stayed at the Paradise Pier once with a room on a top floor overlooking DCA and the view at night was absolutely gorgeous.
Originally Posted By 73baloo I have stayed at all 3 and DLH is my favorite. I agree the park views at PPH are incredible. The GCH is a high class hotel and while I love the location, to me it lacks the total Disney "magic". The last time I stayed there we could lay in bed and see Grizzly Peak but still I did not get that magic feeling.
Originally Posted By Dabob2 If cost is not an issue, the Grand hands down for me. I find more magic there than the other two (though small kids may not like it as much as the DLH, but you said 5 adults). It's the closest to the parks (you literally can't get closer to DCA) too.
Originally Posted By CuriousConstance Disneyland Hotel is newly remodeled and brand spanking new in most areas. Pictures look really nice.
Originally Posted By MomluvsDisney I love the Grand! It is classy Disney and the convenience to the parks is worth it's weight in gold. (walking a tiny bit through downtown to reach the hotel=Priceless). The Grand is like a touch of Disney thrown into a vacation. If you are looking for more immersion, then the DLH is probably the better bet. I cannot speak to the PPH, as I have never had the opportunity to stay there.
Originally Posted By gardenrooms Before the remodel I would have said DLH, but I don't like that they removed the balconies and put film on the windows which makes the rooms seem dark and smaller. These changes take away the happy sounds from outside and limit your view from your room (can't go outside and crane your neck). If money were no object I would pick the Grand. In fact, I'm going to save my pennies so when I stay on property in the future it will be there, not the DLH. It is beautiful and right in the middle of the magic.
Originally Posted By ksargen For me, it's the DLH. While the Grand is lovely, it skimps on space. For the money, you'll get more space at DLH, which can be nicer with a group of adults. There are also just as many dining choices, and you can always walk over to the Grand for more. PP is the least appealing to me, because the rooms are small, and there's less of a "magic" about it. Grand is a draw for the architecture alone, but you don't have to sleep there to enjoy it. Hope that helps!
Originally Posted By RoadTrip Maybe I just got lucky, but I had a corner room at the PPH that was considerably larger than any room I've ever had at the DLH. Perhaps the fact that the two of us had just gotten engaged had something to do with the room we were given...
Originally Posted By submarine-maniac I really enjoy the DLH. The new remodeled grounds are beautiful. Plus, with 5 adults, the Trader Sam's Bar is a must do, in my opinion.
Originally Posted By DisneybyMark If you can not afford the Grand Californian then my honest advise is to stay at the Hilton!
Originally Posted By ArielSong Thank you so much for your thoughtful opinions. We put it to a family vote and the Grand won (and so did Trader Sam's). We also decided to take a look at the other two properties while we are there to see about future visits. I hope we feel that illusive magic there anyway. We are so happy we get to go.
Originally Posted By tashajilek The grand is beautiful! it's a nice perk to have a entrance to DCA. I hope you have a wonderful time and enjoy the hotel.
Originally Posted By RoadTrip <<I hope we feel that illusive magic there anyway. We are so happy we get to go.>> I think you will really enjoy the themeing. Although it is not "over the top Mickey" like WDW's All Stars, the beauty and attention to detail is Disney Quality at its best! The Grand is similar to WDW's Wilderness and Animal Kingdom Lodges... probably the most beautiful resorts at WDW.
