Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel® & Spa

Location, location, location. It doesn't get much better than Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, with its own entrance leading directly into Disney California Adventure Park and Downtown Disney, and Disneyland Park just a short walk away. But location is only part of this beautiful hotel's appeal, where nature inspires the architecture and décor. Built in the style of a turn-of-the-century Craftsman lodge, the six-story resort is surrounded by pine trees and features plenty of cedar, redwood, stone, and other natural materials. The magnificent lobby, with its soaring ceilings, Mission-style chandeliers, and comfortable seating, is one of my favorite places to spend time. In the afternoon and evening, you'll often find storytelling and live piano music around the enormous fireplace, which is lit year-round.

The hotel also has beautifully landscaped grounds, three swimming pools, a full-service spa, and some excellent dining. Napa Rose is a particular highlight for fine dining, while Storytellers Cafe, Hearthstone Lounge, and GCH Craftsman Bar offer additional choices throughout the day. For me, the Grand Californian offers the best of both worlds: the atmosphere and amenities of a beautiful resort, with all the excitement of Disneyland just steps away.

Accommodations

Guest Rooms

Standard guest rooms are a bit small at 353 square feet, but many rooms squeeze in a small sofa instead of a table and chairs, and some even add a sleeper chair. The Arts and Crafts-style décor is reflected in the Tree of Life mural behind the bed's headboard and the lantern-style lighting. Beds are either two queens or a king, dressed in crisp white linens. A granite-topped bureau and desk, plus a cabinet with a small refrigerator and Keurig coffeemaker, round out the furnishings, while a large flat-screen TV hangs overhead.

Unlike the Disneyland Hotel rooms, these have balconies with varying views: Standard View of the front of the resort, rooftops, or parking area; Woods/Courtyard View of the courtyard; Pool View of the swimming pools; Partial View rooms are of Calfornia Adventure Park or Downtown Disney; and the Downtown Disney View, which can be a somewhat noisy option.

Bathrooms feature double sinks set in a taupe granite vanity with a large, backlit mirror, while the toilet and tiled shower are in a separate area. Only some rooms have bathtubs, so be sure to request one if that's important to you, but it is never guarateed. Additional amenities include bath products, robes, a hairdryer, lighted makeup mirror, full-length mirror, turndown service, and an electronic safe. View Disney's Grand Californian Hotel's Standard View Room on the Glass Slipper Concierge YouTube channel.

Club Level – The Veranda

Guests staying in Club Level accommodations enjoy access to The Veranda, the concierge lounge on the resort's sixth floor. It's a lovely space with comfortable seating and large windows that open onto a balcony running the length of the lounge. One of my favorite things about The Veranda is sitting outside and watching the Disneyland monorail zip through the hotel courtyard. Depending on the evening, you may also catch views of the Disneyland fireworks from the balcony.

There's quite a selection of food throughout the day, beginning with breakfast offerings such as fresh fruit, smoked salmon, bagels, pastries, cheeses, oatmeal, and other morning favorites. Afternoon snacks include sandwiches, fruit, cheeses, and assorted sweets, while the evening offerings are more substantial, with appetizers, charcuterie, hot dishes, beer, and wine. Later in the evening, you'll find an assortment of desserts. I particularly like having the lounge available for breakfast before heading to the parks or for a glass of wine and something to eat before dinner.

Additional Club Level amenities include concierge assistance, nightly turndown service, and other services to make your stay easier. Club access is included with designated accommodations and certain Signature Suites, while it may be available for other suites on arrival for an additional fee.

Suites

The Grand Californian has some wonderful suites, and the Signature Suites are particularly impressive. Many can be expanded with connecting bedrooms, making them attractive choices for larger families traveling together.

Arcadia Suite

Located on the sixth floor, the Arcadia Suite is one of the hotel's Vice Presidential Suites and is available in one-, two-, and three-bedroom configurations. It's a tribute to Frank Lloyd Wright, with beautiful architectural details throughout, including a brick fireplace in the living and dining area and a wall of windows that fills the room with natural light. The design incorporates touches inspired by Wright's Tree of Life pattern, while the warm wood furnishings and rich colors suit the Grand Californian's Craftsman style.

A half bath is located just off the entry hall, and the separate dining room seats eight. A service kitchen with a sink, microwave, and full-size refrigerator is also convenient for entertaining or staying with a larger family. The primary bedroom has a king bed, and the adjoining bathroom includes a whirlpool tub. Two small verandas overlook the Redwood Pool and Disney California Adventure Park, one off the dining room and the other off the primary bedroom. Connecting rooms, with either two queen beds or a king bed and a queen sleeper sofa, let the suite accommodate additional guests.

