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 heritage-protected 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 tubs in some rooms. Muted greens and purples complete the restful but stylish vibe.

Alongside two AA rosettes recognizing the culinary excellence of 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 favorite 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.