Grand Erbil Hotel

I liked that hotel did not make a big deal about checking in, after a long flight this is appropriated.

Free shuttle service “included” in the hotel amenities doesn’t exist in fact. Had to pay for a taxi cab to get in there and back to airport

This hotel is dated, dark and depressing. This hotel is okay if you need a place to stay in between flights, but not good for a holiday stay. We booked the hotel for three nights, but stayed for one night. When we checked in, we were ignored and finally another person came to check us in because the other girl was talking to another employee. While trying to check in a disagreement took place between the employees which was loud and made me feel uncomfortable. We wanted to go swimming and relax; however the pool didn’t open until 1:00 PM and when we did get to the pool area, it was dark and not relaxing at all. We were told the breakfast buffet was from 7:00 to 10:00, but at 8:30AM a cold breakfast of hard cooked eggs with warm yogurt and vegetables was delivered to our door. Don’t bother putting out the Do Not Disturb sign because the ignored the sign. Also there was no seasoning on the food and no salt/pepper was brought either. You would think someone would ask why we were checking out two days early, but no no one even noticed we were checking out early. This was not a good experience at all.

Well, a little bit divided experience. I chose this hotel because it was one of closest to the airport, and it had free airport shuttle. Later I found out, that the free airport shuttle is for arrival only, but it's ok, especially when the driver was on of most effecive taxi drivers ever. Outside looked promising, Saturday evening, and barbecue on patio. The reception was ok, and the Lady begind desk one of loveliest I have met. Check in was done with professionality, but with personal attitude. Then I got in the room, which was ok, although little worn out, as whole hotel looked to be. Magnetic door lock and missing (someone broke it before my visit) security chain created slightly uncomfort feeling about the general safety.. The restaurant and lounge looked to be very lively, unfortunately I had an early flight.. No experience about the breakfast, because of early flight again. So, ok place for one night, but I would not spend my holiday here. A party weekend maybe :D. And the bed was hard.

We felt almost robbed by the hotel on two occasions, leaving a bad taste. The more I think about it the more I felt we were part of a scam. We asked the hotel to order us a taxi. When it arrived we were told the price and confirmed it on the drivers phone with the email from the hotel listing the price (5000). When we returned the driver requested more (14000). No one at the hotel would help us or stand up for us. All five at reception just stood there watching this man shout at us threatening to call the police. I said he should. I didn't want to go to jail so Infront of all the staff handed over the cash. The driver then shook all there hands (they were clearly friends) and walked off. Afterwards the receptionist said "yea you paid too much". The second occasion was the hotels laundry service. Three pairs of socks, a Tshirt and a pair of boxers cost £12/€14/$15.