Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa

Since opening in 2001, the Grand Californian has exhibited the most striking architecture of Disney’s three Anaheim hotels. As it forms the backdrop for a substantial portion of Disney California Adventure’s northwestern perimeter, its exterior Craftsman details are crucial to setting the theme park’s scene. The grand six-story Great Hall lobby continues to be the most breathtaking element of the hotel. Live piano music echoes on as the fireplace roars, and Chip and Dale playfully (but subtly) decorate the carpeting and fixtures throughout.The layout of the hotel consists of several wings and courtyards. Since the property is situated where Disneyland’s original parking lot once was, the path of the still-operating Disneyland Monorail runs through one of the courtyards. Meanwhile, the other wings meander out and shelter the pool and waterslide complex. A tunnel through one wing lets guests exclusively access the aforementioned theme park with separate paid admission. Right on the opposite side is the resort’s Downtown Disney shopping and dining district and a quick pedestrian passage to Disneyland Park itself. Guests are mostly Disney-loving families and couples, with the occasional business traveler here to use the conference facilities. 

The hotel is conveniently located off S. Disneyland Drive, a side street that runs underneath the Downtown Disney bridge. It’s best to approach the property from the south to avoid occasionally heavy congestion from the northerly Mickey & Friends Parking Structure. The hotel’s central location within the Disneyland Resort puts it immediately next to Disney California Adventure and Downtown Disney, plus not more than a five-minute walk away from Disneyland Park. Across the street are the Disneyland Hotel and Paradise Pier Hotel for other in-house amenity options.Other regional attractions include the Anaheim Convention Center, which is about two blocks away, and another retail and restaurant zone at Anaheim GardenWalk, which takes only five minutes to drive to. Sports aficionados may also be interested in driving eight minutes to get to Angel Stadium of Anaheim or 10 minutes to reach the Honda Center.It's a little over an hour away from Los Angeles International Airport and less than a half-hour away from John Wayne Airport. The closest Greyhound Bus Station is about 12 minutes away, and nearer still is an Amtrak station at around 11 minutes away.

Guest rooms at the Grand Californian are handsome to match the overall Craftsman-style decor of the hotel. Quarter-sawn oak furniture features heavily as warm wood tones and dark fixtures accent many high-quality appointments. Chip and Dale are characteristically reprised in a central inlaid wooden panel that “branches” out in tree wallpaper over the well-illuminated headboards.Electrical outlets and USB charging ports are remarkably available in spades, at nightstands and the dresser. A welcome 55-inch flat-panel television sits above, and Wi-Fi access is free. Another great design touch over the polished river rocky countertops is modeled copper paneling at the Keurig coffee bar.Bathrooms are similarly stylish with angular twin sinks and a lighted mirror outside the toilet and shower compartment, displaying a final nod to Disney’s mischievous chipmunks. Distinct woven tiles line the floor inside and outside the spacious bathing enclosure. A rain shower head is sublime, and a corner seat is convenient for shaving purposes. Translucent accent tiles further up the ante on the aesthetic.Regular rooms sleep up to five adults and come configured with various bed and sleeper chair configurations. Views are available in Standard, Woods-Courtyard, Deluxe Partial, Downtown Disney, and Premium in escalating cost. Rooms with Club-Level Service add exclusive access to The Veranda and fireworks viewing from the special lounge, plus concierge service, special receptions, and DVDs for checkout. Suites increase in size substantially, accommodating up to 12 adults, and are ready in one-bedroom, two-bedroom, three-bedroom, and Signature varieties. Besides the rooms and suites available to regular guests, Disney Vacation Club Villas are also afforded to members of Disney’s ownership program.

Everyone can enjoy the hotel’s pool area which consists of the Fountain, Redwood, and Mariposa varieties; two whirlpool spas; a Mickey Mouse-shaped kids’ pool, and two waterslides. Poolside cabanas can be rented as well. The Mandara Spa is just next door for further rest and relaxation. The full-service spa offers massages, facials, body scrubs, and beauty services. The Eureka Fitness Center offers a large collection of cardio equipment and strength-training machines.For dining, there are Napa Rose, Storytellers Cafe, White Water Snacks, and Hearthstone Lounge. Napa Rose is the most elegant and refined option, whereas Storytellers Cafe is more casual and ideal for tasty and fun character breakfasts (extra charge). Quick service can alternately be had at White Water Snacks and Hearthstone Lounge -- the latter of which is great for bar service into the lobby as well. Room service is available too.Elsewhere, the hotel has a small but well-stocked retail store with Disney paraphernalia. There's a large Conference Center consisting of 20,000 square feet of meeting and special event space. The Sequoia Ballroom alone is 12,000 square feet in size, and there are a total of 18 breakout rooms, seven of which have connected terrace areas. Plus, the hotel has free Wi-Fi access. Another huge perk is early entry to certain attractions at the theme parks with Extra Magic Hour (requires valid theme park ticket). On site, there are 300 underground parking spaces as well as valet parking.