The Hotel Guru
Dorset
The 12 Best Boutique Hotels in Dorset

The 12 Best Boutique Hotels in Dorset

It’s not all family hotels and seaside B&Bs in Dorset – although there are plenty of those, and good ones, too (see our full range here). We’ve found a great range of boutique properties, all of which are an intimate size and have a strong sense of style and individuality. Almost all of the best boutique hotels in Dorset are privately owned and pride themselves on their local sourcing and personal touch. Some have terrific sea views; others are tucked in pretty villages or smart towns. And not all are expensive!

Luxury boutique hotels

Opt for a sea-view room at No 98 Boutique Hotel, in the centre of popular Weymouth. Rooms are breezily decorated in shades of white and nautical blue, and have a light, spare, contemporary style. It’s breakfast-only but plenty of restaurants are just a stroll away.
In the smart area of Canford Cliffs in Poole, The Plantation has a semi-colonial feel with bright fabrics, dashing wallpapers and an exotic conservatory restaurant. There’s a charming garden with wooden gazebos, too.
By contrast, the 16th-century Priory Hotel in Wareham has a classic English style with flagstone floors, exposed beams, polished antiques and dreamy gardens sloping down to the River Frome. The stone-vaulted dining room is wonderfully romantic. Choose one of the bedrooms leading directly out to the gardens.

For great value

For a jolly and fun experience, take a look at The Bull Hotel in Bridport. The bold blue exterior gives a clue to the bright colours to expect inside, alongside striking wallpapers and vintage furnishings. There’s a choice of two restaurants plus excellent cocktails in the bar.
The 10-room Lyme Townhouse in the centre of Lyme Regis offers airy and simple rooms with crisp contemporary furnishings. There’s a bright breakfast-room and plenty of restaurants nearby.
Also in Lyme Regis, Dorset House is a handsome whitewashed Georgian building that’s been carefully modernised to offer just five rooms in cool contemporary shades, with stripped floorboards and vintage furnishings. Some rooms have sea-views plus there’s an honesty bar.

Best boutique hotels on the coast

If you prefer a Dorset boutique hotel by the coast, take a look at the Seaside Boarding House, between Lyme Bay and Chesil Beach. This property has nailed the Cape Cod look with its white clapboard exterior, while bedrooms mix vintage and recycled furniture, often with a nautical theme. All have full or partial sea views, some with window-seats.
Also with fabulous sea views – this time over Lyme Regis and the Cobb – the cliff-top Alexandra Hotel has an elegantly relaxed style with statement wallpapers and stripped-wood floors. There’s a choice of two restaurants plus a garden with path down to the beach. Heavenly.
If you prefer to be out of the crowds but still near the coast, the Limestone Hotel in West Lulworth – a village just a 10-minute stroll from the coast and the stunning Lulworth Cove – is worth considering. With just 10 rooms – all light and chic – it feels peaceful and private, and there’s a charming garden as well as a well-regarded restaurant.

Still not sure which to book?

For more choices, take a look at our full range of Dorset hotels,
or try our pick of the best boutique hotels in Devon or the best boutique hotels in Cornwall.
Alternatively you could contact a friendly guru for advice.
- No 98 Boutique Hotel Weymouth 9 rooms from $161
  
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  Local exploring  -  Perfectly placed in the heart of Weymouth to explore the town's main attractions and the Jurrassic Coast
  Views  -  The best rooms have lovely views over Weymouth Beach
  Great walks  -  Take long walks along the coastal path
  Full of character
  
  A chic boutique property in one of the UK's favourite beach resort towns. Bright nautically inspired rooms feature hardwood floors, sash windows, and simple contemporary furniture. The best have sea views. Breakfasts are served and restaurants are a stroll away. A hip beach escape. See More
  
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- The Plantation , Poole Poole (Dorset) 10 rooms from $149
  
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  Local exploring  -  Well located in the smart area of Canford Cliffs with many of Poole's main attractions within easy reach.
  Great walks  -  Stroll through the beauitful Compton Acres, an expanse of glorious manicured gardens.
  Restaurant  -  Recommended.
  Boutique
  
  A lively combination of chic pub and stunning contemporary accommodation. Rooms are beautifully styled with a bold colour palate, patterned wallpaper and crisp white linen. The restaurant mixes British classic with more tropical offerings and is worthy of a visit alone. See More
  
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- Priory Hotel Wareham (Dorset) 17 rooms from $282
  
