We recently returned from a stay at the Grand Hotel in Saipan.
I want to write a glowing reference for them.

Quite simply, we weren’t in desperate need of a getaway, when anything would have seemed nice- (we have done that before). In fact we were totally covered in gooey feel good syrup from the moment we got picked up at the airport in air-conned luxury until we got dropped back there by the same guy, Vincente.

We originally spoke to Renee, the reservations Manger and booked online with the hotel. We didn’t know what to expect in Saipan- but were amazed to find absolutely the nicest – friendliest hotel we could have imagined. Without doubt this reference is going to sound biased- but holidays largely for us are about how we feel with the people we meet-(among other things of course).

Renee turned out to be the star from heaven! When we arrived pretty wasted after our flight- it tuned out she had upgraded us to the 9th floor of the Tower Building- originally we had booked the lower building to save some cash).

When we got into the room- it was wonderful- I stared for twenty minutes at the view from the balcony. In the morning I doubled it- just totally amazed at our luck! (my wife crashed till mid day)

Everything we did in the Hotel that involved speaking to the staff was so friendly and professional- the bar staff, century tours office, shop staff, reception staff and everyone else. We made an effort to learn just the very basics off the Saipan native language, and also some Fillipino- (many of the staff and people in town are from the Phillipines) .

The meals in house were very good-(we didn’t use the restaurant- only the pool restaurant- but it was delicious and service was top..

We met and were friendly with many of the staff- but will have unfortunately forgotten some names so I won’t list any here.

Most of the tourists are Japanese, there were a few English, Candadians and US folk.

There is a poolside bar- which does live music in the evenings and stars our main man Roger- who we became real pally with- he plays excellent guitar songs to order- while you eat your Barbie or afterwards. Bar staff really friendly. The pool guys we have to mention- nicest blokes- all of them – treated us to fire dancing (got some great pictures Max!) and line dancing-they also made it good fun to be around the pool area by day. Chopping coconuts and volleyball practice included!

There is a room where you can screech your worst songs out-in front of everyone doing the same! And a club if you want to dance away the night. (Only minor negative point here is they have a live group on, then they put the club dance music on, then returned to the group again- which was strange because once you were really enjoying the old bopping, you had to sit down and listen to the group again?) Minor point though!


Jet ski and other water sports are all there right at your feet –with friendly staff to make sure you are ok. The beach is perfect-

Water very clean and swimming area is safe.
Cocktails are available inside or out and thanks so much to the wonderful cocktail waitress for her constant goodwill.

Plenty of good places to eat on the door step- Korean, Chinese- burgers , sushi- and western style. Town isn’t too far away- Moby Dicks is top- say “Kamu sta ha” when you get there- (I think Fillipino for hello?) Top food. Do a trip if you can, to the Fiesta show- which was good fun- and also to Mahagara Island-The coral sand and fish are amazing.

Duty Free shopping is a free bus away (which will also drop you in the middle of town)

I’m going to stop here because – it is possible people will think I spinning a yarn- not true!

Anyone- that is looking for a really good relaxing carefree friendly break, where you will not be bothered unless you want to be- should go to this place-
OK for kids too-we made friends with a couple with kids – seemed to be really enjoying it (couldn’t quite crack the Japanese though!)

(Next door is another Hotel (I can’t remember the name ), but when we walked round it seemed way to big and impersonal- if you want a place that feels like home- go to the Grand!!



This is the first reference I have written on line for any Hotel- and if you stay there I hope it proves useful.
(oh forgot to mention- they let us stay in our room an extra half day at no charge to tie in with our return flight!!!)
(Renee- you really know how to make people welcome! We can’t thank you enough.)
We will definitely see you all again soon!

Apologies to anyone I failed to mention.


Good wishes

I am happy to answer limited questions sent by email if anyone wants more info on our stay.