Uncover Lerwick's Hidden Gem: The Grand Hotel Awaits!
Uncover Lerwick's Hidden Gem: The Grand Hotel Awaits!
Uncover Lerwick's Hidden Gem: The Grand Hotel Awaits! - A Totally Honest Review (and a Bit of a Ramble)
Okay, folks, let's get real. This isn't your typical shiny, perfectly polished hotel review. This is me, fresh off a trip to Lerwick, Scotland, and a stay at – drumroll, please – The Grand Hotel. And, lemme tell ya, it was… an experience. To quote my Shetland sheepdog, "Woof!" (Translation: "Intriguing.")
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- Keywords: The Grand Hotel Lerwick, Shetland Hotels, Accessible Hotels Scotland, Lerwick Accommodation, Spa Hotels Scotland, Family-Friendly Hotels, Scottish Islands, Hotel Review, Lerwick Restaurants, Free Wi-Fi, Hotel with Pool.
- Meta Description: Honest review of The Grand Hotel in Lerwick, Shetland, Scotland. Exploring accessibility, amenities like spa, pool, and dining, plus quirky observations and personal experiences. Find out if it's the perfect base for your Shetland adventure!
First Impressions (and the Immediate Need for Caffeine):
Arriving at The Grand felt… well, grand. The imposing, classic architecture certainly sets the tone. But after a transatlantic flight and a ferry (because, Shetland!), my immediate needs were simple: caffeine and a comfy bed. Thankfully, the lovely doorman, a true Shetlander with a twinkle in his eye, whisked my bags away and pointed me towards the lobby. Accessibility? Easy peasy, there's an Elevator and the lobby itself seemed easy to navigate.
The Room: A Tale of Two Halves (and the Wi-Fi Saga)
My room was… well-equipped. Let’s start with the good. Available in all rooms: Air conditioning (thank you, based on the weather I was expecting a sauna), Alarm clock, Bathrobes (always a win!), Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea (essential!), Desk, Hair dryer, In-room safe box, Mini bar, Refrigerator, Satellite/cable channels, Seating area, Shower, Toiletries, Towels, Wake-up service, and Wi-Fi [free]. It's a decent setup, even if the carpet felt like it had seen better days.
Then there's the Wi-Fi. Oh, the Wi-Fi. The hotel boasts Free Wi-Fi in All Rooms!, and Internet access – wireless. In theory. In reality, it was a bit… patchy. I spent a good chunk of my first night pacing around, trying to get a decent signal to upload pictures of the cutest Shetland ponies EVER (more on them later). On day two, I actually had to call reception because, if they were boasting it, it should have been working. The technician came, and the problem was partially resolved. Internet access – LAN wasn't in my room, and wasn't offered. It was better. Still, Internet services was available, so I guess the problem was the wi-fi.
The Blackout curtains were indeed blackout. I managed to sleep like a baby for 8 hours in the comfortable bed (extra long bed also available!). The Bathroom came with an Additional toilet, and a Mirror.
Now, let's talk about the Cleanliness and Safety. They're claiming they're on top of it. Anti-viral cleaning products, Cashless payment service, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer everywhere, and the rooms supposedly get Rooms sanitized between stays. I hope they are doing a good job. I really do.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Fueling the Shetland Explorer
The Grand offers a solid selection of dining options. The main restaurant, with its A la carte in restaurant and Buffet in restaurant, provided a decent breakfast spread. You can also opt for Breakfast in room if you're feeling lazy. They even have Asian cuisine in restaurant, which was a surprisingly delicious find. The Coffee/tea in restaurant was good for a caffeine addict. The Poolside bar was a very nice touch for a nice relaxing experience after the walk. I've seen Happy hour, I've also seen that they have Desserts in restaurant, Salad in restaurant, and Soup in restaurant.
The Bar was a cozy spot for a nightcap, and the staff were friendly and helpful. They offer Bottle of water.
Services and Conveniences: Helping You Survive the Shetland Weather
The Grand is equipped to make your stay comfortable. There's Daily housekeeping, a Concierge (who was a lifesaver when it came to booking a taxi), Dry cleaning, Ironing service, Laundry service, and Luggage storage. You can also access the internet through the Wi-Fi for special events if you are planning to host one. Also, the Car park [free of charge] is a huge bonus, especially in a place like Lerwick.
