Ever thought of paying the extra money to stay at a Disneyland Resort in California but you were worried about the Disneyland Hotel Reviews online? Or that it wouldn’t be worth the cost? Did you know that the first Disneyland opened in 1955 in Anaheim, California? Most people associate Disney with the east coast metropolis of Orlando, Florida. Well, the wonderful west coast has one of the best Disney experiences you could dream of!
Disneyland in California hosts more than 18 million visitors a year. With such a huge array of guests, countless hotels have sprung up around. There are even three resorts on the Disney property itself!
Disney has two sprawling theme parks to check out. You likely won’t be able to enjoy Disney to its fullest without a multi-day visit. Having the best hotel for your stay is essential.
Choosing somewhere safe, comfortable, and fulfilling to lay your head on after a long day at the park might be a tough decision for some. We’ve cultivated our best Disneyland Hotel Reviews for you, so you can know how to make the best choice for your visit.
Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel
Located less than half a mile from the official Disneyland Resort, Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel defines classic Californian craftsman-style architecture. With a wealth of glamorous amenities, you’re forgiven for letting your better half take the kids to the park for the day so you can relax and recharge.
The spa services at Grand California are the perfect way to treat yourself after long days of excitement at the park. Plenty of rooms are on offer at this luxury stay. You’re sure to find everything you need here!
Essential Overview
The Grand Californian Hotel at Disneyland is almost 34 miles from Los Angeles International Airport. The closest airport is John Wayne Airport, under 10 miles away. Long Beach Municipal is only 13 miles away, so you’ll easily find your way to this luxury retreat.
No matter how you’re getting to the Grand Californian, the hotel is just off the 5 Freeway on the border between southwest and southeast Anaheim. Its immediate proximity to the park is the best part of this hotel.
If you have your park ticket, you can enter through an exclusive entrance to the Adventure Park. Walking distance to Disneyland is one of the best things about this Disneyland hotel.
Room Reviews
Families and couples can find their perfect spot in the Grand Californian. Most rooms come with space to sleep at least five guests. Queen and king beds are the norm. If you need a twin sleeper chair, these are readily available upon request.
Every room comes with Wi-Fi, Keurig coffee, a hairdryer, robes, desks, and so much more! The bathrooms offer rain showers, a vanity area, and a double sink. They even include step stools for the smallest guests.
Check-in for rooms starts at 3 pm, and check-out is at 11 am daily. You’ll get a weekday newspaper delivered, as well as an evening turndown service. In the depths of the summer heat, set your climate control to a cool breeze in every room.
With 1,019 rooms, 44 suites, and 71 villas across 6 floors, Grand California has a room for every taste. Of course, you’re not visiting Disneyland to stay in the hotel. Let’s explore some other perks of the Grand Californian!
Food And Drinking
Room service is available for every guest at the Grand Californian. Sometimes, after a long day of walking around the park, it’s good to treat yourself to a relaxing dinner in your room.
However, you won’t be short of wonderful dining options while visiting Disneyland. The Napa Rose restaurant offers fine dining of seasonal flavors. Brought to Disney by award-winning chef Andrew Sutton.
Sutton opened his first restaurant in Napa Valley before launching his tastes in Disneyland. He’s cultivated an exclusive wine list for the Napa Rose. Many guests celebrate a special occasion at this internationally recognized restaurant.
If you’re looking for something a little less dressy, the Storytellers Café is for you and the family. Serving breakfast, brunch, and dinner, the Storyteller is an American-style meal like you’ve never had before.
You can enjoy your buffet breakfast with all of your favorite friends! Mickey Mouse is a regular, so be sure to wave hello when you come on down.
Storytellers Café is the best spot to find something for every palate, just be sure to make a reservation beforehand. The flavor presented by the chefs at Storytellers is some of the most popular throughout the park!
Also available at The Grand California is the Hearthstone Lounge. The lodge-like décor really sets the ambiance over a cocktail or two. With snacks and continental breakfasts available, you can visit any time of day and find something special.
Or, why not pop down once the kids pass out and enjoy a drink by the fire. The Hearthstone serves until 1 am, so you’ve plenty of time to relax after a long day of excitement.
