A family-friendly beachfront hotel with direct access to Sandbanks Beach, a watersports academy and an indoor pool.
Photos
Photos via Google
About Sandbanks Hotel
The Sandbanks Hotel sits directly on the beach at Sandbanks, with rooms looking out over the sea or across Poole Harbour towards Brownsea Island, and is pitched more squarely at families than its two sister hotels along the peninsula. Direct beach access from the hotel grounds means mornings can start with a swim before breakfast, and the property leans into this with its own watersports academy offering windsurfing, paddleboarding, kayaking and sailing tuition.
Dining options include the Seaview Restaurant and Amalfi Beach, an Italian restaurant with a terrace over the sand, alongside a beachside pizza takeaway that is popular with day visitors as well as residents. An indoor heated pool and a children's entertainment programme through the summer holidays add to the family-resort feel, and electric vehicle charging points are available on site.
The hotel markets itself as a relaxed, affordable seaside stay rather than a luxury retreat, and its combination of beach access, watersports and family facilities makes it one of the more practical choices for a family holiday on this stretch of coast, particularly for those without their own car who want everything within walking distance.
What guests say
A wonderful hotel in a truly stunning location. I had the pleasure of attending the Master Hair Pro Awards here, and it was an unforgettable experience. The hotel overlooks a beautiful sandy beach with breathtaking sea views, making it the perfect place to watch both the sunrise and the sunset. There's also a lovely promenade along the beachfront, ideal for a peaceful walk while enjoying the fresh sea air. Whether you're visiting for an event, a relaxing getaway or simply to enjoy the spectacular coastal scenery, this is a fantastic destination. Highly recommended! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
3 weeks ago · via Google
Just come back from three day break at this hotel. Amazing time with brilliant weather. I don't get some of the negative reviews. The hotel is old very quirky so you've got to expect there may be maintenance issues however the staff work incredibly hard. I saw a lot of cleaning going on. Leisure centre is spotless. You can't expect aircon in this kind of hotel. Plenty of parking and the breakfast was very good. The location of course is incredible and I would return in a heartbeat
a month ago · via Google
I genuinely cannot understand how this hotel justifies charging £350 per night for what is presented as a four-star experience. The “spa” advertised is not even in this hotel. It is a 30-minute walk away at another property, and no one even answers the phone when you try to contact them. Advertising this as a hotel spa feels misleading for a hotel of this category. There is no air conditioning whatsoever. The room is very warm, making it difficult to sleep comfortably. For a hotel that claims four stars, this is disappointing. The hotel is old and could benefit from better maintenance. We were also expected to carry our luggage up to the third floor because there is no lift, which is not what you would expect at this level. The service has been below expectations. Staff did not seem particularly attentive or proactive when dealing with requests. The breakfast was underwhelming, with limited selection and quality that does not match what you would expect from a four-star hotel. The only positive thing I can say is that the room has a sea view. However, even that is somewhat diminished by an old balcony that reflects the overall condition of the property. This hotel seems to rely heavily on its location. While it has potential, it does not currently meet the standards typically associated with a four-star rating. Overall, it feels overpriced for what is offered, and improvements would be needed for us to consider staying again.
a month ago · via Google
A real Gem of a place to visit to enjoy the beach. The outdoor pizza kitchen on the terrace with the bar is fantastic. Staff are nice & friendly too. It is a real shame there are no dog friendly bedrooms though. Is this something that can be considered at all?
a month ago · via Google
Guests mention this hotel offers stunning sea views, a wide variety of breakfast choices, and a clean leisure center. They also highlight the friendly and helpful staff, convenient parking, and excellent location right on the beach.
Some reviews mention the hotel can be poorly maintained.
Summary via Google
At a glance
- Address
- 15 Banks Road, Poole, BH13 7PS Get directions
- Property type
- Hotel
- Location
- Sandbanks Beach
- Star rating
- 3 star
- Guest score
- 8.0 / 10 (2,600 reviews)
- Prices from
- £135 per night
- Good for children
- Yes
- Destination
- Poole