In the past, we've stayed at the Disneyland Hotel...this time, we thought we'd give the Paradise Pier a try, primarily because we could get a better deal there - higher room floor for less money. The staff was wonderful in every way - exactly what you'd expect from a Disney hotel. The theatre room and arcade were perfect for our children, ages 8, 5 and 5. The hotel itself lacked a little charm, but the view at the top made our stay entirely worthwhile. The second we opened our curtains to see all the lights of California Adventure, we were as happy as could be. There was no need to brave the crowd to see World of Color - we watched the pyrotechnics from our room and that was sufficient for us.The room was perfectly clean - I even took a bath one night, which is extremely rare for me to do in a hotel. I literally have no complaints whatsoever. I'm only giving the hotel a 4 because it could use some more decorative elements to increase the Disney charm. I'd definitely stay there again, regardless. Excellent value.

We stayed here over halloween for my daughters make a wish trip and were treated with such kindness. I know our experience will be different from other guests but am still very impressed with everyone's willingness to help and make us comfortable. The rooms were clean and so fun to come back to and see how housekeeping placed the stuffed animals in different arrangements every evening. When her stroller broke the first night the engineers came up quickly and did their very best and were very helpful. The children had a great time with the pool and slides, and enjoyed the glass elevator. The laundry facility was clean and very convenient. The location is a little further than the other two resorts but still walking distance was no problem. It was great to be able to get into the parks an hour earlier than the general public because of staying at one of the resorts. Overall we had a great experience. Staff was welcoming and the experience will be one that will last a lifetime.

We were visiting Disneyland to remember my Grandfather who had just passed, this was one of his and his wife's favorite places. Paradise Pier is a great alternative to Disneyland Hotel for a slightly better rate but not sacrificing quality and fun. Breakfast was lacking here as it seems to be at all Disneyland Hotels, go to Downtown Disney. It is a brief walk to Disneyland from here, and you can cut through the Grand Californian to get to a back entrance to California Adventure and skip the bag check lines. Rooms were very clean and all the staff were very helpful.

If you're reading this review you probably fall into one of two categories. You're either planning your first stay at a Disneyland Resort Hotel or you've stayed at either the Disneyland or Grand Californian Hotels and wondering if Paradise Pier is worthwhile.

Let me start by saying that all three Disneyland Hotels are expensive. There are significantly cheaper options in the area. If you're like my wife and I though, you know that Disney brings a certain level of service to their theme parks and this extends to the hotels. For the added benefits like early admission, the private entrance to Disney California Adventure and truly being walking distance from everything, I think the stay is well worth it.

Paradise Pier is the least expensive of the three Resort hotels. It was originally built and owned by a Japanese company (there is a 13th floor) and purchased and refurbished by Disney in the late 90s. The theme is a nostalgic intentionally kitschy CA hotel named after the Paradise Pier boardwalk area at the DCA Park.

Unlike the Grand Californian, The lobby here is practically non-existent. There is a fun goofy statue to take pictures with a small gift shop and the entrance to two restaurants and that's about it. Disneyphiles will like the painted murals behind the front desk of Paradise Pier (with all of the original rides).

The staff here really shines. The front desk, was nicer and more helpful than at the Grand Californian where we stayed the summer previous. When they found out it was our anniversary the did some beautiful rose petal decorations in our room. It really made the trip special.

The rooms are pretty standard but if you love Disney then you will like many of the decorations including a lamp shaped like mickey sitting on a lifeguard tower. Our room faced the Grand Californian and hide a nice view of the taller rides at DCA.

The pool is pretty normal but does have a separate fun spiral shaped water slide. There is a small pool for little children as well. We didn't visit the snack bar.

You're staying here to be close to the Parks and Downtown Disney so let's talk distances. You are right across the street from the main Grand Californian entrance, and a few minutes walk through the GC hotel will get you access to the private entrance into DCA (right next to the Grizzly River Rapids Ride and the fast pass line for World of Color Shows).
A short 3-4 minute walk will get you to the Disneyland Hotel and west entrance of Downtown Disney. You can hop on the monorail from there into Disneyland (you may have to have entered Disneyland already to use this entrance). The walk from your side of Downtown Disney to the main entrance plaza of Disneyland and DCA is another ten minutes. More if its crowded. The entire complex is well lit and landscaped and a nice walk, even late at night.

Pros
-great location and access to many resort benefits
-knowledgeable and friendly staff
-comfortable rooms
-least expensive of the three hotels

Cons
-farthest walk of the three hotels
-amenities at hotel itself are sparse
-not as themed as other two hotels
-you may not end up with much of a view

Overall I would absolutely recommend this hotel, especially to families or those looking for a great Disney experience while saving a little extra money for mickey ears and Dole Whips.