Disney’s Hollywood Hotel Review
Disney’s Hollywood Hotel is a resort at Hong Kong Disneyland with Art Deco design and Los Angeles theming, meant to evoke the golden age of Tinseltown. In this post, we’ll share room photos of Hollywood Hotel, cover its pros & cons, and offer our take on whether it’s worth the money.
Despite having visited Hong Kong Disneyland several times, we had never stayed at Disney’s Hollywood Hotel. Even though we had an excellent stay at Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel, we had a preconceived notion at Disney’s Hollywood Hotel, and now I’m not even sure why.
Perhaps because it’s the cheapest hotel at Hong Kong Disneyland? Or because the name reminded us of Disney’s Hollywood Studios? Really, we have no good reason for avoiding it for so long. (I think at one point we did try to book it, but there were no worthwhile discounts available.) In any case, Disney’s Hollywood Hotel exceeded our expectations in just about every regard.
This is mainly in terms of the theme and design. The Art Deco stylization is well-done, and in no way does it feel cheap or like tacky decoration.
Part of this is probably a result of my expectations: I was thinking Hollywood Hotel would be comparable to a Moderate Resort at Walt Disney World. It was more like a “Deluxe Lite.”
In terms of dining at Disney’s Hollywood Hotel. First is Chef Mickey, a pricey character breakfast (on weekends it’s also a character lunch/dinner). We debated splurging on this, but after seeing that it’s just a quick photo op with Mickey Mouse as you enter, opted against it.
Then there’s Studio Lounge, the hotel’s lobby bar, which has a low-key ambiance and moody lighting. Finally, Hollywood & Dine, which is a utilitarian counter service option (save for some brilliant ‘Disneyfied’ movie posters).
To be honest, if you don’t mind the walk, you are far better off going next door and eating at Explorers Lodge. Even though the food is good at Hollywood Hotel, it doesn’t hold a candle to the offerings at Explorers Lodge.
The main amenity at Disney’s Hollywood Hotel is the pool. We didn’t use this, but we did appreciate the style, which featured the iconic Hollywood Bowl at one end. I was also pretty excited about the “free play” time at Malibu Games, but it doesn’t have any actual arcade games.
Aside from that, there’s a thorough slate of entertainment (the highlight of which we were there was several appearances by Goofy throughout the day) that changes on a daily basis. The schedules for the other two resorts are also posted in the lobby, and guests are encouraged to resort-hop.
Our room had an ample amount of details that further reinforced the theme. I was particularly keen on the carpeting, which screamed Art Deco to me. I could see this being the kind of thing some people wouldn’t enjoy–or might think is dated–but we loved it.
Another highlight was the mirrors, both the Minnie & Mickey in front of Grauman’s mirror and the stylized mirror above the table and chairs across from the beds. In terms of subtler details, rounded edges and horizontal lines accentuated the style.
The beds were on the slightly firm side of comfortable, which is about as good as you’re going to get at any of the Disney resorts in Asia. Still far better than many hotels at which we’ve stayed in Hong Kong and Japan, and my assumption here is that is intentionally middle of the road as a compromise.
One thing that was not “Deluxe” about our room at Disney’s Hollywood Hotel was its size. It was not necessarily cramped, but it was noticeably smaller than our room the next night at Explorers Lodge (the rooms there are larger than even Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel).
The other thing that left something to be desired was the bathroom. It was small, and took an obvious function over form approach with what little space it had.
At least the shower at Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel makes a bit of effort with an elegant tile mural.
Oh, one final note on the guest rooms: be sure to check out the resort television. One of the segments on the main channel had a segment where the punchline to every joke(?) was BLAM! Consequently, one of our catchphrases from the trip became United States of BLAMerica!
It’s a “you have to see it kind of thing” and sadly, YouTube fails me when it comes to locating a clip. (Honestly, seeing this glorious television loop is reason-enough to drop the money to stay at Hollywood Hotel.)
Price-wise, it was a Deluxe Lite during our visit, with our discounted rate being around $250 (this was a weekend during the peak of HKDL’s popular Halloween season). In the past, I know we’ve passed up discounted rates of below $200/night.
With attendance slumping and a surplus of new rooms in Hong Kong Disneyland’s inventory, I’m guessing you could score a solid deal here during the off-season. I’d consider anything under $200/night for this hotel to be a very fair price.
We’ve paid about that amount for off-site hotels near Hong Kong’s airport on Lantau Island, and once you factor in the cost of a taxi or the time wasted via public transit, a strong case can be made for doing a split-stay and spending a night or two at a Hong Kong Disneyland resort. (The MTR is great, but there are no hotels close to HKDL time-wise along the MTR; you might as well just stay in Kowloon if you want a budget hotel–or a luxury hotel.)
One negative about Disney’s Hollywood Hotel that was a bit surprising was the walk. When we stayed at Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel, I far preferred walking to the park over taking the bus. It’s a pleasant, leisurely walk and I always skew towards walking if I can. Anyway, I assumed Hollywood Hotel would be about 5 minutes farther away based on eyeballing it.
This was not the case. It was more like 10 minutes. Ten interminable minutes. Hong Kong Disneyland’s footprint is sprawling, and after that, you get to a large vacant lot (the next hotel, if HKDL ever needs one). You think you’re almost there after passing Explorers Lodge, but then there’s a large area of parking. It’s still not a bad walk, but it’s longer than I expected.
