Grand Hotel Wanganui

Location: Cnr St Hill and Guyton Street, Whanganui, 5001, Whanganui, NZ

Star Rating: 3 Stars

Property Type: Hotels

About this Property

Important Information

Policies

Check-in: 02:00 PM - anytime

Check-out: 10:00 AM

Instructions: The front desk is open daily from 7:00 AM - 10:00 PM. The front desk is staffed during limited hours.

Amenities & Facilities

• Meeting rooms
• Free WiFi
• Luggage storage
• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Conference space
• Breakfast available (surcharge)
• Safe-deposit box at front desk
• Free newspapers in lobby
• Front desk (limited hours)
• Meeting rooms
• Smoke-free property
• Tours/ticket assistance
• Snack bar/deli
• Free self parking
• Banquet hall

Rooms Available

• Queen Room with Balcony

  1 Queen Bed

  Balcony with city views

  
  

  Internet - Free WiFi

  Entertainment - LCD television

  Food & Drink - Refrigerator, coffee/tea maker, and room service (limited hours)

  Sleep - Bed sheets

  Bathroom - Private bathroom, shower, free toiletries, and towels

  Practical - Safe, desk, and phone; cribs (surcharge) available on request

  Comfort - Daily housekeeping

  Need to Know - No rollaway/extra beds available, toothbrush and toothpaste not available

  Non-Smoking

  Max Occupancy: 3 (2 Adults)

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Shower
  • Safety deposit box
  • TV
  • Telephone
  • Refrigerator
  • Desk
  • Private bathroom
  • Room service (limited hours)
  • Daily housekeeping
  • Free WiFi
  • No rollaway/extra beds
  • Bedsheets provided
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste available
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste not available

• Double or Twin Room

  1 Double Bed and 1 Twin Bed

  215-sq-foot room, balcony with city views

  
  

  Internet - Free WiFi

  Entertainment - LCD television

  Food & Drink - Refrigerator, coffee/tea maker, and room service (limited hours)

  Sleep - Bed sheets

  Bathroom - Private bathroom, shower, free toiletries, and towels

  Practical - Safe, desk, and phone; cribs (surcharge) available on request

  Comfort - Daily housekeeping

  Need to Know - No rollaway/extra beds available, toothbrush and toothpaste not available

  Non-Smoking

  Max Occupancy: 3 (3 Adults)

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Shower
  • Safety deposit box
  • TV
  • Telephone
  • Refrigerator
  • Desk
  • Private bathroom
  • Room service (limited hours)
  • Daily housekeeping
  • Free WiFi
  • No rollaway/extra beds
  • Bedsheets provided
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste available
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste not available

• Twin Room

  1 Double Bed OR 1 Twin Bed

  226-sq-foot room with city views

  
  

  Internet - Free WiFi

  Entertainment - LCD television

  Food & Drink - Refrigerator, coffee/tea maker, and room service (limited hours)

  Sleep - Bed sheets

  Bathroom - Private bathroom, shower, free toiletries, and towels

  Practical - Safe, desk, and phone; cribs (surcharge) available on request

  Comfort - Daily housekeeping

  Need to Know - No rollaway/extra beds available, toothbrush and toothpaste not available

  Non-Smoking

  Max Occupancy: 2 (2 Adults)

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Shower
  • Safety deposit box
  • TV
  • Telephone
  • Refrigerator
  • Desk
  • Private bathroom
  • Room service (limited hours)
  • Daily housekeeping
  • Free WiFi
  • No rollaway/extra beds
  • Bedsheets provided
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste available
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste not available

• Double Room

  1 Queen Bed OR 1 Double Bed

  344-sq-foot room with city views

  
  

  Internet - Free WiFi

  Entertainment - LCD television

  Food & Drink - Refrigerator, coffee/tea maker, and room service (limited hours)

  Sleep - Bed sheets

  Bathroom - Private bathroom, shower, free toiletries, and towels

  Practical - Safe, desk, and phone; cribs (surcharge) available on request

  Comfort - Daily housekeeping

  Need to Know - No rollaway/extra beds available, toothbrush and toothpaste not available

