Bournemouth
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About Bournemouth
A hundred or so years ago Bournemouth was a magical spa town, where royalty, celebrities and the well-to-do flocked to enjoy the pine-scented air; sunny weather — by British standards — seven miles of sandy beach at Sandbanks; and the UK’s first spa hotel. Some of the town's charm has undoubtedly faded, but it’s definitely still here. The donkey rrides on the beach have gone, but the beautiful old spa hotel is now the Town Hall, so more accessible to all, and the golden beach is much cleaner. Just as in the town’s golden age, the best places to stay in Bournemouth are a varied collection of sea-view guesthouses, family-friendly beach hotels, and more luxurious escapes. Some of our picks still offer the opportunity for a spa hotel pampering too, with contemporary wellness menus and spa treatments.
Some of our Bournemouth collections:
For a while Bournemouth was a bit too popular with hen and stag dos, but its growing population of surfers and students has softened the party atmosphere, and now the town has a more bohemian vibe when compared to other old seaside resorts. This means you can expect interesting theatrical offerings, ever-changing gallery and exhibition spaces and many more independent shops, cafes and restaurants, as well as friendly nightlife and plenty of opportunity to let your hair down at the beach.
Just don't forget that this town is busy not only in the summer months but in off season too. To guarantee a room in one of the best places to stay in Bournemouth, get organised and book well ahead.
The Best Places to Stay in Bournemouth
For Romantics
- 10 Castle Street is a gloriously grand-looking country house hotel conversion in idyllically countryside Cranbourne, which is just outside Bournemouth. The red-brick house is pleasantly symmetrical, surrounded by formal gardens and ancient woodland. Within, there are just nine rooms and suites, all individually decorated with beautiful fabrics, and a stylish, but relaxed, colour scheme. Our Gurus like the lushly green lounge and field-to-plate restaurant.
- The Green House is a stylishly simple and eco-friendly choice, just a few hundred metres from the beach. The Grade II listed exterior sets the scene, with its huge windows and high ceilings, but there’s a contemporary edge to the interiors which feature designer wallpapers, lots of local slate and stone, and lots of solid hardwood. Don't miss the 2AA Rosette Arbor Restaurant.
For Families
- The Orchid Hotel is a friendly choice in the quiet, yet central, neighbourhood of Eastcliff, which is just a few blocks back from the beach. These 31 rooms and suites are decorated with contemporary simplicity and cheery pops of contemporary art and colourful design; the bathrooms are spacious and very up-to-date. The restaurant is headed up by a Michelin-starred chef, but it’s far from fussy. Well priced.
For Great Value
- Langtry Manor is a 19th manor house with Tudor-referencing timber details, turned 14 room hotel. Each of the rooms has been individually decorated with a collection of antiques and more contemporary pieces, including the beautiful drawing room and restaurant. Our Gurus like the huge old fireplace, bay windows and stained glass, and the large garden. The rates are very reasonable too.
Prefer a Private Apartment or Cottage?
- If you'd prefer the privacy of a self-catering option then browse through the wide variety available online with our partner, Booking.com.
Travel Information
- Bournemouth has its own airport: Bournemouth Airport, which is only about ten minutes drive from the centre of town, or half an hour on the B1 bus. If you’re travelling by train via London, trains leave from Waterloo, and take about two hours.
- If you want to hire a car we recommend you visit our online partner, Rentalcars.
- Bournemouth is most popular in the summer, when its festival season really takes off and during the school holidays. It’s the kind of place families return to year after year. But if you’re not restricted by having to travel during the school holiday window you’re going to benefit from very affordable accommodation options, and having the place to yourself. The weather is changeable whatever the season, but there’s still plenty of sunshine in winter.
Still not sure where to stay?
- You could expand your search to include all of the best places to stay in Dorset
- Consider some of Bournemouth’s neighbours — possibly Poole or Lymington in the New Forest
- Refine your search by the kind of holiday you’re planning and consider our Gurus’ recommendations for the best sea view hotels in Dorset, the best pubs-with-rooms in Dorset or the best beach hotels in Dorset
- Alternatively, you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.
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Best Hotels in Bournemouth
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Langtry Manor Bournemouth (East Cliff) 14 rooms from £81
Weddings - A beautiful venue for a wedding catering for up to 100 people.Great walks - Only 15 minutes from the beaches of Bournemouth.Views - Great views from hotelRestaurant - Recommended.A romantic hotel set in a 19th century Edwardian manor, offering traditionally furnished rooms with bay windows, antiques and paintings. Afternoon tea is served in the drawing room and hearty meals are set in a restaurant adorned with chandeliers and stained glass windows. See More
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The Orchid Hotel Bournemouth 31 rooms from £113
Weddings - The hotel organises civil services and provides a pretty setting for a wedding dayLocal exploring - Well positioned in a quiet neighbourhood yet with easy access to the city centreGreat walks - Take a stroll through the Central and Upper GardensRomantic - Good for couples.A chic contemporary hotel set in the quiet (yet central) neighbourhood of Eastcliff. Smart bedrooms are individually styled and feature bright modern art, clean design, and spacious modern bathrooms. The exemplary restaurant is headed by a Michelin starred chef. A luxurious city pad. See More
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The Green House Bournemouth, Dorset 32 rooms from £160
Sailing - Bournmouth Cruises offers both cruises and rides on their speedboat.Great walks - Within easy access of the New Forest - a paradise for walkers.Restaurant - Arbor restaurant has been awarded 2 AA RosettesSights nearby - Visit Christchurch Castle ruins.Recommended by - Mr & Mrs SmithEco hotel a few hundred yards from the beach. Contemporary rooms with designer wallpaper and some with free standing baths. Award winning restaurant uses produce from the local area. Well placed for exploring Dorset and the New Forest. See More
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The Nici Bournemouth (Dorset) 80 rooms from £165
Families - There's a playroom with games and books, a cinema showing kids' films, plus ping-pong, lawn croquet and other outdoor play gearLocal exploring - Bournemouth’s vibrant town centre is a 10-minute stroll from the hotel, or head further afield and explore the Jurassic CoastActive Holiday - The hotel boasts an activity centre where guests can borrow kayaks, body boards, paddle boards and other beach equipmentBeach Life - It's just a stone's throw away from Bournemouth's award-winning beachRecommended by - Mr & Mrs SmithSet on a cliff overlooking the beach, this impressive hotel oozes classic charm. Spacious rooms feature plush leafy prints and bright artwork; some with terraces and sea views. There's a cinema, restaurant and bar, plus a chic poolside with cabanas, firepits and sea views. A stylish seaside stay. See More
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10 Castle Street Bournemouth (Wimborne) 9 rooms from £195
Short break - 10 Castle Street is just 10 miles from Bournemouth AirportRestaurant - Fabulous food from head chef Alex Fulluck who follows the field to plate philosophy, with as much made in house as possible.Great walks - 10 Castle Street is surrounded by a number of fantastic walking trailsSights nearby - The iconic Stonehenge is located less than 20 miles away!Recommended by - I EscapeSet in a Grade II listed country house, 10 Castle Street is located in Cranborne's idyllic countryside. It offers country-chic style accommodation, as well as a fantastic fine-dining restaurant and cocktail bar, all surrounded by formal gardens and ancient woodland. A splendid couples retreat. See More