Name: Grand Hotel Swanage
Address: Burlington Road, Swanage, England, United Kingdom, Swanage, Dorset, GB
Price range: $161–$296 per night
Rating: 8.13

What guests think

Grand Hotel Swanage delivers sweeping bay views and easy beach access, with many guests praising friendly staff, comfortable refurbished rooms, and relaxing leisure facilities, though on site parking is frequently limited and occasional refurbishment works are visible.

Food is often well cooked and enjoyed, but menus can feel limited, vegetarian choices are thin, breakfast quality is inconsistent, and bar drinks are noted as expensive. Some areas feel dated, with reports of maintenance issues like cloudy windows, and housekeeping is by request, leading a few guests to find rooms unserviced during multi-night stays. Expect a traditional seaside stay with standout views and straightforward access to Swanage.

Facilities

Cleanliness

Rooms

Service

Location

Dining

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Facilities

Gardens, terraces and steps down to the beach are a highlight. Guests appreciate the spa, pool, sauna and gym, but parking is limited, the lift may be unavailable, and occasional scaffolding or maintenance work is noted.

Related guest reviews

10

Jason

Aug 25, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Really enjoyed our stay here. Beautiful setting overlooking Swanage. Lovely gardens. Spa was a real treat. As with everthing not cheap, the drinks could have been priced more competitively, but most hotels have high bar prices for some reason?

10

Jackalyn

Jun 3, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

A wonderful location for staring at the sea and watching the sunset. Great access to the beach down a large number of steps from the gardens - those with mobility problems can always be driven down to the flat sea front. Excellent dinner with a view of the local yacht club sea race.

10

David

Dec 31, 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

There was not a tremendous amount of parking available but the room and onsite facilities were terrific.

8

Nigel

Aug 15, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Location is beautiful and the hotel food is good. Prices are not outrageous. Access to the beach is simple . There's a gym, pool and sauna which are free for hotel guests. Staff are friendly and helpful but not always easy to find.

8

David

Sep 4, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Lift not working to any floor. My wife is disabled and struggled with stairs. No dinner available on first night due to a wedding booking. Hard to find staff to help. Overall very dissatisfied

10

Mark

Apr 14, 2025

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Stayed 3 nights

We had a wonderful 3 day stay at the Grand. We booked the lowest cost room which was compact but comfortable. We had a great view over the sea. Staff were helpful and food was great. We enjoyed the sauna and hot tub, and its possible to walk to the beach for a plunge. Its a pleasant 10 minute walk to the town centre.

10

Susan

Apr 20, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

We found the staff outstanding at this historic property with a breathtaking water view! The hot tub and sauna were a welcome treat after a day of hiking. Parking was not a problem but there is limited space in the parking lot. The neighborhood was quiet for a relaxing break, with the town centre close at hand if you want to stroll along the waterfront.

10

Jenny

Jun 5, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

We were upgraded when we arrived to a Seaview room. The room was a nice size, very clean with a wonderful view. Having steps straight onto a beautiful beach was amazing. The hotel staff very friendly and informative. We enjoyed using the Spa facilities. The only slight issue was there is very little parking however there is road side parking and if you do have to paid to park they do reimburse you.

8

Penny

May 5, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Lovely staff, very clean room, delightful sea view from dinning room and gardens. Only issue very limited parking and currently scaffold and building work on adjoining wing. We would use The Grand again.

10

Steve

May 16, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Room was clean tidy and fresh some refurbishment going on outside of building and in other parts of buildings. Staff helpful booking in was easy, parking limited at hotel

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Cleanliness

Rooms are generally clean and refreshed in many areas, but some communal spaces look tired with maintenance issues. Housekeeping is by request, and a few guests reported rooms not being serviced during their stay.

Related guest reviews

10

Ian

May 26, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Nice Clean spacious room.

10

Petula

Mar 5, 2025

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Stayed 1 night

I had a sea view, but the windows were cloudy. I don’t know if it was in between the two pains or if you need new windows I understand this is expensive and it could be pretty quiet at the moment. But it spoilt the view a bit had fo find a clear bit or clean bit of glass. Staff were very friendly and helpful, so overall I give it excellent

8

Rhonda

Jan 6, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Evening meal very good except being charged over £2 for a bread roll. Room (103) generally good but towel rail did not work, lack of power sockets and a damp smell in bathroom. Bed very comfortable and room very quiet. Room service at £3 was good value and arrived on time and nice and warm.

