I'm not normally someone who submits reviews, but my stay at the Grant Plaza was almost comically bad. Although I read through the reviews before my stay, I was in no way prepared for what would happen when I arrived.
When I first arrived I was pleasantly surprised at how nice the lobby was. It had clearly been recently updated, and care was taken to make sure that it was warm and comforting. Unfortunately, this is the only place in the entire hotel where that care was taken.
The first big surprise was the elevator. It is INCREDIBLY small, and feels crowded with more than two people in it. As if that wasn't enough, you get a Tower of Terror style drop every time you reach your floor. After a few rides in it, I opted to use the stairs for the rest of my stay.
Next, I arrived in my room, which was smaller than a very small college dorm. When I walked in, I was shocked to see that my windows were all wide open, in the middle of February. It was about 55 degrees outside and in, which prompted me to try to turn on the heat. And here arrived the next problem.
The rooms are heated by old fashioned radiators, for which the controls are located in the basement of the hotel. That's right, you can't control the heat in your own room. I went down to the front desk to ask them to turn up the heat since my room was so cold, to which I was told that "the heaters come on at night". So I waited, watched 7 pm, 8 pm, and 9 pm slowly tick by, without any heat. I went down again, complaining that my room was still freezing. The man at the front desk came up, put his hand near the radiator, said "it's putting out heat, but I guess not enough", and went and got a space heater for me. Which was kind, but I can't imagine they have enough space heaters for everyone.
Then I decided to take a shower. It would be the only shower I took for the duration of my stay. The shower stall is TINY, with barely enough room to turn around. The water also varied from freezing cold to burning my skin throughout my short shower, to the point where I actually had to step out of the stall twice because the water was so unbearable.
I finally was ready to end the day, and got in bed to go to sleep, which is where I discovered that all the reviews about the beds were painfully true. The bed felt more like a pull out sofa sleeper than an actual mattress, and left my back aching for days. On top of the uncomfortable beds, the walls are paper thin and the windows are single pane, meaning I could hear everything happening inside and outside the hotel at night.
At the end of my stay, as I was checking out, I was told I had an additional $60 charge applied to my room for "fees they forgot to add to my reservation". I would have fought it, but I just wanted to be done with my experience at the Grant Plaza.
The moral of this story is that it is worth the extra $40 a night to stay at one of the nicer hotels in the area, so don't be a fool like me and stay here. The location is great, but it is not worth the problems you...
Read moreA Grand Time at the Grant Hotel in San Francisco!
Last month, I had the opportunity to stay at the Grant Hotel in San Francisco, and I must say, I was pleasantly surprised by the entire experience. Tucked away in the bustling heart of the city, the Grant Hotel offers an exceptional blend of historical charm and modern comfort, making it an ideal choice for travelers seeking a cozy yet stylish place to stay in the city by the bay.
Location-wise, the Grant Hotel stands out with its close proximity to iconic landmarks like Union Square, Chinatown, and the Financial District. It was such a treat to explore these vibrant neighborhoods on foot! And with easy access to cable cars and public transportation, visiting other parts of the city was a breeze.
The hotel itself boasts an elegant design that exudes a sense of old-world glamour. From the ornate lobby to the beautifully appointed rooms, the hotel's aesthetic is a nod to its storied past. My room was spacious and comfortable, with a plush king-sized bed, flat-screen TV, and complimentary Wi-Fi. While it didn't offer a spectacular view, the room was impeccably clean and tastefully decorated.
One minor issue I encountered during my stay was the lack of air conditioning in the rooms. However, this was a relatively minor inconvenience, as the weather in San Francisco is generally mild, and the provided fan was sufficient to keep the room cool.
The staff at the Grant Hotel were nothing short of amazing. They were consistently warm, friendly, and accommodating, going above and beyond to make my stay as enjoyable as possible. From their prompt assistance with my luggage to their helpful tips on local attractions and dining options, I couldn't have asked for better service.
While the hotel does not offer an on-site restaurant or bar, there are countless dining options available within walking distance. I particularly enjoyed the nearby Italian restaurant and the bustling Chinatown eateries. Additionally, the complimentary continental breakfast provided each morning was a nice touch, offering a variety of pastries, fruits, and beverages to kick off the day.
Overall, my stay at the Grant Hotel in San Francisco was a delightful experience. The combination of its prime location, charming atmosphere, and exceptional staff make it an excellent choice for anyone visiting the city. While it may not have all the bells and whistles of a luxury hotel, the Grant Hotel is an affordable and memorable option for travelers seeking a unique and comfortable stay in the heart...
Read moreI recently stayed at the Grant Hotel in San Francisco for a business trip and was quite pleased with my experience. This charming hotel offers affordable and comfortable accommodations in the heart of the city, making it an ideal choice for both business and leisure travelers.
The hotel's location is one of its major highlights, as it is situated near Union Square, which is perfect for shopping, dining, and entertainment. The close proximity to public transportation, such as the BART and Muni lines, made it easy to navigate the city and reach various attractions with ease.
Upon arrival, I was greeted by a friendly and attentive staff who promptly checked me in and provided helpful information about the hotel's amenities and nearby points of interest. The lobby had a cozy, vintage atmosphere which made me feel right at home.
The room itself was clean and well-maintained, featuring a comfortable bed, a flat-screen TV, and a small working desk. Although the rooms were not overly spacious, they were well-appointed and provided all the essentials needed for a comfortable stay. The free Wi-Fi was a definite plus, allowing me to stay connected with work and personal matters during my visit.
One thing to note is that the hotel does not have its own restaurant. However, this was not a major issue, as the surrounding area boasts a plethora of dining options catering to various tastes and budgets. A complimentary continental breakfast was available each morning, which was a nice touch and a great way to start the day.
In conclusion, the Grant Hotel in San Francisco is a delightful choice for travelers seeking a comfortable and affordable stay in a prime location. The friendly staff, clean rooms, and convenient amenities made my stay enjoyable and hassle-free. I would not hesitate to recommend the Grant Hotel to others...
Read more