Disney's Grand Californian Hotel and Spa

Let me start with the positives...location to California Adventure is amazing. It was raining and it was so nice to dart from the park back to the hotel and then return later. It is a very pretty hotel and it was clean. Room service was great and a nice treat!

Now for the eh moments...We did a split stay between here and the Pixar Place and so we took advantage of the luggage transfer. Well, our luggage was forgotten, lost or misplaced and was not picked up or delivered...not sure exactly what happened, but we called Bell Services and after a few different conversations and about an hour and a half, a nice gentleman figured it out and delivered it to our room. We stayed at Christmas time and a family member had a gift delivered, but we were never told. A day or two later, our family asked if we got the gift and so we called the desk and they found it and told us we could come get it (it was a fruit edible arrangement so timeliness was important). This was how our experience went most of the stay...staff seemed annoyed, not friendly and in general dismissive. I was surprised as we love Disney and have stayed at 14 different Disney resorts. For the price of the stay and the reputation of this being a top tier resort, I expected more. When it was raining, the other Disneyland resorts had towels set up at the entrances...Grand Californian did not.
All in all, this was definitely not worth the price tag...I would gladly pay less money and have a better experience at the Pixar Place or better yet, without the perk of early entry...save money and stay outside of the Disney bubble and have a better experience at one of the partner hotels located nearby.

Over the years I have stayed at all 3 Disney properties and for sure this hotel is the best because of location and the gorgeous lobby. Disneyland hotel has better rooms (seem more high quality and more spacious with headboards that illuminate and play a song) But, even with that the location and refined beauty of the Grand will continue to bring me back. We had a partial Theme Park view and we were celebrating my cousin's bachelorette week from Thursday Feb 26 - March 1st. I did a half day at the pool which was pure perfection. Club sandwich and a mocktail to balance it all out. The hotel has a scent that I cannot get enough of - I think it's from the HVAC system and a proprietary scent. It's heavenly. I also noticed it at the Disneyland Hotel.
The rooms themselves are basic but lovely with a super clean balcony to enjoy your morning coffee on. We could see the Goofy roller coaster and hear roars and laughter which was fun. Nightly turn down service was nice and staff even organized our bathroom sink area and rolled up our phone cords. Little touches like this was nice. Self parking was $45 per night and Valet option was $75 - steep so we opted for self park since we weren't leaving the hotel. My only complaint is that the rooms do not come with any bottled water so come prepared. Thankfully I suspected this and packed a bunch in my luggage. It was 95 degrees when we were there so hydration is essential. You can find a water station in the gym on site if need be. Over and over, if budget allows, I will continue to stay here. It is very expensive but again, if you can make it happen I say DO IT! Be sure to take time to smell the roses, enjoy the amenities like the pool and spa area and take a breather!

We had a great overall stay. The location is fantastic to the parks and downtown disney. The pool slide was being repaired while we were there, so couldn't use, but we still had a great experience at the pool. The lounge chairs are very comfy and plentiful. Service at the pool was top notch. However, the hotel is very dated. They have maintained it well, but it is very much in need of a refresh to fully justify super high prices.

This review is for the Tenaya Stone Spa. I was staying at a neighboring hotel for a business trip and on my day off wanted a spa experience. I visited the spa at the Grand Californian twice over my stay. I received a 50 minute foot treatment and a 80 minute deep tissue massage. Overall the staff was professional, the facilities were impeccably clean, and the treatments were top notch. After visiting spas in Vegas and Northern California- I would say that I wish this spa was bigger in general. The locker room was tiny, and although had amenities like showers and a very enjoyable steam room- each time they brought a new guest in there was no privacy- because it was a slow day while I was visiting this did not take away from my experience, but if I can see that it would be an issue on a busier day. I would recommend this spa for treatments and their impeccable customer service and professionalism.

If you plan to power through as much of both parks as possible, this is the way to go. Also good if you have kids who need naps, multiple kids with varying energy levels, or adults who don't have the stamina to walk 20,000 steps in a day. And for us, it was good when we made the mistake of getting in a swinging gondola on the Mickey Mouse ferris wheel. Let's just say there's a reason they include barf bags for that ride.

