“A Wonderful Choice in Port Vila”

The Hotel Staff went out of their way to be helpful -- in holding my luggage and valuables two times while I visited other islands for several days, in presenting me with breakfast the night before an early-morning departure, in wake-up calls that were always punctual, in very happy and sincere smiles and greetings. The carpet in the hallways is shabby, and the elevator on my floor only stopped going up, but not going down (I had to take the stairs one floor down and then use the elevator to get to the Lobby), but that was okay. The breakfasts were wonderful -- and included in the price of the room --, and the view from the hotel is the best on the bay.

“Oasis in Port Vila”

All aspects of this accommodation were top class. The room was quiet and had the most superb view over Port Vila Bay and Iriki Island. It was also spacious with modern finishes and a very comfortable king-sized bed. The breakfast spread included lots of fresh tropical fruit (not always a given in hotels in tropical locations!), delicious fresh french pastries and the usual cereals, etc. Staff were consistently friendly and professional and an added bonus is the use of facilities at Iriki Island Resort a short ferry trip across the bay. I would highly recommend this hotel for short stays in Port Vila or as a base for the many activities on offer.

“Very Nice Stay”

My wife and I just got back today from our one week honeymoon at The Grand. It was very nice and pretty much what we expected. Friendly staff and very nice room with a great view on the balcony. Having access to their sister resort, The Iririki Resort, was great because we had access to all their snorkeling gear and kayaks for free. Complimentary breakfast was fairly decent and the casino offers some fun if you don't feel like leaving the hotel at night. Definitely one of the nicest hotels on the island and would go there again.

“A Great Place To Relax”

Located right on the harbour in the centre of Port Vila, the Grand was the perfect base for the enjoyment of the town and surrounding attractions. The partner realtionship with the Iririki Resort across the bay was great as we were able to use both facilities as if they were one hotel. We also had free use of the kayaks, catamarans and snorkelling gear at the Iririki Resort and would sometimes relax by their pool as well as ours. The regular free 5 minute ferry service bewteen the hotel and the resort made it just like walking next door. Staff were friendly and extremely helpful in booking tours, cars and restaurants as well as advising on local customs and charges for services etc. A great place to relax with many other good quality restaurants within close walking distance from the hotel or within a short inexpensive Port Vila bus or taxi ride.

“Good hotel for the business traveller..not so for honeymoons etc.”

Very close to the town centre and local produce markets good value fruit etc.Service in lobby bar/ coffee shop very slow,snack meals not consistant in size and quality.Reception staff very friendly and efficent.Bar on 6th floor has best views in Vila, but decor could be less formal and more ''islandee''....Iririki connection...great asset.

“No car? The Grand is a perfect, central HQ.”

Ideal location within walking distance to shopping & eateries with a beautiful outlook across the harbour from all rooms.Next time I'd take the bathroom wipes for the shower screen; quite a soap scum there but certainly not filth and after the initial ewwww! was the realisation the whole place was quite immaculately clean.Highly recommended in the context of Vila.The Grand lunch offer was excellent value, offering a choice of six(?) meals for 1000vatu (about $10) and providing 400vatu ($4) credit for the pokies.The lunch offerings were really nice, particularly the Caesar Salad with salt & pepper squid.The easy access to Iririki (sister hotel) by (free)ferry next door allows enjoyment of all facilities on the island across the bay;Watermark Restaurant was a favourite for their exceptional menu, fantastic service and happy hour every night 5-6pm with half price drinks!The seafood platter for two ($39) was a stand-out; so fresh, luscious, perfectly cooked & at a bargain price!!!(Closed late Jan 2012 for a couple of months for renovations.I was so relieved we were there the week before, having read about the seafood platter and was so pleased we got to try it...amazing!!!)Tour shops are close by; dealing direct with the villagers who run these offers the experience of cultural aspects of island life & history.Do not however expect luxury vehicles as they are modest, to say the least, but the guides are very friendly, welcoming and knowledgeable. We'd stay there again, no prob's.

“Perfect for a couples get away”

The hotel was great. It is in a prime location in Port Villa, the town itself is not much to look at but its surroundings are stunning, it is a 2 minute ferry to Irikiki Island, and you'll never have a problem getting a bus (AU$ 2 per person anywhere you want to go by bus) to take you to all the local attractions from right outside the hotel. The hotel itself was exactly what you need as a base, the rooms were really comfortable and the staff very friendly and up for a laugh.

“Nice comfortable hotel.”

Pro's: Probably the best hotel in Port Vila if you are not into roughing it. It is pretty much your standard 4 Star Hotel by Australian standards. Pool is small but quaint and has a great view. I spent hours sitting by the pool looking out to the ocean. Try to get a Panorama Suite or a 1 bedroom suite - I stayed in both - great! Con's: Staff are lovely but can tend to be a bit slow on poolside service and occasionally forget to bring your order. Its not a huge deal as their large smiles and politeness makes up for it. The food - the food is terrible and quite expensive. There is very limited options from both the restaurant and even less on the room service menu. It cost a fair bit (between $20 and $30 per meal) but for the price, its very basic and not the nicest. Parts of the hotel need renovating, and when I was there, the hallway to the poolside toilets was covered in crumblings of what use to be the ceiling, yes, it had fallen on the floor. I was there for 5 nights and the entire time this was not cleaned up. You had to walk over the top of the rubble to get to the bathroom... at first I use to cover my head in fear that it might actually fall on top of me!! Other than that, the hotel was pretty nice. I think if they followed these three things they would be perfect: Keep place maintained Clean up messes (such as falling ceilings) immediately Revise the hotel menu and give more variety and quality for the price that is being charged

“not trying enough”

no mineral water in rooms for the guests in the rainy season there are no umbrellas for the guests smiley staff but very slow and not efficient manager of hotel caring but his staff is not capable

“would not recommend it”

The whole hotel smelled like cigarettees. The first room we got had the same smell and they moved us to the room next door. Not much better but it seems the entire hotel has the same problem. Also the rooms were dirty with mould growing in the bathrooms and basic maintenance required. The only good thing about the hotel was that they moved us to a different hotel because there was an earthquake in Vanuatu. If you want a nice holiday, then don't stay here. This hotel also owns the Iririki Island resort. It seemed much nicer, this hotel is the poor cousin.