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Hotel

Kensington Hotel

18 Durley Chine Road, Bournemouth · Hotel

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Photo: The Kensington Hotel / Google Maps

A budget-friendly hotel on Durley Chine Road, Bournemouth, an easy walk down to the beach and along to Westbourne.

About Kensington Hotel

Durley Chine Road runs down towards the seafront, and the Kensington Hotel makes use of that position, putting guests within walking distance of both the beach and the shops and cafes of Westbourne. It's a straightforward base for a coastal stay in Dorset, with free on-site parking for anyone arriving by car.

Rooms are en-suite, with family options available, and come with fresh linen and towels as standard. There's a restaurant and bar on site along with a garden and outdoor seating area for warmer days, plus breakfast, free WiFi, drinks available in rooms, laundry service and 24 hour reception. That said, some rooms show their age and can be poorly kept, and getting a quick response from staff isn't always guaranteed.

Outside the hotel there's plenty to fill the time, from golf and fishing to cycling and walking routes nearby, along with pubs, restaurants and entertainment within reach. For the price, it's a reasonable option for those who want to be close to the coast without paying premium rates.

What guests say

Executive Private Hire

Family of 5. Same bedroom, 1 double bed really bitten up and old mattresses fell down on first night as it was really wobbly and. Sheets were somewhat clean, pillows were really bad and uncomfortable. Single beds were firm unfortunately the Sheets were all old and I do not think they were changed from previous guests as on one of them found blood and on curtains as well. No towels, no toiletries or anything else. Good thing NO BED BUGS. Bear in mind you will have to pay £10 for first night to park your car and £5 thereafter for each night. On Booking.com was nothing mentioned about this. Again this is classified as a Hotel not a lounge. No restaurant, no service. Be aware the reception lady no English speaking. Location was good and price to expensive for what we found.

2 weeks ago · via Google

Ruth matthews

I came to this hotel hoping for a simple break after a stressful week. I wasn’t expecting a 5‑star experience, but I did expect basic facilities and a clean, comfortable room. Unfortunately, that’s not what I received. The radiators in my room weren’t working, so I spent the first night cold despite informing staff. When the heating eventually came on, it only ran for around three hours between 6pm and 9:30pm. After arriving soaked from the rain, I needed to dry my hair, only to discover the hairdryer was broken as well leaving me damp in an already cold room. Things got worse when I noticed the state of the bedding. It was filthy, stained, shabby, and completely unacceptable. It should never have been put on any bed. On top of that, there was a persistent damp smell throughout the room for the entire stay, which made things especially difficult for my husband, who is asthmatic. The photos online also show a dining room, but this did not exist during our stay, which felt misleading. Overall, if you value basic hygiene and comfort, I would strongly advise avoiding this hotel.

3 months ago · via Google

User 2018

Generally I can say it was OK, good for the price, clean and close to the sea. I was there on 30.5.2026 with my 9 y old child. We got room with 3 single beds on GF, instead of 2 single beds. The room had floor panels no carpet, which was great. The shower was powerful. I liked that it was fairly clean, bedsheets and towels fresh, no bed bugs, stains, toilet paper and handwash provided. The reception runs till 7pm. You get code to the door and your door has locks. So no no junkies like some people stated. Maybe years ago this hotel wasn't secured, but it is now. Big windows and lots of air. I didn't like dusty blinds and not reaching to the end of window. Not a big deal. No lamps on sides, big ancient chandelier, tired furniture and walls needed painting. Also there was buzzing noise, maybe from outside and when someone had shower, you could hear. Not very comfortable pillows, but maybe because it takes while to get use to.

2 months ago · via Google

Cameron Lee

Great location, poor staff management. Rooms were small and stuffy. No coffee or tea. No aircon. Fan supplied was awful. Mold on bed sheets. 3/10 only good thing was the price.

3 weeks ago · via Google

See all reviews on Google →

People say this hotel has a great location within walking distance to the beach and Westbourne, offers good value for the price, and provides fresh bedsheets and towels.

Other reviews mention the rooms can be poorly maintained and service can be unresponsive.

Summary via Google

At a glance

Address
18 Durley Chine Road, Bournemouth, BH2 5LE Get directions
Property type
Hotel
Location
18 Durley Chine Road, Bournemouth
Good for children
Yes
Destination
Bournemouth