We were on an international car rally to Wanganui, and stayed there 11 days. We had a bad feeling about going to Wanganui because of price loading by most motels in the area. We booked at the Grand, after reading the reviews so were not expecting a lot. However we were very pleasantly surprised. The decor, being vintage, we liked. Thought there was a good mixture of the old photos and some newer pictures, altho not to my taste. Our room did face Guyton Street (not so busy) and there was some street noise but this was dulled down by shutting the windows. Our room (No 108) was one of the refurbished ones, and very nice. Clean bedding and change of towels each day. Continental breakfast included which was a bonus, as we were up and away most days. We ate there a couple of times at night, and it was a good pub meal. The staff were friendly and helpful, kiwi style I think. Would definitely stay again. Only criticism I have, and it is minor, was the cleaning of the room - a bit hit and miss. Didn't seem to be a routine to it, altho we were there for a longer than usual stay so maybe this threw things out. There are quieter room facing the car park I believe, but we were happy with the noise level as it is inner city. Haven't been to Wanganui for years and thought there was lots of colour, with flowers in hanging baskets, well tended streets. All in all a great time and accommodation that suited us.

My partner and I stayed for a weekend in this Grand Old Lady. Sadly she's really showing her age and the miscellaneous collection of artwork on the walls from Historic photos to Asian kitsch paintings of idyllic snow scenes set the scene for a tatty experience. The first room we had was in the "newer" rear section - bed was awful and the vanity had a large, black crack. The management kindly moved us when we complained about the noise from the overhead room - we were able to hear every movement of the guests as their toilet was right overhead! This could have been a grand affair. Sadly it was not so.

Although you can see that it once was "Grand", it does need refurbishment and some modernisation work doing. Our room was very clean, crisp fresh smelling bedding and a comfortable bed (a little soft for me). I had asked for a room with a bath and was a bit taken aback at a sort of deep shower base in the shower cubicle with a seat on the side, but like I said it does require modernisation. The food in the bar/restaurant was quite nice though I didn't feel particularly welcome and the surroundings felt a bit dull and dingy. The franchise with the adjoining Breakers bar works well and the included continental breakfast was quite nice. We needed new cups in our room and a call to reception provided a fast response, new cups and some fresh milk. Overall we enjoyed the stay and felt it was value for money.

The Grand Hotel in Wanganui is a beautiful building, with facilities perfect for a mealtime function or reception. The room I booked for my function was beautifully decorated, as promised, but that is where the promised service ended. Even the food, while an adequate amount, was of a quality that reminded me of my school cafeteria. If asked for a recommendation, I will advise to think twice about it.
I had 3 meetings with the service providers during which I provided a detailed program. Notes were made by the provider and service agreed to by all. On the day there was only 1 staff member to service my 69 guests and she knew nothing about my program. I had to manage the function myself. I am very angry and disappointed that I was denied the priviledge of being able to enjoy the day.