Mt. Whitney Suite

The Mt. Whitney Suite is one of the Grand Californian's Presidential Suites, and it's a beauty. Decorated in warm greens, browns, and golds, the suite has a wonderful sense of space, with rich hardwood flooring, a fireplace, and comfortable seating in the enormous living room. The furnishings include a queen sleeper sofa, several easy chairs, and handsome Craftsman-style lamps. The adjoining dining area seats ten beneath a beautiful stained-glass light fixture, and there's a service kitchen with a full-size refrigerator, sink, and microwave.

The primary bedroom is almost surprisingly large, with a king bed, writing desk, sitting area, and entertainment center. A walk-in closet leads to the bathroom, which is divided into several areas and finished with Carrera marble and mosaic flooring. One side features a whirlpool tub and vanity, while the other has an oversized marble shower and an additional vanity. There's also a separate toilet area. An adjoining guest bedroom has a queen bed and its own bathroom, and you can add another bedroom to create a three-bedroom suite.

My favorite part of the Mt. Whitney Suite, though, is its outdoor space. A balcony runs the length of the suite, and there's also a wonderful covered dining porch with an outdoor fireplace. It's a terrific spot for an alfresco meal, with views overlooking the resort's swimming pools and Disney California Adventure Park. You can even catch portions of the World of Color show from here. Of all the Grand Californian suites I've toured, this is one of the most memorable. Tour Disney's Grand Californian Hotel's Mt. Whitney Suite on the Glass Slipper Concierge YouTube channel.

El Capitan Suite

Also on the sixth floor, the El Capitan Suite is another of the hotel's Presidential Suites, available in one- or two-bedroom configurations. One of its most striking features is the wall of floor-to-ceiling etched-glass windows in the living area, which brings plenty of light into the room. There's also a double-sided rock fireplace, with a comfortable sitting area on one side and a dining table seating eight on the other. A separate office and kitchen make this suite particularly spacious, with plenty of room to spread out.

The primary bedroom has a king bed, an easy chair and ottoman, and a walk-in closet. The bathroom is divided into three areas: separate vanities, a large shower, a whirlpool tub, and a separate toilet area. The long balcony extends across the dining room, living room, and office, with excellent views of Disney California Adventure Park. With impressive windows, a fireplace, and generous living space, the El Capitan is a lovely choice for guests who enjoy spending time in their suite.

Arroyo Suite

The Arroyo Suite is another of the hotel's Signature Suites and is available with one, two, or three bedrooms. Decorated in soft greens and warm beige tones, it has a comfortable living room with a gas fireplace, sectional sleeper sofa, and two Morris-style leather chairs. The adjoining dining area seats eight, and there's a kitchen for added convenience. The primary bedroom features a king bed, desk, bureau, and television, while the bathroom has a large soaking tub, walk-in shower, and dual vanities.

What I particularly like about the Arroyo Suite is its two balconies overlooking Disney California Adventure Park. One is long and relatively narrow, while the other is deeper, with two chairs and a table, making it a much more enjoyable place to sit outside. With its comfortable furnishings, spacious living area, and wonderful park views, the Arroyo is another excellent option for families looking for something beyond a traditional hotel suite. Tour Disney's Grand Californian Hotel's Arroyo Suite on the Glass Slipper Concierge YouTube channel.

One-, Two-, and Three-Bedroom Suites

Standard one, two, and three-bedroom suites are also available with standard-size guest rooms attached to a small parlor area, the size of a guest room with a sofa, easy chair, entertainment center, and wet bar. The one-bedroom suites have a parlor with a sleeper sofa, two easy chairs, a small table and two chairs, an entertainment center, and a balcony. Off the parlor is a bath that connects to the main hallway, with two sinks outside and a separate area with a tub and toilet. The main entrance leads to a king-bedded guest room with an entertainment center, an easy chair and ottoman, and another balcony. 

The main entry hallway also connects to two other standard guest rooms, each with a bath, making it a 2- or 3-bedroom suite. A one-bedroom sleeps four, a two-bedroom sleeps eight, and a three-bedroom sleeps 12. These suites are never sold by view, so you may end up with a standard view.

Let Us Help You Plan Your Luxury Disneyland Vacation

Imagine staying in one of the Grand Californian's beautiful Signature Suites, enjoying a private VIP Tour of Disneyland and Disney California Adventure, and ending the evening with a wonderful dinner at Napa Rose. These are just a few of the experiences that can make a Disneyland vacation truly special. At Glass Slipper Concierge, our advisors know Disneyland Resort inside and out and would love to help you plan a vacation that's every bit as wonderful as you've imagined.

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