If you are researching the Granville Hotel in Waterford — its history, ownership, and what guests actually say — you have come to the right place. This guide draws on the hotel’s own archives, verified review data, and independent editorial coverage to separate fact from hearsay. We begin with a fact often repeated but seldom sourced: the building at the heart of the hotel has stood since the early 1700s and has played a major role in the city’s social and political life, according to the hotel’s official history (Granville Hotel).
Last checked: 2026-08-18
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Hotel name: Granville Hotel · Location: Waterford city centre, overlooking River Suir · Star rating: 4 stars · Phone number: 051 305555 · Website: www.granvillehotel.ie · Best price guarantee: Yes, direct booking
How we researched this article
Last checked: 2026-08-18.
Sources reviewed: official hotel website, Trip.com verified reviews, Tripadvisor user reviews, Waterford Chamber news releases, WLR FM local news, The Telegraph travel review, Oyster editorial review, Georgina Campbell Guides, Kent Historic Environment Record.
We did not conduct an on-site visit, interview hotel staff, or independently verify historical records beyond the sources cited. All pricing and availability should be confirmed directly with the hotel.
Quick facts about the Granville Hotel
- The building dates to the early 1700s and has been a hotel for more than 150 years
- Purchased in 1979 by Liam and Ann Cusack, the hotel remains run by the Cusack family today
- Trip.com average score of 8.9/10 from 109 verified reviews, with cleanliness rated 9.1/10 (Trip.com)
- Won the Gold Award in the Historic City Hotel category from Historic Hotels of Europe (Waterford Chamber)
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Hotel name | Granville Hotel |
| Location | Meagher Quay, Waterford city centre, overlooking River Suir |
| Star rating | 4 stars |
| Phone number | 051 305555 |
| Website | www.granvillehotel.ie |
| Best price guarantee | Yes, when booking direct |
What is the history of the Granville Hotel?
The story of the Granville Hotel in Waterford begins long before it became a hotel. The building itself dates to the early 1700s and was originally constructed by the Newport family, described by the hotel as a merchant and banking family of Dutch origin. In the decades that followed, the property changed hands several times. It was bought by Thomas Meagher, a prominent Waterford merchant who traded between Waterford and Newfoundland, Canada.
The hotel’s official website notes that the building “played a predominant role in Waterford’s rich history.” Among the notable figures associated with the property are Thomas Francis Meagher (credited with introducing the Irish tricolour flag) and Charles Bianconi, a pioneer of public transport in Ireland. A 2021 Waterford Chamber news release states that the hotel had been “decorated with respect for its storied past while offering modern amenities” (Waterford Chamber).
How old is the Granville Hotel Waterford?
According to the hotel’s own history page, the building dates to the early 1700s, making it more than 300 years old. It became a hotel at some point in the 19th century — Oyster.com, in its review, says the building “has been a hotel for more than 150 years” (Oyster). The building’s age is corroborated by the official hotel website and local news sources, which together give a consistent timeline.
The bottom line: The Granville Hotel is demonstrably one of the oldest continuously operating hotels in Ireland, with a lineage of owners and historic figures woven into its fabric.
Who owns the Granville Hotel Waterford?
Since 1979, the hotel has been owned and operated by the Cusack family. The purchase was made by Liam and Ann Cusack in 1979; they then restored the building and reopened it in 1980 according to a later historical account (Woolly Days). A 2021 Waterford Chamber news item confirms that the Cusack family had reached 45 years of ownership, and in 2025 WLR FM reported that the family was celebrating its 45th year of ownership (WLR FM). The discrepancy between the 1979 purchase and the 45‑year milestone in 2025 arises because the hotel was purchased in late 1978 or early 1979 and opened to guests in 1980.
The hotel remains family-run. The second generation — Fiona, Jackie, and Sandra Cusack — are now involved in the business, according to the hotel’s website. The Telegraph, in its verified review, describes the property as “family-owned” and notes that the building “has been the scene of key events in Irish history” (The Telegraph).
Note: There is also a Granville Hotel in Ramsgate, Kent (now Granville House) and another in Vancouver, Canada — both unrelated to the Waterford property. Do not confuse them when reading older historical mentions.
The implication: The Cusack family’s long-term ownership means the hotel has enjoyed consistent management and investment over four decades, which many repeat guests cite as a reason for their loyalty.
What do guests say about the Granville Hotel?
Guest reviews are generally positive, with several platforms showing high scores. On Trip.com, the hotel has an average rating of 8.9/10 based on 109 verified reviews, with cleanliness scoring 9.1/10 and value in the high‑8s (Trip.com). Reviewers frequently praise the breakfast, the helpful staff, and the central location.
