Grand Hotel Thursday Island

A fantastic hotel. Such a handy location and the pub meals were so big and service was great. So nice sitting outside on the verandah watching the world go by. The breakfast was fantastic. Everything was so clean. Rooms were a generous size with plenty of towels.

The original Grand burned down in 1996 and the new (current) place built in toe 2000s: a much more stylish and up-to-date place. My room (14) had excellent ocean views to the east and got full morning sun once the blackout curtains were drawn. The windows opened for fresh air, but there were also a ceiling fan and an A/C cooler. The room was nicely furnished - Queen-sized bed, wardrobe, desk, bar fridge, desk chairs, arm chair etc, and the bathroom had a super shower - plenty of hot and warm water (no really cold water in TI!). Meals in the bistro were huge and of good quality, and the complimentary breakfasts were once again, huge with scrambled eggs, mushrooms, sausages, tomatoes, baked beans etc, as well as fresh cut fruit, juices, coffees, toast. The room was about AU$260.00 per night, which is steep, but about average for all rooms on TI. The Grand is a short wealk from the jetty where the Horn Island ferry pulls in.

Lovely staff and a good view from the bar but do not stay in the budget rooms. Budget means a stand alone room literally in the car park with a terrible smell, no opening window, a saggy mattress and the sound of the hotel’s air conditioner compressors running all night long. A hostel would be way better value.

Don’t eat here, they lost our order after 45 mins then had trouble when we requested a refund , the chef was arrogant didn’t care, we weren’t the only ones, other people were complaining behind us…..

The Grand Hotel on Thursday Island is located in an imposing situation overlooking the waterfront and a short walk to the wharf and ferry area. Staff were excellent and helpful and out room large, clean, and very comfortable. The air conditioning worked a treat and the bed and pillow were very comfortable. The WiFi worked well. There were nice views from our room looking out over the waterfront and sea. The restaurant offered excellent meals and drinks were well priced. The town itself is only a few minutes walk and there is an excellent coffee shop in the town centre opposite the waterfront. A pleasant stay for a night.