Hotels in Bournemouth

Where to base yourself in Bournemouth largely comes down to which side of the pier, and how central, you want to be. East Cliff has long been the town's grandest hotel address, with a run of large seafront hotels set on the clifftop above the Lower Gardens, offering sea views and the shortest walk down to the pier and beach; it suits visitors who want a classic, full-service seaside hotel experience with spas, pools and restaurants on site. West Cliff, on the other side of the pier, has a similar cluster of hotels in a slightly quieter setting nearer Alum Chine, and works well for those who want the same easy beach access with a touch more calm in the evenings.

Staying in the town centre, around the Square and Old Christchurch Road, puts restaurants, bars and the shopping streets on the doorstep, with the beach still an easy downhill walk away; this suits visitors who plan to split their time between the seafront and the town rather than staying seaside all day. It also tends to offer the widest range of guest houses and independent B&Bs at more moderate prices than the seafront hotels. Boscombe and Southbourne, a short bus ride further east, appeal to those wanting a quieter, more local feel, with smaller guest houses and self-catering options and a growing choice of independent cafes along Christchurch Road.

Prices in Bournemouth rise sharply in July and August and around the Air Festival weekend, when the largest seafront hotels can book out weeks ahead, so visitors planning a summer trip are best booking well in advance regardless of area. Outside the school holidays, particularly in spring and autumn, rates ease considerably and even the grander East and West Cliff hotels can offer good value for a seaside break with far fewer crowds on the beach itself.