Bournemouth hotels

Blink and you’re transported to Miami at this chic hotel on Bournemouth’s West Cliff. I love the way the hotel embraces the Florida vibe, with cabanas around the outdoor pool, palm-print furniture and gold pineapple-topped decorations – even the restaurant is called South Beach.

Don’t miss the new bar, firmly cementing The Nici among the best hotels in Bournemouth. Old Harry Rocks has a live DJ at weekends, fantastic views, inventive cocktails and mouth-watering sharing plates; try Harry’s Combo, with a half lobster and king prawns among the treats.

If you’re not already relaxed, the spa has its own pool, plus more unusual treatments like bamboo massage and sound therapy. Or just kick back in your room, with luxurious toiletries in the bathrooms, vibrant green textiles brightening the cool white decor, coffee machines. Some suites even have their own terrace.

Tucked away inside a Grade II-listed Victorian villa in Bournemouth’s East Cliff area, a stone’s throw from the beach, The Green House’s traditional exterior hides a large helping of boutique luxury.

The hotel’s 32 guestrooms have goose-down duvets to sink into, plus pampering toiletries for the walk-in shower and natural stone basins, as well as Victorian rolltop baths in some rooms. Muted greens and purples complete the restful but stylish vibe.

Alongside two AA rosettes for its Arbor Restaurant, which has a focus on seasonal produce and local ingredients, the hotel has won awards for its sustainable practices, with locally-made carpets and beds, wallpaper using vegetable inks and upcycled furniture, plus solar heating and EV charging for electric cars. This is not only one of the best hotels in Bournemouth, but my ultimate feel-good place to stay in the city.

A stay at Langtry Manor whisks you back to Bournemouth’s heyday when the seaside resort first became popular in the 19th century. Built in 1877 by the future Edward VII for his mistress Lillie Langtry, this elegant love nest is now one of the best hotels in Bournemouth.

The 13 guestrooms are named after important individuals from Langtry’s life, with plenty of details to remind you of its heritage, from tiled fireplaces to carved wood furniture and an impressive Jacobean four-poster bed in the King’s Room.

One of my favourite touches is the little exhibition on the life of the woman herself, who helped design the hotel, as well as being an actress and businesswoman. Look out for the swan decorations around Langtry Manor, supposedly a symbol of the love shared by Lillie and her prince.

A chain rarely stands out enough to make a list of the best hotels, but the Hilton is far from bland. Vibrant rooms are decorated with geometric prints and an unexpectedly effective mix of blues and reds, with a more muted version in the spa.

Food is equally eclectic, with Natty's Jerk Kitchen serving up a twist on authentic Jamaican food, or Schpoons and Forx’s British-inspired dishes – look out for the faintly surreal painting of people with forks and spoons for faces.

I don’t think you can beat a drink in the eighth-floor rooftop bar, with heated sofas outside and Art Deco-style lighting indoors, popular with local Premier League footballers. You’ll also find plenty of vintage details harking back to Bournemouth’s past, from black and white photo walls in rooms to retro train posters for the Bournemouth Belle.

One of the best hotels in Bournemouth for location, the Park Central Hotel couldn’t be more central if it tried. Just minutes from the beach, the only way to get closer to the pier and Oceanarium aquarium would be to climb into one of the tanks with the fish.

Guestrooms are simple but without sacrificing on comfort; beds have Egyptian cotton linen, deliciously squashy pillows and duvets to snuggle under, and are king-size in many of the 48 rooms. The Signature rooms are all decorated differently, including one with a four-poster bed. My top tip is to book a sea-view room and set your alarm to watch the sunrise over the waves.

The restaurant has been awarded two AA rosettes and is known for its seafood dishes – fitting for somewhere called Crab Restaurant.

Five minutes across the official border of Bournemouth in the Poole suburb of Canford Cliffs, this is one of my favourite areas. Moments from award-winning beaches, The Canford also gets my vote for the tempting extras it offers, including beach huts and tiki huts to hire and a gorgeous, peaceful garden.

The 11 guestrooms are super stylish, with their understated rainbow of colours – deep blue posts on a bed and a red velvet armchair in one; a pop of yellow in another tucked away in the eaves; eye-catching lights and mesmerising print wallpaper in the Boutique rooms.

Don’t miss the fresh fish and seafood on the restaurant menu too; it’s hard to beat feasting on fritto misto as you listen to the waves crash.

This refurbished Edwardian building is easily one of the most unique hotels in Bournemouth, with a horse-racing theme adding a quirky twist. Derby Manor was named for racing fan Lord Derby, who used to stay here. But don’t come expecting portraits of jockeys and figurines of horses everywhere – instead you’ll find interiors based around modern opulence.

Individually decorated rooms and furniture inspired by Versace designs make this one of the most unusual boutique hotels in Bournemouth. The Grand National room mixes deep pink and heart cut-out lamps with silver fabrics and damask wallpaper, while the Ascot is heavy on the gold with Baroque flourishes. The peacock artwork and feather-inspired swirl print cushion make the Salisbury my pick though.

One of the best hotels in Bournemouth if you’re looking to stay in the East Cliff area, it’s also close to both Boscombe Beach and the O2 Academy.

Calling The Pavilion Arms a pub with rooms would be underselling its charms – it has a genuinely stylish feel that makes it one of the best hotels in Bournemouth. Slightly outside the city centre, it’s handy for the station but still only a 15-minute stroll from the main attractions. Plus, free parking and bike hire means it’s easy to explore further.

Even the smallest Cosy rooms have king-size beds, while I love the decor in the Signature rooms, with nature-inspired artwork and prints. The 10 guestrooms include dog-friendly options, as well as digital radios, luxurious toiletries, coffee machines in some and a private bar in the suite.

Head to the terrace beer garden for some award-winning Butcombe beer, including craft beer and cask ale. You’ll spot it in some dishes on the menu too, such as beer-battered fish and chips.

Strictly speaking, this isn’t one of the best hotels in Bournemouth itself, as it’s in neighbouring Poole. But I often choose to stay here thanks to its lovely quayside and pedestrianised old street, only 20 minutes drive from Bournemouth.

Sitting in the historic old town’s former Mansion House, Hotel du Vin draws its inspiration from Poole’s Georgian history, with lots of quirky details to add a contemporary twist – think lobster print cushions and beach-hut-print wallpaper in the 38 guestrooms and suites, where beds have hand sprung mattresses, plus monsoon showers and rolltop baths in some bathrooms.

It’s also one of the area’s best hotels for foodies, with a menu bursting with seasonal produce and a great cocktail menu. I can’t resist a Cabernet Sour, made with marmalade gin and red wine.

This Edwardian guesthouse gives a boutique twist to traditional style, making it one of the best hotels in Bournemouth if you love old-world glamour without going full chintz.

You’ll find subtle metallics, from the pale golds and silver crushed velvets of the King rooms to flock velvet cushions, ornate framed mirrors, and antique French-style furniture, along with spa baths in some of the 13 guestrooms. Mod cons include flatscreen TVs, plus a cosy living room to relax in with a series of comfy armchairs.

It’s worth knowing that breakfast isn’t always served at the hotel, but there’s a string of cafes a few minutes away around The Triangle, as well as plenty of restaurants within walking distance. It’s also less than 10 minutes’ walk to West Cliff Garden and my favourite twisty path down to the beach.