Architectural gems, warm waters, pure golden sands, and incredible off-beach and seaside action define the charming – and much-loved – coastal town of Bournemouth. It’s a sea lover’s sanctuary with surfing, kitesurfing, and windsurfing opportunities galore.
What was once a wasteland known only to farmers, fishermen, and smugglers has become one of England’s top seaside destinations. Its 7-mile-long cliff-faced shoreline is divided into many award-winning sandy beaches, including Boscombe Beach, Durley Chine Beach, and Hengistbury Head Beach.
Unsurprisingly, the city is also home to an amazing selection of interesting hotels, from beachfront boutique hotels to Victorian B&Bs to chic Edwardian lodges. Here are my top cool and unusual hotels in Bournemouth, England (in no particular order)...
1. The Nici – a contemporary, stylish and trendy upscale boutique hotel that has been newly renovated, overlooking spectacular sea views and award-winning beaches
Nestled on Bournemouth’s West Cliff, The Nici redefines British hospitality with its high-end amenities and conscientious service.
Stylish, bright rooms at this polished hotel come with flat-panel TVs, coffee makers, and complimentary Wi-Fi. Select rooms feature private balconies with stunning sea views.
Some of the hotel’s many amenities include a laid-back restaurant with a terrace and a bar, landscaped gardens, an outdoor pool, and meeting and event spaces.
Address: W Hill Rd, Bournemouth BH2 5EJ, United Kingdom
To book, check prices or availability for The Nici Hotel
2. Derby Manor – an Instagrammable, modern and unique boutique accommodation ideal for those looking to have a relaxing and upscale stay
Relive the golden years of the Edwardian era at this adults-only guest house, located a mile from Bournemouth Beach.
Airy rooms feature classic decor with vintage furnishings and contemporary accents. Each of the 11 individually designed rooms comes with a flat-panel TV, a coffee maker, and free Wi-Fi. Suites offer claw-foot tubs and sofa beds.
Parking is complimentary, while breakfast is available for a fee. The hotel is also home to a landscaped garden, a classy bar, and a refined lounge.
Address: Derby Rd, Boscombe, Bournemouth BH1 3QB, United Kingdom
To book, check prices or availability for Derby Manor
3. Amarillo Guesthouse – a cool, hip and quirky award-winning boutique B&B moments away from local popular attractions
Housed in a restored Victorian building, Amarillo Guesthouse offers more than you anticipate from its looks. The sophisticated guest house sits on Francis Road, with easy access to the Bournemouth train station.
Each of the seven modest rooms offers a flat-panel TV, an iPod dock, free Wi-Fi, and fresh linens. Some rooms are fitted with private bathrooms, while others offer shared facilities.
Freebies include parking and continental breakfast served in a casual dining area.
Address: 52 Frances Rd, Boscombe, Bournemouth BH1 3SA, United Kingdom
4. Royal Exeter Hotel – one of the best hotels in Bournemouth offering a vibrant, lively and fun stay, perfect for partying Millennials and Gen Zs
Originally built by Captain Lewis Tregonwell as his home in 1812, Royal Exeter Hotel is nothing short of a historical gem. With a perfect location, 47 individually designed bedrooms, and diverse gastronomic offerings, this landmark hotel is unarguably one of the best hotels in Bournemouth.
Guests sojourn in commodious units fitted with coffee machines, flat-panel TVs, and plush furnishings. Executive rooms feature additional space, 4-poster beds, and whirlpool tubs.
Among the many amenities offered by the 3-star hotel are a cocktail bar with a garden terrace, an elegant restaurant, a sauna, a hot tub, and a gym.
Address: Exeter Rd, Bournemouth BH2 5AG, United Kingdom
5. Hotel Collingwood BW Signature Collection – a bright and trendy family-friendly hotel located in the heart of Bournemouth
Tradition meets style at this absolutely beautiful hotel on Priory Road, with Bournemouth’s stunning beaches reachable within a 3-minute walk.
Unassuming rooms at Hotel Collingwood BW Signature Collection include private bathrooms, satellite TVs, coffee machines, and complimentary Wi-Fi.
Among the gastronomic options available at the 3-star hotel are a casual restaurant, an elegant bar, and a sophisticated lounge. Leisure amenities include a game room, a fitness room, an indoor pool, a steam room, a hot tub, a sauna, and a ballroom with 1,200 sq feet of event space.
Address: 11 Priory Rd, Bournemouth BH2 5DF, United Kingdom
6. The Orchid Hotel – a chic, trendy and contemporary boutique hotel in a location perfect for Millennials and Gen Zs
Boutique charm coalesces with modern luxury at this trendy hotel on a tree-lined street, less than a mile from Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum.
The gorgeously refurbished bedrooms feature elegant decor with a traditional twist. Designer bathrooms, workstations, flat-screen TVs, coffee machines, and sitting areas are some of the many facilities offered at The Orchid Hotel.
There’s also a hip eatery dishing out seafood and sides in a relaxed setting. A ritzy bar with a well-curated selection of liquors and plentiful lounge space is also available. A full English breakfast is complimentary for all quests.
