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
A
Amanda • couple • gb
9
A very comfortable, relaxed and calm hotel with stunning views
Pros:

There was a good choice of continental breakfast - we didn’t have anything cooked

Cons:

We thought the breakfast charge could have been included in the price of the room

2026-09-18 • via Nuitee
J
Julia • couple • gb
7
Great location. Over priced. No parking.
Pros:

Great location. Views amazing from rooms.

Cons:

Beds uncomfortable. Room very expensive considering no breakfast included. Parking for hotel very limited and hard to find a space on the road.

2026-09-15 • via Nuitee
D
Debbie • couple • gb
6
2026-09-14 • via Nuitee
M
mike • solo_traveller • gb
8
Pros:

Very good and helpful the position is fabulous

2026-09-09 • via Nuitee
S
Sharon • family_with_children • gb
10
2026-09-07 • via Nuitee
A
Adrian • solo_traveller • gb
8
Very pleasant with very nice food.
Pros:

Close to the town with lovely views out to sea.

Cons:

Parking spaces were very limited.

2026-09-06 • via Nuitee
F
Fk • solo_traveller • gb
8
Great hotel with beautiful location
Pros:

Great location, beautiful views, good facilties, good food, decent breakfast.

Cons:

Initial incorrect room issued with no sea view, they then changed it upon request and upgraded it too, with no extra charge. No masseuse available initially at spa, then made available upon request for the following morning. No dedicated beach area for hotel or sunbeds. Quite expensive for one night.

2026-09-06 • via Nuitee
M
mike • solo_traveller • gb
8
Pros:

Very friendly staff food very good fantastic position

Cons:

Food positioning

2026-09-04 • via Nuitee
J
Jane • solo_traveller • gb
8
Perfect stay in a traditional hotel
Pros:

Helpful staff. Good location. Lovely view from the restaurant and the food is good.

Cons:

Although nicely refurbished my room had an issue that needed repair. This was quickly resolved by changing rooms, which was appreciated.

2026-09-04 • via Nuitee
A
Alexander • couple • gb
8
The staff at The Grand are as exceptional as the view. They made our stay lovely.
Pros:

The views and the staff. Lovely breakfast served by wonderful staff.

Cons:

My single room - bathroom was lovely but the room needs some attention. The net curtain.

2026-09-04 • via Nuitee
W
Whitaker • extended_group • gb
9
Very comfortable and friendly.
Pros:

The staff were very friendly and helpful. The views of Swanage Bay from the terrace and my room were stunning. The room was comfortable and quiet. I loved the breakfast. The spa is quite small but it was an added bonus to have the pool as an option to swim in (although we mainly swam in the sea). We ate out so I cannot comment on the evening meals. The car park is quite small but we managed to find a space.

2026-09-03 • via Nuitee
G
Graham • solo_traveller • gb
8
2026-09-03 • via Nuitee
J
John • couple • gb
10
Nice short break on the edge of town.
Pros:

Lovely old hotel on the cliffs, great views and friendly staff.

Cons:

All good.

2026-08-31 • via Nuitee
L
Lynn • solo_traveller • gb
9
More than I expected. The staff are great.
Pros:

They were able to accommodate me short notice, unusual as often booked.

Cons:

Everything

2026-08-31 • via Nuitee
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