The Grand Hotel Wanganui
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Summary of reviewsThe Grand Hotel Wanganui stands out primarily for its incredible location in the heart of Whanganui, providing an ideal base for easy access to shops, cafes, restaurants and major attractions. Its central position ensures convenience for dining and entertainment, making it a favorable choice for those wanting to be in the city's midst.
Guests have found the hotel rooms to be generally comfortable and offering decent value, particularly due to their spaciousness and quiet ambiance. Some visitors enjoyed room upgrades and praised modern and well-equipped facilities, appreciating the overall coziness. The staff is frequently highlighted for their friendly and accommodating nature, contributing to a welcoming atmosphere during stays.
Breakfast at The Grand Hotel Wanganui, when available, receives high marks for its quality and diverse options with guests enjoying continental choices and hearty meals. The dinner experience also has its positive notes, especially in the bar where the food is described as good value with some standout dishes. However, inconsistencies in food availability and service have been noted, affecting the overall dining experience.
Cleanliness and maintenance are areas needing improvement, as the hotel shows signs of wear and tear with issues such as dirty rooms, worn-out carpets and broken amenities. Despite these drawbacks, the bed quality also varies significantly with some guests lauding the comfort while others experienced dissatisfaction due to issues like lumpy mattresses and cleanliness concerns.
Free Wi-Fi availability at the hotel yields mixed reviews with some guests finding it adequate and functional, while others faced connectivity problems. Still, complimentary features like parking and the vintage charm of the building add to the overall appeal.
Family-friendly aspects of the hotel are appreciated with its vintage charm creating a unique environment for family stays, though some practical concerns about safety and convenience need addressing. For a three-star hotel, it delivers a reasonable experience aligning with its category, providing good value for money with a welcoming atmosphere despite certain operational inconsistencies.
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Guests have found the hotel rooms to be generally comfortable and offering decent value, particularly due to their spaciousness and quiet ambiance. Some visitors enjoyed room upgrades and praised modern and well-equipped facilities, appreciating the overall coziness. The staff is frequently highlighted for their friendly and accommodating nature, contributing to a welcoming atmosphere during stays.
Breakfast at The Grand Hotel Wanganui, when available, receives high marks for its quality and diverse options with guests enjoying continental choices and hearty meals. The dinner experience also has its positive notes, especially in the bar where the food is described as good value with some standout dishes. However, inconsistencies in food availability and service have been noted, affecting the overall dining experience.
Cleanliness and maintenance are areas needing improvement, as the hotel shows signs of wear and tear with issues such as dirty rooms, worn-out carpets and broken amenities. Despite these drawbacks, the bed quality also varies significantly with some guests lauding the comfort while others experienced dissatisfaction due to issues like lumpy mattresses and cleanliness concerns.
Free Wi-Fi availability at the hotel yields mixed reviews with some guests finding it adequate and functional, while others faced connectivity problems. Still, complimentary features like parking and the vintage charm of the building add to the overall appeal.
Family-friendly aspects of the hotel are appreciated with its vintage charm creating a unique environment for family stays, though some practical concerns about safety and convenience need addressing. For a three-star hotel, it delivers a reasonable experience aligning with its category, providing good value for money with a welcoming atmosphere despite certain operational inconsistencies.
Hotel near Golf Courses
Hotel for Honeymoon
Family Friendly Hotel
3-Star Hotel
Guest Reviews
The Grand Hotel Wanganui boasts an enviable location in the heart of Whanganui, making it an ideal base for exploring the city. Guests repeatedly highlight its central position, which allows easy access to shops, cafes, restaurants and other amenities. Many appreciate that it's within walking distance to the town center, making it convenient for both dining and entertainment options. The hotel’s location also provides close proximity to Victoria Street and other prominent areas, making it a favorable choice for visitors wanting to be in the middle of the action. With such a prime location, it’s no surprise that many find it a perfect spot for their stay in the city.
The Grand Hotel Wanganui has garnered varied opinions regarding its breakfast service over the years. Many guests highlighted the pleasure of enjoying their meals when they were available, noting "a la carte breakfast," "good breakfast options," and "lovely breakfast." Specific mentions of the "continental breakfast" being both excellent and plentiful, as well as the extensive meal featuring muesli, fresh fruit and hot chocolate, reflect the satisfaction guests experienced on occasions when breakfast was provided.