Address: 34 Gervis Rd, Bournemouth BH1 3DH, United Kingdom
7. Alexander Lodge Guest House – a historic, charming and romantic accommodation providing guests with a freshly made continental or full English breakfast each morning
Perched on Southern Road about two miles from Queen’s Park, Alexander Lodge Guest House is within walking distance of the city’s blue-flag award-winning beaches.
The charming Edwardian hotel affords views of the Isle of Wight, Hengistbury Head, and Old Harry Rock, Alexander Lodge Guest House
Country-chic rooms are equipped with flat-panel TVs, coffee makers, complimentary Wi-Fi, and spacious wardrobes.
The accommodation fee also includes a delicious, home-made, full English breakfast with both vegan and vegetarian options.
Address: 21 Southern Rd, Bournemouth BH6 3SR, United Kingdom
8. Village Hotel Bournemouth – a funky, modern and fun hotel featuring a fitness centre, indoor pool and spa facilities
Lying adjacent to a golf course on Deansleigh Road, Village Hotel Bournemouth is about three miles and four miles from Boscombe and the Hengistbury Head coastal nature reserve respectively.
Colorful wallpapers, streamlined furnishings, and hardwood floors are featured in all rooms. Standard rooms are outfitted with satellite TVs, showers and tubs in bathrooms, coffee machines, and sofa beds. Upgraded rooms offer designer toiletries, film channels, and complimentary access to the hotel’s well-equipped gym.
Dining options include a Starbucks coffee shop, a sports bar, and a relaxed grill restaurant. Parking is complimentary, as is access to a heated indoor pool, a hot tub, a sauna, and a steam room. Guests have to pay an additional fee to use the fitness center.
Address: Deansleigh Rd, Bournemouth BH7 7DZ, United Kingdom
9. Mory House – a petite, cosy and chic B&B that is a favourite for those who love outdoor activities
Occupying a quaint Gregorian house, Mory House is located five miles from Highcliffe Castle with The Bournemouth Aquarium accessible within a 3-minute drive.
Each of the six individually decorated rooms at the polished B&B comes with an en suite bathroom, a flat-screen TV, and a coffee maker. Upgraded rooms have sitting areas with sofas.
Guests are served an English breakfast at individual tables in a spacious dining room.
Address: 31 Grand Ave, Southbourne, Bournemouth BH6 3SY, United Kingdom
To book, check prices or availability for Mory House
10. Applewood Hotel – an elegant, charming and quiet B&B surrounded by beautiful, tranquil gardens
The tranquil surroundings, amazing location, and homey accommodations of Applewood Hotel entice vacationers into checking in.
Housed in a Victorian-style villa on Durley Road, this 3-star hotel is less than a mile from Oceanarium Bournemouth and provides easy access to the city’s award-winning beaches.
Down-to-earth rooms offer basic amenities like wardrobes, flat-screen TVs, and wireless Internet. Most rooms are equipped with private bathrooms, while some come with shared facilities.
All guests have access to a garden area with seating and a laid-back lounge/bar.
Address: 7 Durley Rd, Bournemouth BH2 5JQ, United Kingdom
11. The Grove Hotel – a peaceful, classic-style and newly renovated accommodation perfect for a couple’s romantic getaway
Experience seaside tranquillity at this idyllic oasis in the heart of Bournemouth. Sitting on the beautiful Eastcliff, The Grove Hotelboasts 30 thoughtfully designed bedrooms with basic amenities. The classically styled hotel acts as an ideal base for couples, especially honeymooners.
Included in the hotel fee is a buffet or full Irish/English breakfast served in the room. Other amenities available at the 3-star hotel include a terrace, a shared lounge, private parking, and a garden.
Address: 2 Grove Rd, East Cliff, Bournemouth BH1 3AU, United Kingdom
12. Boho Beach House – Beach location – cute, unique, and elegant accommodation within walking distance of both the beach and town centre
Revel in picturesque views of the English Channel from inside the antiques-laden rooms at Boho Beach House. Set in a Victorian house dating from the 1880s, this elegant hotel is located two miles from Bournemouth train station with Bournemouth Pier reachable within an 11-minute walk.
Quaint rooms feature traditional furnishings and a vintage vibe. In-room amenities include kettles, mini-fridges, and flat-screen TVs. Some offer private bathrooms, while others come with shared bathrooms. The formal, period-style dining room is accessible to all guests.
Address: 61 St Michael’s Rd, Bournemouth BH2 5DP, UK
My first true adventure began as a six month voyage around South East Asia as a fresh faced backpacker and ever since I’ve lived a semi nomadic existence, clocking up visits to over 40 countries. I’m a lover of US Road Trips, deserted beaches bathed in warm glow of a sunset, Cuban mojitos, travel destinations far away from the tourist crowds and all things Scandinavian – from cloudberry liquors to Nordic noirs. When not wandering the world and running Global Grasshopper, you’ll find me walking my rescued Greek street dog in leafy South West London, strolling around the Brighton Lanes on random day trips, hunting for photogenic landscapes or daydreaming about my favourite places; Havana, Copenhagen, Italy, Laos, California and the surreally beautiful landscapes of a wintry Iceland.
