Grand Hotel Swanage

Hotels
8.2 (1233 reviews)
Burlington Road , Swanage , gb

Free
Children allowed

Facilities

Fitness facilities
WiFi available
Free WiFi
Parking
Free Parking
Non-smoking rooms
Fitness center
24-hour front desk
Restaurant
Heating
See all facilities

Review Highlights

Pros:
Friendly staff
Great views
Spotlessly clean rooms
Excellent food
Cons:
Small pool
Older amenities in some areas
Odor from smoke at night

Categories

Cleanliness
8.28
Rooms were spotlessly clean during the stay.
Service
8.75
Staff were very friendly, helpful, and efficient.
Location
8.79
Great location with amazing views from the hotel.
Room Quality
7.74
Comfortable rooms with good facilities, though some aspects are a bit dated.
Amenities
7.77
Good amenities overall, but some areas like the pool could be improved.
Value for Money
7.73
Overall rates are reasonable considering the services and location.
Food and Beverage
8.28
Food was excellent, especially the breakfast, with a good quality offer.
Overall Experience
8.25
A great experience overall with a relaxing atmosphere.
* This sentiment is summarized by AI based on user reviews.
Updated at: 2026-01-10 08:01

Property Description

Majestic Location and Spectacular Views
Dating back to 1898, our hotel offers a majestic location in the heart of the Isle of Purbeck, overlooking Swanage Bay and Pevril Point. Many of our rooms and public areas provide breathtaking views, making it the perfect spot to unwind with a drink while soaking in the scenery.

Delightful Garden and Beach Access
During sunny days, our delightful garden offers a tranquil escape to bask in the sun and enjoy direct access to the beach. Whether you prefer lounging with a book or taking a leisurely stroll along the shore, our garden provides the perfect setting for relaxation.

Ideal for Outdoor Enthusiasts and History Buffs
Situated in the Isle of Purbeck, our hotel caters to walkers, water-sport enthusiasts, and golfers. Additionally, history buffs will appreciate the proximity to various historical sites. Explore the diverse coastal scenery, featuring unspoiled beaches, dramatic cliffs, and hidden coves, for a memorable getaway.

Book now to experience the charm and beauty of our historic hotel in the Isle of Purbeck.

Important information:

Check-in time is from 14:00-15:00 on Sundays.
Check-out time is 11.00.

The hotel kindly requests that you settle your bill before 10:00.

All major credit and debit cards can be used, except American Express and Diners. Checks are accepted only to the value of a Bankers Card. The hotel regrets that they cannot accept personal checks over the Bankers Card limit without prior arrangement.

Please note parking is limited and the property is unable to reserve parking spaces. There is a public car park 5 minutes from the hotel, and the property will reimburse your parking fees on presentation of your car park ticket if you are unable to park within the on-site car park.
A deposit may be required at the property.

Check-in and check-out hours:
Check-out: 11:00 AM
Airport code: BOH

Location

Guest Reviews

8.2
Based on 1233 reviews
Cleanliness: 8.28
Service: 8.75
Location: 8.79
Room Quality: 7.74
Amenities: 7.77
Value for Money: 7.73
Food and Beverage: 8.28
Overall Experience: 8.25
M
Michelle solo_traveller gb
10
Romantic, relaxing, luxury hotel with breathtaking views over the sea.
Pros:

Everything.Had a spotless luxury room with balcony and stunning sea views.Staff were brilliant and very helpful as I have mobility issues. Ideal that they have a lift. Plunge pool was great for my physiotherapy and the food was excellent- fresh, good quality, and straightforward/unfussy menu at a very reasonable price and not being forced to pay for 2 courses if not needed. The garden overlooks the beach and is a lovely suntrap for a drink.A great location for a quiet, relaxing, luxury adult break.

Cons:

Absolutely nothing to dislike here, but would suggest upgrading to replace plunge pool/jacuzzi area with a bigger swimming pool instead and more accessible changing and toilet facilities (too many steps).

2026-08-29 via Nuitee
M
Michelle solo_traveller gb
10
2026-08-29 via Nuitee
C
Carrie extended_group gb
7
Great location
Pros:

The location is truly amazing- lovely garden to sit and relax overlooking the sea! Lucky to get parked in front of hotel!