Want to order something on the go? Check out the GCH Craftsman Grill. Order from your phone and pick up some great to-go dining as you head out to the park. If you’re looking for the most cost-effective option, the GCH Craftsman Grill is a superior option.
Recreational Perks
The Grand Californian offers three different pools to a diverse array of guests. Poolside cabana rentals are available for the days you don’t want to go back into the park. There’s even a pool bar so you can swim, drink, and sun yourself.
Even though you’ll probably get plenty of exercise exploring the park, The Grand California comes with a great fitness center. Or, you can take part in the Get Up & Go Power Walk.
The Get Up & Go Power Walk is an exclusive, fast-paced 2-mile powerwalk through Disney California Adventure Park before it opens to the public!
For children, you’ll never be short of activities. There are regular film showings at the Parkview Terrace. There’s a private build-a-bear workshop.
We recommend asking the concierge about the daily interactive experiences for families. One of our favorites is The Grand Quest, a scavenger hunt throughout the hotel grounds.
Disneyland Park Bonuses!
Guests at the Grand Californian enjoy a private entrance to the park. You’re also offered Extra Magic Hours. This basically means you have access to selected attractions throughout both Disney campuses before they open to the public.
Walkability is the biggest perk of the Grand Californian. Don’t worry about driving daily, finding a parking spot or your vehicle heating up in the southern California sun. You can easily get to Adventure Park, Disneyland Park, and Downtown Disney on foot.
Other Amenities
As one of the top-rated Disneyland hotels, the Grand Californian offers guests so many perks. Your room key charges meals and purchases to your room. You can even have your purchases delivered straight to your room.
No matter your lifestyle, you’ll be able to find your place in the Grand Californian. If you’re looking for something a little extra, check out the Tenaya Stone Spa. Massages, facials, foot and body treatments can help take the edge off a long day.
There are even salon services available! You’re forgiven for thinking you’ve escaped to your own private craftsman spa. The 6,000 square-foot facility is the cherry on top of an already fantastic hotel.
Disney’s Paradise Pier
Also, less than half a mile from the Disneyland Resort, Paradise Pier is a great family hotel for trips on a budget. In just a quick 10–15-minute walk through the Disney property, you’ll find yourself in a world of imagination. You won’t miss a single Disneyland ride with close walking distance to the park.
Depending on the size of your group, there is a range of options available for rooms and activities. Park-side rooms provide guests with a beautiful view of the Disneyland fireworks display or World of Color.
You’re not likely to find a better hotel for a brilliant price. Here’s everything you need to know about Paradise Pier.
Essential Overview
Throw yourself back in time to the iconic heyday of 1920s-era sand and surfside California pop culture in the Paradise Pier hotel. Even though this is the least expensive option for visiting Disneyland, Paradise Pier does not skimp on style and modernity.
Paradise Pier guests stay in close proximity to other Disneyland hotels. Guests are welcome to use the amenities offered at the other hotels. If there’s something you’re looking for, like a spa day, you’re just a short walk away.
So, what else makes this hotel so unique? Let’s start with the rooms!
Room Reviews
When most people think of California, the rolling coastlines from Mexico to Oregon often come to mind. California has more than 800 miles of coastline along the shores of the Pacific Ocean.
But what does this have to do with the room at the Paradise Pier, you ask?! Well, this unique Disney experience brings the brilliant shorelines to you every night!
You’ll wake up feeling like one of the Beach Boys or Bay watchers every day at the Paradise Pier. Despite the classic vibe, each room comes with plenty of amenities.
Most rooms sleep between four to five guests. Each of the incredible rooms comes with a desk, hairdryer, ice bucket, alarm clock, coffee, ironing equipment, the works!
What’s extra special about the room at the Paradise Pier is they come with both a tub and a shower. Why not put your feet up while you soak the day away every night? No one is going to stop you!
Suites are also available. Each suite developed from iconic California beaches: Huntington, Dana Point, Laguna, Malibu, and Newport.
If you upgrade to the club-level rooms, you’ll get a lot more space in your room. You’ll also get access to the special club amenities, which we’ll discuss later!
