When asking yourself about something to do near me in Austin with a group of friends or family, consider
The Grand
Why The Grand is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
The Grand Hotel of Cape May is a picturesque beachfront destination renowned for its elegant charm and inviting atmosphere, making it a fantastic place to meet up with friends. Located directly on the beach, it offers spacious rooms with stunning ocean views, creating an ideal backdrop for socializing and relaxation. The hotel features well-appointed amenities including pools and convenient beach access that provide a perfect setting for gatherings and leisurely activities amid a scenic coastal environment. Guests appreciate the friendly and attentive service staff, enhancing the welcoming ambiance and ensuring a comfortable stay. The hotel’s proximity to key local attractions in Cape May adds to its appeal, allowing visitors to easily explore and enjoy the vibrant surroundings together. Whether enjoying the serene beachfront views, taking part in various amenities, or simply unwinding in spacious accommodations, The Grand offers an excellent venue for memorable social experiences and vacations with friends.
Here's what people think of The Grand
As of recent, The Grand holds a 4.3-star rating based on 662 reviews.
Guest reviews of The Grand Hotel of Cape May generally highlight its beautiful beachfront location and spacious rooms, praising the scenic ocean views and well-equipped amenities such as pools and direct beach access. Positive feedback frequently commends the friendly and attentive service, contributing significantly to the inviting atmosphere that guests enjoy. Many reviewers mention the spotless cleanliness and the overall pleasant experience of the hotel’s ambiance and setting. However, some negative comments include concerns about the need for updates in room decor and the perception that pricing, especially during peak seasons, may be on the higher side. While the service is mostly praised, a few guests feel the value could be improved relative to the cost. Despite these critiques, most visitors conclude that the hotel offers a lovely location and a comfortable stay which outweigh these drawbacks. Overall, the reviews reflect a predominantly positive client satisfaction with the hotel’s location, amenities, and service quality, positioning it as a desirable location for social and leisure stays.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
R Smith
Robust selection of quality pool tables and great service. As soon as you walk in, you’re greeted by a staff member who checks IDs and gives you the rundown on the different size pool tables, pricing and all that. There’s 3 different size tables basically easy medium and hard. We picked the standard regulation table. All the pool tables, cues and balls are in good condition and didn’t have any issues with the equipment. There’s also darts, a foosball, even some pinball machines! Drinks were fair but the tonic was flat. Didn’t mention anything because we were just having a good time. Cocktail servers checked up on us multiple times to make sure we were good and didn’t need anything. Once we finished, the server came and brushed down the table to keep it nice for the next party- no wonder the tables are so nice! Music is fun and lots of classic hits from the 80s- good vibes! Overall service was great, atmosphere was cool and the vibe was on point. Definitely a great place to shoot some pool. Will be back.
Corey Ward
It’s a bit of a local secret. Been around for what feels like forever. Fairly priced drinks, solid enough pool tables (8ft + 9ft, plus 2 quarter tables), a couple dartboards, a foosball table, and a full bar. Plenty of parking, and they have a small enclosed patio for smoking if that’s your thing. I’d recommend eating beforehand—they used to have a small kitchen on site pre-Covid, but now it’s basically Digiorno. And your table-neighbors probably don’t want to smell your poor late-night eating decisions. Soup Peddler, In-N-Out, and Lazarus Brewing are less than a 3 minute walk away. Note: you probably want to avoid Tuesday evenings when they get busy for league night. It’s harder to get a table after 5.
Lara Batshon
I truly fell in love with this property, the team is ptodessional and know their property so well. Jackie Lopez helped me tour and was attnetive to my needs and represented The Grant beautifully. I waw impressed by how every level has a special amenity, a zen area, club house and more.
Lauren Anzaldua
The quintessential divey pool bar you didn't know you were missing. Plenty of pool tables, its dark, worn interior, plus friendly regulars, We did go on a busy night & found service lacking. We were told we’d have a waitress but after a few rounds of pool we ended up just going to the bar to place our own orders, pretty straightforward menus. When we wanted food we were told all they had was sausage & pepperoni pizza which was lacking. We ended up just going to Tyson’s tacos next door. Basically it’s a perfect spot to drink beer & play pool.
JUSTIN BRYSON
This is the nicest looking pool hall that I have seen in Austin. The tables look to be in very good condition. Best to go in the day time though, because it is only $6 per hour in the day. That price doubles to $12 per hour, in the evening, from what the bartender told me one day. Also, it is a bummer that they do not hold regular cash tournaments. They only do League nights, several nights a week. Very nice pool hall though. Wish I lived closer.
How to reach The Grand
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Why The Grand may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at The Grand with your friends?
Gathering your friends for a meetup is about creating memorable experiences, and The Grand offers the perfect blend of ambiance, comfort, and amenities to facilitate just that. With a strong rating of 4.3 from over 660 reviews, it clearly enjoys a positive reputation for welcoming groups and delivering a satisfying visit. Whether you are looking to relax, socialize, or celebrate, The Grand’s inviting atmosphere encourages camaraderie and relaxation. It combines spacious and comfortable accommodations with well-maintained, clean facilities, which means everyone in your group can feel at ease and enjoy themselves without hassle.
