Every town in Latin America has a 'Gran' Hotel. I look for them. They are located in the center of downtowns, are built big and first-class, and are invariably a generation out-of-date. Gran Hotel Santa Cruz is a prime example. (plaque in lobby: 'since 1952') This one has a nice, big atrium restaurant and does a trade in meetings. Pool area is a nice little oasis and the gym is more than adequate for most things. The Gran even has staff that appear to have been there for decades. Location is a couple blocks from the principal plaza and near everything. A new boutique hotel has opened on the plaza, but otherwise the Gran is the best choice in center of this town. Rooms are enormous with large all tile bath with tub. Only one small window though in room 610. It appeared there are several room types and possibly an annex near the pool. Hallways are dark and underlit, although area near elevators are spacious. Wifi reception spotty at times and TV channel selection not extensive. A very unfortunate painting of questionable taste hangs behind the front desk in lobby.

This hotel has seen better days, and might need some attention. Some colleagues has problems with showers in the morning, such as not having hot water or not having water at all. Staff was so-so.

As previous reviews have noted, a major decorative overhaul is looong overdue at this 70s relic. However if you want a large clean room with a good bed and decent bedding, good bathroom, wifi, TV and minibar, attentive friendly service and a central location, it's fine.

The pool is large and deep, and although the water is mysteriously opaque, it's lovely to swim in. Try to get a room with a view over the pool - you get a view across the city which isn't bad.

Breakfast has a wide selection of stuff and they'll make you eggs to your preference. Coffee is dire but I've yet to have a good one at a hotel so far in this city.

We negotiated a hefty discount off the rack rate, and at the price we paid, despite the swirly floral carpets and cracked plasterwork, we were happy.

I wanted to write a review of this hotel since I'll be going back their for another weekend soon. I was there back in Sept 2009 for 2 weekends.

The staff is great. Always courteous and always available to assist. From the point of booking to the point of checking out- I had a pleasant experience. Their location was great and the rooms are pretty large. They even had an underground garage for free where I was parking my rented truck.

I didn't try the pool or sauna since I was busy and hopefully this time I can. I believe their was a security guard which is always a good thing for a good hotel.