Latest Disneyland trip gave me a surprise.

[Kramerica]

So me and a few of my buddies decided to plan a vacation to Disneyland a few months back. They hadn't been in nearly a decade, so naturally it was up to me to plan. Them being my typical broke friends, but me insisting on staying in the Disney bubble, I booked a couple nights at paradise pier.

A little background. I've stayed at several places around Disneyland, including Grand California in a standard and a premium, downtown Disney view. Also Disneyland Hotel with a pool view. This was my first time at Paradise Pier. I didn't expect much, with it being across the street. It not being built by Disney. I just expected a nice hotel with some Mickeys at a cheaper rate than the other hotels. But I have to say, I MUCH preferred our Paradise Pier stay to either of my stays at Grand Californian. It was roomy, clean, well lit, bright, fun, comfy. I loved everything about it. To be clear, I don't prefer it to Disneyland Hotel, which is my all time favorite hotel I've ever stayed at, period.

But the point being, in my honest opinion, Paradise Pier is preferable to me when opposed to the much, much more expensive Grand California. Okay, I get it. The grand is close. VERY close. But apart from that, what justifies it's price?

In the end, I just wanted to sort of give my opinion here and let people know who are afraid of staying at Paradise Pier, don't be. It's a fantastic experience. And if you're like me, you'd even prefer it to the 600 dollar a night- drab, small, in need of a refurb, Grand.

 

[Californian Elitist]

I agree, I also don't see why the Grand is so expensive. I've stayed at PP, and I liked it. It wasn't the fanciest hotel I had ever stayed in, but still.

I still think all three hotels are overpriced.

 

[BubbaQuest]

I agree too. I don't understand why so many people dislike it so much. Although the theming is lacking for being inside the Disney bubble, the rooms are large and with a great view compared to many of the other motels/hotels around the park. Plus, you are across the street to the entrance to GCH and easy walking distance to Trader Sam's.

It seems like Disney could spend just a little bit of money to Disney-fy the lobby. I'm not sure why they have been so reluctant to do that for so many years.

 

[Stevek]

I've stayed in all 3 hotels, none of them are worth the money they charge IMO...though I did stay at TGC for less than $200/night and PP for around $100/night (old AP rates). They are all nice, but not spectacular. Disney will continue to charge these high rates as long as occupancy stays high.

And yes, I think the PP hotel is just fine. Room was fine, had a DCA view and dining was good. The only downside is the pool which leaves much to be desired for a "Disney" hotel pool.

 

[ght]

I agree too. I don't understand why so many people dislike it so much. Although the theming is lacking for being inside the Disney bubble, the rooms are large and with a great view compared to many of the other motels/hotels around the park. Plus, you are across the street to the entrance to GCH and easy walking distance to Trader Sam's.

It seems like Disney could spend just a little bit of money to Disney-fy the lobby. I'm not sure why they have been so reluctant to do that for so many years.

I think you answered your own question here. A lot of people have high expectations as far as theming for a Disney hotel (which is how I think a lot of people in their minds justify paying $250+ a night) and I think that is where a lot of the disappointment in PP comes from. I don't really have an opinion either way, we never stay on-site so I can't judge it based on my own experiences.

 

[Deleted member 107043]

I stayed at PP Hotel last June and the best rate we could find was just shy of $400 per night for a pool view room. For a property that's just a notch above a Marriott Courtyard the hotel is a terrible value. We asked to be upgraded at check-in and ended up with a room overlooking DCA, which was nice. Yes the other 2 hotels are overpriced, but I feel that their amenities are much more in line with the rates they charge.

 

[Stevek]

I stayed at PP Hotel last June and the best rate we could find was just shy of $400 per night for a pool view room. For a property that's just a notch above a Marriott Courtyard the property is a terrible value. We asked to be upgraded at check-in and ended up with a room overlooking DCA, which was nice. Yes the other 2 hotels are overpriced, but I feel that their amenities are much more in line with the rates they charge.

Exactly. Stay in a WDW resort hotel (value or moderate) and you'll get prices significantly lower than PP and with much better Disney themeing and probably a better overall experience. Granted, WDW has far more rooms available that are on Disney property so they can afford to provide a wide range of prices. PP pier would at best be a moderate at WDW so it's pretty clear they are robbing the bank when you compare.

 

[BubbaQuest]

I stayed at PP Hotel last June and the best rate we could find was just shy of $400 per night for a pool view room.

Wow, that would explain a lot of the differing opinions about the hotel. I don't think I've ever paid more than $220/night there, with a park view. At a 2x rate compared to neighboring hotels, it's expensive, but typical for Disney markup. At $400/night I would be expecting something MUCH different.

