21 Oct, 2009
Which Disneyland Resort Hotel is Best at Disneyland?
Posted by: Beach Reporter In: california| travel
I’ve stayed at all three Disney-owned hotel properties at Disneyland and can report that they’re all fine, though one or two are better. My favorite is the newest Disneys Grand California with the huge fireplace and craftsman decor.
They all have the cute little touches such as Mickey Mouse lamps, Disney imprinted bars of soap and each hotel has something that the kids will enjoy such as an arcade room, at minimum, at the Disney’s Paradise Hotel. I put that hotel as the value choice of the three properties. Disneyland Hotel is a happening place with conventions, meeting space, and grounds to wander around. For old-timers who have been going to Disneyland decades instead of years you count on one Pluto paw, this hotel brings back the fond memories of it all.
The newest hotel, Disney’s Grand Californian, offers the best rooms. With newer design, better on-site theme park views and direct entry into Disneys California Adventure theme park, you’re in the heart of it all.
Then as rooms go, Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel has 15 floors and 502 rooms, many with theme park views on the 7th through 13th floors. My main objection to my room is now settled since they change all the hotels to “no smoking”. The windows in the rooms are sealed so you can’t get fresh air. During my stay I smelled smoke in the venting system throughout the night and hated it. Thankfully they’ve addressed this by not allowing smoking so that won’t be an issue if you choose this hotel. Because of the Disney brand, you pay more to stay here than surrounding hotels in the neighborhood. But if you want the kids to enjoy the Mickey themes, the Disney hotels are the place to stay. And this is usually the cheapest of the three.
Disneyland Hotel does have balcony doors that open to get fresh air. This hotel exudes fun when you enter and see a big gift shop with all the Disney toys, clothes, and foods. And to add more to the ambiance, the monorail station stops at the hotel. The grounds and pools are classic California Disneyland. I like to wander the hotel, whether I stay there or not.
Finally, my favorite place is the new Disney Grand Californian. A massive fireplace in the lobby is worth stopping by to see, whether you stay at this four star hotel or not. Everything is new-ish, and the craftsman style decor is fun. There are some award-winning restaurants on site, and Downtown Disney entertainment clubs and restaurants just outside the hotel door. This hotel always costs the most. I’ve seen rooms in the $200+ range, but not for a few years. The price is usually double that amount, plus some. Is it worth it? If you are on a corporate budget, yes. Would I pay it out of my own pocket? If money was no object, or various factors came into play, I might.