However, it is essential to note that several guests encountered no availability of breakfast during their stays. Discrepancies between advertised offerings and actual service were pointed out with some guests finding restaurants closed or being informed that breakfast was not available. This lack of consistency in breakfast availability, despite sometimes appearing on the menu, left a noticeable impact on the overall guest experience.
In summary, when available, the breakfast at The Grand Hotel Wanganui has been appreciated for its quality and diversity. Nonetheless, potential guests should be aware of the occasional inconsistency in its availability.
The dining experience at The Grand Hotel Wanganui appears to be a mixed bag with several positive highlights complemented by some notable downsides. Guests generally appreciated the food served in the bar, praising its good value for money and reasonable pricing. Specific dishes like the lamb shank and seafood chowder received high marks for their taste and quality. The bar meals, including the burgers and pub food, were described as basic but nice with the steak cooked perfectly in some instances. Room service food also garnered positive feedback and several guests were pleased with the cozy and spacious dining area.
However, there were numerous complaints about the limited availability of food options and inconsistencies in service. Many reviewers noted that the restaurant was often closed or non-existent, despite being advertised. This led to frustrations when guests found no meals available or had to dine out elsewhere. Issues such as dirty, sticky tables in the bar and a lack of atmosphere in the Irish pub were frequently mentioned. Additionally, some guests were disappointed with the quality of certain dishes, like the frozen burger patties and mediocre steak.
The Grand Hotel Wanganui's restaurant experience shows promise with its well-received dishes and value for money, yet suffers from operational inconsistencies and occasional food quality issues.
The Grand Hotel Wanganui offers rooms that are generally comfortable and provide decent value for the price, especially considering the central location, making it an accessible option for visitors exploring the city. Rooms vary in size with some being spacious and adorned with large bathrooms. Guests have appreciated the quiet and cozy ambiance of the hotel and the facility can occasionally offer room upgrades, enhancing the overall experience.
However, the hotel exhibits signs of extensive wear and tear with numerous reviews highlighting the dated nature of the rooms, alongside issues such as broken furniture, worn-out carpets and peeling wallpaper. Cleanliness appears inconsistent with several guests reporting dusty or dirty rooms, whether it’s mold in the showers or residual food in the fridge. Maintenance and service standards also seem to be an area of concern with multiple reviews citing unserviced rooms and broken amenities, such as non-functional lights, TVs and door locks.
While some rooms have been described as modern and well-equipped, others lack basic facilities, like irons, ironing boards and heaters. The furnishing styles are mismatched and certain elements feel very old. The shared balconies and occasional noise from adjacent rooms further detract from the peaceful experience some guests might seek.
Overall, The Grand Hotel Wanganui shows glimpses of comfort and convenience but is in significant need of renovation and consistent upkeep to meet the expectations set by its name and online photos. For those who prioritize location and basic facilities over luxury, it might still be a viable option, albeit with an understanding of its current state.
Guest opinions on the beds at The Grand Hotel Wanganui vary substantially. On the positive side, many reviewers found the beds to be very comfortable, often lauding the plush mattresses and the general coziness of the bedding. Phrases such as "super comfy," "sweet beds," and "lovely and comfy bed" frequently appeared, indicating a satisfactory experience for a significant number of guests. Cleanliness was another strength with multiple mentions of clean beds despite some issues with dated or worn-out appearance.
However, numerous complaints paint a contrasting picture. A considerable number of guests described the beds as uncomfortable, explicitly citing problems like mattresses being too bouncy, lumpy or downright hard. Issues such as old, musty smells and sightings of bed bugs were alarming for some visitors. Some beds were reported as being on the floor, having broken corners or lacking legs, which detracted from the overall comfort. There were also mentions of poor housekeeping practices, including unmade beds and dirty laundry.
Overall, while there are certainly comfortable and clean beds to be found at The Grand Hotel Wanganui, inconsistency remains an issue. Ensuring all beds meet a higher standard of quality and cleanliness would significantly enhance guest satisfaction.
