Grand Hotel 2 Jetty Rd, Glenelg, Australia | (251) 219-4428
Beachfront hotel with stunning sea views
Near bustling Jetty Road, with trams to Adelaide outside
Contemporary rooms have minibars, kettles, and bathrobes
Sensational sea views in upgraded rooms, some with balconies
Two shore-facing bars, plus a restaurant with buffet breakfasts
Rooftop hot tub and pool with loungers, plus poolside dining
Decently equipped gym and sauna
Indoor gaming area, meeting rooms, and a grand ballroom
Free Wi-Fi (common areas only)
Removed from Adelaide
Rooms can be noisy
Hotel doesn't live up to advertised five-pearl rating
Room Wi-Fi at a fee unless booked directly through hotel
Parking expensive for the region
The upper-middle-range Stamford Grand Adelaide is a lovely property directly on the white-sand Glenelg Beach, though it falls below its advertised five-pearl status. It's surrounded by vibrant beach life and a tram outside runs to downtown Adelaide. Common spaces are traditional, while the 220 rooms are outfitted in serene, contemporary decor. They're well-equipped with ergonomic work spaces, kettles, flat-screen TVs, and irons, plus upgraded ocean-facing rooms have sensational views. Restaurant popularity dwindles at breakfast, but sunset cocktails at the bars are a favorite -- although weekend noise from them reaches rooms. A swish pool, hot tub, and gym complete the leisure facilities, and function spaces make the hotel a popular wedding destination. With an outdoor pool, the downtown Adelaide Rockford is a good city alternative.
Disclaimer: This content was accurate at the time the hotel was reviewed. Please check our partner sites when booking to verify that details are still correct.
Scene
Large Glenelg Beach hotel with a bit dated common areas
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.
Location
On a gorgeous beach, surrounded by activity
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.
Rooms
Bland but comfortable rooms, many with beautiful ocean views
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.
Features
Sea-facing drinking and dining, slick pool, and meeting facilities
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.