Yes, it's on the expensive side, and yes, it's not as spacious or modern as an Airbnb. But this is like paying for business class on a domestic flight. You know you don't need it, but if you're already splurging to take the family to Disney, why not splurge some more to make sure everyone doesn't have to walk so far?

An all time iconic hotel! The value for money isn’t quite up to par, but the rooms are clean, if not a bit outdated. You’re paying for the access, right on Downtown Disney and a private entrance to DCA makes this value feel a lot better. It’s a bit of an industrial sized operation, with a daunting reception but everything runs smoothly, and there were no hiccups. A trip to Disneyland with the Grand is the way to go.

First of all the staff are mostly all very friendly and I applaud them since they deal with a lot of people in a day. We paid about 1600usd per night in early January for a standard club level room. A few notes. You will never be recognized for staying many times, they always ask if it is your first time so they really do not care if you are a return guest or not nor do they check. You will never be upgraded, don't even bother hoping. The club level is nice but... it was severely crowded, they clearly needed more staff to help in the busy holiday season. Our room was not thoroughly cleaned. There was dust, finger prints and hair in a few areas that grossed me right out. I pulled out a tissue and it was wet, in fact the whole box was soaking wet, gross. I moved the couch a bit to fit my luggage and there was garbage under it. There used to be bottles of water for the coffee machine, nope no more. There used to be lots of amenities in the room including hand soaps and a loofah etc, no more. It is the most minimal now. The shower was not scrubbed properly, there was a lot of grime on the tile and hair all over. Club level appies need to change more often, for years it has been the same thing, this time around was the same two fried appies and the usual veggies, chips and dip, cold meats and cheese. It just needs more variety. My husband and I went out shopping during the day and came back, self parked and came up to the gate where there were about 15 people walking through, the guy at the gate was not checking keys but I pulled mine out anyway to be on it. The key reader wouldn't work and he gave me a hard time, made me stand there in the rain to try to get it to work while a bunch more people just walked on through. This guy was someone I almost made a formal complaint about. He was working Saturday, January 3rd, 2026 at about 3pm. This was ridiculous. The amount you pay at this hotel is really too much for what you get. The location is what sets it aside from others. I do enjoy Disney and coming to stay here for the ease of getting into the park but I am wondering if the price is worth it. To boot, our room was at the very end of the hall. Far away. This time around the magic was not there. Maybe everyone was exhausted from Christmas? I would say $1600 per night warrants top notch service. I would also say the club level needs more staff. They are building a new veranda but the front desk team could not tell me when it will be ready. All in all, this stay we were disappointed with the overall experience. I have stayed at the Westin down the road and for a quarter of the price you get a large room, new and clean with lots of amenities.

As if staying at the Grand California Hotel is not expensive already, the hotel now charges its overnight guests both a 15% Valet Parking Transient Tax equal to 15% of the valet parking charge of $75 or $11.25 and a Valet Tourism Improvement Tax equal to 2% or $1.50. So, to park your car overnight in valet at the hotel, you will pay a total of $88. The charge last year during November 2025 was simply a overnight valet charge of $75. No other taxes...

Have stayed here several times with my family and have found it increasingly difficult over the years to justify the expense of staying here.

One of the few remaining factors that led us to stay here again was the soon to be discontinued early entry into the park. Disney’s decision is incredibly disappointing. The rides all three morning during early entry time into the park had lines and the crowds to enter were long so Disney’s assertion that few used the privilege seem somewhat suspect. Additionally early entry also gave guests of the hotel a leg up on packing rides in before the crowds took off. The new policy of providing one lighting lane for your entire stay is like a slap to the face.

The standard hotel rooms are incredibly small and well worn, our housekeeping team was great though. Since our last stay they changed the fans in the bathroom to ones that run constantly, so if you can imagine a sound just below a refrigerator running, but running continuously during your stay it is rather annoying, especially at that price point.

The hotel is also incredibly busy, from the many restaurants, people coming to view the lobby and guests from other hotels cutting through the lobby, it is loud and unappealing to linger long on the lobby area. It will get worse once the Pixar pier hotel entrance to California adventure is closed and everyone is rerouted through the hotel, and not to mention the long lines to get through security in the morning.