The Grand Hotel Wanganui is centrally located, making it a convenient spot for visitors looking to explore the town. However, guest reviews indicate that the hotel is in dire need of renovations and improvements, particularly concerning cleanliness and maintenance.
While some guests report very clean rooms and comfortable bedding, the majority highlight significant issues. Common complaints include dusty corners, dirty linens and unhygienic bathroom facilities with mould and hair left behind. There are instances of trash not being emptied, missing towels and stained carpets. The facilities outside the rooms, such as elevators and corridors, also seem to suffer from a lack of regular upkeep.
Despite the character and charm of the old building, the general consensus leans towards it being run down and poorly maintained. While the staff comes across as friendly and helpful, the hotel’s overall condition affects the guest experience negatively.
On a positive note, the free parking and some of the room facilities are appreciated, but these do little to offset the overall dissatisfaction with cleanliness and upkeep. Guest feedback suggests that more attention to detail and a thorough renovation could significantly improve the stay at The Grand Hotel Wanganui.
At The Grand Hotel Wanganui, guest interactions with the staff are predominantly positive with numerous reviews highlighting the friendly and accommodating nature of the employees. Visitors frequently mention the friendliness, helpfulness and the welcoming attitude of the staff, particularly noting the experience at reception and during late arrivals. The staff's politeness and efficiency in service—spanning check-in, bar services and general assistance—are commonly praised, suggesting a generally pleasant and supportive atmosphere.
However, it's important to acknowledge that a few reviews indicate areas for improvement. Some guests experienced a lack of staff presence, unhelpful service and issues with room service timelines. There were also occasional mentions of staff being overworked and isolated instances of uncooperative behavior. Despite these concerns, the majority of feedback is overwhelmingly positive, emphasizing friendly interactions and efficient service from the hotel staff, making the Grand Hotel Wanganui a generally welcoming place to stay.
The Wi-Fi experience at The Grand Hotel Wanganui varies significantly among guests. While some visitors found the Wi-Fi adequate and were able to use it without significant issues, others had less favorable experiences. A number of reviews pointed out unstable and slow connections, particularly in the rooms with some guests mentioning that the Wi-Fi did not work or was patchy. However, there are mentions of free Wi-Fi with sufficient speed available and some guests found the Wi-Fi worked well for their needs. Despite the mixed feedback on internet connectivity, guests appreciated other amenities such as Sky TV, though some wished it was accessible in their rooms rather than just in the lounge.
The Grand Hotel Wanganui offers a distinctive vintage charm, making it a unique stay for families. Many guests found it perfect for family stays and appreciated the historic ambiance visible throughout the hotel. Both parents and children seemed to enjoy the experience with kids even expressing their fondness for the place.
While the hotel is praised for its classic style, some practical aspects drew mixed feedback. Parents appreciated upgrades to suites, which provided extra comfort, especially for those with toddlers. However, the safety and convenience of the facilities for children were points of concern for some guests. Issues such as difficulty with stairs for elderly family members, a kitchen not available for family use and concerns about room safety for young children were highlighted.
Despite a few reservations regarding safety and practicality, the overall sentiment leans towards a positive family-oriented stay, underpinned by the hotel's vintage appeal and welcoming atmosphere.
The Grand Hotel Wanganui is a solid choice for travelers seeking a reasonably priced, centrally located accommodation. As a three-star establishment, it meets expectations without pretending to offer five-star luxury. Guests consistently highlight the excellent atmosphere and perceive good value for money. While the hotel delivers what you'd expect for its category, some visitors were pleasantly surprised by their experience.
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Location
Breakfast
However, it is essential to note that several guests encountered no availability of breakfast during their stays. Discrepancies between advertised offerings and actual service were pointed out with some guests finding restaurants closed or being informed that breakfast was not available. This lack of consistency in breakfast availability, despite sometimes appearing on the menu, left a noticeable impact on the overall guest experience.
In summary, when available, the breakfast at The Grand Hotel Wanganui has been appreciated for its quality and diversity. Nonetheless, potential guests should be aware of the occasional inconsistency in its availability.
