Disney's Grand Californian Hotel

The Grand Californian is a romantic, Craftsman-style hotel in the middle of Downtown Disney. A Disney-owned hotel, it offers exclusive entrance directly into California Adventure, breakfast character dining with Chip 'n Dale in the Storytellers Cafe and special children's activities (extra fee). Most people like the Grand Californian, but some complain about small rooms or say it isn't worth the high price.

• It's the closest Disney hotel to the park entrances - and the only one with fully-equipped kitchens (in the villas)
• Beautiful workmanship and design, with one of the most beautiful hotel lobbies anywhere
• Comfortable beds
• Clean quiet rooms

• Most expensive Disney hotel
• Less exuberant atmosphere than the other two properties

Disney's Grand Californian Hotel is within walking distance of Disneyland and 100% non-smoking

• $$$$
• Compare Prices and Read Reviews at Tripadvisor.com
• Anaheim hotel tax is 15%.
• If you're thinking about staying at the Disney's Grand Californian Hotel, their will lower your overall trip cost, their parking fee will increase it (but you'll be right at the park door and won't have to drive or park to get there.
• Don't just look at the phone numbers and say "how old-fashioned." Instead find out how to get the best hotel rates by picking up the telephone.

• Free wireless Internet included with some packages
• Pool
• Fitness center
• 24-hour room service
• Restaurants on premises
• 100% non-smoking hotel

Disneyland Resort's newest and most luxurious hotel, the Grand Californian takes its inspiration from the grand lodges of the national parks. Its lobby atrium calls to mind Yellowstone's Old Faithful Inn, while the exterior gives a nod to Yosemite's Ahwahnee Hotel. The style is American Craftsman, with warm wood and nature-inspired touches throughout.

If you want Mickey Mouse shampoo bottles and bright, colorful decor, you'll be better off in one of the other Disney Resort hotels, but if you're looking for the quietest, most relaxing place to stay in the Disneyland Resort, the Grand Californian is it.

The Grand Californian also has the most upscale dining at Disneyland Resort, with its flagship restaurant The Napa Rose being one of Southern California's highest-rated restaurants.

The Grand Californian also has the advantage of being the closest hotel to the park gates and the Downtown Disney monorail station, a bigger plus than you might think when you're trudging back to your room after a busy day.

^{As is common in the travel industry, the writer was provided with complimentary accommodation as part of the Adventures by Disney Backstage Magic tour. While it has not influenced this review, About.com believes in full disclosure of all potential conflicts of interest. For more information, see our ethics policy.}