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Reviews of Grand Hotel Wanganui

3 out of 5
Grand Hotel Wanganui
Cnr St Hill and Guyton Street, Whanganui

Reviews

7.8

Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 102 out of 394 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 178 out of 394 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 74 out of 394 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 33 out of 394 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 7 out of 394 reviews" "

7.8/10

Cleanliness

8.2/10

Staff & service

7.0/10

Amenities

7.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

5.2/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

4/10 Poor

Kristine

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2023

2/10 Terrible

Mike

Travelled with family
Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
I really don't know how this place is still operating!!! Broken curtains, black mold , Damp smell, unsafe lift, and it goes on!!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2023

4/10 Poor

Anne-Marie

Stayed 1 night in Feb 2023

4/10 Poor

Verified traveller

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Faulty Towers?
Arrived and our friends couldn’t get an electronic key as machine broke and young guy didn’t know how to fix it. Said he rang his manager but he didn’t answer. Went to our rooms and our electronic key didn’t work properly. Went and asked for a proper key and he didn’t have one. Getting back in to get my gear took a lot of patience as the door opened sometimes. Our room was OK but picture on wall was upside down, everything was old and nothing matched. The shower drain had no cover and it stank. The window latch was missing so we had to tie the window to leave it open as there was no air conditioning or fan. There is no food on site. Our friend whose room was worse had a physical key. We were not told you needed an electronic key to get in the building in the evening - he got locked out and only got in when another guest came back. Someone there said it is a bit like Faulty Towers.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2023

10/10 Excellent

John

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Grand old hotel with full facilities. Suffering like all from staff shortage for kitchen and front of house.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2023

8/10 Good

Bernard

Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2023

2/10 Terrible

Simon

Travelled with partner
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This is the most unpleasant, squalid hotel that I have ever stayed in, many of the services offered in their Expedia listing aren't available. It may have been The Grand Hotel back in the day but now it is a poorly maintained, revolting place, used to house the local homeless, some as permanent guests. The pictures look OK but don't be fooled, stay away. I had to get Expedia's help to get some of my money back and it was like getting blood out of a stone.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2023

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Business traveller, Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I loved the historical building. The Irish pub downstairs had good food. Staff were all efficient and friendly
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2021

8/10 Good

Jenny

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Basic but value for money
The rooms are very basic and need a refurbishment however they are clean and beds are comfy. I think I may have been the only guest staying there! I like the fact you can have dinner on site at the Irish bar. Location excellent close to the shops. Even tho it is the most basic place I stay at I like it and have stayed 3 times now It’s value for money.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2021

8/10 Good

Philip

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Comfortable stay
Very pleasant and helpful staff Ate in the bar one night - very nice meal The location of the hotel was excellent
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2021
Response from jeremy on 15 June 2021
thanks for taking the time to post a review

8/10 Good

Kasey

Liked: Staff & service, room comfort
This hotel was incredibly dated, you can tell theres been absolutely no improvements in YEARS.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2021
Response from jeremy on 15 June 2021
thanks for taking the time to post a review

8/10 Good

Chantelle

Travelled with family
Liked: Staff & service, room comfort
The hotel staff are extremely friendly and helpful. Hotel well priced. would stay again
Stayed 1 night in May 2021
Response from Alison on 1 June 2021
Thank you very much for leaving a review. Glad you enjoyed your stay at The Grand.

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Staff friendly. Very clean
Stayed 1 night in May 2021
Response from Alison on 1 June 2021
Thank you for taking the time to leave a review it is appreciated.

6/10 Okay

Verified traveller

Travelled with partner
Disliked: Staff & service
It was close to Wanganui cbd. The receptionist was brusque,rude and shouted at the lady before us. She was not helpful.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2021
Response from jeremy on 1 May 2021
Thanks for the feed back

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Travelled with partner
Liked: Staff & service
We have stayed at the 'Grand' annually for many years. Always a treat to see the proprietor who had become a 'friend'. Sad to hear Neville, had sold the hotel . We were shown to what I would call a 'Mumbai' room. Canvas beach chairs etc! On asking, we were given the sort of room we are used to at the 'Grand' - red velvet chairs etc. The hotel is now owned by a gentleman from over seas . A lot of the rooms are still under renovation. Meals are good.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2021
Response from Alison on 21 Apr 2021
Sorry to hear that your room was not up to standard. we are always trying to improve our rooms & hope we have achieved this for your return.

