Grand Hotel Excelsior

Sorry to say this is definitely not a 5 star hotel —3.5 would be more accurate in my opinion. Hotel looks tired (decor, accommodations etc) and it is scheduled for renovation so hopefully will improve. Service at bar and main dining restaurant in evenings was spotty at best. Most waiters appeared rather surly and never smiled and did appear to ignore women’s requests vs men’s requests. Housekeeping staff were pleasant and helpful. Reception desk staff were pleasant and professional but restaurant and dining staff need further training before the hotel could be considered 5 star.

Our room (suite) was disappointing; although it was clean the rooms are very tired and dark and in need of complete renovation. The tea and coffee facilities in the room were appreciated. The location of the hotel is excellent, overlooking the bay and is close to pubic transport. The bar and restaurants were okay, but again tired looking and too dark at night. The service at the pool was disappointing, staff scarce and appeared apathetic.

Location was excellent. Facilities were superb. Shuttle bus was a bonas for elderly customers. Staff were friendly and couldn't do enough for you. Rooms were fine (looking a little dated) hence the refurb next February. Wouldn't hesitate to return.

Stayed for a week in September. First room smelled damp and even sheets felt a little damp. Spoke with Sabrina on reception and she managed to switch our rooms. The second room was bigger and very comfortable (thank you Sabrina) Location was great and breakfast good. All staff were helpful. Main niggle for me was being a coeliac there was no gf beer at the bar.

Lovely location with very nice accommodation and gracious staff. A couple wrinkles: spent 3 nights in part because of advertised convenient shuttle service every 20 minutes or so up the rather daunting hill from the hotel to the city main. Of the 3. “available’ shuttles, one day only one was operating.. the other days no shuttle available. A first class hotel would have had a pre-loaded plan including renting a van or 2 to cover that amenity. N we cut, while nicely appointed, the rooms are woefully dated. The house electric system have the torturous plug system and maybe one outlet per room (if needed or not). Very difficult to charge one’s cell. Needs immediate updating. The restaurant was certainly adequate (thank goodness as moving our party of 10 into town sans shuttle was tricky).