10

Paula

Aug 19, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Lovely hotel with good sized family room. Very clean and modern room. Convenient for the beach and short walk into Swanage town centre.

8

michael

Jul 19, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

The hotel sits up above Swanage bay with a beautiful view out to sea. We had a room with a balcony. The room was quite small, but on arrival very clean. There was no fridge or worrying no safe. We stayed for two days at a cost of £536. Yes a little steep but i was expecting great things. On our return we found our room in the same state as we left it. Bed not made dirty cups and toiletries not replaced. On questioning this at the reception, we were told that you have to request your room to be cleaned. I have never heard of such a thing. Apparently we should have been informed of this on arrival, which we were not as there is no way i would have refused it. On the whole a very disappointing stay,certainly not what we expected. I have stayed in many hotels mainly abroad but have never experienced this policy.

8

Paul

Apr 6, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Good clean hotel

6

Kim

Apr 22, 2024

·

Stayed 3 nights

Fantastic location Room not serviced over our 3 night stay Main menu same as Sept 23 Breakfast buffet very 'tired'.cooked b/fast ok

6

Duska

Feb 21, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

We really liked newly refurbished room with the balcony and sea view. The communal areas and outside areas are in need of major refurb. A bit dissapointed with breakfast. Room was freezing and the set up of tables felt canteenish rather than Grand hotel like. Love Swanage and hotel was conveniently close to walk to .

6

Melissa

Aug 29, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

The overall stay was pleasant. The staff were friendly and the area is beautiful. Unfortunately the hotel itself could do with some work. For example, the paintwork.on the hotel is peeling off, our television didnt work in the room and they had no one at 8pm to fix it. Also the breakfast is not included and overcharged at £15 a head, including for my kids who only ate cereal.

10

Damon

Nov 20, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Nice size, clean, modern room. Staff were lovely and a good breakfast. Many thanks to all.

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Rooms

Many rooms are refurbished, comfortable and offer superb sea views, though some are small. A few note dated elements or missing features such as cloudy double glazing, old TVs, no air conditioning, or a lack of fridge or safe.

Related guest reviews

10

Petula

Mar 5, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

I had a sea view, but the windows were cloudy. I don’t know if it was in between the two pains or if you need new windows I understand this is expensive and it could be pretty quiet at the moment. But it spoilt the view a bit had fo find a clear bit or clean bit of glass. Staff were very friendly and helpful, so overall I give it excellent

4

Monica

May 31, 2024

·

Stayed 3 nights

The beds were uncomfortable, carpets were stained and very old, the whole place is very dated, the spa is not a spa. The pool is very small. We got a room at the back, constant noise from the fans or whatever was making that noise. Very expressive for the experience, we won’t be returning.

8

Philip

Sep 5, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Spacious comfortable room with a wonderful sea view. Big shower room. Disappointing breakfast selection, maybe cost-cutting. Some restaurant staff good, some need more training. Nightmare parking. Unable to leave car park due to another guest parking inches from my driver’s door.

10

Paula

Aug 19, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Lovely hotel with good sized family room. Very clean and modern room. Convenient for the beach and short walk into Swanage town centre.

6

James

Jul 23, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

The view is fantastic, the best in Swanage. Everything else is average or poor. Grand is a misnomer for a faded 3-star hotel. The restaurant was limited and dining was last orders at 7:45pm. The parking was inadequate for guests, so we had to walk to public parking. The room was okay. Modern, but cheaply furnished. TV old fashioned. Breakfast had few continental options. No cold cuts. Staff friendly enough, but rarely seen. Can’t really recommend the place, apart from the wonderful view.

10

Anupama

May 8, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Just back from a 2 night stay over the bank Holiday in superior sea view room. Views were simply outstanding. Room was large and recently refurbished with a good shower and a big bed. Lots of power sockets. Fresh clean blackout curtains. We walked down the beach to the Cabin for Pimms and snacks. Cabin is also owned by the hotel. Further down on the left is another cafe called Down the Beach which does breakfasts and drinks on the morning. We didnt use the plunge pool as much - retreated as it was full and noisy. tiny kids were using the Jacuzzi unsupervised. Gymn well equipped. Overall a good stay and we will certainly be back

10

Harry

May 30, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Really nice hotel with great views, clearly had a recent makeover too.

