4/10 Fair
Oct 3, 2025
Overpriced and Nowhere Near Five-Star ⭐⭐☆☆☆
Grand Sultan is a large hotel that feels stuck in the 80s or 90s. While they’ve tried a cheap makeover, it falls far short of five-star standards. The property is overpriced for what it offers.
The dinner buffet is a prime example—at USD 30 per person, it’s beyond overpriced, and unsurprisingly the dining room was nearly empty. The food itself was over-spiced and overcooked.
Cleanliness is another concern. I found a hair in my bathtub (see photo). When I raised this with the hotel, staff brushed it off as no big deal—clearly this wasn’t the first time. Overall cleanliness was just “meh.”
Check-out is also unpleasant, as they require you to do it well in advance so staff can inspect the room, treating guests as though they might be stealing towels.
Unfortunately, there is no other option in the area, so guests end up staying here despite the shortcomings. The hotel may look big and flashy, but in reality, it is outdated, overpriced, and poorly managed. Definitely not a true five-star experience.
Janice
Janice, 2-night trip