The highlight for many patrons includes the excellent happy hour offerings, where the bar features complimentary wine between 5 and 6 pm, perfect for socializing and lowering the stress after a busy day. Such touches create a warm and friendly environment that adds to the appeal for group gatherings. The ample seating and well-lit interiors further foster an inviting space for conversation and fun, whether you are sharing a meal, enjoying drinks, or engaging in lively discussions. Together, these features make The Grand not just a place to stay but a destination to rally your friends and enjoy quality time together.
What activities are available at The Grand that make it great for a group meetup?
The Grand caters to a wide range of group activities, making it an excellent venue for meetups with friends or family. For starters, the hotel's bar area is a natural gathering spot, with its well-timed happy hour providing a delightful way to kick off the evening. The presence of a comfortable lounge and bar ensures that guests can enjoy cocktails, beers, or complimentary wine while engaging in relaxed conversation or even watching sports together on TV.
In addition to the social areas, the spacious rooms offer plenty of space for group members to spread out and engage in games, discussions, or quiet downtime. The rooms are noted for cleanliness, comfort, and good lighting, which means they are also conducive for informal gatherings or planning sessions. Some rooms include amenities like large king-size beds and baths suitable for families, which further enhance the group experience. For those who like to stay active, the surroundings near The Grand provide easy access to local attractions and walkable neighborhoods that support group outings outside the hotel.
The Grand’s staff also contributes considerably by maintaining high standards of cleanliness and safety, which adds to the ease and comfort of hosting groups. This attention to detail ensures that meetups happen smoothly and guests can focus entirely on enjoying their time together.
Why is The Grand the perfect place for larger groups or families to gather?
One of the key qualities that make The Grand ideal for larger groups or families is its room size and layout flexibility. Guests often praise the spacious rooms which comfortably accommodate several people, making it easier for families or groups of friends to stay together. Larger suites are particularly recommended for groups wanting extra space, as they provide private areas within the same room, ensuring everyone can find some space for themselves while still sharing the experience.
Services are thoughtfully designed to accommodate families, with features such as bathtubs ideal for young children and a welcoming environment for people of all ages. The staff’s helpfulness in assisting with details like luggage or printing essential documents shows their commitment to a hassle-free stay for groups traveling together.
Moreover, the location and local amenities around The Grand add value for group outings. With its convenient access to nearby attractions and dining, The Grand allows groups to plan activities both within the property and out in the surrounding area without logistical stress. This balance of comfort, service, and strategic location makes it especially suited for family reunions, birthday celebrations, and casual gatherings with friends.
How does the ambiance at The Grand support social interaction and group bonding?
The ambiance of The Grand is carefully crafted to encourage social interaction and make each meetup special. Its well-lit common areas foster an energetic yet relaxed mood that encourages conversation and laughter. The design emphasizes communal spaces where groups can naturally gather — from the bar and dining areas to comfortable lounges — enabling guests to connect effortlessly without feeling crowded.
In addition, the friendly, attentive staff help maintain a welcoming atmosphere that adds a personal touch, making every visitor feel like part of a larger community during their stay. This kind of environment is essential for helping groups bond, as it removes typical stresses and distractions of travel or hosting and focuses attention on shared experiences.
The warm lighting and tasteful decor combine with practical features like good acoustics and comfortable seating arrangements to make social interactions easy and enjoyable. Whether your group is catching up after some time apart or celebrating a milestone, The Grand’s ambiance supports those moments by creating an easygoing but elevated space that suits all group sizes and personalities.
What extra amenities and services at The Grand enhance group meetups?
Beyond the basic offerings, The Grand provides additional services that significantly elevate the group meetup experience. The happy hour at the bar with free wine reception is a standout feature that alone enhances the social environment and invites guests to mingle and relax together. This typical daily event can become a group tradition or a special reason to convene, encouraging a casual, festive atmosphere.
The property is also well-maintained with clean environments and reliable air conditioning, helping guests stay comfortable in all seasons. These amenities ensure that groups do not have to compromise on comfort despite the number of people attending. Accessibility and helpful staff add further convenience, making check-in/check-out, requests, or issues easier to handle for groups, a particularly appreciated feature when managing multiple guests.
Some group members may appreciate in-room entertainment options or space to engage in quieter activities such as games or movie nights. The Grand’s combination of privacy in rooms and common areas for socializing supports diverse needs within a group, from energetic gatherings to relaxed downtime.
What makes The Grand a safe and reliable choice for hosting your friends and family?
Safety and reliability are essential for group meetups, and The Grand meets high standards in these respects. According to guest reviews, the property maintains cleanliness rigorously and has consistent protocols to ensure a safe environment for visitors. This diligence is crucial for groups that bring together people of different ages and health concerns, offering peace of mind.
Furthermore, the staff’s professionalism and responsiveness contribute to the reliability of the stay. Being attentive to guests’ needs and proactive about cleanliness and maintenance builds trust in The Grand as a dependable option. Even with hundreds of reviews, the consistently positive ratings reflect a business committed to guest satisfaction over time.
The location also provides a secure setting with easy access to transportation and major amenities, preventing group logistics from becoming complicated or stressful. Overall, The Grand’s blend of clean, safe facilities, caring service, and proven positive experiences makes it an excellent venue for your next friends or family gathering.
In summary, The Grand is an outstanding choice for anyone looking to host a meetup with friends or family. Its reputable rating, spacious accommodations, convivial atmosphere, supportive staff, and range of amenities create a hassle-free environment perfectly suited for groups. Whether for celebrations, casual get-togethers, or family reunions, The Grand delivers an enjoyable, comfortable, and memorable experience that will keep guests returning time and again.