Paradise Pier Hotel at Disneyland: Review

The Paradise Pier Hotel opened in 1984 under a different name. This hotel went thru a couple of different management companies before the Walt Disney Company buying it in 1995. At that time Disney changed it's name to Disney's Pacific Hotel. In 2001, with the opening of Disney's California Adventure the hotel once again changed names, this time to the Paradise Pier Hotel. The hotel consists of two buildings and 489 guest rooms. It is considered a three star or moderate resort hotel.

When reserving a room you will be given a choice of the city/standard view which essentially faces away from Disney's California Adventure or the DCA view, which faces Disney's California Adventure. In this hotel, the higher the floor, the better the view; especially on the DCA view side. The standard room comes with either one King or two queen beds, room service is available, phone with voicemail capabilities, high speed internet access, iron, ironing board, refrigerator, and coffeemaker in each room. Cribs are available on request. Safety deposit boxes are also available. The rooms have a nostalgic flavor to them. They offer a casual atmosphere with retro boardwalk inspired decor. Concierge rooms offer priority check-in, a variety of room choices: cabana, poolside, or penthouse. Access to the exclusive concierge lounge that features daily continental breakfast, snacks and drinks throughout the day, and evening wine and cheese offerings. Nightly turn down service is also available. DVD's with complimentary movies round out the concierge experience. As with all Disney properties, they charge a daily resort fee and offer valet parking. This fee includes free self parking, internet access the rooms, and free Wi-Fi in the common areas. Laundry rooms are available for guest use and in-room laundry service is offered.

The Paradise Pier Hotel offers a roof top pool that is above the convention area. While the pool theming is relatively plain by Disney standards it does offer a fairly large water slide. If you happen to be roof top at night when the fireworks are going off you will enjoy a wonderful view of the fireworks with the music being piped in. If working out is of interest to you, you will want to check out Team Mickey's Workout Room II. This gym includes all the standard exercise equipment you would hope to see. This hotel just one shop called Mickey in Paradise. It supplies common sundries, Disney and Paradise Pier merchandise. If you have a little downtime and are looking for some entertainment stop by the Paradise Theater. This little nook just off the lobby offers free Disney movies throughout the day. You might also try your skill at Flounders Fun 'n Games Arcade.

Although this is Disney's smallest hotel in the resort doesn't mean that you have to leave to get some grub. The PCH Grill offers casual dining for the entire family. In the morning this restaurant turns into Lilo & Stitch's character breakfast. Yambuki offers classic Japanese cuisine. If sushi is your thing, you won't want to miss a stop here. Finally, if you just need to get a quick drink just off the hotel lobby you will find a bar and lounge.

This hotel is the furthest from both Disney Parks but the walk is not terrible. With a good pace it can be about 10 minutes to the front gates. There is a private road connecting Paradise Pier Hotel to the Disneyland Hotel and Downtown Disney. From Downtown Disney you can walk to the parks or take the monorail.

Of the three Disney Hotels this is the furthest away and the least themed. However this hotel is a hidden jewel. The customer service is fabulous, The atmosphere is casual not snobby. It is smaller and easier to get around. It is also the least expensive of all three Disney properties. Knowing all this, it is also the favorite hotel for many families. The friendliness and service is incredible which translates into this hotel having a huge following of repeat customers.