Alyssa Powell/Business Insider
- Disney's Grand Californian Hotel and Spa is, without a doubt, the highest-end hotel serving the Disney theme park.
- Hotel guests enjoy exclusive perks such as a private entrance to Disney California Adventure and early entrance.
- The hotel is expensive, much more so than other area options, with standard rooms starting at $431 per night. But the park access, guest perks, and opportunity to stay within the coveted Disneyland bubble can be worth it to maximize your Disney visit.
There are plenty of hotels to choose from when visiting Disneyland, but Disney's Grand Californian Hotel and Spa is by far the most luxurious, elegant, and, yes, grand.
It's for the Disneyland visitor that wouldn't be content staying at an unaffiliated property outside of the Disney park. Rather, the Grand is for the discerning traveler looking for convenience, comfort, premium park access, and excellent customer service.
The hotel offers a stunning take on historic national park hotels mixed with a healthy dose of art and whimsy. There are subtle Disney touches, of course, throughout the stunning lobby, great restaurants, and comfortable rooms.
I've been lucky enough to stay at the Grand over a dozen times and have never been disappointed. My daughter even refers to the Grand as our home away from home, not because we're there so often, but because there's such a homey vibe.
But the Grand is not cheap. It's the most expensive hotel in the area. Rooms range from $431 to $925 per night, depending on the season. Holidays and certain times of the summer are the most expensive, while stays between January and May (when most kids are in school) will be a bit more affordable.
Truthfully, many won't find the value in spending so much just a room, especially when you have to add in the cost of park tickets, food, and the inevitable merchandise. To put it in context, a room at the Ritz-Carlton in San Francisco can be hundreds of dollars less expensive per night.
But before you balk at the prices, hear me out. If you plan to visit Disneyland, no other hotel comes close when it comes to park access and perks. It's also the only upscale, official Disney property in Anaheim. Unlike Walt Disney World in Florida, Disneyland is smaller in scale, with only three official themed resorts. The Grand is the top-tier offering.
While many of my previous stays were comped to cover events, I've also splurged for a room several times on my own dime. After staying at many area hotels, I've found the perks and overall experience are worth the added cost and convenience. Other hotels are cheaper, sure, but they're just not sprinkled with, well, the same Disney magic.
- The first impression
- The room
- On-site amenities
- What's nearby
- What others say
- What you need to know
- The bottom line
- Book a room at Disney's Grand Californian Hotel and Spa, starting at $431 a night
Keep reading to see why I was so impressed by Disney's Grand Californian Hotel and Spa.
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