Stamford Grand Adelaide

Uninterrupted ocean vistas are significant contributors to the Stamford's beachy vibes, and its setting on Glenelg Beach is excellent. Block sand-tone exteriors give way to a Grande Dame feel from revolving entrance doors leading to the lobby with a wrought-iron staircase, marbled pillars, and tufted leather seating. A similarly old-fashioned look pervades throughout wood-paneled lounges, although seafront views from large windows here are lovely, and sunsets are spectacular. The rooftop pool, with ironwork and glass windows overlooking the beach, is another pleasant area. With sands outside, and Jetty Road's shops and restaurants nearby, guests here generally spend their days out of the property. Although this is a decent beachside pick, it falls short of its advertised five-pearl rating.

A lawn and small promenade divide the hotel from Glenelg Beach, but sands here are virtually outside. Southwest of Adelaide, Glenelg is a lively seaside town. Jetty Road's vibrant retail strip is a three-minute walk, and boutiques accompanying cafes and restaurants fill this palm-lined street. Glenelg Pier and amusement park, The Beachouse, are the same distance, and fancy restaurants at the marina are four minutes farther. HMS Buffalo's ship replicas pay homage to settlers arriving here in 1833, and they're nine minutes away on foot. Historic trams stopping right outside make for charming 40-minute rides to downtown Adelaide, or otherwise it's a 17-minute drive. Adelaide Airport is 12 minutes by car, or one hour by public transport. 

Serene rooms are more contemporary than common areas, albeit a bit bland, decorated in beiges and light grays. Light-wood furniture, neutral-tone carpeting, and eye-catching zig-zag motifs on headboards complete the design. Amenities include seating areas, desks with office chairs, flat-screen cable TVs with pay-per-view movies, minibars, kettles for tea- and coffee-making, hairdryers, AC, and wardrobes with ironing facilities and safes. It's worth the upgrade for gorgeous sea views, plus the extra splurge for a terrace. Attractive bathrooms have showers, slippers, robes, and toiletries, and upgraded units add jetted tubs. Rooms can be fitted with cribs. In-room Wi-Fi requires a fee unless directly booked through the hotel.

The Stamford Grande offers an array of amenities, except for a full spa. It does have a sleek pool that's on the small side, but with a hot tub on one end and gorgeous views of the ocean. Other wellness facilities include a sauna, steam room, and a gym with cardio and weight-training equipment. Dining-wise, the all-day Promenade Restaurant has protected terrace seating overlooking the waterfront, and a menu of fresh-caught seafood and local Australian produce. Included in some packages, breakfasts offer full cooked and continental options, while a la carte choices can be ordered in The Grand Bar. The latter also has popular weekend DJ sets, but some of the noise reaches rooms. All-day fare here accompanies wide drinks selections. The gaming room offers slot machines and gambling. Four meeting rooms include a 750-person-capacity ballroom. Secure parking across the street is at a fee. Wi-Fi is free in common areas.