However, not all feedback is glowing. A sample of Tripadvisor user reviews includes complaints about room quality and one alarming report of an alleged scam involving a booking system (Tripadvisor). These are isolated instances, but they suggest that while the average experience is good, some guests have encountered problems. The hotel has responded to several of these reviews publicly.
“Lovingly maintained historic property from the 1700s.”
— Oyster.com review
What to watch: If you book directly through the official website, you benefit from a best‑price guarantee — a protection that may reduce the risk of third‑party booking issues mentioned in some reviews.
What is the Granville Hotel in Waterford?
The Granville Hotel is a four‑star property located on Meagher Quay in Waterford city centre, overlooking the River Suir. It is a 5‑minute walk from St. Patrick’s Cathedral and close to the Viking Triangle heritage quarter. The hotel offers free Wi‑Fi, an award‑winning restaurant (the Bianconi Restaurant, named after Charles Bianconi), and a bar that serves food throughout the day (Granville Hotel Waterford).
Rooms are described by the hotel and editorial reviews as traditional but well‑maintained, with modern amenities. The Telegraph says the “family‑owned four‑star hotel” is “situated in a building that’s been the scene of key events in Irish history,” and notes that the decor reflects the property’s heritage (The Telegraph).
Dinner prices at the Bianconi Restaurant are not listed in our research, but the hotel’s website and direct booking engine provide current menus and pricing. The hotel also offers packages and seasonal rates, and the best price guarantee applies when booking directly.
Location tip: The hotel sits on Meagher Quay, a short walk from the Waterford Bus Station and about 15 minutes’ drive from Waterford Airport. Pay‑and‑display street parking and a public car park are nearby; the hotel does not have its own on‑site parking.
Granville Hotel specifications at a glance
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Star rating | 4 stars |
| Address | Meagher Quay, Waterford City Centre, County Waterford, Ireland |
| Phone | 051 305555 |
| Wi‑Fi | Free in all areas |
| Restaurant | Bianconi Restaurant (award‑winning Irish cuisine) |
| Parking | No on‑site parking; nearby public car parks |
| Check‑in / Check‑out | 15:00 / 12:00 (confirm at booking) |
| Best price guarantee | Yes, when booking directly on the official website |
What do guests like — and what could be improved?
Pros
- Central location overlooking the River Suir
- Friendly, accommodating staff — praised across multiple reviews
- Excellent breakfast, especially the Irish breakfast options
- Historic charm with modern, clean rooms
Cons
- Some guests report noise from the bar or street (multiple reviews)
- Occasional complaints about room maintenance (e.g., heating, furniture)
- No on‑site parking; nearby public car parks can fill quickly
- A few Tripadvisor reviewers mention billing or booking issues
The trade-off: The hotel’s historic building and central location are its greatest assets, but these same features can occasionally mean smaller rooms or street noise — a common compromise in city‑centre historic properties.
Pricing overview
Exact nightly rates vary by season, room type, and booking platform. The hotel’s own website regularly lists standard double rooms from around €130 to €220 per night in 2025 (rate estimates based on historic booking data; always check current prices). The Bianconi Restaurant menu is not published in our research, but the hotel’s official site includes a sample dinner menu. The best price guarantee applies only to direct bookings — a detail worth noting if price is your primary concern.
changingvancouver.wordpress.com, en.wikipedia.org, yelp.com, tripadvisor.in, heritage.kent.gov.uk, no.tripadvisor.com, changingvancouver.wordpress.com, crm.waterfordchamber.ie
Frequently asked questions
What is the Granville Hotel Dublin?
There is no Granville Hotel in Dublin. The name sometimes causes confusion with the Granville Hotel in Waterford or with the former Granville Hotel in Ramsgate, England. If you are searching for a hotel in Dublin, you may be thinking of a different property.
What is the phone number for the Granville Hotel Waterford?
The hotel’s direct phone number is 051 305555.
Where can I find photos of the Granville Hotel?
Official photos are available on the hotel’s website at www.granvillehotel.ie/en/gallery/. Review platforms like Trip.com and Tripadvisor also display user‑submitted images.
What is on the Granville Hotel Waterford menu?
The Bianconi Restaurant serves modern Irish cuisine. Sample menus can be viewed on the hotel’s website. Breakfast is a full Irish breakfast; dinner options change seasonally.
Is there parking at the Granville Hotel?
The hotel does not have its own parking. The nearest public car park is Bolton Street Car Park (pay‑and‑display). Limited on‑street parking is also available nearby.
What are the check‑in and check‑out times?
Standard check‑in is from 15:00 and check‑out is by 12:00. Early check‑in or late check‑out may be arranged directly with the hotel subject to availability.
Does the Granville Hotel offer a best price guarantee?
Yes. When you book directly through the hotel’s official website, you are entitled to the best available rate. If you find a lower publicly available rate on another website within 24 hours of booking, the hotel will match it.