Dec. 07–Disneyland unveiled the results of its just-completed makeover to its iconic Grand Californian Hotel and Spa on Wednesday that retains its Arts & Crafts theme. The year-long project involved giving a new look for all 1,019 guest rooms, as well as the lobby, pools, public areas and outdoor spaces.
This is the first time that the Grand Californian has been renovated since it opened in 2001, when it became the first Disney hotel built inside a theme park. Guests can walk outside a door and find themselves inside Disney California Adventure and the hotel was themed to be part of the total California experience.
Disney has since backed off from its California theme inside the park, but the woodsy, natural bungalow feel of the hotel was retained in its redesign. The six-story-high lobby, with wooden bracing reminiscent of the great national park lodges like those in Yosemite and Yellowstone, still soars up with wood-and-stone accents.
But new accents have been added, including hand-designed forested wallpaper, arts-and-crafts ceramics, lighter, brighter bedding and modern touches such as more outlets for charging electronic gadgets.
Redwood forests and California poppies are design elements that repeat throughout the property.
The hotel's rooms generally rent for between $400 and $600 per night, depending on the season. It's popular not only with out-of-town visitors and conventioneers, but also with Disney annual pass-holders, who take advantage of its location within the park.
The renovation also adds more cabanas to the pool area, complete with televisions, fans and loungers, that are available for guests at any Disney hotel to rent for a half-day.
"We remodeled every single room, the lobby, pool, corridors, concierge lounge and common areas," said Dan Coleman, general manager of Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa. ""I like the nooks we created where people can gather and talk."
The hotel decor is inspired by Arts and Crafts movement pioneers such as Gustav Stickley, Charles Rennie Mackintosh, architect brothers Greene & Greene, who designed the Gamble House in Pasadena, and architect Frank Lloyd Wright. Warm woods and stained glass are used throughout.
Interior Designer Katrina Mosher and Art Director Bo Bolanos of Walt Disney Imagineering were responsible for the renovations, while keeping the original theme intact.
They added fun touches such as "Hidden Mickeys" in wallpaper and carpets, and Chip and Dale chipmunk imagery in subtle ways.
"We wanted to keep the history and legacy that our guests enjoy, but we just made it more magical," Bolanos said.
Want to see the Grand Californian?
Sign up for a free tour of the hotel. Tours run at 1 p.m. Sundays, Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays. You don't have to be a hotel guest to attend, but advance bookings are suggested, since tours are limited to 15 people. Call 714-635-2300 to learn more.
