Swiss Grand Resort & Spa

The Swiss-Grand Resort & Spa may do a mean imitation of a wedding cake (all gleaming white columns and tiered levels), but it’s still the classiest hotel to be found in Bondi – which says something about the state of the area’s accommodation, since parts of the building are starting to look a little on tired side. But change is in the air: seven new private courtyard suites (with their own barbecues) are now open, along with six family suites. Rooms are spacious, with two TVs, separate bath and shower, minibar and bathrobes. There’s a rooftop pool and an indoor lap pool, a very good fitness centre, and the renowned Samsara Day Spa, offering Balinese treatments. The Epic Brasserie serves decent seafood, while the classiest of the three bars (the outdoor Deck Bar) rustles up tasty barbecue. Bars (3). Business centre. Concierge. Disabled-adapted rooms. Gym. Internet (high-speed shared terminal). No smoking. Parking ($15). Pools (1 indoor, 1 outdoor). Restaurants (2). Spa. Room service. TV (cable/pay movies). CityRail Bondi Junction then bus 333, 380, 381, 382/bus 333, 380.Rates $215-$1,200 double. Rooms 202. Credit AmEx, DC, MC, V.