From the airport, we arrived the Gran by taxi, dropped off in the street. We dragged our heavy suitcases up the entrances flight of steps to what looked like a deserted City Railway Station without any trains or railway lines. In the far diagonal corner through the merky light, sat the Porter, motionless. We got ourselves across to the Reception Desk and were allocated a room and taken to it by the Porter. We felt from hereonin we were now cacooned in a timewarp. The rooms are Victorian in every way and in essence, the Hotel is a mauseleum. We would not recommend it. Unfortunately we did not have the view on the websites, we looked straight into the wall of the neighbouring building. Something flooded the bathroom - we are not sure if it was caused by the shower of the toilet.

As soon as you walk in you will be impressed. Look up and 4 stories above the entire ceiling is stained glass. Rooms are spacious. Staff speaks english and are very helpful. You wont be disappointed staying here

At one time, this hotel was no doubt magnificent, but now it is showing some signs of needing updating as a number of things are a little too well worn. The housekeeping in my guest room was adequate, but not outstanding. That being said, there were a lot of good aspects. My room was spacious and quiet. The hotel location is excellent, right near the zocalo, or main plaza in the center of town. The rate was very reasonable and I recommend opting for the Business Package, which provides breakfast for an extra $10. Wi-fi was free, and there are two computers guests can use near the main lobby. There is also a small gym for guests which has a decent mount of equipment such as a stair stepper, several treadmills, free weights and some other machines.

When we checked in, there was only one clerk at the desk, so he kept getting interrupted by the telephone. Rather than put the calls on hold, he dealt with each call, so the process was a little slow. This seemed to be the norm at the desk. We ate in the restaurant one night, and the prices were pretty reasonable. One disadvantage to the location is that there are not a whole lot of restaurants outside the hotel to choose from, and most close by 8:00 pm, which surprised me. (The hotel restaurant had later hours). The food and the serivce in the hotel were good.

Being there in January, it was fairly cold at night, and the hotel does not have heat. So, my room was chilly. They provided me with an extra blanket, which did help. The hotel does have air conditioning, however. The bathroom was nice, but dimly lit, making putting on makeup a challenge.

The hotel is conveniently located near the metro and is just a few minutes walk to the stand where you could book a city tour. It is also close to the catherdral and recently discovered Mayan ruins. The hotel arranged van trasportation to the airport for us and it was only 300 pesos, or about $23.

I really enjoyed the Hotel. I appreciate every detail of the art neuveau. Just some things to upset: a little variety on the menu and the exorbitant cost of taxi given by the hotel.