No matter which room you choose for your stay, you’ll have heat and air conditioning. Each suite comes kitted out with a satellite TV, too!
Food and Drinking
Just like other Disney hotels, room service is always available at the Paradise Pier. Sometimes you just want time to yourself after a long day of exploration. Why not treat yourself to dinner in front of the TV or your private view of the park?
If you want to head out for food, Disney’s PCH Grill is their premier full-service restaurant. Named after the iconic Pacific Coast Highway, the PCH serves breakfast, brunch, and dinner to all hotel guests.
The menu features a collection of classic Californian, American, and Italian dishes, including homemade beignets! The dessert collection is not to be missed!
For lighter bites, the Sand Bar lounge is a cost-effective option for every member of the family. The Sand Bar is also a favorite for the folks once the kids have turned in for the night.
With a huge selection of specialty cocktails, a full-service bar, and various other signature beverages, the Sand Bar is a real escape. One of the Bar’s best creations is the California Mist.
Made with La Marca Prosecco, St. George Absinthe Verte, Lillet Blanc, Orange Curaçao, and lemon juice, the California Mist will make you feel very at home in the Golden State. Non-alcoholic options are also available, so there really is something for everyone!
Plenty of food options is nearby in the resort. Just be sure to bring snacks on your day out in the park! Strategic planning is key for the best experience at Disney.
Recreational Perks
A rollercoaster-themed waterslide?! That’s right! The Paradise Pier is the premier pool hotel for anyone visiting Disneyland.
For younger families, a toddler wading pool is a splashy option. For older families, why not relax in the whirlpool spa?
The rooftop pool area of the Paradise Pier is a stand-out feature of the entire Disney hotel system. You probably won’t find anything as plush throughout the rest of the resort.
If you’re not really a pool person, then there are plenty of other options for fun. Interactive experiences are a big part of the Disney way of life. Kids and families can learn to draw Mickey Mouse at exclusive classes or make washcloth creations!
Why not indulge in some character greetings? You can’t go to Disney and not meet your favorite members of the crew.
Don’t worry if you don’t find them all on day one! You’ll likely get to meet multiple characters a day during your stay.
Just head on over to the arcade. You’ll be sure to have so much on the myriad machines, and probably bump into your best Disney character.
If you’re looking to escape the California sun, or need some time away from the rides, the Paradise Theatre is a calming escape. Watch your favorite classic Disney films in a cozy screening room designed for the little ones.
In the nighttime, movie screenings take place under the stars. The Magical Night at the Movies is exactly how your Disney dreams should come true.
After catching your favorite flick, why not watch the Disneyland fireworks display from the rooftop pool deck? For something more intimate, watch from the comfort of your own room.
Other Amenities
Like every superb Disneyland Hotel, the Paradise Pier comes stocked full of merchandise, shopping, and souvenir opportunities. Paradise Pier has designated smoking areas for all guests.
Laundry services and business centers are available. If you’re not traveling with your family, the Paradise Pier is a unique option for corporate retreats.
Both meeting and banquet facilities are available. No matter what type of trip you’re taking, the Paradise Pier is a second home to anyone lucky enough to stay.
Disneyland Hotel
Disneyland Hotel first opened in 1955. Though the hotel has expanded and modernized over the years, it’s still the most nostalgic of the Disneyland hotel experiences.
The hotel used to be an orange grove across the street from the first park. Today, the hotel is roughly half a mile from Disneyland Adventure Park and Disneyland Park.
The three towers of the hotel represent Fantasyland, Adventureland, and Frontierland. With magical amenities galore, this is truly the deepest Disney experience one could ask for.
Rumor has it that Walt Disney still wanders the halls of the Disneyland Hotel. You’re sure to feel like you’re living in an entirely new world as soon as you walk through the doors.
Essential Overview
There are just under 1,000 rooms at the Disneyland Hotel. Staying at Disneyland Hotel is a gift for any group — families, friends, or couples. There is a variety of options to indulge in this Disney visit.
