Disney's Grand Californian Hotel reviews

Written by Robert Niles
Theme Park Insider Editor
Posted: July 1, 2011

You're not simply paying for the hotel's ultra-convenient location within the Disneyland Resort, overlooking Disney California Adventure and the shops of Downtown Disney. You're also paying for the opportunity to experience the location of California, by staying in a truly grand example of Southern California architecture that challenges the Beach-Boys-and-Hollywood stereotype of the state too common among those who've never lived here.

Winner of the 2011 Theme Park Insider Award for the world's best theme park hotel, Disney's Grand Californian Hotel is inspired by the Greene and Greene Arts and Crafts architecture of Pasadena.

This might be the most conveniently located Disney theme park hotel in the United States, too - the only one to offer an entrance from the hotel's grounds directly into a park. (Even at the Magic Kingdom's hotels in Florida, you have to ride the monorail to get the park.) The Grand Californian's location within the Disneyland Resort allow easy breaks within your visit to Disneyland or Disney California Adventure, and the shops and restaurants of Downtown Disney are closer than your car, as well.

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Readers' rating:

Amazing restaurants, great rooms, a very nice pool area with a water slide, and a special entrance to Disney California Adventure. If you stay at the hotel you can get in to the park early for world of color fast passes. The hotel has a great theme. It is the most relaxing hotel. The hotel is a 10 out of 10. This is one of my favorite Hotels! - nick .

Can't believe I forgot to write about this! It was excellent to say the least! In fact, it was close to perfection. Our room was a bit funky in its shape, but the view was beautiful, the food was fantastic, and the distance is worth the money! - Anthony Murphy

I've been to Disney resorts before, but never stayed onsite. After staying at this hotel I want to go back and try the ones on the other coast. It felt both comfortingly homely and yet fairly upscale. I had no complaints or niggles about anything at the hotel. - Caroline Davis

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