But the thing that struck me most was how Family/child friendly the hotel was. You could see kids playing, they were having a blast and I think that The Grand Hotel is one of the best Family-Friendly Hotels, for sure.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Beyond the Room
The Grand has a decent selection of amenities. I'm not a spa person, but for those who are, they have a Body wrap, Fitness center, Gym/fitness, Massage, Pool with view, Sauna, Spa, and a Steamroom.
The Swimming pool was a real treat. It was a godsend after a day of blustery winds and sightseeing.
Accessibility – More Than Just a Ramp (and a little rant):
Okay, let's talk about the nitty-gritty. As mentioned, the hotel, in general, feels pretty accessible. The Elevator is a lifesaver, and the lobby is easy to maneuver. But I didn't personally test any specifics - I don't use a wheelchair, but it did make me think about what it's like for someone who does. I’m not sure how easy it would be. I didn't spot any Facilities for disabled guests. Perhaps on my next visit, I'll see if I can get a clearer picture on this front.
Overall Verdict (and a Few Imperfections):
The Grand Hotel is a worthwhile choice for a stay in Lerwick. The location is great, the staff is friendly and the amenities are really helpful.
It's not perfect. The Wi-Fi needs improvement, and some areas could use a refresh, but really, that’s part of its charm. It's a little bit like a well-loved, comfy sweater – a bit worn around the edges, but warm and inviting nonetheless.
I'd go back. And I might just take that Shetland sheepdog with me next time. He'd probably enjoy the pool, too.
Rating: 4 out of 5 Shetland Ponies (because those ponies were just too darned cute).
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The Grand Hotel Lerwick: A Shetlandic Saga (or, How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Atlantic)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your average, perfectly curated travel log. This is my internal monologue, splattered across paper, fueled by instant coffee and the biting wind that's been trying to steal my hat since I landed in Lerwick.
Day 1: Arrival and Utter Bewilderment (Plus, the Quest for Decent Coffee)
- 10:00 AM (Roughly, My Phone Died): Landed at Sumburgh Airport. They warned me about the weather, but honestly? I think a small tornado would have been less dramatic than the horizontal rain that greeted me. "Charming," I muttered, mostly to the gulls who seemed to be enjoying themselves.
- 11:00 AM: Taxi ride to the Grand Hotel. The driver, a lovely Shetlander with a face weathered by a thousand gales, regaled me with tales of sheep and the price of diesel (both of which seem to be constant topics of conversation here). He also pointed out the "Viking longhouse," which, let's be honest, looked more like a particularly fancy garden shed, but I'm easily impressed.
- 11:30 AM: Check-in hell. Okay, not hell, but the reception was a bit… chaotic. A friendly, but clearly overwhelmed, woman with a delightful Shetland accent was juggling phone calls, key cards, and what looked like a small flock of confused tourists. I’m pretty sure she also knew all the local gossip, but I only caught snippets. Eventually, got my key to a room that, I'm not going to lie, is a bit…dated. Think faded floral wallpaper, a single, slightly mournful-looking armchair, and a view of the… well, the car park. Romantic.
- 12:00 PM: The Coffee Crisis. The hotel's "coffee machine" dispenses something faintly brown and vaguely caffeinated. I refuse to call it coffee. This is a crisis of epic proportions. Wandered the streets of Lerwick in a caffeine-fueled haze, searching for a decent brew. Finally found a little café tucked away on Commercial Street called The Peerie Shop and Café, where the coffee was surprisingly good (and the cakes were divine). Saved.
- 1:30 PM: Lunch at the Peerie Shop: I am still buzzing from the coffee! Ordered a Shetland fish pie (because, when in Rome… or, you know, Shetland). It was amazing. Rich, creamy, and probably packed with enough calories to fuel a Viking raid.
- 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Wandered around the harbour. The colours are incredible – the boats bobbing in the turquoise water, the brightly painted buildings… it's almost too picturesque. Almost. I spent a lot of time just staring at the sea, feeling a profound sense of peace and a sudden urge to buy a very, very large boat.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner at the hotel. Ordered the haddock. It was…okay. The service, however, was delightfully haphazard. My waiter seemed to have forgotten his entire life plan, and then remembered it halfway through the course. Amusing, and very Shetland.
- 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM: Sitting in the hotel bar, listening to a local band. Which brings me to a hard truth. Despite my romantic fantasies of living in a cabin by the sea, I have come to the conclusion that, I am actually a terrible person when alone in a bar. I did manage to speak with the locals and hear their interesting stories. But if I had to describe myself, I'd look like a lost puppy.
