Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa
A Craftsman-style retreat in Disney
If Disneyland is called the happiest place on earth, Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa is among the top five. A craftsman-style playground for visitors of all ages, the property features more than 900 rooms, a beautiful pool area, a host of dining options and entrances to Disney California Adventure and the Downtown Disney District so close to the lobby that you can almost smell the pretzels.
Cast members — what the hotel calls its staff — welcome you and expedite check-in or go directly to your room with your phone as a digital key with online check-in. Stop by the concierge for suggestions on how to keep the kids occupied and make reservations for an unforgettable dinner.
When you need a respite from the theme park crowds, retreat to Tenaya Stone Spa, a 6,000-square-foot haven inspired by nature, California’s indigenous cultures and the hotel’s beautiful Craftsman design.
Our Inspector's Highlights
- The warm, rustic touches offer a distinct nod to iconic designer Frank Lloyd Wright and California architects Greene & Greene.
- When
the young ones tire of riding Dumbo and the Golden Zephyr, they can
relax at the hotel, where four pools come together to create a pseudo waterpark
that could probably charge an admission. Nice touches — waterslides, a poolside restaurant, cabanas decked out in 55-inch TVs and chaise lounges — ensure the space makes even more of an elevated splash.
- Attentive service
has always been a hallmark of a Disneyland Resort stay. And that standard remains true
at Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa. It doesn’t matter if you get turned around in a hallway, need help finding a park entrance or just have a question; the friendly staff happily escorts or assists you.
- The hotel connects you to the Disney theme parks. One hallway leads you to Disney California Adventure and another entrance guides you to Downtown Disney. We can’t overstate the convenience of having the door to Disneyland a mere five minutes away.
- Filled with natural elements (including wood rounds in the flooring, art featuring stone and minerals and a tree root chandelier), the eight-room Tenaya Stone Spa makes you feel at one with nature, especially if you get the Tenaya River Stone Massage or customized facial.
Things to Know
- Find
great seasonal offerings in the lobby. When we visited over the winter holidays,
we heard carolers and sipped a warm drink from a hot chocolate and cider bar. The pastry team takes every season as an opportunity to delight guests with a seasonally appropriate confection.
- One guest
perk is that you can have theme park purchases sent directly to the Anaheim
hotel so that you won’t have to carry souvenir-filled bags while enjoying
Disneyland or California Adventure.
- Opened in 2001, this is the only Disneyland Resort hotel designed by Disney Imagineers.
- Though Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa has a decidedly more woodsy than whimsy feel, designers didn’t
hesitate to sprinkle subtle reminders that you’re still in the Mouse’s
backyard by sneaking the famed Mickey ears into the carpet, artwork and other corners
of the property.
-
In select park-view rooms, you can sit on the balcony
and watch the nightly World of Color spectacular, which projects Disney characters onto a
19,000-square-foot veil of mist in a show of water, music, pyrotechnics and laser
lights.
The Rooms
- Accommodations range from standard rooms
to three-bedroom suites with forest, bedroom, pool and theme park views.
- The
four signature suites are more like intimate bungalows. The sense of coziness
hits you from the foyer and only continues in rooms with brightened vanities,
jetted tubs, steam showers and enough space for a small family reunion.
- If
you’re staying on the sixth floor, you may also have privileges at The Veranda,
the dazzling concierge lounge at Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa. The Charles Mackintosh-inspired
haven consists of contemporary lighting, stunning artwork, a more efficient
dining configuration and a bigger patio.
The Restaurants
- Storytellers
Cafe delivers all-day buffet dining. Things are their most spirited in the mornings for the Disney Character Breakfast. This all-you-can-eat meal cooks up endless smiles with
classic Disney characters parading around while you dine.
- Make reservations at the resort’s
signature dining establishment, Napa Rose. While chef Andrew Sutton’s seasonal Vintner Menu might change every week, you can always expect a sense of romance in the air as you enjoy upscale takes on California cuisine. Napa Rose's Princess Adventure Breakfast may be the highlight of your visit to Disneyland with several courses of culinary delights for all ages and time with all of your favorite Disney princesses.
- If you prefer an alfresco option with a view, visit Craftsman Bar, where you can gaze the pool while savoring refreshing cocktails and fresh dishes.
- Located in the corner of the lobby, the
Hearthstone Lounge is a full bar and a popular gathering spot to enjoy wine, cocktails or a unique whiskey.
- If these don't entice you, make the short walk outside the hotel to Downtown Disney for a wide array of culinary options.
Amenities
24-hour room service 
Bar
Fitness classes
Gym
Meeting rooms
Outdoor pool
Restaurants
Spa
Getting There
Stories
