Grand Hotel

No visible sign outside even when standing by the front door. Hard to find. No parking at all, only street parking 500 mtrs downhill if lucky, tight restrictions on all street parking in Palua. I requested a blanket and was told in Sardinia they only use one sheet. They would not even give me an additional sheet or a bedspread so I had to double the bottom sheet on top, add the 2 bath towels and sleep in my clothes. Not kidding. If you have low blood pressure, are on blood thinning meds or simply tired do not come to this hotel. No customer service.

We were really let down by our stay at Grand Hotel Palau. Despite its grand name, the experience was far from it. There is no elevator, and we had to climb 25 stairs just to reach reception, then another 22 stairs to get to our room – all while carrying our luggage. This would be extremely difficult for anyone with mobility concerns. The reception and breakfast staff were rude and unwelcoming, which set a negative tone for the entire stay. There are only a few free street parking spaces, and if they’re taken, you’re expected to pay to use the hotel’s own car park – which feels unfair and poorly managed. The hotel is also located on a steep hill, making the walk to and from the waterfront challenging for those who aren’t fit or mobile – we managed fine, but it’s definitely something to consider. Overall, a complete disappointment. The hotel doesn’t live up to its name, and with so many better options in Sardinia, I wouldn’t return or recommend it.

Very disappointing.
Up a steep hill from the main road with no access for our tour coach, then more than 40 steps to our room (no lift). A request for assistance to get our luggage up the spiral wooden staircase (no handrails) was refused. The room looked out onto an unkempt bank with litter. The floor in the bathroom was very slippery and there is a small step which blends into the flooring and so is hazardous. The bar remained closed throughout our visit and meals other than breakfast are not available. No tea or coffee making facilties. Earlier comments about the disgraceful bags of domestic waste in the street nearby are still true - although this is not the fault of the hotel, any self-respecting hotelier with an interest in attracting repeat custom would get something done about it!
On the positive side the air-conditioning was excellent. The front terrace has a beautiful view across the bay to Maddalena Island and the buffet breakfast was good. Top marks to the staff who organised an early breakfast for our departure despite the male receptionist's assurance that it couldn't be done.

This hotel is up a steep road but has good waterside views from its front. I took ages to be checked in. I had to carry my suitcase up 18 or sovstone steps to receptoon, and then up an uneven spiral staircase of local wood to the room. Part of the staircase lacked a handrail. No doubt the owners love it but a lift would have been far more practical. The hotel lacks a pool, unlike the Palau Hotel that the tour organiser had said we were booked in. I avoid group tours but had no option if I wanted to travel on Sardinian trains as independent travel is impossible on some line sections due to trains only being available for special runs. Aircon, WiFi, the shower and hot water were all very good. The hotel had booked our coach driver to share my room. Not acceptable! I had this sorted. The breakfast was fine. Linen was OK. No tea, coffee or kettle in the room. A bidet was in the bathroom along with shampoo. The lack of a pool and the ill-advised spiral staircase downgrade this to 2.5 stars. Not 3 or 4. The hotel is building a few more rooms. A pool ought have been the priority. The staff's English was poor to fair. Amazing in a locality that relies so heavily upon tourism.

Unfortunately, this hotel is NOT CLEAN. We had BED BUGS in the room and had to leave prematurely. I got a severe allergic reaction and had to go to the emergency room as my whole body was swelling up & I had difficulty breathing. This is definitely a HEALTH RISK and I do not recommend booking here unless they fix it. We had to rearrange the rest of our vacation because of this incident. What a pity because this was our first hotel in Sardinia and it had a lovely view.