  Non-Smoking

  Max Occupancy: 2 (2 Adults)

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Shower
  • Safety deposit box
  • TV
  • Telephone
  • Refrigerator
  • Desk
  • Private bathroom
  • Room service (limited hours)
  • Daily housekeeping
  • Free WiFi
  • No rollaway/extra beds
  • Bedsheets provided
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste available
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste not available

Guest Reviews

• GrandTour01573375611 (2/5): Bad - Would not wish this place on anyone, sure has gone to the pack,owner does not like spending money,we had no hot water for 2 days,was never asked if we would like a refund
• ngairem147 (2/5): Very happy NOT to return - We had been to the Grand 10 years and 20 years ago and Hotel was great. So wanted to stay again. We found rooms were dirty, no mattress protector and the top sheet on the mattress. The shower had not been cleaned and when you turn the lights on in the toilet, it sounded like a jet plane taking off. Carpets not cleaned. We got moved to another larger room, but no mattress protector and top sheet on mattress that didn't cover the mattress. Fridge was leaking and carpet wet. Had plates in upgrade but only 1 plate though a 4 slice toaster. When we were leaving putting suitcase into car, we could not get back into Hotel. Luckily customer was in foyer at 9.15am, no staff around.
• adamwD4537JN (2/5): Worst experience ever - This was a terrible experience I payed $100 for the night.the room was like a like a homeless shelter room.. there was no tea, coffee hot chocolate or sugar. The body wash pump in the shower was empty,, the soap pump above the basin is the toilet shower was empty. The shower head had a continuous drip was just tourher,, I thought I'd drown the drip nose out by turning on the tv,,, what a minute,, there was no tv. .must think I'm homeless and this was my last resort!!!
• DClarke123 (2/5): AVOID - AT ALL COSTS - Read previous reviews. - AVOID AT ALL COSTS !!! Read previous reviews- and be warned! Permanent residents stay. Cannot believe the Hotel,s own blog - unbelievable.
• mattmF4992DS (2/5): A tent on the side of the road would be better - Jesus H Christ, where do I start? Arrived Friday evening, stayed for the night. Bed was comfy, slept well. That's the only good thing. Went to make a coffee, no kettle, asked for one, was told they'd deliver it to my room, yeah, never showed up. TV remote had obviously had enough and left, asked for a new one, was told it would be delivered, yeah, think it's with the kettle. I managed to get the TV going using my Amazon Fire Stick remote, oh yeah, it claims to have Internet, it technically does, but once you connect, it doesn't work. The room was tired and unclean, bedding was tired, no bedside lamps. The shower is way too small, no ventilation in the bathroom, the body wash in the shower was empty, used soap bar, with attached hair, left in the shower. The bar was pumping, you could hear it in the room, also could hear the cleaners cleaning the bar at one in the bloody morning! Oh I could also hear the occupants in the next room going to the toilet. Apparently they've updated, I'd love to know what they had updated from! Yeah, I'd avoid this place like the plague, unless you're a glutton for punishment and like to be tortured
• Inspire61370262257 (2/5): Dirty, mouldy, un-cleaned, old bedding, stained towels. Couldn't stay. - Not so Grand, I suggest you don't waste your time booking there. First room we were given, we went up a few stairwells passing mattresses leaned up against the walls. The room hadn't been vacuumed, bathroom was not just old and tired but filthy, and the sheets had stains and long hair on them. We asked for another room, sheets looked better, but the jug was fill of smelly water with stuff floating in it, the spoon was dirty, there was long hair in the toilet, and not too clean. We asked for a new kettle, but upon opening the fridge and saw it was full of mould, we opted to leave and find alternative accommodation. We had booked through booking.com and paid on arrival, but the hotel said they couldn't give a refund as they had to go through booking.com and wanted us to leave our account details written down on a piece of paper. Wasn't happy to do that, and currently communicating with booking.com to request the refund. Sad really, as it was really nice about 10 years ago when we staying in the lovely character rooms. The rooms given to us and friends were in another part of the building - the layout, long corridors, stairs etc with mattresses in them, didn't make for a safe exit in the event of a fire.
