Grand Californian Hotel at Disneyland

Disney's newest hotel, the Grand Californian Hotel, opened in 2001. It is located at 1600 South Disneyland Drive in Anaheim, California. It is considered a 4 star hotel or a Disney Deluxe resort hotel. The property consists of a single building consisting of 745 rooms. It has a business center open to all guests. As with all Disney hotels they charge a daily resort fee. With this fee your stay will include free self parking and free internet access. If you choose to use valet parking you will have (more) than a nominal charge. The hotel is modeled after the 20th Century Arts and Crafts era. It's claim to fame is to "sleep inside of a Disney theme Park".

When reserving your room you will be given a choice of three different room views. The "city/standard" view faces away from the resort. The "Downtown Disney" view faces, you guessed it, Downtown Disney. Finally, GCH offers a "theme park view". This room offers views of the Golden state and Paradise Pier areas of Disney's California Adventure. The standard room has one King bed, two queen beds, or one queen with a bunkbed. Amenities include an exclusive DCA entrance, 24 hour room service, turn down service, hi speed internet access, free Wi-Fi in the common areas, comfortable robes available, cribs, irons, ironing boards, hairdryers, and safes in each room. Refrigerators available upon request, dual-line phones with voicemail. One bedroom suites sleep five people, two bedroom suites sleep six people, bunkbeds are available in a limited quantity. Concierge is also available. When choosing this option you will be entitled to priority check-in, DVD player in your room with complimentary movies, and use of the exclusive concierge lounge offering continental breakfast, evening wine and cheese, and snacks and drinks throughout the day. The money saved on bottled water alone makes concierge a very intriguing option.

The Grand Californian has two pools available for guest use. The first being the Fountain Pool. This is a peaceful area that includes an artesian crafted turtle fountain. The second is the Redwood Pool. This area includes a redwood tree themed waterslide that is a lot of fun for the kids. If luxury is what you want look into the Mandara Spa. They offer massages and other exotic therapies. The Eureka Spring Health Club offers exercise equipment, free weights, aerobic machines, steam room, and a sauna.

The entertainment offered in this hotel is very minimal if you compare it to the Disneyland hotel. GCH offers storytelling in the lobby for the kids several times a day. Live pianists frequently can be found playing on the lobby piano. Something unique for the West Coast Disney Hotels is Pinocchio's Workshop. This is a child care service that is offered exclusively for GCH guests. Children ages 5-12 can come here and play in a safe environment while their parents go out and play. Disney staff are trained and keep a watchful eye on the kids. Cost is $9 per hour and your kids may stay up to 4 hours. Dinner is available for an additional fee.

Shopping at the Grand Californian is minimal. The only shop on their premise is the Acorn Gifts and Goods. This store sells Disney apparel and specific GCH lounge wear. If shopping is your thing there is no need to fret. Downtown Disney is close by and you can fulfill all your shopping needs there.

There are several dining options at this resort hotel. The Napa Rose is a very upscale fine dining restaurant that includes a wine bar. If you are willing to part with a lot of money then this is the place to go. Storyteller's cafe serves American food both buffet and menu style. Every morning the restaurant hosts Chip & Dale's character breakfast. If you have small kids this might be the character meal you are looking for. Buffet's can be very taxing when trying to tote small children. This breakfast does have a buffet but also has a menu to order from. The character interaction is very good as well. Whitewater snacks is "the" place to go. People not staying at GCH come over to purchase snacks and meals. The selection is pretty good and the prices fair. They offer grilled meals and quick snacks. The Hearthstone Lounge is a full bar that offers general appetizer's off of a menu. Finally the Redwood Pool Bar offers quick grilled items. It also sells both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.

The fastest and easiest way to get to the parks is to use the exclusive DCA entrance. Even if you are going to Disneyland you will get there quicker if you use this entrance. You can also choose to walk thru Downtown Disney to get to the Disneyland/DCA Esplanade.

The positives for this hotel is the proximity to the parks. There really isn't anything closer. It is still fairly new and is clean. Of course you get the well renown Disney customer service. The negative is the cost. A stay at this hotel can range from $250 up to over $800 per night. Yes, this is a Disney hotel but when comparing costs of regular hotels across the street and this hotel the price difference is incredible. In my opinion, if you have money to burn spend your vacation here, if not, go elsewhere.

If you have any questions you would like answered you can call Disney resort at 714-635-2300. To reserve a room call 714-956-6425.

Disneymom