Grand Hotel Boston

“OK hotel but the bathrooms need a refurb.”

We stayed here for 3 nights with a tour operator. This hotel has clearly been chosen as simply a base for tour groups visiting Florence, Siena, Assisi etc. We never had the opportunity to go into the town as we were out all day on tour, this didn't particularly bother me as there didn't seem muc... more

We stayed here for 3 nights with a tour operator. This hotel has clearly been chosen as simply a base for tour groups visiting Florence, Siena, Assisi etc. We never had the opportunity to go into the town as we were out all day on tour, this didn't particularly bother me as there didn't seem much to do. This hotel is by no means the worst hotel I've stayed in but there is room for improvement. I think some of the reviews on here are a little harsh though. Our bedroom was absolutely fine. Spacious and clean. The bed was really comfortable. We didn't have much of a view but like I said we were out all day and it was dark by the time we returned from the excursions so it didn't matter. The bathroom was a different story. It definitely needs a full refurb. It was very small and to be honest quite dirty. Tiles hadn't been cleaned and there were hair balls everywhere. The toilet system was very noisy. Our room was also above the kitchens. In the evening we could hear everything, people talking, preparation of food, pans clanging etc. I would advise people to request rooms towards the front of the hotel and on a higher floor as I think this would be quieter. Also, some of the group had 'superior' rooms whilst others had 'economy' rooms. These were randomly allocated by the hotel, we all paid the same. Again, might be worth requesting a superior room if there is no price difference. The public areas of the hotel were lovely, no complaints there. For the food, I only ate in the hotel on two nights as the first night we were just too exhausted after the long journey getting there. The food was okay. I had some specific dietary requirements which were accomodated. If you don't ask you don't get. One night though service was slow and the main course didn't arrive until about 9pm. There was another tour group in the hotel as well as ours but they were a day ahead. Breakfasts were fine again. The hotel manager (who was always dressed in jeans and t-shirt) was always present going round and checking the food, then summoning waiters when food needed replenishing. There was a short wait for the scrambled egg and bacon to come out but you could see the waiters were working hard and never stopped. I found them friendly and when I asked for something they returned promptly with it. All in all the hotel was okay, but I would recommend they update their bathrooms. I don't think the company I went with are using the hotel in future as the tour itinerary is changing.

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“Average minus”

As a base for a tour, the hotel is geographically well located. Our tour took us to Siena, Florence and Assisi, which meant that time in the evening for other things was limited. The town is a spa centre with little else but you don't go there for the town. In fact, if you arrive sufficiently ear... more

As a base for a tour, the hotel is geographically well located. Our tour took us to Siena, Florence and Assisi, which meant that time in the evening for other things was limited. The town is a spa centre with little else but you don't go there for the town. In fact, if you arrive sufficiently early on the first day, you have time to visit (half hour walk) the quite charming old town. The bedrooms were OK although the furniture and decor was a little tired. We seem to have been lucky with the bathroom facilities (the bathroom was in fact quite big for a continental hotel of this sort) and I cannot understand issues with paper thin walls. The staff were helpful. The evening food however during our stay was quite dire. Small portions and vegetables vastly overcooked. The fish we were served up was awful, as was something described as a béchamel sauce. The wine list is excellent. Breakfast was adequate, although the coffee the worst I have ever had. The hotel does not merit four star status. On the other hand, the tour itself was excellent in all other respects.

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