• Gmjones1958 (2/5): Now a very poor quality hotel - From what friends have told me, this hotel used to be a nice grand old hotel. Boy, what a change with the new owners. A number of our camera club members booked into this hotel this weekend as I did, too. They had stayed here a few years ago. One of the members and her husband left the hotel as two rooms they were offered were very dirty. My room was very basic, with a number of things wrong, eg. One tea mug for two people, no hand towels in the bathroom, no bath mat, plugs by the bed didn't work, light above the single be didn't work. When one of my club colleagues checked in, she was given the electronic door key to my room and said this was her room. When I wanted to check out, there was nobody about, so I had to leave the key on the unmanned counter.
• Chuxx17 (2/5): CRACKTIVITIES EMERGENCY HOUSING - If you are a crackhead, you will fit right in. All day and night, they come. In the carpark they argue and smoke 🙄 the rooms are disgusting. The bathrooms are moldy, poo stains in the toilet. Please don't stay here if you have kids, this would be a nightmare to get out if there is a fire or anything. Proprietor allowed these people to come in and out. Had no care, my parents were next to us, TV wasn't working. After several rants they ended up bringing them a TV from another room. If I didn't have my kids I would've left and slept in my car. Everything is busted, defz emergency housing. JUST DON'T
• K9087OXcharlotteh (2/5): Disgusting. - Absolutely disgusting and I'll be seeking a refund. Very dirty. I don't even know where to start. Shower is filthy. No soap. No hand towel or bath mat. Glass in the outside door held up by nails. Just overall dirty. I complained and got nowhere.
• martinwZ2121WJ (2/5): Shame shame shame - Well, where do I start. Although this is a lovely old building, everything is old and tired, dirty, and lacking room necessities, such as bathroom needs. Coffee etc, only 2 tea bags? No Face cloths etc, the shower and toilet were so filthy, we did not use them, and showered elsewhere. The television was not installed onto the wall brackets, just left resting on a rickety old cabinet (if one could call it a cabinet) we had no remote to operate the television and asked reception 4 times for a remote, however this request fell on deaf ears and we never got one. We complained about the state of the room and asked to be given an upgrade which we were happy to pay for, however we were shown an even worse room. This hotel is a bad joke and should be avoided at all costs. These people have no business operating a hotel. They have no idea on customer service and what is required to make ones stay a comfortable one. This venue is a sad blight on Whanganui. We were also told by locals that this place is used for emergency housing. Undesirables everywhere. DO NOT WASTE YOUR MONEY ON THE GRAND. IT SHOULD BE CALLED THE DIVE.
• marilynbW2021CF (4/5): you get what you paid for...barely - Terrible. It is a beautiful building and could be made really nice. We understood the managers have only just taken over in the last few months. We had booked but we had to show proof of the booking and then proof that we paid. The room was dingy and old. The pillow cases were thin and holes in them, the towels we sooo thin. Also the "Irish Pub" was hardly Irish with Indian music blaring over the speakers. The laundry was a room flooded with water and 3 machines pushed into the middle of it. Wouldn't recommend although it was cheap.
• Peter (4/5): - Very dirty and did not smell clean. Elevator out of action possibly for years based on other reviews. No staff around. Pity to see such a beautiful building falling into disrepair. Not good value for money.
• Hans (2/5): - Wir konnten das Zimmer nicht beziehen. Die Bettwäsche war gebraucht, das Badezimmer und das ganze Zimmer nicht geputzt. Der Teppichboden zerrissenen, mit dunklen Flecken überseht, die Fenster verschmiert, ....wie in einem Geisterschloss Es wurde uns ein zweites Zimmer gezeigt, aber......Schrecklich! Wir suchten uns ein neues Quartier und waren damit sehr zufrieden.
• Penny (6/5): Charming old-timer - This is a lovely old hotel and the decor reflects that - full of charm and character. However, the age of the hotel means that the ensuites are a later addition and so are very small and basic. The room was clean and comfortable but the hall could have done with some vacuuming and the sliding door to the ensuite had come off its runners.
