Originally Posted By kati71 Hi. We are scheduled to visit Disneyland in February. We have had an extremely difficult year so we are wanting to make it special. That being said - read the reviews for the hojo and wondering if we should stay there or at the Grand Californian. I currently have reservations at both - one for $259 at GC and a $74 rate at hojos for disney view. Walking distance? Thanks so much.
Originally Posted By LPFan22 If money isn't an issue the GCH has a more special feel. With the decor, the large fireplace and piano player in the lobby plus all of the restaurants nearby you can't go wrong. Located in the heart of DTD. HoJo's also offers everything you need... fridge, microwave, cleanliness, pool. Also close to variety of restaurants and not too far of a walk from the Harbor Blvd. crosswalk leading to the DLR. Personally, I prefer the arts and crafts decor of the GCH and it's closer proximity to DTD but if I were on a tight budget I wouldn't have a problem with staying at HoJo's.
Originally Posted By pecos bill That is a question only you can answer, and it is totally dependent on your budget. For me though, it's a no-brainer, I'll stay at HOJOs, a perfectly fine establishment, and spend the exra 150.00 a night I save on all the other luxuries of a nice vacation.
Originally Posted By liveforvacations pecos bill said it so well so I just want to second his answer! GCH is obviously a nicer hotel and the special entrance to DCA looks so inviting especially when you are coming off the Grizzly River Run soaking wet! However, as we only have so much money to spend on our vacation, we would rather stay at Hojo's which we love and spend the money we save on food, souvenirs, and things like an evening at Medieval Times or save some for another trip-possibly once a year or maybe even twice in a year.
Originally Posted By SuzieQ It's not a no-brainer for me! They are totally different vacations as far as I'm concerned. When I stay at HoJo's, my purpose is to be in the parks as much as possible. When I stay at the Grand, I find the hotel encompasses itself more in to my vacation. I feel as if I haven't left the parks when I go to my room or spend time by the pool or at the Hearthstone Lounge. It depends upon how I want my vacation to feel. A HoJo's/DLR vacation is more start and stop, energy wise. I GCH vacation maintains a consistant energy, and I typically return home more relaxed from my vacation instead of feeling like a need to recover from my vacation.
Originally Posted By dsnykid I know people who have stayed at the GCH and swear by it, but I enjoyed the Hojo and the fact that it was relatively close to the parks. At a price difference of $185 a night, I can't bring myself to stay at a Disney hotel.. maybe someday in the future, but right now, that's a LOT of savings for a 10 minute walk.
Originally Posted By dlkozy According to Darkbeer's calculations, it is as far to walk to GC to the Main Gate as it is to walk to HoJo's and the Main Gate. Certainly GC is closer to DTD-but we find that there is less and less that interests us there.
Originally Posted By Ursula ^ Really? I find that hard to believe. Unless he's talking from the front door of the Grand, which no one should use to enter the parks. For me, no matter what you choose, you'll be happy. Hojo's is great and is a good room for the price. The Grand is perfect in every way except the rooms are a bit smaller for my tastes and I've had check-in problems. I love being able to enjoy room service or a cocktail at the Grand before bed. So there.
Originally Posted By Darkbeer The measurement is from the Front lobby to the Main Entrance (star in the center). The vast majority of rooms at the GCH are around the Mian Lobby, and folks have to take elevators down to the Lobby/check in area. If it is early, you then need to walk thru the convention area to access Downtown Disney, and then go thru security to get into Disneyland prior to 10 AM. The walk from HoJo's is slightly longer, but fairly close. The DVC units of GCH will be about the same distance as HoJo's (or CCI). If you want to think scale, HoJo's is right across the street from Tomorrowland, so it is about the same walk as entering the parks and going to Autopia.