4/10 Poor

Verified traveller

Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2021
Response from jeremy on 24 Apr 2021
thanks for taking the time to post a score

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
A lot of history on the walls of each floor. Rare militaria photos of museum quality. Old fashio pub style accommodation wity hearty meals expertly prepared. Lovely spot will visit again. Expect a pub style old school place full of character and charm.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2021
Response from jeremy on 2 Apr 2021
thanks for taking the time to post a review

6/10 Okay

Verified traveller

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Amenities
Some things were really good (sheets crisp, towels fluffy, parking etc ) but others could be improved ( TV was poor and limited, shampoo dispenser was outside the shower ). The worst thing was the meal in the Irish pub downstairs: It took an hour from ordering to actually getting them, they were quite small for the cost, Visa was down and we were asked if we could pay by cash and the meals were bordering on cold and just about had to go back.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2021
Response from jeremy on 2 Apr 2021
thanks for taking the time to post a review your issues will be addressed

6/10 Okay

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2021
Response from jeremy on 2 Apr 2021
thanks for taking the time to post a review

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This Hotel was surprisingly interesting. Although its walls appear cluttered, they are interesting. The staff were friendly and helpful. The rooms were clean and airy, and the bar was fun. Enjoyed the night we stayed, very central to everywhere we wanted to go. Complimentary breakfast was a bonus.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2021
Response from Alison on 8 Feb 2021
Thank you for taking the time to leave a comment it is appreciated. we are glad you enjoyed your stay.

10/10 Excellent

Rerekapuni, Tauranga

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Second time at the Hotel which means we were happy with it and the cost. lt has some historic value and is fairly old. My daughter and I felt safe, free parking was onsite, the room was very clean, bed comfortable, room was warm but there was fan that was great, balcony access was safe and secure. We got a free continental breakfast because it was Wellington Anniversary, that was unexpected but welcomed. No yoghurt left, so the Manager went to find some for us. Overall would definitely stay there again next year. I know exactly what I'm getting. What would be great is if there was information about places where where we could eat, fill up the car, local parks etc. I could have asked though.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2021

8/10 Good

JoAnn, Cambridge, New Zealand

Business traveller, Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
An awesome old hotel with a plethora of old framed prints on each floor. Stayed in the new addition which is similar to any backpackers accomodation. Comfortable and clean and quiet, what more could you ask for
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2021
Response from Alison on 26 Jan 2021
Thank you for taking the time to leave a comment. it is appreciated. We hope to see you again soon.

6/10 Okay

Jillian, Palmerston North

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
The atmosphere is quite lovely and staff aim to please. The room while clean was very outdated, with not even a reasonable amount of hot water/pressure with the shower. We did feel secure and nice to have the breakfast facility on site.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2021

6/10 Okay

Verified traveller

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Telephone didnt work, fridge nearly falling off its stand, fan old and noisey, lift very very scary 😬 bar tender very unprofessional had his girlfriend sitting at the bar and kissed her every time he walked past. Room not soundproof
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2021

8/10 Good

Joanne, Auckland

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The Grand Hotel was just that - a grand ol’ girl from years gone by. Still in reasonable condition with good food in the bar.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2021
Response from Alison on 26 Jan 2021
Thank you for taking the time to leave a comment. It is appreciated & we hope to see you again soon.

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Staff & service, amenities
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2021
Response from Alison on 5 Jan 2021
Thank you for taking the time to post a review it is appreciated.

6/10 Okay

Elizabeth

Satisfactory inner city hotel w parking
Good inner city location w parking, convenient walks to cafe, shops and restaurants. Stay good for old hotel. Some road & neighbour noise, bathroom dated, no air con. Don't expect glamourous hotel.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2020
Response from Alison on 5 Jan 2021
Thank you for taking the time to post a review it is appreciated.

8/10 Good

TC, Taranaki

Business traveller, Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Our room which appeared to be fairly modern had all we needed for a short stay
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2020
Response from jeremy on 19 Dec 2020
thanks for taking the time to post a review

10/10 Excellent

MEGAN

Stayed 1 night in Nov 2020
Response from jeremy on 19 Dec 2020
thanks for taking the time to post a score

6/10 Okay

Verified traveller

Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2020
Response from jeremy on 7 Nov 2020
Thanks for taking the time to post a score

4/10 Poor

Verified traveller

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It has gone down in room cleaning. shower was discusting
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2020
Response from jeremy on 7 Nov 2020
thanks for the feed back I will take this matter up with hiusekeeping

6/10 Okay

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2020
Response from jeremy on 7 Nov 2020
thanks fopr taking the time to post a score