Day 2: Adventures in the Isles and Emotional Rollercoasters
- 9:00 AM: Actually woke up! After a restless sleep in the dated room. Had a rather lackluster breakfast in the hotel dining room. Starting to miss the Peerie Shop badly.
- 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM: Boat trip to Mousa. Okay, people, this was the highlight. A tiny, incredibly windy island filled with puffins (seriously, they're like tiny, waddling clowns), an ancient broch (a stone tower dating back thousands of years – truly mind-blowing), and a sense of untamed wildness that just knocked me sideways. I fell in love with the wild beauty of Shetland even though I was absolutely freezing the entire time. The boat trip was… choppy. Let’s just say the seagulls were enjoying the show. Took about a billion photos, all of them useless at capturing the reality of the place.
- 1:00 PM: Mousa aftermath. The wind nearly blew me off the island. I was so cold I thought my nose was going to fall off. I'm officially questioning my life choices.
- 2:00 PM: Late lunch at a café in Scalloway. The cafe was super tiny. The food was mediocre. My mood, however, was sky high. Maybe it was the puffins. Maybe it was the sheer audacity of the landscape. Or maybe it was just the relief of being back on dry land.
- 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM The Shetland Museum and Archives. This place is amazing! I spent ages wandering around the exhibits, captivated by the history of the islands. Really fascinating and educational.
- 6:00 PM: The Evening Meal Dilemma. Back to the hotel. Back to the disappointing dinner. The fish was overcooked and bland. On the upside, the waiter seemed more adjusted to the situation.
- 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM: Back at the bar, but this time, I managed to force myself to talk to some locals. And, I'm not sure if it was the local whiskey, but I felt a surge of warmth and friendliness. Which is completely unexpected. I spent ages chatting with a fisherman, whose face was like a roadmap of the sea. He told me about the storms, the catches, and the sheer, brutal beauty of the life he leads.
- 9:00 PM: Back in the room with the faded wallpaper, contemplating the meaning of life. And maybe booking another trip to the Peerie Shop.
Day 3: A Farewell (and a Promise to Return, Eventually)
9:00 AM: Checked out of the hotel. Despite its flaws, it grew on me. The staff were lovely (eventually), and the location was perfect. Actually felt a pang of sadness at leaving.
10:00 AM: One last, glorious coffee and cake at the Peerie Shop. Stocked up on shortbread (mandatory).
11:00 AM: Wandered through Lerwick market checking out the local craft shops. Brought back some lovely gifts.
12:00 PM: Taxi to the airport. The driver this time was a different man, but he still told me about sheep and the price of diesel. Some things, it seems, are eternal.
1:00 PM: Back on the plane, hurtling back to reality. Shetland felt like a dream. Or maybe, more accurately, like a beautiful, slightly chaotic, incredibly windy dream. Will I go back? Absolutely. As soon as I master how to stand up to the wind.
Conclusion: I came to Shetland looking for something… I'm not entirely sure what. Adventure. Freedom. A decent cup of coffee. I found all of those things, and so much more. It's a place that's both challenging and comforting, wild and welcoming. I'm completely drained, and I wouldn't trade it for the world. Shetland, you magnificent, windswept beast, I'll be back. And next time, I'm bringing a warmer coat. And maybe a satellite dish for more reliable coffee.
Uncover Lerwick's Hidden Gem: The Grand Hotel - Or, My Shetland Saga!
Okay, okay, so *what* exactly *is* the Grand Hotel? Is it, like, actually grand?
Alright, let's get real, shall we? The Grand Hotel in Lerwick… well, it *used* to be properly grand. Think faded Victorian elegance, a touch of creaky charm, and a whole lotta stories etched into the very walls. Is it still "grand" in the flash, modern sense? Nah, probably not. I'd say it's more… *authentically* grand. It's got that Shetland feel, you know? A little bit weathered, a little bit windswept, but with a heart of gold (and a pretty decent whisky selection, I have to say!).
My first impression? I went in hoping for Downton Abbey, and I got… well, something *better*. You can feel the history under your feet. I swear I could practically *hear* the laughter and gossip of generations of Shetland folk, and the stories? Oh, the stories!
What's the vibe like? Is it stuffy? Do I have to dress up? (Because, honestly, I hate dressing up.)