Originally Posted By mater4 Darkbeer has mentioned that the walking distance from Paradise Pier to the entrance is the same as Hojo's to the entrance. So it is PP not GC like what was mentioned above. I also love Hojo's. Mimi's does take out and is easy to pick up on your way back to the room. I know it is not room service like what GC provides but it works. I think your decision should be based on how much you are willing to spend. As for me I would rather have the extra spending money since I don't have the unlimited budget. You should also think about how much time you will spend in your room. GC is great when you have babies or toddlers.
Originally Posted By dlkozy >>>"So it is PP not GC like what was mentioned above...."<<< The future DVC units AT the GC will be about the same walk is what he posted.
Originally Posted By dlkozy >>>" The Grand is perfect in every way except the rooms are a bit smaller for my tastes and I've had check-in problems>>>"<<< And I disagree that the GC is "perfect in every way"-the price for what you get is ridiculous. I have stayed at MUCH nicer for less.
Originally Posted By mater4 I know what Darkbeer posted on this thread unfortunately I did not get a chance to read it before submitting my post. In other posts in the past he has said Hojo's is about the same distance as PP and that is what I was referring to.
Originally Posted By Darkbeer Yes, the standard walking distance from the PPH, CCI and Hojo's are almost the same distance, about 2/3'rd of a mile. It is a good gauge in figuring out what range the hotel you are interested in is. CCI offers its own Shuttle, HoJo's is part of the ART system. PPH has no type of shuttle/tram system available.
Originally Posted By SuzieQ Since I've never paid more than $209 at the Grand, I can't say I've stayed at nicer for less, LOL! Just for comparison's sake, the AP rate at the Grand on Dec. 9-11 was $199. HoJo's was $109. We were at Embassy Suites for $125.
Originally Posted By dlkozy So, adding in the daily resort fee and taxes at $199 it was what-about $235 or so a night-for the GC? All I am saying is that the GC is not all that and then some, (real luxury hotels do NOT have sleeping bags!) and IMHO, it certainly is not worth the price. But for some it seems it is. And I don't know why HoJos was that expensive during the time that you mentioned. We were there just the week before that and payed $59 so I don't know what made THAT week so much more expensive.
Originally Posted By Dabob2 If you're in the east wing of the GCH, you can't get closer to the DL entrance than that (though you can only use that exit to get TO the park, not back from). And, of course, you can't get closer to DCA than the Grand. It all depends on your priorities and what you want to spend your money on. There's no "right" answer here. I've been very satisfied with our 3 stays at the Grand, but this last time the AP rate wasn't available and it was more than I wanted to spend.
Originally Posted By pecos bill Another reason why I wont stay at the Grand is because I feel that Disney could be much more reasonable on the rates they charge. They come across to me as being rather stiff necked about the whole process. While I do feel that Disneyland itself is still a great entertainment value, I do not feel the same about their hotels.
Originally Posted By SuzieQ At Embassy, add 2% less in taxes (Garden Grove vs. Anaheim), then add $11 to park at Mickey & Friends (or $9/day for 3 people on ART). It's pretty much as wash when it comes to taxes and resort fee. Has anyone in this discussion stayed at the Deluxe hotel level at WDW? I'm talking Wilderness, Poly, Grand Floridian. GCH is comparable to those hotels and no different in rate.
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo I actually find the Grand to be a preferable experience (I've stayed in AKL, WL, the Poly, and Contemporary). But I am biased as I prefer DL resort to WDW, I love the Napa Rose. The rooms are about the same size as AKL and WL (same architect), but smaller than the rooms at the other deluxe hotels. That said, an on site hotel is not as necessary at DL. We find the Grand Californian is comperable to WDW. For example, we are there 1st - 6th March. We got a great package deal, but even now, it is $360 a night. Grand Floridian (which I do not like as much) $375 a night for cheapest room Poly $329 Beach Club $315 Boardwalk $315 Wilderness Lodge $305. And none of the parks are as close (except mayb the Beach Club with Epcot). In comparison, the DLH at Paris runs $1000 a night in comparison and does not offer the value of the Grand Californian either. I don't know if this has helped or made it harder?
