Disney’s “Worst” Hotel Condemned Over Bad Smell, Outdated Rooms

From Disneyland Resort to Shanghai Disneyland, Disney hotels are scattered worldwide, yet not all deliver the same level of excellence.

While only Walt Disney World Resort follows a strict tier system, all of Disney’s hotels can generally be sorted into three categories – Value, Moderate, and Deluxe – each offering varying levels of comfort and amenities.

Value Resorts are budget-friendly options designed for guests who prioritize cost savings while still enjoying the Disney magic. These hotels feature basic accommodations with vibrant, themed décor, offering convenient access to the parks but fewer extra luxuries, and include the likes of the All-Star Resorts and Art of Animation.

Moderate Resorts offer a step up in both price and amenities, with spacious rooms and more themed experiences. Properties such as Disney’s Coronado Springs and Disney’s Port Orleans Resort often include additional dining options, larger pools, and recreational activities, providing a more immersive stay without breaking the bank.

Finally, Deluxe Resorts cater to guests seeking a premium experience. This tier includes the likes of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, and Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, all of which boast elegant, spacious accommodations, high-end dining, and luxurious amenities like concierge services and exclusive pools.

Located close to the parks, these hotels offer the most convenience, exceptional service, and an overall upscale atmosphere.

By this logic, you’d assume that Disney’s worst-rated hotel worldwide would be one of its Value offerings. However, as per Yelp, the location with the worst reviews is actually one of Disney’s mid-tier hotels.

Is Disney Sequoia Lodge the Worst Disney Hotel?

Looking at the hotels scattered around all of Disney’s resorts worldwide, Disney Sequoia Lodge Hotel – one of the mid-range hotels at Disneyland Paris – has the worst ratings of the bunch.

At present, it has just 2.9 stars on the site, despite being more expensive (and, theoretically, more luxurious) than both Disney Hotel Santa Fe and Disney Hotel Cheyenne. But is it actually the worst Disney hotel?

From an amenities standpoint, the hotel is solid. Located approximately a 10-minute walk from Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios Park, it’s inspired by the serene beauty of North American National Parks. Think of it as Wilderness Lodge Jr., set amidst towering trees and lush landscapes, with a warm, rustic atmosphere that focuses on nature and relaxation.

Having visited the hotel on multiple occasions, we can vouch for the quality of the hotel’s lobby – especially around the holidays. This is the coziest hotel at Disneyland Paris and, thanks to its mammoth fireplace, we’d choose Redwood Bar and Lounge over possibly any other bar on Disney property.

Once we delve into the rooms, however, we understand where people are coming from.

It’s been a long time since Disney Sequoia Lodge Hotel received some TLC and it shows. As multiple guests have noted on Reddit, Sequoia Lodge has a “history of smelly dirty rooms,” the majority of which feel extremely outdated – especially the bathrooms.

While they’re generally pretty large, and the Bambi (1946) touches are subtle and well done, there’s no getting around the fact that the rooms at Sequoia Lodge are showing their age. It doesn’t help that it’s sorely lacking in simple features, such as power sockets.

Is There Hope for Sequoia Lodge?

Disney’s been on a renovation spree at Disneyland Paris lately. Disney Hotel Cheyenne was updated in 2017 and while some people complained about the integration of Toy Story into the Wild West-themed resort, we think the changes to the flooring, bedding, and facilities in general made it worth it.

Meanwhile, Disney Hotel New York – The Art of Marvel received its Marvel update during COVID-19, which has truly elevated the entire resort. The same goes for Disneyland Hotel. Now boasting a Disney Princesses theme, it may be extortionately expensive today, but the hotel was in desperate need of an update.

It was recently confirmed that Disney Davy Crockett Ranch – which is a short drive away from the resort and is designed for those who bring their own vehicles to Disneyland Paris – is now undergoing its own refurbishment.

Last October, it was reported that Disney Sequoia Lodge Hotel would get the same treatment, with every single room in the hotel receiving a much-needed update. Over a year later, there’s been no news on an actual timeframe, with Disney seemingly deciding to forge ahead with renovating Disney Davy Crockett Ranch instead.

For now, we’ll concede that Disney Sequoia Lodge Hotel ranks among the lesser Disney hotels. But this won’t last. At its best, the hotel exudes far more charm than many of Disneyland Paris’ offerings—and even those at other Disney resorts. Once it gets the attention it deserves, we’re confident it will climb the ranks of Disney hotels worldwide.

Sequoia Lodge, we’re rooting for you.

What’s your least favorite Disney hotel?