Grand Hotel Swanage

Loved the location and service. Staff were wonderful, very helpful and supportive. Tidy and well serviced rooms. Views, proximity to a private beach, town and South West Coast Path. Breakfasts were good, nice bar and lounge area.

We paid for a 'Superior Double' Room which was small and in that context, poor value and below expectations. We also paid for e 'Deluxe Double (Twin)' room, which was even smaller, also not particularly good value for its size. Facilities were consistent with a 3 Star Hotel but small things like a kettle that boiled under the TV and a coffee machine with a detachable water tank, right next to 13A electrical sockets, did not impress. The en-suite shower room became dripping with condensation, after each use. The floor becoming dangerous and slippery, when wet. The extractor fan just seemed to make nose and do very little extracting. The shower drain blocked after first use. This was however resolved in an afternoon, by the hotel. The noises from the adjacent room toilet, sink and shower, were loud and extremely intrusive. Having to get drinking water in jugs, from the bar was a bit of pain. Guests are advised not to drink the tap water. Car parking is limited.

The location, the exceptional staff, the evening meal.

My single room was rather small.

Great views, and spot on beach