I would vote for the grandee...although i have owned one for 4 months and love it. I agree with others..buy the biggest and best you can afford because you won't be buying another one any time soon. I find the Grandee to be fine for friends and a few kids, and is plenty cozy for two. I think you will appreciate the space. I also am not a fan of loungers and prefered the extra seating over a lounger. From reading posts here, most people who bought a lounger state they would omit it on second spa (and, as folks have said, you won't buy anotheer spa any time soon).
Re: price, I am sure the grandee will be more, but I can bet you can find a few '05 models that a dealer would want to unload at a decent rate.
Try to wet test either and see what you think. The grandee is a deep tub (I am 6'3, wife 5'10) so we like being able to have more skin below the water as opposed to above. Water level can somewhat be lowered and you will find this makes a difference as to whether you float or not. My shorter friends have only complained right after I changed the water and added too much. Otherwise, folks of all sizes seem to fit in the tub. Finally, the open seating is nice as it allows you to float around and try various seats allowing different jets to hit you in different areas. It is best for having guests as the lounger takes up what is the equivalent of two seats.
We have been very happy with our grandee and have no problem recommending it. When you get close to sealing any deal, don't forget to work in items like an ozonator, steps, delivery with set up, free chems. We also were able to pit one dealer against another (dealers who read this close your eyes). Our closest dealer wouldn't budge on price, but another dealer (40 miles away) was willing to work with me. I ended up with a fair price and could choose a dealer that I felt took care of me better.
Of course, both tubs will bring to the table the Hot Springs quality and reputation. Each brand has its own pros and cons, but I rarely read a HS buyer post that was unhappy with their decision.
Good luck!