Dinner
However, there were numerous complaints about the limited availability of food options and inconsistencies in service. Many reviewers noted that the restaurant was often closed or non-existent, despite being advertised. This led to frustrations when guests found no meals available or had to dine out elsewhere. Issues such as dirty, sticky tables in the bar and a lack of atmosphere in the Irish pub were frequently mentioned. Additionally, some guests were disappointed with the quality of certain dishes, like the frozen burger patties and mediocre steak.
The Grand Hotel Wanganui's restaurant experience shows promise with its well-received dishes and value for money, yet suffers from operational inconsistencies and occasional food quality issues.
Rooms
However, the hotel exhibits signs of extensive wear and tear with numerous reviews highlighting the dated nature of the rooms, alongside issues such as broken furniture, worn-out carpets and peeling wallpaper. Cleanliness appears inconsistent with several guests reporting dusty or dirty rooms, whether it’s mold in the showers or residual food in the fridge. Maintenance and service standards also seem to be an area of concern with multiple reviews citing unserviced rooms and broken amenities, such as non-functional lights, TVs and door locks.
While some rooms have been described as modern and well-equipped, others lack basic facilities, like irons, ironing boards and heaters. The furnishing styles are mismatched and certain elements feel very old. The shared balconies and occasional noise from adjacent rooms further detract from the peaceful experience some guests might seek.
Overall, The Grand Hotel Wanganui shows glimpses of comfort and convenience but is in significant need of renovation and consistent upkeep to meet the expectations set by its name and online photos. For those who prioritize location and basic facilities over luxury, it might still be a viable option, albeit with an understanding of its current state.
Beds
However, numerous complaints paint a contrasting picture. A considerable number of guests described the beds as uncomfortable, explicitly citing problems like mattresses being too bouncy, lumpy or downright hard. Issues such as old, musty smells and sightings of bed bugs were alarming for some visitors. Some beds were reported as being on the floor, having broken corners or lacking legs, which detracted from the overall comfort. There were also mentions of poor housekeeping practices, including unmade beds and dirty laundry.
Overall, while there are certainly comfortable and clean beds to be found at The Grand Hotel Wanganui, inconsistency remains an issue. Ensuring all beds meet a higher standard of quality and cleanliness would significantly enhance guest satisfaction.
Cleanliness
While some guests report very clean rooms and comfortable bedding, the majority highlight significant issues. Common complaints include dusty corners, dirty linens and unhygienic bathroom facilities with mould and hair left behind. There are instances of trash not being emptied, missing towels and stained carpets. The facilities outside the rooms, such as elevators and corridors, also seem to suffer from a lack of regular upkeep.
Despite the character and charm of the old building, the general consensus leans towards it being run down and poorly maintained. While the staff comes across as friendly and helpful, the hotel’s overall condition affects the guest experience negatively.
On a positive note, the free parking and some of the room facilities are appreciated, but these do little to offset the overall dissatisfaction with cleanliness and upkeep. Guest feedback suggests that more attention to detail and a thorough renovation could significantly improve the stay at The Grand Hotel Wanganui.
Staff
However, it's important to acknowledge that a few reviews indicate areas for improvement. Some guests experienced a lack of staff presence, unhelpful service and issues with room service timelines. There were also occasional mentions of staff being overworked and isolated instances of uncooperative behavior. Despite these concerns, the majority of feedback is overwhelmingly positive, emphasizing friendly interactions and efficient service from the hotel staff, making the Grand Hotel Wanganui a generally welcoming place to stay.
Wi-Fi
Family
While the hotel is praised for its classic style, some practical aspects drew mixed feedback. Parents appreciated upgrades to suites, which provided extra comfort, especially for those with toddlers. However, the safety and convenience of the facilities for children were points of concern for some guests. Issues such as difficulty with stairs for elderly family members, a kitchen not available for family use and concerns about room safety for young children were highlighted.
Despite a few reservations regarding safety and practicality, the overall sentiment leans towards a positive family-oriented stay, underpinned by the hotel's vintage appeal and welcoming atmosphere.
3 Star
No, The Grand Hotel Wanganui doesn't have any pool.
No, a spa isn't available at The Grand Hotel Wanganui.
No, The Grand Hotel Wanganui doesn't allow dogs.
No, parking facilities aren't available at The Grand Hotel Wanganui.
No, The Grand Hotel Wanganui doesn't have a gym.
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