Staff interactions were also mixed, several seem rather disinterested to be there, given the chaos in the lobby I don’t blame them, others were great, just wasn’t the immersive Disney bubble experience we felt when we first started staying there. Security guards into the park were also very much more short with guests, they have a lot on their plate, but short tempered employees seemed more prevalent this go around.

There still are some good things, it’s the closest hotel so pretty easy to step out and take a break or change clothes if you get drenched on grizzly mountain and at least during our stay, they opened the security lines into downtown Disney well before the main gates so hotel guests were able to get to the front of the gates at Disneyland or California Adventure without much worry, but that privilege isn’t guaranteed. To get to the front of the line for security for when they opened at 6:45 during our stay we had to get there anywhere from 45 to 30 minutes in advance. But not sure these few perks really justify the cost.

Overall an underwhelming experience, especially compared to the great stays we’ve had during equally busy periods of time. Without the early entry perk we may switch back to the Marriott with the water park across the street, bigger rooms and about half the price and it’s about the same distance away as the Disneyland Hotel.

Our stay at the Grand Californian was truly magical from the moment we walked in. The hotel is stunning — warm wood, beautiful details everywhere, and everything feels clean, cozy, and welcoming. It’s one of those places where you instantly relax.

The rooms were spotless and felt like a peaceful escape after busy park days. One of the biggest perks for our family was having a private entrance straight into California Adventure. It made such a difference with kids. When they hit that “I’m done” moment in the afternoon, we could slip right back to the room for naps without trekking across the whole resort. That alone made the stay worth it.

We also loved the pool area. There are options for every age — relaxing spaces for adults, fun areas for the kids, and plenty of room to unwind. It’s perfect for a mid-day break or a full “rest day” without ever leaving the hotel.

The spa is beautiful too — calming, clean, and the perfect treat if you can sneak away for a little mom time.

Overall, the Grand Californian feels luxurious but incredibly family-friendly. The atmosphere, convenience, and comfort made our trip smoother, happier, and so much easier with kids. We would absolutely stay here again.

Honestly the most disappointing hotel stay of the year. We travel a lot and have stayed at many off property hotels, everyone had told us about Grand Californian so we thought we should try it. What a complete joke of a hotel. Noise so bad it shook the headboards of our beds for almost 8 straight hours… front desk solution? Try ear plugs. We went to storybook cafe for character dining, waited over 75 mins and hadn’t seen half the characters, were told “too bad it can take up to 90 mins” (btw by the time we got our check and left it was past 90 mins and they still hadn’t show up. The hotel is super packed with people in every nook and cranny, it’s less a tranquil retreat as it is an extension of the park chaos.

Do yourself a favor, save $300+ a night and stay across the way at the Westin. It’s a nicer property, with nicer amenities and less than 10 mins extra walk.

I want to give my complete unsponsored opinion about my stay and experience. Keeping in mind, this stay had been a bucket list item for me ever since the hotel opened.

The Good: Convenience. Truthfully its about the only true benefit. Sure the lobby is beautiful, and the staff are A++. But just about everything falls flat when paying 600+ a night on a weeknight. The convenience of being able to walk straight in and out of Disney California Adventure is a HUGE benefit for families.

The bad: The rooms are in desperate need for a renovation. If I'm paying 600+ a night the fixtures in the shower should be clean of grime and scaling and not have the water shoot in 50 different directions. While the bedding and entertainment are nice the bathroom and mini fridge need help. The mini fridge hardly keeps items cold so don't plan on keeping that can of beer or bottle of wine cold for a treat after a long day in the park.

The "What the heck": Pricing. I get it, you're at Disney and they have you in a chokehold but come on. 14 bucks for a bottle of beer? I live 30 mins from New York City and have never seen that expensive of a bottle. Also, $70 per person for a breakfast buffet? Just because there are some characters walking around that is completely insane.

Positive suggestions: reevaluate the menu and food options. This extends into Disneyland as well. Most kids have basic taste buds. Pasta, hot dogs, hamburgers, chicken nuggs/grilled chicken, cheese pizza, etc. Sometimes as parents we don't want to fight another battle and just want a basic selection to choose from to get our kids some quick food. Also, what would it cost to have a bottle or two of complimentary water in the rooms. Most competitors do. Its a small gesture. Show a little value.

