The Grand Californian Hotel & Spa is the premier resort at Disneyland, and after seven visits I can confidently say it remains one of my favorite places to stay.
This elegant Craftsman-style hotel serves as the flagship of the Disneyland Resort, offering premium accommodations, impeccable Disney service, a private entrance into Disney California Adventure Park, signature dining experiences, and a world-class spa.
Stepping into the soaring Grand Hall is a remarkable experience every single time. If you have visited Disney’s Wilderness Lodge at Walt Disney World, the similarities are unmistakable. The Grand Californian feels like a beautiful blend of the rustic warmth of Wilderness Lodge and the refined elegance of the Grand Floridian.
During the holidays, the resort takes on an extra layer of magic with stunning seasonal décor throughout the lobby and public spaces.
The immaculate grounds are just as lovely. Walking through the gardens filled with rose bushes and lush landscaping is such a peaceful break from the parks.
One of my favorite spots is the heated porch just off the lobby, where rocking chairs sit around a massive stone fireplace. It is the perfect place to unwind after a busy day in the parks. Inside, a second fireplace in the lobby is another popular gathering place for relaxing with a cocktail.
Accommodations
The Grand Californian offers a wide variety of accommodations ranging from traditional guest rooms to 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom suites, as well as signature suites like the Arroyo, El Capitan, Arcadia, and Mount Whitney.
Resort Rooms
The updated guest rooms are bright and elegant while staying true to the Craftsman style of the resort.
Many rooms feature a convenient fifth sleeper, making them ideal for families. Thoughtful details like the orange tree motif and subtle appearances from Chip and Dale add a charming Disney touch without overwhelming the sophisticated design.
The bathrooms are spacious and beautifully updated, offering plenty of room for multiple people to get ready at once. Most rooms also feature a private balcony, which is a lovely spot to enjoy morning coffee before heading into the parks.
Mt. Whintey Presidential Suite
The Mt. Whitney Suite is one of two presidential suites at the Grand Californian and is truly spectacular.
Decorated in the signature Craftsman style, the suite features a large living room and dining area that comfortably seats ten. A service kitchen with a refrigerator, sink, and microwave is conveniently located just off the main living space.
The master bedroom features a king bed, walk-in closet, and spacious bathroom, while the second bedroom includes two queen beds.
One of the true highlights of this suite is the outdoor balcony space. Guests enjoy stunning views overlooking Disney California Adventure while relaxing by the outdoor fireplace. It is the kind of place you could happily spend an entire evening.
Guests staying in the presidential suites also receive special perks and services during their stay.
El Capitan Suite
The suite includes a massive living room with a beautiful stone fireplace, a kitchen with a custom Sub-Zero refrigerator, dining room, office, private balcony, and a spacious master suite.
The master bedroom itself is full of craftsman charm and rustic warmth. It is paired with an enormous bathroom that is honestly larger than an entire standard guest room at the Grand. The suite also has a private hallway entrance, allowing guests to come and go without passing through the main living area, which makes it especially convenient for families or larger groups.
Concierge Lounge
The Veranda concierge lounge offers food and beverage service throughout the day.
One of the standout features is the long balcony overlooking the monorail courtyard. It is a beautiful place to enjoy a morning coffee, an afternoon snack, or watch the fireworks in the evening.
Amenities
We always make time to swim during our vacations, and the Grand Californian pool area is wonderful. Despite the popularity of the resort, it rarely feels overcrowded. Because the hotel is located so close to the parks, it is incredibly easy to pop back to the resort for an afternoon swim or break.
Private cabanas are also available and provide premium seating, shade, and dedicated service for a relaxing pool day.
Tenaya Stone Spa
The Tenaya Stone Spa at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa is a serene 6,000-square-foot retreat designed by Disney Imagineers and inspired by the natural beauty and cultural heritage of California. Tucked quietly within the resort, it offers a peaceful escape where guests can relax and recharge with a full menu of services including massages, facials, body treatments, and salon offerings. The spa features multiple treatment rooms, a relaxation lounge, steam rooms, changing facilities, and a boutique, all designed with warm Craftsman details and natural materials that echo the spirit of the hotel. It feels worlds away from the energy of the parks, making it the perfect place to unwind, restore balance, and indulge in a little self-care during your Disneyland stay.
Location
One of the greatest perks of staying at the Grand Californian is its unbeatable location.
Guests enjoy a private entrance directly into Disney California Adventure Park, making it incredibly convenient to come and go throughout the day. Being just steps from the parks truly changes the pace of a Disneyland vacation.
Dining
The Grand Californian offers a wonderful mix of casual, character, and signature dining experiences. With Downtown Disney and the theme parks just steps away, you will have more dining options than you could possibly fit into one trip.
Storytellers Cafe
Storytellers Café hosts Mickey’s Tales of Adventure character buffet at breakfast and brunch, while dinner is served without characters. Even though it is a buffet, the food quality is outstanding, and the character interactions at Disneyland are consistently wonderful.
Read a full review here:
www.dixiedelightsonline.com/2023/04/storytellers-cafe-at-disneys-grand-californian-resort.html
Napa Rose
Napa Rose is the signature dining restaurant at the Grand Californian. Chef Andrew Sutton showcases the flavors of Napa Valley through beautifully crafted dishes. The restaurant has just reopened after a lengthy renovation and I cannot wait to return!
Honey and I enjoyed a lovely date night here on one visit, and my best friend and I had a marvelous dinner during a girls trip last summer.
Craftsman Bar & Grill
Located near the pool, Craftsman Bar & Grill is a great casual spot to grab a bite or enjoy a cocktail on a gorgeous Southern California evening.
Hearthstone Lounge
We always make time to stop by Hearthstone Lounge during our stays.
Designed to evoke the Arts and Crafts era, the lounge is a cozy and relaxing place to unwind. We especially love ending the evening here with a cocktail and dessert.
The dinner menu is also excellent, with our favorites being the Cobb salad and the burger.
In Room Dining
Grand Californian also offers in-room dining, which is a wonderfully luxurious way to begin a Disney day.
Let’s Travel & My Services
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