I stayed at the Grand Hotel in downtown Dayton, Ohio while at a business conference from 10/10/2011 to 10/12/2011. The Grand came into existance 4 months ago when Hilton gave up the ghost with the Double Tree and sold the hotel.
Not many things can change in four months so overall the amenities where there. Rooms comfortable, bathrooms not huge, this has been many hotels in its lifetime just under different chains. Looking at the lobby, you could see the old bones, a mezzanine, lower level conference rooms, upper level conference rooms and restaurant attached called the Polo Room.
There were some tired aspects of the hotel, hallway carpet showed its wear but everything was clean and spotless. Overall the hotel was very quiet but considering downtown Dayton has been a ghost town for over a decade, I am from the area, that was no surprise. I did not use the fitness center, sauna and swimming pool but a talked to someone who did and they said it was nice. More spreadout than the normal Hilton and you could exercise without hitting a wall.
I ate breakfast there and for $6, I had eggs, hashbrowns, bacon, rolls, coffee, juice. The hot food was served and others were continental style.
During the conference the hotel served lunch, which was included with conference. The food was very good and not typical conference food. We also had continental breakfast and a reception with snacks provided. The snacks ranged from spring rolls, stuffed tomatoes, meatballs, chicken livers wrapped in bacon etc
The only thing a little scary was the Parking Garage. The parking was free but I am not certain if all who parked there were guests since there was no control who parked there. The parking had been valet but was no longer and area overall tended to be a little dark when you parked at higher levels 7 to 9. The only way up or down was really the driveways going up or down.
Cost, I booked on Hotwire so cost was very competitive.
Overall I would stay there even with a famiy. The value was there, staff excellent and room very comfortable. Only caveat, downtown Dayton has nothing going for it and you will have to get in your car if you want to do anything.