• Christian (6/5): - Sehr abgewohntes Hotel aus früheren Glanzzeiten. Renovierungsbedürftig, aber bei diesem Riesenhotel würde das Millionen kosten.
• Lyn (2/5): - Will never stay here again. The room and bathroom were filthy! Cigarette burn mark on top of bedside table. Hallway carpets were torn and very dangerous in multiple places.
• Vicki (2/5): - Was given a room which was filthy, had unflushed toliet, used tolietries and not the room i booked, after complaining, was then given the room i did book, which wasnt much better. Multi plug zapped and sparked. Fridge unplugged and milk was off. Rubbish bin was caked in mould in the bottom of it, the door to room was damaged and elevators werent working so had to climb four flights of stairs to the room. I dont expect luxury for the price of the room but expected better standards than this.
• Richard (6/5): - No lift as it is broken down, no tv only Utube available, had to ask for hand towel for bathroom. Generally in very poor condition
• Krystle (2/5): - It was unsafe we found broken glass all through the carpet of our room which we found because it went into my husband's foot. Although they gave us a different room when we discussed the issue of glass. The mattress was dirty and badly stained. The fridge was balancing on a block and made it unsteady. No bath mat which made showering a fall risk. A dirty jug that was peeling inside. A pillow made of broken foam. A broken door handle. And make sure u keep proof u paid for booking as they like to say u haven't and charge or try charging you again
• Anna (6/5): - Rubbish around outside area. No bath mat or soap in dispenser in shower. Shower not clean. Bed comfortable but needs a valance on it to cover the wear and tear on base! Stain in carpet could be removed I’m sure.
• Moana (4/5): - I found this property to be dated and a bit run-down. Not all the staff were friendly. The beds were comfortable but the blankets and pillows were old. But in saying that the price was reasonable and discounted, I would be unhappy if we had paid the full price.
• Deb (4/5): - Beautiful when you walk in, but my room was out back not so nice second floor. Fridge didn’t work well, no air but got a fan, hair all over toilet got it cleaned- hahaha joke he only vacuumed it, I cleaned it with disinfectant! Fridge dirty inside too, cleaner wiped it out with dirt rag. I cleaned it again! . Bed good, staff nice and helpful but yuk also!
• Trevor (4/5): Stay well away - Certainly didn’t look anything like the photos. The rooms were shabby and unclean…. Mold on shower curtains, dirty shower screens. Place generally looking very tired. Restaurant/bar a joke, many draft beer tap heads available but no tap beer, nor any food available. The kicker was after checking in that we learnt the hotel was a half way house and had unsavory people coming and going all night with limited security. Didn’t receive a warm welcome from proprietors. Thankful my children were not with us. Hotels,com needs to remove this from their inventory.
• Paula (6/5): - Reasonable for a cheap place to stay. The tv channels need setting up annoying having to go through apps
• Jessica (6/5): - It was a pleasant stay. You have a TV with streaming apps such as Netflix & Prime video but you had to have an account to login! The room provided tea, coffee & a hot water jug with a refrigerator! The bathroom was average as the bathroom sliding door was broken. 6/10
• Dreamer62340508810 (2/5): Rip off . - I booked a room in October thru booking .com . I paid in full for the room a few days ago . I get a phone call today to say I’ve been cancelled . I am furious . New management evidently and No rooms available . This is very poor and I will be making sure a lot if people know about this . NOT GOOD ENOUGH .
• Anthony (4/5): - The lift did not work. There is a television but no service. It looked like the hotel had not been vacuumed for a month. However the bed was comfy, the bedding was clean, the bathroom was very adequate.
• Tessa (2/5): - The furniture and stylings of the foyer are still wonderful shabby grand, but the rooms are abominable. You're sharing a balcony with your neighbour and your room doesn't lock! And the phone to reception doesn't work, which doesn't matter, because no one is every there. Bathroom stinks of mould. It's depressing, and unsafe. Please, get it together, The Grand, you could be amazing!
