Overall Rating: 3 starsI had long been excited to stay here since DCA opened in 2001 and they rethemed the Pacific Hotel into Disney's Paradise Pier Hotel with a distinctive beach vibe. This is the least expensive Disneyland Resort Hotel option, but it doesn't skimp on magic. Once you get past the lobby, the beach theming is really fun! (UPDATED: 8 Sept 2017) |
Location: 4 Stars
The Paradise Pier Hotel is the farthest hotel from the theme parks even though it is directly across the street from the Grand Californian Hotel. To get to the parks, go out the back of the hotel and walk to the Downtown Disney security entrance across from the Disneyland Hotel. Even with this walk we could generally get to Disneyland's gates within 10 minutes or so.
Our room overlooked Paradise Pier itself and we had some awesome views of World of Color just out the window. It's the closest and most immersed I've ever felt at a Disney Resort Hotel.
Don't worry, rooms that don't face DCA still have remarkably good views of the pool area and the Disneyland Hotel, so it's not just a parking lot out your window!
Our room overlooked Paradise Pier itself and we had some awesome views of World of Color just out the window. It's the closest and most immersed I've ever felt at a Disney Resort Hotel.
Don't worry, rooms that don't face DCA still have remarkably good views of the pool area and the Disneyland Hotel, so it's not just a parking lot out your window!
Accommodations: 3 Stars
When you first walk into the lobby, the first thing you notice is that it seems a little . . . old. The decor is very late-90s and in need of a touch up. The main grand lobby is nice with the glass ceiling and exterior elevator (really fun!) and kids love taking pictures with the surfer Goofy statue at the entrance!
The rooms themselves do not feel so dated, however. Everything is very nice and helps you feel like you're just out at the beach. For me, a tall person, the sinks and vanity were a little low but if you are vertically challenged then they'll be just right for you!
For larger groups and families, not only does each standard room sleep 5 (instead of the usual 4) but adjoining rooms are available so you all can stay close. My nieces thought the sleeper-couch was cool to sleep on and didn't mind not being in a regular bed at all!
The rooms themselves do not feel so dated, however. Everything is very nice and helps you feel like you're just out at the beach. For me, a tall person, the sinks and vanity were a little low but if you are vertically challenged then they'll be just right for you!
For larger groups and families, not only does each standard room sleep 5 (instead of the usual 4) but adjoining rooms are available so you all can stay close. My nieces thought the sleeper-couch was cool to sleep on and didn't mind not being in a regular bed at all!
Amenities: 3 Stars
We did not take advantage of the roof-top pool the Paradise Pier Hotel often boasts of nor the roof views of the fireworks shows (I know, I know, we just didn't have the time).
At any Disney Resort Hotel, guests may send their in-park purchases directly to the concierge desk at their hotel so they can pick it up later and not lug bulky bags around the park. It was really helpful here and I wish we would have used it more.
Beyond the basics that are offered at each resort hotel, there are limited options here. There are no grounds of which to speak to sprawl out or take a leisurely walk and, depending where you look, the beach vibe is broken by cement, parking structures, and Disneyland Drive.
The exterior glass elevator is a nice touch, but it can be frustrating that you can take it up to all floors but not every floor allows you to take it down. I don't understand why that is, it just is.
At any Disney Resort Hotel, guests may send their in-park purchases directly to the concierge desk at their hotel so they can pick it up later and not lug bulky bags around the park. It was really helpful here and I wish we would have used it more.
Beyond the basics that are offered at each resort hotel, there are limited options here. There are no grounds of which to speak to sprawl out or take a leisurely walk and, depending where you look, the beach vibe is broken by cement, parking structures, and Disneyland Drive.
The exterior glass elevator is a nice touch, but it can be frustrating that you can take it up to all floors but not every floor allows you to take it down. I don't understand why that is, it just is.
Value: 2 Stars
The Paradise Pier Hotel is marketed as the Disneyland Resort's "moderate" hotel option starting around $250/night. I have rarely ever seen the price that low. When I last stayed there, it was around $350/night with an additional AP discount. I have seen the price as high as $650/night during peak times or just when the hotel is nearly fully booked.
For the price, I feel the Paradise Pier Hotel is not quite worth it. It generally is cheaper than the other options, but it has fewer amenities, the overall look of the hotel is somewhat dated, and what is nice is substantially lower quality than the other hotels for not much off the price. The hotel is nice, don't get me wrong, but a little over-valued. If you want to stay at a Disneyland Resort Hotel, you will need to expect to pay for the name "Disney".
For the price, I feel the Paradise Pier Hotel is not quite worth it. It generally is cheaper than the other options, but it has fewer amenities, the overall look of the hotel is somewhat dated, and what is nice is substantially lower quality than the other hotels for not much off the price. The hotel is nice, don't get me wrong, but a little over-valued. If you want to stay at a Disneyland Resort Hotel, you will need to expect to pay for the name "Disney".