The Grand Hotel

This historic hotel is celebrated for its charming, old-world ambiance and its exceptional role as a premier wedding and event venue. Its signature feature is the beautifully restored architecture and decor, transporting guests to a bygone era. The hotel is ideal for couples seeking a romantic getaway, wedding guests attending celebrations, and sightseers who appreciate a central location for exploring the local area. Guests consistently praise the highly attentive staff and the comfortable accommodations. To make the most of your stay, it is advisable to check the hotel's event schedule, as public access to some facilities may be limited during private functions, and be prepared to explore the numerous excellent dining options available within walking distance.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel offers a unique blend of historic charm and modern conveniences. While it primarily functions as an event venue, guests can often enjoy the on-site pub, Smith & Barrel, which serves food and drinks, though its availability can be limited due to private events. The hotel features various event spaces, including ballrooms and dining rooms, which are frequently highlighted for their beauty and suitability for celebrations. Guests generally find the Wi-Fi reliable and appreciate the presence of large smart TVs in the rooms. On-site parking is available and generally convenient. However, some guests have reported issues with the air conditioning or heating not functioning optimally, and the in-room coffee makers occasionally have issues or lack essential accompaniments like cream. Soundproofing is also a mixed bag, with some guests noting noise from events or the street.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guest feedback on room comfort is largely positive, with many praising the comfortable beds and plush linens that ensure a restful sleep. Rooms are often described as cozy, elegant, and spacious, though some guests found their rooms to be on the smaller side. While many reviews commend the overall cleanliness of the rooms, some guests noted minor issues such as scuffed walls, uncleaned areas, or signs of wear and tear, suggesting a need for more consistent maintenance. Bathrooms receive mixed reviews; some are described as updated with features like rain showers, while others are noted as being tiny, lacking adequate lighting or counter space, or having issues with drainage or leaking showers. Noise levels can vary, with some guests experiencing disturbances from events or street activity, despite the hotel's generally well-insulated structure.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel does not typically offer daily breakfast service or a public restaurant for regular dining, as its culinary focus is primarily on catering for events. However, the food quality for weddings and private functions receives overwhelmingly positive reviews. Guests consistently rave about the delicious and high-quality meals, with many highlighting the chef's ability to create custom menus and accommodate various dietary restrictions and allergies without compromising taste. Specific dishes like canapés, soups, main courses, and desserts are frequently praised. The on-site pub also offers a selection of food and drinks, which guests generally find enjoyable. The hotel's bar is noted for offering high-quality liquors and specialty cocktails during events, contributing to a memorable dining and social experience.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts an excellent central location in downtown, making it highly convenient for guests to explore the area on foot. Many popular attractions, including shops, restaurants, cafes, and the riverfront, are within easy walking distance. Guests appreciate the proximity to local businesses, including a German bakery, microbrewery, and various dining establishments. The hotel's accessibility is further enhanced by its on-site parking, which is generally ample and easy to use, though some guests noted challenges with parking availability during large events like the Santa Claus parade. While public transit connections are not a prominent feature in reviews, the hotel's location allows for easy driving access to nearby cities.

Staff & Service
The hotel's staff and service consistently receive exceptional praise from guests, standing out as one of the most highly regarded aspects of the stay. Reviewers frequently describe the staff as friendly, accommodating, helpful, and attentive, often going above and beyond to ensure a positive experience. The check-in process is typically noted as quick and efficient. For events, particularly weddings, the staff's professionalism and organizational skills are highlighted, with many guests commending their ability to manage complex arrangements, respond promptly to requests, and treat guests with genuine care and warmth. The owner's personal involvement and welcoming demeanor are also frequently mentioned, contributing to a personalized and hospitable atmosphere.

Additional Information
A significant aspect of the hotel is its strong emphasis on hosting weddings and private events, which often means that certain facilities like the main dining room or bar may be closed to the general public. Guests should be aware that the hotel is undergoing ongoing renovations and refurbishments, which aim to maintain its historic charm while updating amenities. The hotel has a unique feature of providing a black makeup cloth in rooms, a thoughtful touch for guests. The owner is frequently present and highly involved in operations, contributing to the hotel's welcoming and well-managed atmosphere. While some guests found the value to be excellent, particularly for event hosting, others felt the cost for a standard stay was high given occasional room issues.