Bournemouth Hotels

Best places to stay in Bournemouth

There’s a whole host of areas in and around Bournemouth that can make a great base for your stay. The town centre has plenty of restaurants and bars to keep you entertained, while Westbourne boasts great independent shops and the chines – magical wooded gorges that run down to the beach. Heading further west, Sandbanks is home to some seriously massive mansions, a yacht club and a wonderful Blue Flag beach. Poole, part of the same conurbation as Bournemouth, has a lovely Georgian old town and Europe’s largest natural harbour. East of Bournemouth itself, Boscombe has its own pier and a well-loved weekly market, while Christchurch has wonderful architecture and is adjacent to Hengistbury Head nature reserve.

Where to stay to be near the popular attractions

Bournemouth itself is compact, so a stay in the town centre near the beach between East Cliff and West Cliff will leave you in touching distance of the main attractions. These include the fascinating Russell-Cotes Museum, whose collection of art and memorabilia is as intriguing as the late-Victorian architecture of the building itself. Also in central Bournemouth and not to be missed are the Lower, Central and Upper Gardens. They boast beautiful floral displays as well as a bandstand, an aviary, tennis courts and a mini golf course. Pedestrianised pathways run through and link the gardens for a delightful, traffic-free stroll.

Where to stay with your family in Bournemouth

Families will love the area around Bournemouth Pier. This beloved Victorian attraction is sure to keep kids entertained with its activities including an all-weather indoor climbing centre and the thrill of the world’s first pier-to-shore zip line. As if that wasn’t enough, the vast, sandy expanse of the beach is right on your doorstep, perfect for burning off some energy with a dip in the sea. At the entrance to the pier you’ll find the Oceanarium, which offers surefire fun for the whole family with sharks, penguins, otters and more. Try the Hermitage Hotel for family rooms in the perfect location.

Where to find cheap hotels in Bournemouth

There are Bournemouth hotels to suit all budgets, even in the heart of town, such as the superbly rated Grove Hotel (from £47/night for a double). Located a short stroll from the East Beach and the Russell-Cotes Museum, it boasts exceptional accessibility and wheelchair facilities. If you’re travelling by train, you can’t get much more convenient than Amarillo (doubles from £69). This award-winning guesthouse is just a stone’s throw away from the station, perfectly situated between Bournemouth’s two piers, and offers a complimentary continental breakfast or a cooked breakfast for an additional charge. If you prefer the reliability of a chain hotel, check out the ibis Styles, with seaside-inspired décor and an on-site bar and restaurant.

The 5 must-sees of Bournemouth

• The beach: Several beaches, in fact, stretching from Sandbanks to Branksome Chine, Bournemouth, Southbourne and all the way to Hengistbury Head.

• The Russell-Cotes Museum: A quirky collection housed in an eye-catching Victorian mansion.

• The pier: A 19th-century structure with very modern attractions including a climbing centre and zipline.

• The Gardens: Stretching through Bournemouth, the Lower, Central and Upper Gardens are a haven of greenery.

• Oceanarium: An aquarium with residents sure to delight the whole family, from cuddly otters through to sharp-toothed sharks.

Party and nightlife in Bournemouth

Bournemouth town centre is perfect for a night out, with something for everyone packed into a compact space, allowing you to get around on foot. For a classy vibe, check out Smokin’ Aces, a speakeasy-style cocktail bar. DNA Bar is great for big groups in search of karaoke, while the Old Fire Station is known for its great live music. Popular nightclubs include Halo and Cameo, while Bar So is the town’s swankiest and trendiest spot. If you want to keep the party going till dawn, Camel Bar on Old Christchurch Road keeps the tunes coming until 6 am.

Going shopping in Bournemouth

Bournemouth is a shopper’s dream. On the west side of town, Commercial Road and the Triangle have an eclectic mix of shops, while nearby Westover Road is great for designer labels and luxury. The Arcade is a grand, Victorian-era gallery with a mix of local and international stores, plus a frequently changing selection of pop-up stalls in the central aisle. Just out of town is Castlepoint, where you’re sure to find what you’re looking for – after all, it is the UK’s largest shopping park. If it’s markets you’re after, Boscombe has one on Thursdays and Saturdays with great fresh food, while the Art & Maker’s Market runs from May to September in the Lower Gardens, selling a range of art, photography, sculpture and more.

Hotels with rooftop bars

If you’ve got a craving for drinks at altitude, Hilton Bournemouth is a no-brainer. LEVEL8IGHT, situated on the eighth floor of the hotel, is the highest bar in the South West. Admire the sea view as you sip a cocktail and enjoy fresh seafood and small plates.

Hotels with gourmet restaurants

Chewton Glen is well worth the 30-minute drive from Bournemouth. This 5-star hotel has options when it comes to gourmet food: The Dining Room offers slightly more formal fine dining, while The Kitchen is a laid-back brasserie. Many of the ingredients have travelled less than 100 yards from the hotel’s walled garden.

Spa hotels

An Art Deco icon of Bournemouth’s seafront, The Cumberland is unmissable. This perfectly situated hotel is affiliated with the Suncliff and the Ocean Beach Hotel next door, allowing guests to use all the facilities, including a heated indoor pool, sauna, mini gym and spa, whose Asian-inspired treatments range from facials to massages, manicures and pedicures.

Luxury hotels

The Nici is perhaps the snazziest of all hotels in Bournemouth. Perched on West Cliff overlooking the ocean, it offers a Miami-meets-Dorset experience following its multimillion-pound renovation. It has all the frills you’d expect of a 5-star hotel, including a luxury spa, a 30-metre outdoor pool and cabana area, fire pits and more.