• Companion01171961894 (2/5): Don't do it - Where to start with the ironically named 'Grand'..... Front door was locked when we arrived. After the 3rd try at ringing the number displayed on the front door, a man answered my call and said 'just a minute' then hung up on me. Eventually a man came and opened the front door. He didn't speak to us during the check in process, then proceeded to take us to a room with 1 double bed, even though I had paid the extra for 2 separate beds for myself and my adolescent son. The room was dirty, the wallpaper had large tears in it, and the 'furniture' on the balcony was rusted and broken. I was expecting budget accommodation but this place is awful.
• Julie (2/5): - We didn’t even get to stay here. The room was cancelled on us upon arrival at the hotel. Did go to the bathroom there. They were filthy, no soap in dispensers. Staff are ignorant and extremely unhelpful. Asked them to help with finding others accomodation and receptionist just said no and walked away. Very very rude. Would not recommend this hotel to anyone.
• piri (2/5): - .
• Karen (4/5): - Despite having booked weeks in advance, confirmed our booking at 2.30pm our room was not ready when we arrived at 4.30pm. The TV didn't work, the door didn't close, but these were fixed over the next 1.5 hours. There was no bath mat and no cutlery. The Grand is tired but it could be a great venue. It was quiet and very central.
• Lisa (2/5): - We arrived and were told that we could not stay because the door locks weren’t working. The Grand hotel had my contact details. Why wasn’t I notified earlier? It’s not like the staff were run off their feet with bookings. The two men at the hotel were not helpful. They lied to me and said that I would be refunded the following day. They did not tell me that the bookings were outsourced to a company in USA. If they had of I would not have left until I’d been refunded. I was not refunded yesterday. In fact I can see from your email that they didn’t put the refund through until yesterday. Luckily I’m local. I’ll be going to see them today.
• Albeer23 (4/5): The not so Grand - Stayed here a few times for the motorbike races, Rooms are a bit dated mine had problems opening the digital door, The door catch was broken on the deck. Shower was missing centre drain. Beds were nice and you could park your motorcycle in the garage out of view. Lacks barstaff who dont listen, Food is bland and just thrown together. Eat somewhere else. The management don't seem to get how kiwi hospitality works.
• frankiethe (4/5): Tired and tatty - There was a long wait at reception at check-in for the receptionist to arrive at reception. The hotel is old, characterful, but a bit tatty. The room was cold, and only half the power points were working. I had to move the heater to plug it in at the other side of the room and even then it kept turning off and needing to be restarted. The bathroom had no ventilation. The bed was comfortable and the bedding crisp. Half of the lights in the room didn’t work. The fire alarm went off at 11:30 and there was an evacuation of the hotel. The rooms are old and tired. I might need to stay here again but wouldn’t naturally choose to do so if there are better alternatives. Chstacterful, but tired and not well cared for. Not recommended.
• kenmU212KC (2/5): Disgusting hotel - avoid at all costs! - Disgusting! I booked a room that they don't even have but they have advertised on booking.com. The rooms were very unclean and the extremely basic!! I had to ask for heating (the room had none!). despite repeated calls they have not reimbursed the $40 booking fee that they said they would. I would rather sleep in my car than ever sleep here again, it'd be warmer and cleaner.
• Timidoldtraveller (2/5): A shocking fall from grace - The place lost our booking, they barely understood English, leered at my wife, the restaurant and bar was closed , and the facilities were filthy. New carpet had been laid amateurs and was buckling and a trip hazard and had not been vacuumed since we stayed a year ago. This is definitely a place to be avoided at all costs… I’d rather sleep in my car
• katherinepC2293DW (2/5): Cleanliness leaves a lot to be desired - My 81-year old mother and her friend arrived to dirty rooms and a filthy toilet. They weren’t prepared to stay in rooms with such a low level of cleanliness so found alternative accommodation. They asked for a refund but were refused. Would not recommend.
• Sightsee67614706113 (2/5): Fraudulent do not book - I booked well ahead of time and paid in advance for boxing day racing and despite trying to confirm my booking on several occasions they will not honour it and have not given me a refund total sham do not book.