Like all of the available hotels at Disney, Disneyland Hotel offers guests early access to the part during the Extra Magic Hour. Characters often frequent the hotel. You can see their evolution in the memorabilia that line the walls of the convention center.
Downtown Disney is very close to the Disneyland Hotel. You could easily couple your Disney trip with an exploration of Greater Los Angeles or spend your entire time wandering the enormous grounds of the entire Disney resort.
Room Reviews
All rooms and suites at the Disneyland Hotel sleep up to five guests. The standard view room comes with two queen beds and a day bed or a king bed. With views of classic Californian palm trees, this room is a cozy escape from the hustle and bustle of the park.
For a little more, families, friends, or couples can enjoy views of the pool in a deluxe view or premium view room. Of course, you could always upgrade slightly more and get the Premium Downtown Disney view!
The Downtown Disney District features an eclectic mix of eateries, shops, and interactive amusements. It truly feels like you’re transported into the world of wonder.
Each of the rooms comes with a shower, tub, and standard bathroom amenities. You can store your leftovers in the mini-refrigerator. Why not treat yourself to some leftovers and fresh coffee in your room for breakfast?
Of course, you’ll have Wi-Fi access. An alarm clock can kick you into gear for an early start in the park.
There’s even an iron and board so you can refresh your look every day! You definitely won’t have to overpack for your trip when you can freshen up every day.
Disneyland Hotel Suites
The suites at the Disneyland Hotel are probably the most exceptional of the park. Each suite comes with two rooms, and also sleeps up to five people. Don’t be surprised at how affordable they are.
Suites are a great option for families. The kids can pass out early after a day of excitement, while parents relax on the plush king beds.
The suites come themed, of course! You could find yourself in Adventureland, Ambassador Big Thunder, Blue Sky, Fairytale, or even Pirates of the Caribbean.
The real bonus of the suites is the access to club-level service. Though you’ll also get the same goodies like a standard room, the club-level is a true perk.
Every club-level stay comes with a wine and cheese reception between 5 pm and 7 pm every night. You’ll get access to a selection of DVDs to checkout.
Continental breakfast ranges from 6:30 am to 10 am daily, as well as cookies and desserts from 8 pm to 10 pm nightly. There’s even a snack club from 11 am to 4 pm every day!
Suites come with access to the E-Ticket club, too. The private club-level lounge on the 11th floor of the Adventure Tower offers guests a private escape. You’ll have a dedicated concierge desk that’ll help you navigate your stay.
The height of the club lounge offers incredible views around Disneyland, California Adventure, Downtown Disney, and Galaxy’s Edge. Kids are welcome in the lounge where they can play games and do coloring.
The food offered throughout the lounge proves that Disney really doesn’t skimp. As well as traditional continental breakfast, you’ll find hot and cold meals. There’s cookies, crafted sandwiches, salads, cheese boards, and so much more to fill your boots!
Bonus Surprise!
Treat yourself to a light-up headboard! This quirky addition shows fireworks over Sleeping Beauty Castle. As you doze off, you’ll hear When You Wish Upon a Star.
Food and Drinking
Food is probably one of the most important things to consider on your Disneyland trip. No trip to Disney would be complete without a character breakfast.
At the Disneyland Hotel, you can meet your favorite Disney friends at Goofy’s Kitchen. The breakfast used to take place at Steakhouse 55, which officially closed its doors in 2021.
While the resort is planning on reopening Steakhouse 55 elsewhere, there are plenty of other options for dining at the Disneyland Hotel. Now, Goofy and his pals circulate around his kitchen during breakfast and dinner.
No trip to Disney is complete without a proper meal with your favorite characters. While breakfast might not last forever, the photographs certainly will!
The Tangaroa Terrace Tropical Bar and Grill is a personal favorite alternative. This Polynesian-inspired eatery is more than cost-effective. Most meals are under $14.99 for adults. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner served in this tranquil oasis won’t be forgotten.
You’ll find all of your favorites, and maybe try something completely new. Dining alfresco in the summer is a delight. Tribal print lanterns and the smell of fresh food will transport you to the Hawaiian Islands in a heartbeat.
