Portarlington Grand Hotel

This 3 star review is an average for many visits over the past year - some of which have been very good, but today was a real let-down and a reason to question a return visit. The menu is varied enough for everyone and the food is fresh and well presented, generous serves and good value. We have visited on major event dates (Mothers or Fathers Days) and always been well served and in quick order despite the numbers. However, occasionally the kitchen lets the experience down by slow delivery or inexplicable mix-ups in the order of dishes (eg a main course delivered early with an entree). Today was a sad reflection of what should be a great pub dining experience. The dining room was only half full when we arrived for the first sitting just after 12pm. Entrees took over 30 minutes to arrive. After our entree plates had been cleared, our very efficient and professional waiter Eddy kindly advised that there was a delay in delivering main dishes and we would have to wait 35 minutes. As we were on a short timeframe, we asked him to confirm that. He returned from the kitchen stating the delay might be 20 minutes as he had been told. After 25 minutes waiting, we inquired again - another 10 minutes at least as we were behind a larger table (just 2 of us). So we cancelled our order and left - hungry, disappointed and annoyed. If you have an issue with a new cook, then let diners know when they arrive so we can decide if we have time to wait. Free comp drinks don’t solve it.

We chose this place with friends solely for the promise of a great steak, as I was craving one badly. The ambiance was fantastic, but unfortunately, the service left much to be desired. Despite ordering a simple porterhouse cooked medium, it arrived well done, not just once but TWICE. The wait time for to get it right was lengthy, leaving me hungry and disappointed while my friends are eating. To add to the letdown, the salad was stale and lacked dressing entirely. As a chef myself, I was baffled by how THREE chefs in the kitchen couldn't get a simple steak right. I made an effort to remain composed, but the poor customer service from waitress Leeza, lacking in empathy, was hard to overlook. I appreciated Clare's apology, but it couldn't make up for the overall disappointment. Sadly, I won't be returning and can't recommend this place to others.

the verandah proved a great spot to sit and watch the world go by, on a lovely sunny winters day enjoying a couple of drinks and ordering lunch. friendly staff my only complaint was being told the kitchen was closing at 1pm not 2. and having to insist i wanted something to eat, as i had been sitting having a couple of drinks at their establishment. no reason was given as to the early closure, however i feel the kitchen may have been unexpectedly over run on such a lovely day

Ate here tonight in the Atrium. Absolutely beautiful meal, service was 5 star and the place is great. Clean and full of atmosphere. Staff couldn’t do enough for you. Beautiful meal. Definitely recommend and we will be back. Lucky to be local. Great prices.

We have just had lunch today and the food and staff were all amazing. Special thanks to Leeanne who was our waitress and spoilt us rotten and was incredible. Food came out all at once which was fantastic seeing it was so busy and we had a large group. Highly recommend and looking forward to going again.

Stayed in the hotel in a balcony room it was absolutely beautiful. From the moment I arrived I was made so welcome by the friendly staff Miki and here team . The rooms are so well equipped everything I needed . Sitting on the balcony looking over the ocean was a wonderful experience. Can’t wait to return .

We had a Saturday night dinner in dining room. It’s was great to see the place busy on a winter night. We were booked for 8.30 and were disappointed to find that the famous Portarlington mussels were sold out. After finding an alternative we finished dinner and, looking for appears to sharing a dessert, asked if we could order. We were told the kitchen had closed so we were unable to order anything else. We had a very attentive server so we were a bit disappointed overall that we hadn’t been warned the kitchen was closing. We were staying in the accomodation at the hotel and, I’m not sure I’d eat at the pub next time…..

After seeing a travel show highlighting this hotel while living in China, we took the opportunity to go for a meal on a visit home. The welcome was lack luster, we were not permitted to go inside as it was “closed” and we were mustered to a glorified side shed with a trendy industrial roof. This made us feel we were interrupting them. The food was expensive and the picnic chairs cold. Not a good look for our 87yo+ parents. I would waste my time or money again

The refurbished hotel is a great place to visit. We arrived a few minutes early for our online booking, and Paul made a table available without a fuss. Laura looked after us, with a fantastic knowledge of the menu & drinks. We will definitely return for another great experience. Well done The Grand.