Most plastic chairs and 1 of the 2 plastic loungers at the pool were broken and beyond repair. Pool seemed to have its often leafy and hair-balled bottom vacuumed and some water added once a week. It never appeared to have any disinfecting chemicals added. There was a pool safety sign that showed first aid tips and a no-running rule in small font, but there was no mention of the commonplace horseplay, jumping, and diving in the pool. Also, kids routinely ignored the No Running bit - often in full view of their watching adults. The pool’s layout seemed to invite accidents with sharp edges protruding in at least 3 places along the attached remains of 2 jacuzzis. Overall, it was often a playground for kids and their watchers, but at best, rather like a plunge pool with insufficient space for any real swimming, even for a couple of guests. A shading structure covered 2 wooden tables and benches, and the whole pool area was enclosed in a fenced part of the parking lot adjacent to bins for recyclables and garbage. Someone made a daily routine of throwing out crushed biscuits and crackers to feed pigeons, etc. Housekeeping and reception were very professional with only occasional reminders needed about missed reservations and amenities at the busy time we were there. Room furnishings included large tv, microwave, refrigerator, good mattress and kitchenware. Laundry room with card reading machines was another plus. Location was great for either walking or taking the tram to Glenelg beach - walking there along ANZAC Hwy or using the tram at 4th Ave & Dunbar Tce.
March 2024 Here is a list of issues you may have to deal with: 1. Lights are weirdly wired. You can’t turn on the bathroom lights without having the rest of the lights on. This is problematic when one is sharing the apartment and one needs to go to the toilet in the middle of the night. Other guests staying at the apartments had the same issue. 2. It is stated that the apartment has Netflix but it does not work. When I mentioned it to the marketing girl she said she would have it looked at but no one came to the apartment to repair the problem. Again, other guests staying in the apartments had the same issue. 3. When we arrived on the 13th, there was only one tea bag instead of 2. I was sharing the room with my husband, that is not thoughtful, obviously we would have needed 2 teabags. 4. We stayed 5 nights and only had the room serviced once. I had left the tag to service the room but it was only done once. 5. On the Saturday our room was finally serviced but they did not replenish the toilet paper and we were left with none which meant we had to purchase toilet paper as there was no one in reception. If conveniences and service isn't important to you then by all means stay here. The apartments are just off the main road that have lots of great cafes and restaurants. The apartments are brand new, fresh, clean and modern. The staff are helpful and listen to concerns you may have. Read less Tip: An apt description for this place is Location, Location, Location. The apartments are brand new so they are clean, fresh & modern.
The Grand is without a doubt all about the location! Given it’s ocean front position it should offer an absolute premium experience but instead falls a little short as it continues to date without much sign of refurbishment. The rooms are basic, the carpets old, the furnishings aging and everything just feels in need of some love. Bathrooms still have showers over the bath with shower curtains and the air con in the room wasn’t very effective (too hot despite being on the coolest setting). There was also a wedding being hosted during my 1 night stay and despite my room being on the 5th floor (ballroom is on level 1), I could hear the band/music until the end of the reception at 11:30pm. On the positive (besides premium location), the staff at reception / concierge were excellent. They greeted with absolute care on arrival and happiness during check out, despite being early in the morning. It felt like they enjoyed what they did and that’s so good to see in customer facing roles. Worth considering this hotel for a stay, just as long as you’re happy with basic ammenities in a great location.