Stuffy? Absolutely not! Thank god for that. The Grand Hotel is *not* about pretension. It's about genuine welcome. It's the kind of place where you can wander in, wind-chapped from the walk, wearing your favorite (slightly holey) jumper and boots, and feel utterly at home. The staff are genuinely friendly – like, genuinely *Shetland* friendly. You know, the kind of warm welcome that feels like a hug after a long, grey day. You can dress up if you fancy it, some of the guests did! But, no. No pressure. Jeans and a t-shirt? Perfect. Hiking gear still on? Even better! They're more interested in your story than your outfit.
Actually, I remember one time, I was absolutely *soaked* from a downpour. I mean, properly drowned-rat soaked. I stumbled in, dripping all over the reception area, and the woman behind the desk, with the kindest smile, just handed me a massive, fluffy towel and a cup of tea. No judgment. Just pure, unadulterated kindness. That's the Grand Hotel's vibe in a nutshell.
The Rooms! Are they… clean? Comfortable? (This is crucial, people!)
Okay, look, let's be honest. This is where the "authenticity" of the Grand Hotel really shines. You aren't going to get the sterile perfection of a chain hotel. But honestly? That's part of its charm. Clean? Absolutely! Comfortable? Generally, yes!
My *first* room, though? It was… let's just say it had a character that was all its own. The view was incredible – *stunning* harbor views! - but the radiator hissed like a grumpy dragon all night. And the floorboards? They creaked like they were gossiping about my every move! It wasn't exactly a smooth night's sleep. I mentioned it at reception, and they were *mortified*. Immediately offered me a different room without a fuss. I felt a bit bad, to be honest, because it was such a quirky, old-fashioned room, but honestly, I was absolutely desperate for a quiet night that time and needed to sleep properly for my hike. The new room was perfect, though. Spotless, comfortable, and the view was still phenomenal. So yeah, the rooms are generally great, and the staff are on it. It’s all part of the *experience*, right?
What about the food? Because, let's face it, good food is essential for a happy holiday!
Oh, the food! This is where the Grand Hotel truly *shines*. The restaurant, The Da Haaf, is renowned across the islands, I believe! Fresh, local seafood is the absolute star of the show. Seriously, I'm still dreaming about the langoustines I had there. Melt-in-your-mouth delicious. And the Shetland lamb? Oh, the lamb! So tender! So flavorful! (Sorry, I'm salivating just thinking about it). The presentation is beautiful. It's not just food; it's an *experience*.
I went back several times while I was there, and my friends were really jealous of my adventures. And, most importantly, the bar snacks were also amazing for hungry hikers! It's the kind of place where you can just relax and enjoy some amazing food without all the snooty nonsense. It was genuinely some of the best food I’ve ever had.
Is there *anything* negative to say about the Grand Hotel? (Be honest!)
Okay, alright, I'll be brutally honest. The elevators are… let's say they're *characterful*. Okay, they're *slow*. Very slow. If you're on a high floor, you might be waiting a while. And on one particularly blustery evening, they just straight-up *stopped working*. But honestly? It's a small price to pay. The stairs are a great workout! They are, after all, a small part of the overall experience.
And, in my *very* subjective opinion, the Wi-Fi could be a touch stronger. But I didn't go to the Shetland Islands to spend my time online. I went to *live*! And you know what? Being slightly disconnected from the world for a little while was actually a *good* thing. So, yes there are minor hiccups - the elevators and the Wi-Fi are two, sure! - but they're part of its charm. You're not going to a clinical, mass-produced hotel, here; you're going somewhere that's real, and old.
What are the staff like? Are they helpful?
Oh, the staff! They're *amazing*. Seriously, I can't sing their praises enough. They're not just helpful; they're genuinely kind and welcoming. They'll go out of their way to assist you. They have a real local spirit. They have the genuine warmth of Shetland people.
I remember I was completely lost trying to figure out the best way to see the birds. One of the staff members, a lovely woman named Margaret, actually sat down with me and helped me plan my entire day trip. She gave me insider tips on the best places to go, the best times to see the puffins, and even wrote down directions (because, let's be honest, sometimes Google Maps lets you down!). Now that is genuine, unadulterated hospitality. It wasn't just a transaction; it was a connection. Margaret is, basically, the reason I managed to see anything! I can't tell you how much it meant to me. I'll never forget it. The staff are the best part of the Grand Hotel.
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