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  Local exploring  -  From the Saxon town walls of the ancient market town of Wareham to the rolling Dorset countryside there is plenty to see.
  Great walks  -  The lovely gardens slope down to the River Frome, a perfect starting point for an afternoon stroll.
  Sights nearby  -  Check out nearby Corfe village with the spectacular ruins of Corfe Castle, only a few miles away.
  Restrictions on children  -  Not under 14
  Recommended by  -  Frommers, Good Hotel Guide, Sawdays
  
  A slice of old England served with China tea. With pretty gardens bordering the river, The Priory is a delightful and luxury historic hotel on the edge of Dorset’s Isle of Purbeck. See More
  
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- The Bull Hotel Bridport (Dorset) 14 rooms from $128
  
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  Local markets  -  Bridport market, open Wednesdays and Saturdays is perfect for hidden gems and bric-a-brac.
  Great walks  -  This is the gateway to the Jurassic Coast with all its dramatic coastal paths.
  Sailing  -  Lyme Regis is a sailing mecca and a quaint town to spend an afternoon.
  Sights nearby  -  Country house lovers will appreciate Mapperton House.
  Recommended by  -  I Escape, Mr & Mrs Smith, Good Hotel Guide
  
  An 18th century coaching inn, yet full of fun from within. Rooms are decorated with individual touches like ornate mirrors, brass beds to antique dressers complete with floral Cole & Son wallpapers. There are two restaurants, with an emphasis on locally sourced seafood and the popular Venner bar. See More
  
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- Lyme Townhouse Lyme Regis 10 rooms from $115
  
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  Local exploring  -  Perfectly placed to explore the historic town of Lyme Regis and South West Dorset.
  Great walks  -  Dicover the Jurrasic Coast on long walks.
  Restrictions on children  -  Children over 7 are welcome
  Full of character
  
  A smart townhouse located in the centre of historic Lyme Regis. A handful of beautifully renovated rooms feature white washed walls, a choice selection of antiques, crisp white linen and large sash windows. With plenty to explore in the seaside town and beyond this is ideal for a weekend getaway. See More
  
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- Dorset House Lyme Regis 5 rooms from $147
  
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  Value chic  -  Seriously smart accommodation with prices that won't break the bank
  Local exploring  -  A great base for exploring the charming Dorset town of Lyme Regis.
  Great walks  -  Go walking at the lovely nearby Golden Cap. Or borrow one of Dorset House's maps and head further afield
  Views  -  Some of the rooms have lovely views over the Jurassic Coast.
  
  Dorset House is a charming boutique B&B in the coastal town of Lyme Regis. In a town that famous for it's fossils, this spot is distinctly contemporary with sharp, elegant rooms and plush ensuites. A great spot for those looking to explore the Dorset coast. See More
  
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- The Seaside Boarding House Burton Bradstock, Dorset 9 rooms from $250
  
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  Restaurant  -  Delicious food championing the local seafood and country produce in a dining with beautiful views
  Sights nearby  -  Visit Roman Camps, beautiful gardens, Lyme Regis and historic stately homes
  Local markets  -  The Saturday market in Bridport rivals that of London's Portobello Road
  House party feel  -  With only nine rooms, this is property has a great vibe.
  Recommended by  -  Sawdays
  
  A stunning addition to Dorset's Jurassic Coast. Nine stylish and comfortable bedrooms, most with views over Lyme Bay, excellent restaurant championing local seafood and mainland produce, plus a bar specialising in classic cocktails. A recipe for a laid back break in fossil hunting country. See More
  
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- Alexandra Hotel Lyme Regis, Dorset 25 rooms from $231
  
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  Views  -  Fabulous views over Lyme Bay and the Jurassic Coast
  Seaside  -  Ideal for a seaside holiday.
  Restaurant  -  Recommended.
  Great walks  -  Good for walkers.
  Recommended by  -  Sawdays
  
  Panoramic views over the ocean and the harbour from this cliff top boutique hotel. Luxurious bedrooms, gourmet restaurant and sea-facing terrace, and an excellent spa too. Great for a weekend away, think lobster and sea breeze. See More
  
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- Limestone Hotel West Lulworth, Dorset 10 rooms from $141
  
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  Local exploring  -  Lulworth is surrounded by numerous cultural and natural attractions.
  Great walks  -  Explore the beautiful coast and countryside on walks starting straight from the property.
  Restaurant  -  Featuring dishes championing locally sourced produce
  Kayaking  -  Discover the coast by kayak.
  
  A small rural hotel set in the picturesque village of West Lulworth. Chic rooms mix traditional and contemporary styles with boldly patterned wallpaper, chandeliers and sash windows. The fabulous restaurant is a celebration of all things Dorset. The perfect spot for a relaxing country escape. See More
  
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