Beyond_YXU
November 6, 2023
This was our tenth stay at Grand Hotel and our third time in a Signature Suite. Last year we greatly enjoyed three nights in the Esther Williams Suite, and this time we were just as impressed with our four-night stay in the Vanderbilt Suite. We booked the "Camp Grand" package that included breakfasts, dinners, and credits for Sadie's Ice Cream Parlor and the Woods Activities Center, which was a good value compared to the standard non-package rates offered for late August. We checked in a little early (2PM), but after completing the paperwork and heading to the porch to order some cocktails and snacks, the front desk texted me to say the suite was ready. At first glance, the Vanderbilt Suite is an impressive space filled with historic artifacts, antique furniture, and that signature Carleton Varney style. Upon closer inspection, however, there were some rough spots that just shouldn't exist in one of the hotel's top suites. The Signature Suites should be absolutely pristine…and this one wasn't quite. A lot of the black furniture was in need of paint touch-ups. There were stains on the carpet, a small stain on the duvet, and a couple of small stains on the chairs. In the bathroom, there was an unsightly gouge out of the wall, some small stains on one of the curtains, low water pressure in the shower, and a very slow drain that resulted in standing water whenever the shower was used--something nobody enjoys. We were also disappointed to see some cutbacks in the amenities provided. We’ve been guests at Grand Hotel since 2012, and there used to be shoe cloths, shoehorns, and earplugs in the room—all of which we could have used this stay. I called Housekeeping to inquire, but they told me they didn't have any. There were also no wine glasses or flutes in the room, just water glasses. But when I sent an email to guest services with my comments about the condition of the room, they responded a few hours later with a bottle of the hotel's signature Blanc de Noirs--and a pile of earplugs, a few shoe cloths, and a couple of combs. We unpacked and managed to squeeze all of our clothing into the one wardrobe cabinet, but like with most rooms and suites here, storage for hanging items is scarce. There was, however, lots of drawer space for folded items. I was so glad that turndown service was still being offered, as we always appreciate having our used towels replaced while we are at dinner, and returning to find drapes drawn and signature chocolates and an activity card on the pillow. Despite our suite needing some attention, we were impressed by how beautiful the hotel and grounds were. The renovations to the Esther Williams pool complex are so impressive; it really feels like a true resort now. The gardens were at their peak, and staff for the most part were friendly and hospitable. One significant downgrade from previous visits, unfortunately, was the quality of meals in the Salle a Manger. We made a point of arriving very late each night so ther