Retiredcat2
July 12, 2024
We made good use of an upgrade certificate at the grand hotel. We were upgraded to a huge one bedroom suite on the 9th floor with access to the grand living room (their version of an executive lounge). The suite was probably the largest one bedroom suite we have ever stayed in. My wife is a Marriott ambassador and it was her birthday so those factors may have played into this extraordinary upgrade as well. I would have to say that I was underwhelmed by the grand living room. They serve warm soup in the afternoon but an attendant has to fetch it from the kitchen for you. We only saw an attendant once. The place was usually deserted. The only other food offered are a couple of different cold sandwiches and some breakfast pastries that appeared to be left over from the restaurant breakfast buffet. Oddly, the grand living room does not even open until noon even though they have breakfast pastries and a coffee machine. Don’t pay extra for the grand living room but if it is included in your upgrade it is a comfortable place to grab a cold beverage from the refrigerator or grab a light lunch. On a positive note, the fitness facilities are large and well equipped including the beautiful pool and spa. They are all located on the top floor of the hotel and offer nice views of the Danube. The locker rooms are luxurious but no steam room or saunas. The restaurant breakfast was free as an ambassador. There was a buffet of the usual hot and cold items. You can also order from a limited ala carte menu where everything except eggs Benedict is included. The waiter did not come often to check on us so make sure you get everything you need on the rare occasions when he visits your table. We ordered room service one evening and enjoyed the veal schnitzel and the chicken curry. The food came in less than 30 minutes and was served hot. It was beautifully presented on a serving cart with a white tablecloth. The hotel is a 10 minute walk along the Danube from the ufo bridge. From there, there is a crosswalk to cross a busy road and enter old town. The town square is another 15 minute walk. In nice weather the stroll from the hotel is very pleasant. By the way, if you want to visit the castle which sits up on a hill, google maps will direct you up a series of very steep staircases near the hotel. It is far easier to walk to old town where you will find gently sloping ramps to take you to the castle. The grand hotel river park is a beautiful place to stay. If you like to walk like we do you may like this location but it is a bit of a hike to old town. Fitness facilities are outstanding. The restaurant is fairly typical for a luxury collection hotel. Staff were friendly and courteous but no one stands out as exceptional. Pictures show the scant food offerings in the grand living room and our room service dinner.