Great Trails Riverview Thanjavur by GRT Hotels

We knew that hotels were limited in the Thanjavur area so came to this one with lower expectations. We had a warm welcome with a wrist tie and cold drink whilst they checked us in (the reception staff were great). The room was a good size but beginning to show its age. Nice to have a balcony overlooking trees and the river. We had complimentary afternoon tea with a small piece of cake and went out on a trip. The evening meal could have been better in terms of service. No one welcomed us to the restaurant area and we had to approach them in order to get a table (it was not busy at all). Food was ok in a buffet style. We thought we would have a drink after dinner in the bar, it was a large room with no one else there so we took our drinks and sat outside by the restaurant. Overall its an older 3 star hotel on the outskirts of town which is the best option for the location if you want to visit the Brihadeeswara Temple.

We had a big group that arrived early.  Although the rooms were knowingly not ready yet the staff provided us with a  great welcome on the patio  and provided us with fresh juice and snacks.   The hotel was very tranquil!  It was set ***** the river and the grounds were well maintained. Many amenities were available onsite: a game room, beautiful big clean pool, afternoon tea and cookies, music entertainment in the evening.   The rooms were spacious and clean.   I loved the mini fridge and snack provided in the room at a very reasonable price.   They even had a snicker bar!!!   yum.    But to me the staff deserve an A++++ rating.   They really went above and beyond when I asked them to mail a package for me back to my home in the USA.    It is not a service they typically provide but they took it on with a smile.   Well that earned them an A++ but the extra +++ came when the package was returned to them from the USA due to an error from my post office.  They really went above and beyond to contact me after I was long gone to tell me the package was returned.  It took a lot of effort on their part to get this package mailed pack out!  I don't know how many hotel would take such great effort for do this out of pure kindness for a past guest.   Not only was the place very tanquil and peaceful and clean but the staff were amazing!!!   A+++++

Great traditonal setting. Beautiful gardens and grounds alongside the river. Dining setting is 'Point of Difference'. It's open-plan-dining with great view of river & gardens. Menu is quite varied. Enjoyed the afternoon tea and socialising with other guests.The Welcome, the Bell boys, Housekeeping and general staff were fantastic.Rooms were basic for a property of this age & tradition. Overall a great stay.

The rooms are big and the bath is spacious. Location is by the river and sunrise is beautiful. The rooms are well appointed but dated. There is one restaurant that serves good and tasty food. The staff are attentive and do their best. House keeping can surely be better. I found plenty of clumsy dry water marks all over my room and bath.I found a small fruit bowl in my room and also they serve free snacks and beverages at tea time which was generous of them. There are free local goodies at the reception for your tasting pleasure courtesy of the hotel. Price is stiff considering the age of the property

The setting ***** the river with lovely gardens is tranquil and beautiful. Rooms are large. Balcony rooms are best. Great place to unwind after a hectic schedule, yet close to many temples and sites. Gracious helpful staff. We will come again!

First hotel on trip would not recommend or return First thing, felt sorry for the driver access to hotel long narrow road and poorly maintained with very few passing points. On arrival, reception did not feel welcome. Pictures on website show this beautifully painted block of rooms. Reality was very different. Met a couple who asked whether could stay in the block as per pictures, told was full. However hardly anyone sat in restaurant that evening. Bar was closed as festival no alcohol, however could have been open for non alcoholic cocktails. Huge set of steps up to rooms (travel agents need to be aware for people with difficulties. Initially rooms looked OK but were tired. River views hmm of you stretched your neck. Food only place in 3 weeks was not impressed. Couple of days later bumped into other traveller had similar opinions. Restaurant was OK however there was veranda with river view which was not used and the floors were dirty. Indian customers were offered mosquito burners as open restaurant, afraid European visitors were not. Would I return sorry no, did not feel welcome.