A couple who visited a much-complained about Yorkshire hotel which has been labelled a “complete dump” have revealed they were pleasantly surprised by a New Year’s Eve stay.
The Grand Hotel Scarborough has received a slew of negative reviews in recent years, including from customers who claimed they were unable to stay the night due to their room being “dirty” and lacking a working door.
However, a couple have told how they had "the best time ever" there, following the hotel's recent refurbishment.
Katie Fox, 33, and Tony Rewcastle, 36, visited The Grand on New Year's Eve after spotting there were rooms available for just £39.
The pair did not have high expectations after being left unimpressed by a visit during the summer, Katie told Yorkshire Live.
But they ended up having a great time, despite only visiting "as a joke", according to the holidaymaker.
"We noticed straight away that they had refurbished," said Katie, who then quipped: "They'd got a new carpet. It didn't smell like an old person's home anymore."
And the pair stayed in a new, refurbished room, which Katie thought "was a lot better than it was before."
She admitted she was surprised to find they had "the best time ever".
The couple celebrated the evening with a stroll along the beach, where they stopped for fish and chips, before heading back to the hotel to join in the festivities with the other guests.
And the fun didn't stop there. The pair then took to the hotel's balcony where they had "a perfect bird's-eye view" of the two firework displays which were set off on the beach.
"It was absolutely gorgeous," said Katie.
She added: "And there was a good atmosphere in the lobby. People were having fun; they had music on, and there were kids running around with streamers and confetti."
Katie also praised the "nice little touches" made by staff: "They'd put a little chocolate bar in our room, all the hot drinks were in a bag sterilised, there was a little note saying happy new year, and they did free haggis at midnight."
She concluded by recommending the hotel to anyone looking for a romantic New Year's Eve, or just hoping to visit Scarborough.
Katie said: "My opinion of The Grand is they are doing things to change, and we genuinely enjoyed it.
"It is our go-to place now if we go back to Scarborough."
Previously, the hotel has responded to online critics leaving negative reviews.
In response to one complaint, a spokesperson for the hotel said they were "truly sorry" adding: "We hope you raised the concerns at the time giving us the opportunity to get it resolved during your stay."