Ultimately, we were really pleased with Disney’s Hollywood Hotel. It’s definitely not the nicest hotel at Hong Kong Disneyland or the one with the coolest theme, but it’s arguably the most unique. Fans of Disney’s Hollywood Studios and the whole ‘Hollywood that never was and will always be’ atmosphere will definitely enjoy it. Moreover, the resort typically offers solid value for the money and is nicely done given the typical price-point. So long as you don’t mind a slightly smaller room or a longer walk to Hong Kong Disneyland, we view Disney’s Hollywood Hotel as an excellent mid-range option.
For the rest of your planning needs, consult our Hong Kong Disneyland Trip Planning Guide. It covers everything you need to know for a visit to HKDL, including reviews, strategy, packing, traveling in the city, and more! If you want to read about our first visit to the park, check out our Hong Kong Disneyland Trip Report.
YOUR THOUGHTS
Have you stayed at Disney’s Hollywood Hotel or any of the other hotels at Hong Kong Disneyland? What did you think of your hotel stay? Does this hotel interest you? If you have any questions or thoughts to share, please post them in the comments. We love hearing from readers!
Hi, this is Chris from Hong Kong Disney Geek. Disney’s Hollywood Hotel is reopening this July after 3 years of closure. We would like to ask for permission to use your photo of Hollywood Hotel’s lobby when we’re coving this piece of news, and we’ll credit you for it. Thanks in advance.
Go for it–thanks for asking!
After looking at many of your hotel pictures and recently visiting Walt Disney World this month, what is this trend with no comforters on the bed? December was chilly at night so I’m surprised they didn’t have something warmer on the beds.
Tom, I know EXACTLY what you’re talking about with the Blam! segments. They used to play all the time on Disney XD so as a kid I saw them quite often. If you ever need a laugh, there’s a fantastic parody on YouTube simply titled “Disney’s Blam – Up.” I don’t know if I’m allowed to post the link so I won’t, but PLEASE look it up. You won’t be disappointed.
Of course you’re welcome to post the link! Someone on Twitter told me they also play this on Disney’s Magical Express. How have I gone my entire life without ever seeing this greatness?!
When is top 10 Disney Hotels In the world?? I would love that list!!
I love the hotel, but have never stayed at any hotels on Lantau. I had a work provided apartment during my long stay there and stayed elsewhere — from Kowloon to Aberdeen on other stays. But I have dined and drank and shopped (don’t laugh , back in 2008 the shop was the only location in the entire resort that sold postcards) often. Chef Mickey’s late night ‘supper buffet was the best value meal there, but not sure whether it still is.
I have heard other lifestylers complain the Hollywood Hotel rooms are tired, but they don’t look that way to me in your photos.
I would have a hard time paying $200 plus for any of the resorts on Lantau for the simple reason I have always had great luck with hotels in HK for less.
One criticism I would have about your review is that I don’t feel that quickee one or even two night stays allow for a truly insightful review. I understand you want to get as much as content for the Blog as you can and that may mean staying at six different hotels during a week and a half at WDW as I know you have. But from a value standpoint, and I mean the value of your reviews, I truly believe less is more. One or two night stays can give a taste of a place, but they don’t really provide enough experience with the hotel, amenities and staff to give more than a cursory review. In other words, I might trust a Boardwalk review from you because I know you have stayed many times and experienced the place from top to bottom versus a review of a hotel that you spent a night at. I hope this doesn’t come off as harsh as that isn’t my intent. It’s something, as a regular reader and friend, I have thought multiple times over the last year plus and never articulated. While your observations and experiences are valuable, they are less so when you just haven’t stayed long enough to judge many aspects.
I understand what you’re saying, and that’s a fair point. Ironically, the reason you pointed out for you not staying on Lantau is why your criticism exists for this hotel. There seems to be a surplus of high-end hotels in the city that offer higher quality for significantly less (or can be snagged for a low number of points).
As such, we rarely justify doing the entire trip at HKDL. Same goes for Paris and DLP hotels (plus those are absurdly priced).
I have done multiple nights (3+) at nearly every TDR, WDW, and DLR hotel (albeit not all the Disneyland off-site ones; can’t justify the cost given that we don’t need them) over the course of the last several years.
It’s a shame you decided against eating at Chef Mickey, when we were there it was our favourite breakfast! We much preferred it to the same offering at the Ambassador Hotel in Japan, with the food being much, much tastier in Hong Kong. We actually decided to change our plans and go two mornings in a row because of it!
Thanks for your feedback on the meal! The food definitely looked good, but we thought it was a steep price for breakfast.
Ah yes, very true. It maybe also made a difference that it was our first Disney park and so also our first chef Mickey!
We felt that Hong Kong is an amazing first park for a lot of people (we’re from Australia so it was cheaper to get to also) and I think would be a good first park for children too.
By the way huge fan of your work. Thank you.
As utilitarian as the quick service at Hollywood Hotel is, I definitely preferred their breakfast offerings over Explorers Lodge quick service.
Hollywood had noodle soups and buns. Explorers had Mickey waffles and some weird egg omelette dishes.
I’ll take noodle soups and steamed buns for breakfast any day. And the prices were much less expensive, too.
My only quibble with Explorers Lodge’s breakfast was the portion size. Too much of a focus on artful presentation, and not enough on a filling meal.
With that said, we found the food itself to be fantastic.
Great review, thanks for posting! Hopefully a review of Explorer Lodge is next? We just booked a trip to Hong Kong and are spending our last two nights at Explorer Lodge!
Yeah, that’ll be coming soon-ish. (The TL;DR version is that Explorers Lodge is awesome–our new favorite at HKDL.)