• Companion27854519791 (2/5): Terrible place, do not stay here - DON'T STAY HERE it was a terrible place to stay we were booked in through our work and when tried to find somewhere else to accommodate us everything was booked out. Where to start lack of communication language barrier. Rooms were dirty, not even sure if blankets sheets etc were clean. We were told by local that laundry places have banned them from using their services. They do there washing in domestic washing machine. We noticed a pile of washing in the main lounge was laying on the floor for a week. We had to ask for towels etc if we need them and cleaned our own rooms. We were given electronic swipe cards for our rooms only to find that each card could open all doors on our floor. Therefore we did not feel safe and worried about our belongings while we were at wananga during the day. Unless we wanted to drog our bags up and down stairs and long hallway everyday which would have been 2 times a day. The younger guy tried to help but the older one was dismissive of him. I do not recommend and surprised the council haven't closed them down.
• stuarthY4226PF (4/5): Tired - We didn't have high expectations, and this place did nothing to raise them. The place is tired and in need of a lot of tlc. I guess the bad was comfy, the shower worked, and it was reasonably quiet.
• frankvdhnz (2/5): Bad!!! Stay away - Only went for a meal. Thank God we didn't need to stay overnight. The worst meal that either my wife or I have ever had. DO NOT GO TO THE GRAND. Meals were a very limited selection of bar meals... pasta, burgers, chicken schnitzel, etc. Three starters to choose from. Oops, no, only 2. They had run out of garlic bread. We ordered mushroom croquettes for a starter, chicken pasta, and chicken schnitzel. And waited. And waited. After over 30 minutes we asked where our starter was. A few minutes later they arrived. Cold. Not lukewarm-cold, but refrigerator cold in the middle. We sent them back and our mains arrived. Likewise the chips were cold. How the hell can you manage that? Admittedly the pasta was hot. Then our microwaved mushroom croquettes returned, finally hot. No ice in the drinks, and a tacky, rundown vibe to the bar. Nothing nice about this place. Stay away.
• Sunshine06159116905 (2/5): GET WHILE THE GETTING IS GOOD! - WARNING - STAY AWAY! (This Hotel needs an air-strike.) Stayed there a few years ago and it was charming faded glory, pretty cool to be fair. NOW, it is a homeless shelter cesspool. Brain dead staff, photos on the web site were clearly taken elsewhere. Sleep in your car...
• marklM8857CM (2/5): What a crappy place. Had to give it one star as there is no option for none - All the bad reviews are correct, windows broken, mouldy can of tuna 1/2 empty in the fridge, curtains rotten and torn, no food, power points not working, its like the Titanic, not then, like the baracle covered hulk now. Dont stay, its horrible, makes Fawlty Towers look a palace.
• DayTrip18961970948 (2/5): It won't burn down It is too damp - The average reviews are misleading - this has been a really good hotel until a year or so ago when it changed ownership - now it provides bad accommodation, bad drinks, no food, dirt everywhere and black mould under a lot of the wallpaper - WILL NEVER RETURN!!!
• Excursion48604431988 (2/5): Worst experience I've had - Omg... I got an 'upgrade' to a room with a balcony (which meant cigarette smoke smell) I had a shower and the door fell off, rendering it unusable. I talked to reception to request a room change (and why) and was told they're all the same. Getting nowhere, I left my card with reception and my to find accommodation that didn't make me feel physically sick
• Redheaded2 (2/5): Just dont! - What is a beautiful classical building with obvious historical colonial history has been allowed to run down nor just in presentation and comfort but also in hospitality. Purchased by the new owners over a year ago their service was pitiful to non existent. There was noone in the reception when we left and the lovely elderly gentleman who attendes us advised he is regularly asked to come in by staff to attendthe reception on top of the room cleaning he does. In the disused dining room which has beautiful character antique ambience were half empty boxes of pizza and drink cans - clearly left by the stsff we saw in the area the night before. The room was reasonably comfortable but dated and overpriced with a big grubby handprint left on the mirror! Never again though I wouldve loved to have experienced the hotel in its heyday.
• Mike (2/5): - I really don't know how this place is still operating!!! Broken curtains, black mold , Damp smell, unsafe lift, and it goes on!!