While the meal sizes are substantial, they’re not too heavy. You’ll definitely have room for dessert!
If you love the Tiki vibe, you’re sure to enjoy Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar! Known for unique flavors and cocktails with a flare, this is more than just a family establishment.
After 8 pm, Trader Sam’s is restricted to guests over 21 years of age. Be sure to bring a valid form of government ID to check into the Tiki Bar.
Dinner is served until 11 pm, so you’ll have all evening to enjoy a drink or two while indulging in the unique flavors developed by Trader Sam himself!
Recreational Perks
The Disneyland Hotel has two retro-themed pools. The best part? The epic Mark 1 Monorail Waterslides!
Smaller slides are available for the smallest guests. Everything takes place under a Disneyland sign that harkens back to the park’s classic age. You’d be forgiven for thinking you’ve traveled back to a simpler time at this epic recreational adventure.
Suite guests with E-tickets can lounge in a 4,800-square-foot pool. Two whirlpools are available, so you can relax after a long day of walking through the parks.
Poolside cabanas are a special treat. Park up and chill out for the morning or afternoon. The endless summer that only exists in California always calls for downtime, and there’s nowhere better to indulge.
Fitness centers and fitness classes are also available to guests. Just be sure to check with the concierge to get signed up!
Other Amenities
Like all other Disneyland Hotel guests, you can always hop on over to the Grand Californian to enjoy the Tenaya Stone Spa. What really sets the Disneyland Hotel apart from the others is the affordability and access to the parks.
While the other hotels are similarly close, they’re basically on the doorstep of the Disneyland Hotel. As a result, this is the most popular Disneyland hotel.
Be sure to book your trip well in advance in order to guarantee access to everything you want. No matter where you stay, you won’t be disappointed.
Why Choose Disneyland?
While Disney World might be the larger of the two parks in continental America, Disneyland is still enormous. While previous blog posts noted that California is undergoing some stressors due to dangerous District Attorneys, staying at a Disneyland hotel and resort is a safe option for any family.
Once you enter Disneyland, you’re able to navigate the park without having to leave. Strict security keeps the park as safe as possible, so you can roam without worry.
Two of the key things to consider before booking your trip are weather and cost. Disney World is located in Florida, so humidity is something to consider.
California, despite the lush green palm trees, is a desert. Disneyland is home to dryer heat, which is less intrusive than the humidity of Florida.
Of course, every room in the three hotels has climate control options. Even on the hottest days in Anaheim, you can escape into the cooling climate of the hotels, bars, restaurants, cafes, and shops!
When it comes to cost, Disneyland can be a little easier on your wallet. While there are pretty much only pennies between the California and Florida parks, those pennies can add up.
Before booking your stay, you can check out our recommendations for choosing the right place for you. We’re here to help you navigate any new adventure!
Don’t Want To Stay At The Resort?
Last year, Disneyland Park celebrated its 66th anniversary. The celebration starts around the 17th of July every year. In 2021, the park reopened on the anniversary with a refreshing new look on many iconic rides and adventures.
If you don’t want to stay at a Disneyland Hotel or Resort for your stay, you’ll still be able to explore the newest attractions. However, California is undergoing a huge crime wave.
While the area around the parks is heavily policed, much of the crime comes from the populations who live on the streets around the park. To stay on the safe side of town, we highly recommend choosing a Disneyland hotel rather than finding a motel or spot nearby.
You might spend a little more (only a little), but you’ll save yourself a world of anxiety. If your trip to Disneyland is part of a bigger Californian adventure, be sure to do as much research as possible before choosing somewhere to stay.
Want More Disneyland Hotel Reviews and Information?
No matter when you’re thinking of visiting the happiest place on Earth, we definitely believe its worth the extra cost to stay at a Disneyland Resort.
Our dedicated agents are experts in local experience. Our Disneyland hotel reviews are made with just a bit of that great Disney magic!
Many of our team members have enjoyed their stays in Disneyland. You’ll be sure to get first-hand, personal, and practice advice. Of course, our commitment is to 24/7 expert service. We can’t wait to meet you, and help you save while you explore a whole new chapter of your life!
