Which Disneyland resort hotel is the best buy?

I know that the Grand Californian is the most money, and Paradise Peir is least expensive, with the Disneyland Hotel falling in the middle. But if you have stayed at more than one, is it worth paying more money for the others? We are only going to be there 2 nights, but I am not sure how to go about selecting a hotel. We have stayed at the budget hotels before, which I enjoy, but this is a special trip for my daughters b-day. If you can comment on the use of the monorail to get into the park vs walking and the distance of the monorail from the parks, that would be very helpful. Thanks so much.Which Disneyland resort hotel is the best buy?
Well if it is your daughters choice it kind-of depends on her age. I'm guessing she's younger so I would suggest the Disneyland Hotel. They have all the pools and fun for the younger kids. But, if you would prefer a nicer hotel I would go to the Grand Californian because the rooms are really nice (though VERY small!). Another benefit of the Grand Californian is that it opens right onto the California Adventure Park (right by Grizzly River Falls)! Very handy for easy access to the parks! I've never stayed at the Paradise Peir but i don't think that it has the ';disney magic'; as the other two hotels do. When i was little we rode on the monorail to get to Disneyland, but that was awhile back so I'm not too sure how that is now. Though whenever we go to Disneyland (last time was Christmas 2005) I notice that the line to get onto the monorail from Tomorrowland Station is always really long and seems slightly like a hassle (I do know that the monorail drops you off right in Tomorrowland by the lagoon)! So I guess i would recommend the Grand Californian just because the easy access into the park is wonderful for taking breaks (naps maybe? or for swimming? (by the way the Grand Californian also has a pool with a slide so your daughter probably will be perfectly happy!)). Anyways if for some reason you decide to save money on a hotel i would recommend the Candy Cane Inn, a small boutique hotel on South Harbor Blvd. only about 250 yards from Disneyland! And don't forget to contact Disney Dining to schedule a special birthday surprise for your daughter! (go to www.disney.com, click disneyland resort, then more magic (drop down) then special occasions, then happiest birthdays on earth!) the simple birthday bag seems cute or you could go more extravagent! I hope this helps! Happy Birthday!Which Disneyland resort hotel is the best buy?
http://www.hotelroomsaver.com/
all of them