Cons:

Ice cream as a dessert after eating out in town was expensive! Took some time to check in! Reception staff very friendly!

2026-08-28 via Nuitee
E
Ela couple gb
10
2026-08-26 via Nuitee
R
Richard solo_traveller gb
8
2026-08-22 via Nuitee
A
Andrew solo_traveller gb
4
So disappointed that a previously wonderful hotel has become mediocre and extremely expensive.
Pros:

The position is amazing,

Cons:

Our booked rooms were changed one day before our stay. We had booked a balcony room and were moved to a standard room which had very narrow opening windows, no tea or coffee and odd furniture.
We asked to be next door to each other if possible and were actually on different floors. Our room was so hot that we couldn’t sleep and this wasn’t in the heatwave. The temperatures were average for the time of year. The cost of the room is £250+ per night without breakfast and we expected more. This was our 4 th stay and we have loved our previous ones so we are really disappointed. We were offered breakfast as a compensation which was appreciated but didn’t make our room suitable or value for money.

2026-08-20 via Nuitee
L
Laura family_with_children gb
10
A lovely stay at a charming and beautiful hotel.
Pros:

The staff were very friendly and helpful.
The hotel is stylish and well decorated. Lovely breakfasts.

Cons:

I felt that the dining room chairs needed replacing, rather shabby.

2026-08-20 via Nuitee
T
Tom solo_traveller gb
9
Fantastic hotel and in great location.
Pros:

Staff were very friendly and welcoming.

Cons:

N/A.

2026-08-18 via Nuitee
T
Tom solo_traveller gb
8
A peaceful side of swanage with instant access to the beach from the garden
Pros:

Beautiful hotel with excellent view of swanage and the sea. Great breakfast and welcoming staff.

Cons:

No air con

2026-08-18 via Nuitee
M
Mark couple gb
8
2026-08-16 via Nuitee
M
Michelle couple gb
7
Would highly recommend to family and friends!
Pros:

Location was stunning 🤩
Balcony is a must!
S

Cons:

Loved the property, mini fridge would have been appreciated.

2026-08-15 via Nuitee
P
Peter couple gb
6
Good location but not worth the price paid
Pros:

Good location to access town and beach

Cons:

For £270 per night I was expecting more such as bottles of water in the room and toiletries big enough for two people. We stayed for 4 nights and did not find a space in the tiny car park at any time during our stay. Parking at the nearby car park as advised by reception means returning to the car park by 8 am to buy a ticket for the day. Much easier to park on the road by the car park. Also check in was extremely slow despite there only being one couple in front of us. Is it really necessary to give guests a demo of how to swipe In using a swipe card and to gather food allergies at check in? Too much information slows check in down.

2026-08-14 via Nuitee
L
Louise couple gb
8
Very nice staff beautiful vista
Pros:

View was great

Cons:

parking could be better

2026-08-13 via Nuitee
R
Richard couple au
10
2026-08-13 via Nuitee
G
Gitte couple dk
6
Pros:

Beliggenhed havet og haven

Cons:

Dårlig og meget fed morgenmad

2026-08-12 via Nuitee
B
Brendan couple gb
7
Pros:

Easy access to beach. Friendly, helpful staff

Cons:

Fan in room would have been nice! Limited headroom in our bedroom not ideal for 6 ft plus man. Parking very limited.

2026-08-11 via Nuitee
A
Alanathope solo_traveller gb
8
2026-08-10 via Nuitee
H
Heather couple gb
9
Would definitely return lovely hotel.
Pros:

Beautiful view from the restaurant. The room was nicely fitted out with nice linen and towels. Very comfortable stay.

Cons:

Nothing to report all good.

2026-08-08 via Nuitee
P
Peter couple gb
9
Pros:

Great position. Best view.

2026-08-07 via Nuitee
D
Dawn solo_traveller gb
9
Perfect views and great location
Pros:

Great location, amazing views from the sea view bedrooms, dining room, bar and gardens. Steep steps down to beautiful sandy beach. Helpful staff who tried their best.

Cons:

My mattress was a bit old and lumpy.

2026-08-07 via Nuitee