8/10 Good

Veandeross, Wellington

Travelled with group
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
It was comfortable. met requirements. Unfortunately there was some takeaway Asian food in two containers outside a room on a table near my room that was there when we arrived on Friday night and still there leaking out of the container when we left Sunday morning. Not a good look......
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2020
Response from jeremy on 10 Sept 2020
HI Thanks for taking the time to write a review not sure how house keeping could miss the food issues this will be pointed out to them

10/10 Excellent

Bruce, Christchurch

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Very clean and comfortable. Excellent value. Centrally located with off street parking.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2020
Response from Rupal on 23 Aug 2020
Hi Thank you for your feedback !! Really appreciate it !!

8/10 Good

Philip, Stratford

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Staff very friendly,decor a bit tired and dated,very clean,great price,good food and beer and pokies and close to town,we will be back.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2020
Response from Rupal on 8 Aug 2020
Hi Philip, Thank you so much for the feedback. Cyu again .

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2020
Response from jeremy on 10 Sept 2020
Thanks for taking the time to post a score

8/10 Good

HOANI

Stayed 1 night in Jul 2020
Response from jeremy on 10 Sept 2020
Thanks for taking the time to post a score

8/10 Good

Stewart

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2020
Response from jeremy on 10 Sept 2020
Thanks for taking the time to post a score

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2020
Response from jeremy on 10 Sept 2020
Thanks for taking the time to post a score

4/10 Poor

Kevin, Napier

Business traveller
Disliked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
I liked the period decor of function/dining room and staircase area. However actual room was neglected. Damaged wardrobe, no bedside lights for reading. Poor tv reception and limited channels
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2020
Response from Alison on 29 July 2020
Our apologies that your stay was not up to standard. We are working to resolve these issues.

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2020
Response from jeremy on 10 Sept 2020
Thanks for taking the time to post a score

8/10 Good

Jeet

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Good for a night and to explore Whanganui
Clean ang hygenic. Service sysytems are little bit old. Shower space and toilets are conjusted
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2020

6/10 Okay

Keeds, Auckland

Travelled with family
Liked: Staff & service
The best part was the beds/rooms were clean however the fridge in our room reeked of spilled alcohol. There were scuff marks on the wall from the furniture. The water in the shower didn't stay hot, it would flicker from cold to hot. The staff were friendly and polite when it came to breakfast down stairs. They were 1 chef dowm which caused a bit of a wait but the maitre'd discounted our meals. Overall, our stay at The Grand Hotel was fine, just afew little things to amend
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2020
Response from rupal on 9 July 2020
We're sorry you were unhappy - we'll work hard to fix the issue you experienced. Thanks for letting us know.

8/10 Good

Craig, Waipu

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Road noise was bad water pressure was bad food was good service was good
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2020

8/10 Good

Andy, Waitara Taranaki.

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Great location. Could walk to all local businesses nearby without taking the car. A big plus!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2020
Response from Rupal on 9 July 2020
Thank you so much for the feedback! We really appreciate it!

6/10 Okay

Tim, Wellington

Travelled with partner
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Don't be fooled by the grand exterior. The inside has seen much better days.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2020

8/10 Good

David, Wellington NZ

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This is a traditional old-NZ style provincial town hotel with decor and decorations like something from the1950s or 1960s; and a lot of fun because of that. The rooms are good and clean; the restaurant was standard fare but very good value for money and well worth eating in for on a chilly Saturday night. The hotel is very handy to the centre of town.
Stayed 1 night in May 2020
Response from Rupal on 9 July 2020
Thank you for the feedback.We really appreciate it!

6/10 Okay

Verified traveller

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Room was dated, carpet needs a good clean, water pressure in shower was very week, the bathroom window in our room (108) needs readjusting as there was a gap letting in a very cold draught through the night and finally the bed was very uncomfortable.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2020

6/10 Okay

Verified traveller

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
We love these old hotels and we stay in them because we don't want to see them go. Yes, its a bit dated, with our room a testament to a 1970's renovation (polystyrene ceiling tiles and metal shower tray anyone?), but the room was clean and comfortable. It has recently changed hands and the new owners look set to improve it over time.
Stayed 1 night in May 2020
Response from Rupal on 9 July 2020
We're sorry you were unhappy - we'll work hard to fix the issue you experienced. Thanks for letting us know.

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Stayed 3 nights in May 2020
Response from Alison on 2 June 2020
Thank you for taking the time to leave a review. it is appreciated.