The hype
Great location and friendly staff, but the rooms are showing their age with worn carpets and dated bathrooms.
Haven Marina
$85-130/ night
Book this if You want a budget-friendly crash pad with free parking and marina views, and you don't mind 1980s decor.
Why People Love It
- Free on-site parking (rare in Glenelg)
- Pet-friendly rooms available on the ground floor
- Walkable to Glenelg Beach without the Jetty Road price tag
Quick Take: A tired motel that trades on its marina location and low rates, but desperately needs a renovation.
Reviewed by @TheRoomReveal_Adelaide: I booked this place to save money, but the marina view blew me away. Waking up to the water right outside my window was incredible for the price. The room is simple, but honestly, with that scenery and the promenade right there, I didn't care. A total hidden gem.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
The 'musty smell' and 'dirty carpets' are frequent complaints, and the 'kitchenette' is often just a kettle and a bar fridge.
- You are traveling with a dog and need a ground-floor room
- You have a car and refuse to pay $30/night for parking
- You plan to spend all day at the beach and just need a bed
Cleanliness & Maintenance
5.8
- Housekeeping: Hit or miss. frequent reports of missed dusting and bins not emptied.
- Bathroom hygiene: Major weak point. Complaints of mold in grout, peeling paint, and hair in drains.
- Maintenance: Tired. Peeling wallpaper, broken towel rails, and flickering lights are common.
- Linens & towels: Clean but worn. Towels can be scratchy and thin.
- Odors & scents: Distinct musty/damp smell in many ground floor rooms.
Sleepability™
5.5MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Construction noise (tram line & nearby sites)
- Plumbing noise from neighboring rooms
- Hallway traffic due to gaps under doors
Before you book
Good to know
- Reception is not 24 hours; arrange late check-in in advance
- A $200 security deposit is required upon arrival
- Pet-friendly rooms must be booked directly to ensure availability
What to pack
- Power board (outlets are scarce and often hidden behind furniture)
- Shower shoes (carpets and bathroom floors are worn)
- 4G/5G hotspot (hotel Wifi is unreliable)
Room Genie
Best picks
- Marina View rooms (Ground or 1st floor) for the best outlook
- Room 205 or 206 for private balconies overlooking the Patawalonga
Rooms to avoid
- Street-facing rooms (noise)
- Rooms near the construction site (ask at check-in)
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I would love to request a Marina View room, preferably on the upper floor (200 series) for the view, or a quiet ground floor unit away from any current construction works.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is the pool heated?
No, the outdoor pool is unheated and seasonal.
Is there really free parking?
Yes, free off-street parking is included, which is a huge saver in Glenelg.
Can I bring my dog?
Yes, but only in specific 'Pet Friendly' ground floor rooms. A bond and nightly fee apply.
Is breakfast included?
Generally no. There is a restaurant space, but it's often closed or event-only; plan to eat at nearby cafes.
How far is the tram stop?
About a 10-12 minute walk to the Jetty Road tram stop (once fully reopened).
Does the room have a microwave?
Most standard rooms do not; they have a fridge and kettle. Apartments may have more.
Insider Tips
- ✨
Walk 5 minutes north to the Patawalonga frontage for a quieter morning run than the main beach.
- ✨
The 'Watermark Glenelg' nearby has a surprisingly good buffet if you're starving and on a budget.
- ✨
Ask for a room in the 'Southern Wing' for potentially better marina views.
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'kitchenette' in family rooms is often just a sink and a microwave in a cupboard.
💡The bathroom ventilation is weak, leading to that persistent damp smell.
💡You might have to wiggle the key card or use an actual metal key—locks are old.
💡The 'Marina View' can sometimes be obscured by parked cars or trees depending on the room.
💡Housekeeping is 'on request' for some longer stays, not automatically daily.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Haven Marina is located and what's nearby.