10

Vicky

Aug 18, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

A very traditional hotel, with amazing views of the bay. Food options limited for vegetarians and vegans, but good breakfast menu. The hotel furnishings show some signs of wear, but its position with garden and steps down to the beach outweigh that. The afternoon tea looked great.

10

Jessica

May 6, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

We stayed in a superior seaview double room which was on the 3rd floor. Take note there is no lift at the hotel. The room was spacious and comfortably fitted. The view was amazing over Swanage. The staff were very helpful and friendly.

8

Philip

Aug 23, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Large guest room. No air-conditioning. No refrigerator. Insufficient parking space.

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Service

Feedback consistently highlights friendly, helpful staff and attentive service. Some guests experienced slow bar or restaurant service, staffing gaps, or occasional check-in and communication issues.

Related guest reviews

6

Judith

Sep 29, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Hotel dated. Service OK, but there seemed too few staff at times.

10

paul

Aug 19, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Excellent stay at the Grand Hotel.Views from room were beautiful and food was superb.Staff were very friendly and helpful.Would definitely stay again.Thank you

6

Philip

Feb 6, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

The room had a stunning view and was comfortable, however having to duck to walk around the bed was a bit of a pain. The food was nice however service at the bar and in the restaurant was fairly slow. The bar surface was sticky.

10

Michael

Aug 9, 2025

·

Stayed 4 nights

The service from the staff was exceptional. Fantastic view over the sea and Swanage. Delightful Victorian hotel.

6

Susan

Jul 22, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Hotel is very well positioned, overlooking the bay at Swanage and the quiet end of the town. It has been well refurbished so the bedroom was clean and comfortable and the bathroom modern and functional. We were given a card key to let us in after reception closed, but ours didn't work we were lucky other guests were in the bar and got help. The car parking is difficult so prepare to leave your car on the road. The restaurant wasn't open Saturday night but no one advised us to book for Sunday night and it was full! Very disappointing as to walk to town is 20 minutes away. The guy behind the bar was the most unfriendly person i can recall in a customer service role. The lady receptionist was friendly.

8

Michael

Dec 2, 2022

·

Attractive old hotel with wonderful sea-facing garden. Pleasant room. Now for the criticism: when I booked my room on Expedia, it said "sea view." When I arrived, the front desk man said no, the room had no sea view. He implied that visitors who booked on Expedia should not expect a sea view! I found this unsatisfactory, to say the least. I suggest travelers email the hotel when making a booking, to get their confirmation, in writing, that they will provide room with a sea view, if that is what was represented via Expedia. Also: the restaurant was very thinly staffed and not serving dinner, as I recall.

10

Lindsey

Apr 26, 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

This hotel has such a special location overlooking the beautiful bay at Swanage. It is a small enough hotel to feel warm and personal too. The staff are lovely.

8

Angela

Aug 14, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

An excellent hotel, great facilities with fantastic view across the bay of Swanage. Car parking not easy and rather lengthy service for evening meal. Staff were delightful.

10

Susan

Jun 7, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Fantastic location with sea views. The hotel is quite old and the bedroom could do with a bit of updating. However the public areas were lovely and the staff were outstanding. We would definitely go again.

10

Colin

Aug 16, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

A fantastic family beak at The Grand Hotel. I would highly recommend this hotel the views are amazing, staff are fantastic extremely helpful. Sam was amazing couldn’t have been more helpful.

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Location

Scenic position overlooking Swanage Bay with direct access to the beach and an easy walk into town. Many guests highlight the quiet setting and outstanding sea views.

Related guest reviews

10

Magnus

Aug 1, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Great position, stunning views

10

Heidie

May 20, 2025

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Stayed 2 nights

We loved our stay in the hotel. Close to many walks and the beach is so superb.

8

Joe

May 23, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Great location next to the beach, lovely to be able to hear the waves as you fell asleep. Good facilities and outdoor area. Easy walk along the seafront into the centre of swanage.

