I stayed at Disneyland's most expensive hotel for $665 a night. The views of the park weren't even the best part.

Jacqueline DoleJan 15, 2024, 13:58 IST

I enjoyed my stay at Disney's Grand Californian. Jacqueline Dole

I spent three nights at Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa.
Known as the most expensive resort at Disneyland, the hotel offers direct access to the parks.

I stayed at Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa for three nights.

One of the things that makes this resort so special is that it's the only property at Disneyland with a direct entry point to Disney California Adventure.

This allows guests to go straight from their rooms to the middle of the park within minutes. Disneyland is also a quick walk from the resort's gates.

I booked a partial-view room for $665 per night. Here's what it was like.

The lobby was stunning and featured a large fireplace, arching wood beams, and opulent floral arrangements.

The Grand Californian Hotel & Spa lobby was gorgeous.Jacqueline Dole

I booked a partial-view room with two queen beds and a balcony overlooking Disney California Adventure.

Our partial-view room had two queen beds.Jacqueline Dole

The bathroom was spacious and included Disney's standard selection of toiletries.

The bathroom included plenty of Disney-branded toiletries. Jacqueline Dole

Our balcony overlooked Goofy's Sky School roller coaster.

We could see Goofy's Sky School from our room. Jacqueline Dole

Housekeeping offered a turndown service on our first night at the resort.

Housekeeping left a cute note on my bed during turndown service. Jacqueline Dole

We were given an upgraded room with access to the resort’s club-level lounge for our last night.

Our upgraded room had a king bed.Jacqueline Dole

We received additional toiletries in the club-level bathroom.

In our new room, we received extra toiletries. Jacqueline Dole

Club-level guests are given access to The Veranda, a private lounge that offers views of the fireworks at Disneyland.

The Veranda offers club-level guests complimentary food and beverages throughout the day.Jacqueline Dole

The expansive pool area offered lots of seating and multiple pools.

All of the Grand Californian pools were beautiful. Jacqueline Dole

One of the pools had two waterslides.

One Grand Californian pool has a 90-foot-long water slide. Jacqueline Dole

The pool chairs were much more comfortable than those found at other Disney resorts.

The pool chairs had thick, comfortable cushions. Jacqueline Dole

The Eureka Fitness Center offers treadmills, bicycles, weights, and classes.

The Eureka Fitness Center also offers fitness classes and activities. Jacqueline Dole

Disney's Grand Californian is home to an on-site spa.

The Tenaya Stone Spa offers body treatments, massages, and salon servicesJacqueline Dole

One of the best parts of the resort is a gate that leads directly into Disney California Adventure.

Guests can use the private security gate to enter Disney California Adventure. Jacqueline Dole

The line to get through security in the morning was very long.

By 7 a.m., the line for security was wrapped around the property.Jacqueline Dole

The resort's observation deck offers views of Disney California Adventure.

The hotel's observation deck offers beautiful views of Disney California Adventure.Jacqueline Dole

There are many on-site food options, including character dining at Storytellers Cafe.

At breakfast, Storytellers Cafe serves classic favorites like Mickey waffles. Jacqueline Dole

Napa Rose is the resort's upscale dining option.

Napa Rose hosts the Disney Princess Breakfast Adventure. Jacqueline Dole

GCH Craftsman Grill is a quick-service dining location.

The food at GCH Craftsman Grill was delicious. Jacqueline Dole

Hearthstone Lounge is open for late-night snacks and drinks.

Hearthstone Lounge serves late-night food and drinks. Jacqueline Dole

Disney's Grand Californian also offers room service.

There was a nice variety of items available on the room service menu. Jacqueline Dole

Overall, I had a wonderful stay at Disney’s Grand Californian.