 

[BrianLo]

I usually stay at the Sheraton, which can be expensive but worth the points redemption. Still walkable to the gates. I get a fireworks view room on the 12th floor with a fun (from an obsessive examiner of construction photos perspective) view of DCA that's not seen by the bloggers. The evening club lounge even includes beer and spirits.

So really I don't see the benefit of staying in Dis hotels period in Anaheim. Other than the surcharge for the convenience of GC.

By the way... If and when Marvel land gets built in DCA, that's exactly where people need to go to get construction photos!

 

[GiveMeTheMusic]

The worst about PPH is the elevator situation. It's absurd.

 

[Deleted member 107043]

The worst about PPH is the elevator situation. It's absurd.

It really is. Other than being inside (barely) the DLR bubble, there's really nothing special about the property in my opinion.

 

[Rich T]

I've stayed several times at PPH, but never for more than about $200 a night. I'd recommend it, but only if it's *substantially* less than the other two. Plusses: Big, convenient parking garage just outside the back door. If you get a room with a view of DCA, you can watch the park "wake up" with you, which is a fun way to start off. Bright, airy theming. Nice morning hike to the parks through GCH and Downtown Disney (the slog back's not so fun). Donuts at the cafe. Cute shop. Surfer Goofy. The pool is...functional and rectangular. Fun water slide.

 

[TP2000]

I've never been impressed with the Grand Californian. For that kind of money I'd rather stay at Hotel Montage or the Laguna Ritz and receive truly good service from hospitality professionals, not the missing details and unpolished presentation the Grand Californian employees consistently deliver.

Good to hear the Paradise Pier provides solid service at that much lower price point, bravo to that team there.

My favorite is the Disneyland Hotel; I put relatives with little kids up there last summer and they absolutely loved the place and the service was solid at a much cheaper rate than the Grand wanted for the same days.

 

[Rich T]

The best thing about The Grand Californian is its wonderful use as a resting place where you can have a drink, sink into a huge comfy chair and listen to relaxing, live piano music. And you don't have to have a room there to enjoy that.

 

[Deleted member 107043]

Good to hear the Paradise Pier provides solid service at that much lower price point, bravo to that team there.

When we booked PP the lowest available rooms at GC and DLH exceeded $500 a night. I'm hoping that the new hotel properties in Anaheim have some impact on demand and help drive down the DLR room rates a bit. From what I understand the 3 hotels combined are averaging a +80% occupancy rate annually, which is way above the national average. Supply and demand at work.

 

[Deleted member 107043]

The best thing about The Grand Californian is its wonderful use as a resting place where you can have a drink, sink into a huge comfy chair and listen to relaxing, live piano music

I have to admit that I'm a sucker for the GCH. The rooms are nothing to write home about, but it really is a nice hotel, pure Disney, and with nice amenities, even if the whole experience is bit overpriced. It also has the added bonus of being less populated by families with young children, which I appreciate while on vacation. I have nothing against kids, but as an adult traveling with other adults it's nice to hang out by the pool and not have to deal with the constant sounds of screams and splashing from little ones while sipping a Mai Tai. Also, you can't beat the convenience of being able to hop over to your room for a quick outfit change after getting soaked on GRR.

 

[Furiated]

The worst about PPH is the elevator situation. It's absurd.

This. We stayed there once and it was pretty Meh but we didn't outright hate it, but those elevators made it a total Never Again for us.

 

[Curious Constance]

I have to admit that I'm a sucker for the GCH. The rooms are nothing to write home about, but it really is a nice hotel, pure Disney, and with nice amenities, even if the whole experience is bit overpriced. It also has the added bonus of being less populated by families with young children, which I appreciate while on vacation. I have nothing against kids, but as an adult traveling with other adults it's nice to hang out by the pool and not have to deal with the constant sounds of screams and splashing from little ones while sipping a Mai Tai. Also, you can't beat the convenience of being able to hop over to your room for a quick outfit change after getting soaked on GRR.

I love my kids more than anything. Other kids? Not so much. lol

 

[Curious Constance]

This. We stayed there once and it was pretty Meh but we didn't outright hate it, but those elevators made it a total Never Again for us.

I stayed almost ten years ago, and don't remember the elevator situation?

 

[Deleted member 107043]

I love my kids more than anything. Other kids? Not so much. lol

Funny how it works, right? Kids that I'm familiar with, like my nieces and nephews, I love, but those little terrors running around screaming their heads off at the DLH pool are the absolute worst. lol