10

Simon

Aug 10, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Excellent location adjacent to the beach, beautiful views, good service, fair price

8

Emy

May 23, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Amazing view over the sea. The swimming pool didn't open until 10am :( Average breakfast :( Location wonderful and you can walk to the beach in wo minutes :)

10

Sarah

Jul 24, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Wonderful hotel with amazing views of the sea.

8

Ian

Oct 23, 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

Steps down onto beach and walk along to town centre

10

Kim

Jul 9, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Terrific location by the sea with walkable access to beach. Beautiful garden. Convenient bar/restaurant. Very comfortable room and friendly staff.

10

Susan

Jun 7, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Fantastic location with sea views. The hotel is quite old and the bedroom could do with a bit of updating. However the public areas were lovely and the staff were outstanding. We would definitely go again.

10

Carolina

Jun 27, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

We booked the budget rooms which were surprisingly spacious. The conservatory has lovely views of the water and it’s very easy to walk to the sea. We would return.

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Dining

Food is often well cooked and enjoyed, but menus can feel limited and vegetarian choices are thin. Breakfast quality is inconsistent and sometimes seen as pricey, while bar drinks are noted as expensive.

Related guest reviews

8

David

Oct 2, 2025

·

Stayed 4 nights

Somewhat old fashioned with some charm.Not much varience with dinner,no specials on half the evenings.Breakfast all one price even for continental!Scrambled egg made ahead of time and not acceptable.Staff were consistently helpful and friendly but little outside information available.

8

Mary

Sep 22, 2023

·

Stayed 3 nights

Hotel has old world style with modern comforts. Food at dinner was excellent. We took ours on the terrace overlooking the bay The storm was pretty dramatic. Staff are very friendly and efficient. Room also overlooking the bay was very clean and comfortable. Breakfast could be improved. Quality of cooked breakfast was poor. Otherwise, highly recommend and would go back. Hope to do so!

8

alan

Apr 27, 2024

·

Stayed 3 nights

Amazing views and great staff Breakfast service needs improving Evening meals were excellent Cafe next to hotel by beach made a great breakfast alternative and much cheaper!

10

Vicky

Aug 18, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

A very traditional hotel, with amazing views of the bay. Food options limited for vegetarians and vegans, but good breakfast menu. The hotel furnishings show some signs of wear, but its position with garden and steps down to the beach outweigh that. The afternoon tea looked great.

8

Michael

Mar 10, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Friendly and informative reception. My comfortable sea view room had an excellent sea view and view of Swanage. Very good shower. I had time for a splash around in the pleasant little spa pool. Very good dinner with interesting choices. Not cheap, but very good quality, so still good value. good breakfast in the morning. I'd happily stay again another time.

10

Duncan

Feb 16, 2025

·

Stayed 4 nights

Good walking distance from town and good gym and swimming but not good vegetarian choice but good value overall thanks bye Duncan Hendry .

10

Alison

Jun 4, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Great location and helpful staff. Very relaxing. The evening menu is rather limited for longer stays but food was well cooked.

8

Nigel

May 1, 2025

·

Stayed 4 nights

If you stay for more than a couple days then the menu was very limited

8

Penny

Jun 13, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Lovely hotel with fantastic views of coastline. Room very comfortable. Food excellent. Could walk into Swanage or beach.

8

julie

May 1, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Good location, helpful staff. Drinks very pricey though.

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Month	Average price
January	$134
February	$149
March	$172
April	$152
May	$179
June	$208
July	$246
August	$234
September	$181
October	$145
November	$135
December	$137

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
		1	2	3	4	5 $264
6 $199	7 $219	8 $279	9 $279	10 $271	11	12
13 $294	14 $262	15 $270	16 $259	17 $230	18	19
20 $205	21 $199	22 $296	23 $296	24 $218	25	26
27 $189	28 $184	29 $240	30 $179

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
				1 $228	2	3
4 $260	5 $190	6 $195	7 $216	8 $193	9	10
11 $184	12 $206	13 $220	14 $180	15 $185	16	17
18 $164	19 $161	20 $172	21 $227	22 $195	23	24
25 $180	26 $178	27 $228	28 $206	29 $202	30	31

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Monthly average prices

About this property

Location

Guest reviews

Very good

Who stays here?

What guests think

Property Policies

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Good to know

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