With engaging & obliging staff, fabulous food and a spectacular pool, the Gran has the basis to be a wonderful hotel...especially when you add a quiet residential location, beautiful grounds, and comfy patios and balconies. Other service was also great: they found an archaeological guide (Maritza) for us who was one of the best we've ever had. The Gran does have the potential to be the "heaven" described in a 2009 review (of a 2008 stay.)
I wonder if the problems we ran into were due to timing: they were just gearing up for their season--lots of painting, planting, scrubbing & repairs going on. But, regardless, we found the bathroom tired, the towels & bathrobes obviously well- washed but grey and rough, and we had a problem with the plumbing that they were unable to resolve during our stay: filling the tub brought in silt with the water.
I would, however, give them the benefit of the doubt, and if we return to Trujillo we would try the Gran again..mainly because of the positives but also because we found downtown Trujillo noisy and fine to visit but not a relaxing place to stay.
- Gran Hotel El
