Grand Eastern Hotel

This hotel is primarily recognized for its excellent central location, placing guests within easy reach of the town's main amenities, and for its friendly, helpful staff who consistently strive to assist guests. Its signature feature is its accessibility, making it an ideal choice for business travelers seeking convenience and sightseers wishing to explore the local area on foot. While the swimming pool is a popular amenity, many guests note the hotel's significant need for renovation and address persistent issues with cleanliness and water supply. The hotel's atmosphere can be quite lively, with some guests experiencing noise from public areas. For families, the pool offers a good recreational option, though noise levels might be a concern for those with young children. To enhance your stay, consider requesting a room away from the main pool area to mitigate potential noise, and be prepared for possible fluctuations in water pressure.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel offers a range of facilities, with the swimming pool being a notable highlight, frequently described as clean and inviting, and a popular spot for both guests and locals. The bar area is also well-regarded, providing a good atmosphere for relaxation, though some guests have noted it can become noisy, particularly in the evenings. Wi-Fi connectivity receives mixed feedback, with some guests finding it reliable while others report difficulty connecting or no service at all. Similarly, the air conditioning in rooms is inconsistent, working well for some but malfunctioning for others. While a TV is provided in rooms, its functionality and remote controls are sometimes problematic. Parking availability is a point of contention, often described as contested or full, and some guests express a desire for a hotel-provided shuttle service due to its absence.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Feedback on cleanliness and room comfort is predominantly negative, with many guests reporting rooms to be dirty, unhygienic, and in dire need of attention. A significant concern raised by multiple guests is the presence of bed bugs, leading to uncomfortable and sleepless nights. The overall room condition is frequently described as outdated, run-down, and requiring major renovation, with issues like peeling wall paint and old, damaged furniture. While some guests found the beds comfortable, many others reported them to be uncomfortable or in need of replacement. Towels and linens are consistently criticized for being old, stained, smelly, and threadbare, with insufficient quantities often provided. Noise levels are a recurring complaint, stemming from the bar area, other guests, and even construction, making it difficult to rest. Bathrooms are particularly problematic, cited for being dirty, mouldy, having leaking fixtures, and suffering from very low water pressure or a complete lack of hot water. In-room amenities like coffee/tea supplies and rubbish bins are often found to be missing or inadequate.

Dining & Food Quality
Guest feedback on dining experiences is varied. The breakfast receives mixed reviews; most guests describe it as basic with limited variety, often served cold, and not meeting expectations, though some found it satisfactory. The hotel's restaurant generally garners positive comments for its food quality, with many appreciating the well-cooked meals and good value, particularly the Indian cuisine and fresh seafood options. However, the service speed in the restaurant can be slow, leading to long wait times for orders. Some specific criticism was directed at the Chinese food offerings, which were described as lacking authenticity, being overly fatty or spicy, and containing insufficient meat. The bar area is also noted for providing a good selection of drinks and a pleasant atmosphere for casual dining.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is consistently highlighted as one of its strongest assets, receiving overwhelmingly positive feedback from guests. It is conveniently situated within easy walking distance of the town's main amenities, including the local market, supermarkets, banks, and the bus station, making it highly accessible for exploring the area. This prime position is particularly beneficial for guests who wish to navigate the town on foot and access various services without needing transportation. While the location is praised, parking facilities receive mixed reviews, with some guests finding them contested or full, indicating potential challenges for those arriving by car. The absence of a dedicated shuttle service is also noted by some, despite the hotel's proximity to public transit options.

Staff & Service
The staff at the hotel consistently receive high praise, with guests frequently commending their friendliness, helpfulness, and caring demeanor. Many reviews highlight the staff's dedication to making stays enjoyable, describing them as accommodating, professional, and willing to go above and beyond to assist with requests. However, experiences with the check-in process are mixed; while some found it quick and efficient, others reported issues with communication, unhelpful receptionists, or problems with reservation details. The staff's responsiveness to guest concerns, such as room issues or water problems, also varies, with some guests receiving prompt assistance while others found staff dismissive. A recurring point of feedback is the lack of porter service in the mornings, requiring guests to carry their own luggage. Despite these inconsistencies, the overall sentiment towards the staff's attitude and effort remains largely positive.

Additional Information
Beyond the standard amenities, guests frequently mention the hotel's unique old colonial ambiance, with some appreciating the historical feel and the presence of old photographs in the dining area. A notable recurring issue is the noise from non-guests, particularly from the bar and pool areas, where locals gather, sometimes leading to disturbances late into the night. This can impact the tranquility of the stay, especially for rooms located nearby. Furthermore, several guests have reported significant booking issues, including reservations not being found upon arrival or being assigned a different room type than booked, leading to frustration and requiring intervention to resolve. Guests are advised to double-check their reservations directly with the hotel prior to arrival to avoid potential discrepancies.