Disneyland Hotel vs. Grand Californian: Which Hotel Is Right for You?

When looking to take a trip to Disneyland, buying a park ticket isn’t the only thing you have to consider. Of course, multiple nights out of town mean you will have to look for accommodations as well.

Luckily for Disney fans, the resort offers multiple hotel options — two of which are the Grand Californian Hotel and Spa and the famed Disneyland Hotel. 

At the outset, perhaps the most noticeable difference between the Grand Californian Hotel and Spa and the Disneyland Hotel at Disneyland Resort is the price point. The Grand Californian is almost always far more expensive.

But that's not all. The themes featured between each hotel are also notably distinct with one offering an elevated feel and the other a classic Disney experience. 

The Grand Californian stands out for its Craftsman-style elegance. The six-story Great Hall lobby features custom tete-a-tete chairs and upholstered sofas, while coffee tables feature beautiful inlay woodwork. And not to forget the Disney element, leather-topped stools feature hidden Mickeys.

The Disneyland Hotel, meanwhile, is an older property that pays homage to Disney history. There are more overt character references, and art through the halls is like walking through a Disney museum. There's even a wall full of rare Disney memorabilia.

When it comes to the Grand Californian versus Disneyland Hotel, each has its own unique appeal, depending on the ambiance you prefer and your budget. Whether you’re visiting from out of town or planning a staycation, here’s how these two popular Disneyland Resort Hotels stack up.

As two of three official Disneyland Resort hotels available to guests, it’s only fitting that the Grand Californian and Disneyland Hotel are both only a few minutes' walk to either park and Downtown Disney.

A unique feature of the Grand Californian is its private entrance into Disney California Adventure, entering straight into Grizzly Peak land. 

Disneyland Hotel doesn’t have its own private entrance into a park; instead, guests with a Disneyland Park reservation for the day can walk a short distance to the Monorail stop in Downtown Disney and get dropped off at Tomorrowland inside Disneyland.

Early park entrance

A major perk offered to guests of both hotels is early entrance to either park on each day of your stay.

Guests can enter Disney California Adventure or Disneyland 30 minutes before the parks open to the general public. However, you’ll still need a park reservation for the day to access this early-entrance perk.

Both hotels offer rooms that sleep up to five adults, and they share a few similar room amenities, such as:

• Complimentary Wi-Fi.

• In-room safe.

• TV.

• Hair dryer.

• Mini fridge.

• Crib (upon request).

In terms of hotel amenities, both hotels offer an on-site gym and fitness classes, as well as multiple heated pool options with poolside cabanas and at least one water slide. Additionally, guests can find an assortment of guest activities at either hotel.

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The biggest difference guests will notice when comparing each hotel is the price. We compared the costs for a one-night booking for five guests (two adults and three children) for both a standard view room and the highest-tier room. Room rates, not including taxes, are below.

Room rates at the Grand Californian Hotel & Spa are consistently hundreds of dollars higher, compared with the Disneyland Hotel, in general, regardless of the room tier.

With the cost of admission to Disneyland Parks already high, travelers who want to stay at Disneyland Resort-proper need to determine which accommodation fits their budget.

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Built in 2001, the Grand Californian is the newer hotel of the two.

As its name suggests, its overall theme is a sophisticated California-Craftsman design throughout the hotel and within the rooms. It’s more reminiscent of an upscale retreat — at least by Disney standards. 

For example, the pianist playing live music in the lobby and large hearth and fireplace with ample seating are details that add to the theme and ambiance of the Grand Californian. 

The Disneyland Hotel, on the other hand, offers guests a quintessential Disney feel.

It more strongly mirrors the classic Disneyland Park themes with room towers that are named after different lands: Adventure, Fantasy and Frontier. Decor throughout the Disneyland Hotel is more whimsical compared to the Grand Californian. 

» Learn more: How to budget for a family trip to Disney

Room types and amenities

Guests of the Grand Californian will find a few extra room amenities, compared with Disneyland Hotel. A rain shower, robes, Keurig and turndown service are some notable differences that aren’t offered at the Disneyland Hotel. 

The types of views offered also differ for Disneyland Hotel versus Grand Californian.

A higher price point at Disneyland Hotel gets you views of Downtown Disney or the pool while standard rooms either have views of trees or the parking structure.

The Grand Californian offers similar scenes, in addition to views of a forested courtyard, theme park and Disneyland Drive.

Between the two hotels, spa services are only available at the Grand Californian’s Tenaya Stone Spa.

Both hotels offer a mix of character dining restaurants, grab-and-go cafes and unique lounges.

Fine dining

When it comes to fine dining, the Grand Californian Hotel steals the show with Napa Rose. This exquisite restaurant boasts upscale Californian cuisine with a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients and an impressive wine list.

Character meals

While the Disneyland Hotel doesn't have a dedicated fine dining restaurant, character dining at Goofy's Kitchen offers a high-energy buffet experience. There, you'll meet a rotating cast of popular Disney characters like Minnie, Donald and, of course, Goofy. It's a fun and lively atmosphere, perfect for families seeking a casual character interaction.

Meanwhile, the Grand Californian boasts two distinct experiences. For a truly luxurious character meal, Napa Rose at the Grand Californian transforms into a magical venue for the Disney Princess Breakfast Adventures, featuring an elegant three-course brunch with prestigious princesses like Belle and Cinderella.

Over at Storyteller's Cafe, Mickey and his pals meet guests at their tables while wearing their wilderness explorer outfits.

Bars

For a truly unique bar experience, the Disneyland Hotel reigns supreme. Trader Sam's Enchanted Tiki Bar offers a tropical escape with fun, themed cocktails, playful antics by the bartenders, and a captivating atmosphere that transports guests to a Polynesian paradise.

The Grand Californian, on the other hand, prioritizes a more relaxed and elegant ambiance. Hearthstone Lounge provides a sophisticated space with comfortable seating, a curated selection of craft beers and wines, and delicious shareable plates. The choice boils down to whether you crave a lively, immersive experience or a refined setting to unwind after a park day.

The Disneyland Hotel pool is themed around the iconic monorail. Featuring a twisting waterslide shaped like the monorail itself, a zero-entry pool, and a splash zone for younger guests, it's a water playground perfect for families seeking an active and playful pool experience.

In contrast, the Grand Californian offers a more serene atmosphere with three distinct pools nestled amidst a charming redwood courtyard. While it does have a single water slide integrated into a redwood tree, the Grand Californian's pool scene emphasizes relaxation rather than high-energy.

Since both hotels offer convenient access to Downtown Disney and either Disney Resort park, deciding between Disney’s Grand Californian versus Disneyland Hotel ultimately depends on your budget and the experience you’re looking for. 

While the Grand Californian costs more, it offers an elevated aesthetic while still being immersed in Disney magic. Conversely, the Disneyland Hotel offers a classic Disney flavor and convenient proximity to the parks, at a lower price.

(Top photo courtesy of Disneyland Resort)