• Verified traveler (4/5): 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.
• John (10/5): - Grand old hotel with full facilities. Suffering like all from staff shortage for kitchen and front of house.
• Simon (2/5): - 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.
• H7328HKkevina (2/5): Not so grand rand - Gone from bad.to absolutely useless been coming to the grand for 15 or more years for Boxing Day races book every year booked and reconfirm our room 3 times over the year so not to miss out turned up Christmas Day 7 hr ride got to the counter and said there was no booking for us confirmed and no rooms available BS the guy at front desk had no idea what was going on and wanted us to go away after an hr or so getting angry finely got a room they had heaps of empty rooms when walking the hotel the room was more gross than usual looked liked it had been used for hookers as found lube and other dodge stuff tucked away lol stayed anyway long way home .ran out of some beer and was a nightmare to get service these people have no idea about hospitality bring back the old owner NEV he knew how to run the place good for this major event in wanganui new owner absolutely useless and has turned into a dump big time the writing is on the wall for this place sadly been run into the ground wouldn’t be surprised if the grand closed down stay somewhere else you’ve been warned
• Albeer23 (6/5): Grand? - They were hard to deal with on the phone, Had to call back multiple times to get contact and then change my sleeping arrangements. Guy on the counter needs to listen more than thinking he knows what im going to say. Stayed here a couple of times this time was the most disorganised. Would probably stay here again as it serves a purpose with the bike racing....... Maybe
• Mattbro59 (2/5): DON'T....DON'T....DON'T!!! - The reception staff member behind the desk checked me in and we had a discussion about somewhere safe to park my scooter....there wasn't anywhere except around the side of the building in a rough car yard where it could easily be stolen. He gave me a key to my room and I carried my bags up the stairs, marvelling at the filthy floor that seemed like it needed a damn good vacuum. I arrived at my room, opened the door and was greeted to another guests luggage and general belongings in the room. Luckily it seemed unoccupied at the time, though I didn't hang about long enough to find out for sure. I went back downstairs and the reception fella looked most surprised when I told him what I had found. I went off to sort something out but to be honest I'd seen enough by now and decided to bail and request a refund later. I've sent an email to the hotel and to Booking.com informing them of the situation. Booking.com have attempted to get in touch with the hotel too but neither of us have had any reply. This is by far the worst hotel I have ever been into and my only words of WARNING to anyone contemplating staying here is....DON'T!!!... DON'T!!!...DON'T!!!
• Verified traveler (10/5): - I loved the historical building. The Irish pub downstairs had good food. Staff were all efficient and friendly
• Jenny (8/5): 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.
• Philip (8/5): Comfortable stay - Very pleasant and helpful staff Ate in the bar one night - very nice meal The location of the hotel was excellent
• Kasey (8/5): - This hotel was incredibly dated, you can tell theres been absolutely no improvements in YEARS.
• Chantelle (8/5): - The hotel staff are extremely friendly and helpful. Hotel well priced. would stay again
• Verified traveler (8/5): - Staff friendly. Very clean
• Verified traveler (6/5): - It was close to Wanganui cbd. The receptionist was brusque,rude and shouted at the lady before us. She was not helpful.
• Verified traveler (8/5): - 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.
• Verified traveler (8/5): - 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.
• Verified traveler (6/5): - 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.
• Verified traveler (8/5): - 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.
• Rerekapuni (10/5): - 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.
• JoAnn (8/5): - 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
• Jillian (6/5): - 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.
• Verified traveler (6/5): - 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
• Joanne (8/5): - The Grand Hotel was just that - a grand ol’ girl from years gone by. Still in reasonable condition with good food in the bar.