Also, find a way to add a monorail stop. This would only add to the convenience level and drive more people to stay at this property. After a long 10+ hour marathon in the park it would be incredible to just hitch a ride to get back to the hotel.

This is outright one of Disney’s best resorts. Located next to Disney California Adventure, it’s a quant yet expansive resort with a large pool area, several dining options (Hearthstone Lounge, GCH Craftsman Grill, Storytellers Cafe, and Napa Rose) on top of room service, a three-pool pool area, fitness center, and spa. It also features access into Downtown Disney with Disneyland Park just a short walk away.

Tips
- Takeout is available at Hearthstone Lounge (bar drinks) and Craftsman Grill, which also features quick servicing dining.
- You can many times join the walk-up list for GCH Craftsman Grill (table service), otherwise try to secure a reservation for other locations
- Lounging in the lobby is a great rest option from the parks, which features a dessert and coffee bar (with some adult beverages)

I have stayed here a few times. And others should know. It’s only appeal is it’s connected to downtown Disney. Staff are great…but that’s it! Rooms are very dated even on the club level. Room service takes an hour. Club level Veranda Room for breakfast has no hot food except for bagels. Even a holiday inn does better than that. Security check to get into Downtown and into park from the hotel has a massive line in the mornings. It should be three times the size. Breakfast downstairs takes reservations only for the most part. They are not setup at all for the amount of people that come here. It’s that’s not a new situation.

The hotel staff were very accommodating. We asked for a microwave and they brought us one before we had even finished unpacking. Additionally, they went above and beyond to decorate our room during turn down because they knew that it was our daughter’s 6th birthday. Really fantastic effort. Park was super convenient for California adventure and also to Disney downtown and Disneyland. Pay attention to which days you get early admission as it’s different for each park. Only downside is the cost. Restaurants onsite, specifically the character breakfast was extremely overpriced. Breakfast for our family of 4 was over $250.

Rooms were clean and right on Disney California adventure park, easy access.

Ok so the elephant in the room here is the cost, we almost sold one of our kids organs to exchange AUD on a low rate to USD to pay for the 5 enjoyable nights here. Staff were wonderful, customer service was top notch and the magic was all there. All hotel staff were very kind to our kids that traded their pins, even the security guards were in on the action.

We were here during Starwars week so it appears to have commanded a higher rate. We opted for the Downtown view room which was nice to watch the action but as others have mentioned it can be noisy, but the kids enjoyed it and would run out to the balcony to have a look.

Early entry was the icing and we used those early entries to our full advantage, the park is essentially foot steps away from the hotel. Proximity of the hotel was also convenient for mid day breaks and sleeps for our younger family members.

For those Australian's that have never visited, the security checks to go into the park can be more intrusive than what we experience at our domestic airports back home, its next level but i get it because of the constitution.

I recommend a character meet breakfast, youll need to pay extra for it and dont expect your kids to finish their actual breakfast with all of Disney's greatest swinging by your table.

The hotel is very nice and extremely convenient when entering the parks, especially DCA. I would say that for the money the rooms should be better cared for. Our couch was frayed, the bathroom door sticks and the toilet rocks. There is live music every night which would be nice if it wasn’t so loud that you can’t hold a conversation with your dining partner and the music can be heard in the upper level rooms with the balcony doors closed. It’s actually really unpleasant. I’m not sure if I would spend the money to stay here again.

We’ve stayed at the Grand Californian many times but this was the first time that when we entered the room, our last name wasn’t on the tv screen. My daughter just turned 1 years old and we also purchased an in room celebration to make her birthday a special one and a small detail of the last name not on the screen is bothersome especially if your spending almost a thousand dollars per night. I talked to 3 different people to try and get the situation resolved and all 3 people told me a different story which was extremely frustrating. I was told it was a “computer glitch” to the WiFi needs to be reset in the room to we can reset it remotely without coming to the room and the issue never got resolved after being there for 5 days. May not be a big deal to some people but when you pay a premium price, I definitely want everything that I paid for.

Had another guest walk in our room while I was in the shower and wife was getting dressed. No call back from guest exp manager