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I've looked at Disney Vacation Club hotels, and I find them to be pretty good, but how do they compare to deluxe hotels? How does the DVC Animal Kingdom hotel compare to the Animal Kingdom Lodge? Are DVC properties supposed to be equivalent? What are the differences in staying at a DVC property vs a deluxe Disney hotel?
Gekko
The ones attached to the deluxe hotels (BCV, BWV, VWL, AKL) share all of the restaurants, pools, and other ameneties.
The two standalone (OKW and SSR) have a more townhome feel to them, and don't have as nice restaurants onsite (although they are both close to the restaurants and nightlife of DTD),
A DVC studio is better and bigger than your basic deluxe hotel room, and includes a kitchenette.
When you get to the 1-BR, 2-BR, and Grand Villas, the DVC rooms are bigger and better than your deluxe rooms, and include a full kitchen and washer/dryer.
I love the whirlpool tubs in the DVC rooms.
Obviously, I prefer the DVC resorts, as I became a DVC member.
There are studios, which are similar to a standard hotel room, but they are slightly larger and include a kitchenette with microwave, mini-refrigerator, wet bar and coffee maker. You get a queen bed and a double-size sleeper sofa, so you can sleep 4.
The 1-bedroom villas are very luxurious and include a full kitchen (with all the basic cooking utensils, pots, pans and dishes supplied), and living room in addition to the bedroom(s), plus a large marble bathroom with whirlpool tub and a washer/dryer in a closet. The Master suite has a king-size bed, plus you get a Queen-size sleeper sofa in the living room, so you can sleep 4 (5 in AKV).
The 2-bedroom villas have an additional bedroom and sleeps up to 8 (or 9 at AKV).
Some of the DVC properties also have 3-bedroom Grand Villas, for the ultimate in luxury and space -- these can sleep up to 12.
If you're comparing rooms only, then your answer is above.
If you're comparing resorts, that's a bit of a different story.
Most DVC resorts share space with deluxe (WL, BW, BC, AK) and the amenities will essentially be the same (keeping in mind that DVC and resort guests receive slightly different treatment, especially in regards to housekeeping).
At OKW and SSR, the resorts are set up more for DVC members - meaning you have a "Community Hall" with special activities for DVC members. The entire resort is set up for people who are there for a longer period of time to relax and live - meaning there are grills to BBQ on, the accomodations are larger with washers/dryers, and there aren't the sit-down restaurant choices that you'd find at a traditional deluxe.