• Elizabeth (6/5): 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.
• TC (8/5): - Our room which appeared to be fairly modern had all we needed for a short stay
• Verified traveler (4/5): - It has gone down in room cleaning. shower was discusting
• Veandeross (8/5): - 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......
• Bruce (10/5): - Very clean and comfortable. Excellent value. Centrally located with off street parking.
• Philip (8/5): - 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.
• Kevin (4/5): - 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
• Jeet (8/5): Good for a night and to explore Whanganui - Clean ang hygenic. Service sysytems are little bit old. Shower space and toilets are conjusted
• Keeds (6/5): - 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
• Andy (8/5): - Great location. Could walk to all local businesses nearby without taking the car. A big plus!
• Craig (8/5): - Road noise was bad water pressure was bad food was good service was good
• Tim (6/5): - Don't be fooled by the grand exterior. The inside has seen much better days.
• David (8/5): - 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.
• Verified traveler (6/5): - 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.
• Verified traveler (6/5): - 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.
• Geoffrey (8/5): North Island road trip - This hotel was an amazing old hotel.Staff made our arrival very friendly and there was a lift which made our stay easier as we are seniors.We had a great meal that night in the Irish Pub.
• Paula (8/5): - Loved the history of the building. Had a nice quiet room, had everything we needed for a night stay.
• Verified traveler (8/5): Great place with minor issue - Hotel overall is excellent. Great location, good parking, decent breakfast, and a coin op laundry. I expected the rooms to be older and smaller because this is a very old building. Room description says it has a 'Desk' but it is a vanity, not a desk, which makes working on a laptop very uncomfortable.
• Verified traveler (8/5): - It was within walking distance to the function we attended.
• Ani (8/5): - Grand old building, location great of course. Could do with a lick of paint
• Stacey (8/5): Quirky - Really quirky hotel, definitely something different. Staff really friendly. Only draw back very noisy fridge in the room had to un plug it.
• Verified traveler (6/5): - The building itself clearly has a lot of history - beautiful architecture - unfortunately the room left a little to be desired - tired and neglected looking
• Verified traveler (4/5): - The Hotel was handy to City Centre, staff were always courteous and obliging. The street view was welcoming, with lovely plantings of flowers on the footpath. Sadly the interior was not very clean, the carpeted stairs were always speckled with debri and the rooms cried out for a good vacuuming too. We booked in for 3 days and extended it for another two, but the room had to be vacated for the extended stay, and we were given a much smaller room. The shower hot water failed on the first night and never fully recovered. It was very cramped for that length of stay.
• Verified traveler (8/5): - The staff here were FANTASTIC and very accommodating considering I'd booked online about 5 min before we arrived! The actual hotel was a bit run down and clutter-ry but it was ok and pleasant enough for our 2 nights there. Lovely building, very good location, just needs some paint and love.
• Jatuporn (8/5): - Everything good only no air conditioner
• Happy (8/5): - Clean and tidy. Nice Irish bar attached. Nice older style hotel with interesting photos and prints on walls. Most comfortable nights sleep I've had for a while.
• Verified traveler (8/5): - Good history and friendly helpful staff. The continental Breakfast wasn’t great.
• Verified traveler (6/5): - Parts of the building show a glimpse of the former grandeur.... I got to see those bits as I walked past to my room
• Verified traveler (8/5): - Close to where we were going, rooms pretty warm, could do with aircon units
• Verified traveler (4/5): - The staff I saw were very nice and the hotel had once been "grand". My complaint was that it just was not clean. We stayed 3 days and I always make my own bed and leave the room tidy, but after the first night there was no housekeeping service and after the second, only the rubbish was emptied and the beverages replaced. Despite leaving dirty towels in the bath as instructed they were not replaced. Coffee cups were left rinsed but wet upon arrival.

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