It’s an “iconic” property in a resort full of hotels but for years it has attracted headlines for all the wrong reasons. The once elegant Grand Hotel in Llandudno has languished at or near the bottom of review sites like Tripadvisor.
Its owner – Britannia – has also been named the worst hotel chain by Which? for several years on the trot. The poor reputation has caused concerns to the wider town and a report recommended buying and renovating the site.
But there are signs its fortunes are beginning to change with much needed investments carried out at the hotel that towers over Llandudno Pier, and more planned. The hotel chain told Aberconwy MS Janet Finch-Saunders it had invested millions into a revamp of bedrooms and its ballroom.
There are now proposals for a £3m external facelift with work already seen taking place on some of the balconies. It has to be said it is a work in progress as the hotel remains 49th out of 50 hotels in Llandudno. Recent reviews would be described as a “mixed bag”.
One said they would “definitely recommend this lovely old hotel as it has lots of character” and gave it four out of five stars. A couple said they had a “wonderful stay over Christmas”, adding “we were very happy”.
On the flipside one recent visitor said “Awful. Just awful” and went on to write a long critical review, giving them one star. Another said it “feels like a time capsule stuck in the 50’s”. They added: “I came down to help with the storm damage and had the misfortune to be staying here.”
One convert is MS Janet Finch-Saunders who had a recent meal there. She said: “I would like to congratulate Lee Shea, Head Chef, and all the team at The Grand, for the superb food and service provided at the recent dinner I hosted at the hotel.
“This iconic establishment is turning a corner, and I am pleased to be able to stand up and praise the venue. £5m is being invested in infrastructure, the food is delicious, and views from the dining room outstanding! I look forward to seeing The Grand continue on what is an exciting journey for the establishment, our town, and region.”
North Wales Live also tried the ‘tinsel and turkey” offer before Christmas with a review of that here.
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