My partner and I stayed there together. It was a bit 'gross' having to go through into the sports bar to sign in and collect key. It was very quiet and I didn't actually see another guest while I was there, quite a weird feeling. Anyway, my biggest upset was that there was blood on the duvet. It was a clean duvet, but must've soaked it. Pillows were annoying, no others to swap in cupboard. Anyway, I wouldn't go back, "average". I didn't even get asked how my stay was when I handed the key back.

Almost seems like a backpackers. Room and bed was ok (with onsuite). Getting service after hours can be difficult as reception was unmanned. On site manager was helpful (with my late checkin) but does not seem interested otherwise. Cooking facilities were located in the corridor - I.e microwave. No off street parking, although street parking is free at night. Shower has two taps to control the temperature (I thought rather unusual in this day and age).

Out of all of the hotels we have stayed at the room we had would have to be the dirtiest and smelliest we have ever had! and the darkest as it had minimal lighting. The TV was a portable 12inch one that only had black and white reception. The window had to be left open all night at our risk because of the smell. The bathroom (including the toilet) had not been cleaned after the previous occupants so one could not trust the cleaning of the rest of the room. We wiped down all the surfaces! Only stayed because it was late night and we were too tired to look elsewhere after travelling all day plus we really wanted our stay to be a good one. Pity as it does look Grand from the outside and is in a central location - just unfortunate the cleaning wasn't so grand nor the Manager who overcharged us then always had some pathetic excuse, then wouldn't front up when we waited and waited and waited at Reception to hand in the key and have our say.

On a recent trip "up-north" we decided to try our luck at The Grand Hotel. I called from Auckland the night before travelling and was told quote "no need to book, no one else is staying just rock up". ummmm okayyy..... SO we did as we were told, arriving at approx 4pm on a Friday afternoon. Upon finding the hotel I popped in to make a booking - firstly there was no-one around so wandered down to the "bar". Two "waitresses/ bar ladies" were on the bar serving customers so I waited. After everyone was served their drinks I asked about accommodation and if the "balcony" room was available. "Yeah" was the reply from one of the waitresses who then removed herself from the bar even though I thought we were in the middle of a conversation. When I enquired to the other woman serving I was told that the original woman had to go and "sort out the pokies". This did not bode well - when I did manage to talk more and find out if the room was available a sort of piece of paper was bought out and "yep she was available eh". Okay I thought, great, now where should we park the car "oh there is no parking eh! you can try your luck over the road but can't guarantee it". At this stage I decided my $ was better spent elsewhere and thanked the staff and left as quickly as possible. Such a shame as the place looked fun/ charming but with service and an attitude like that I was glad I spent my $ elsewhere...... PITY