West Cliff Sands Hotel, Bournemouth

Advantages: Friendly and welcoming
Disadvantages:

...Bournemouth is NOT full of 'mature' people, it is an excellent place to holiday on the south coast. I am a 25 year old and have spent the last ten years holidaying in Bournemouth. The sea is lovely, sand golden and the entertainment and facilities provided by the local authority second to none. That also goes for Heathlands Hotel. Heathlands is situated on the East Cliff and within ten minutes walking distance of the town centre (although it is all up hill on the way back). There is an outdoor pool for use in the good weather. The staff are friendly and welcoming. I would recommend when booking that you request a room on the front of the hotel, as the back overlooks the kitchen area and it gets very hot in the back bedrooms! There is a really relaxed and homely feel to this hotel and I have returned there after trying other... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Different kind of town
Disadvantages: Unreliable weather

...Firstly to say that I have lived in Bournemouth and Poole since 1970. In general it is more advisable to find a hotel on the West Cliff well away from the red light district. Excessive drinking in Bournemouth can be a problem but this is largely due to the sheer number of pubs, clubs and casinos in the town. Always wear smart clothes to gain entry into clubs. Never, never abuse the doormen. Beggars normally frequent the Lansdowne area. Just ignore them. The main police station is only hundred yards away. The red light district stretches from the railway station across to Boscombe and is particularly busy during big conferences at the Bournemouth International Centre. But don't be put off by this activity. Visit the area between Bournemouth and Poole town centres including the Chines, Westbourne and Sandbanks for the best part... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: Pls see op
Disadvantages: Pls see op

...on the sand itself, or for the less energetic, you can amble along the promenade. Cars are not permitted to drive down here so it’s perfectly safe. Boscombe is ok, but bear in mind that this area has a high concentration of guest houses and hotels, and isn’t generally seen as being as ‘nice’ as the rest of the stretch. Past Boscombe is Southbourne, which is another lovely, and quieter part of the beach. Highly recommended, but be aware that there are fewer facilities the further east you go. Arguably the finest beaches are actually in Poole at Sandbanks. This stretch is aesthetically perfect (almost), and house prices nearby reflect this. Getting to Sandbanks is less straightforward as reaching any part of Bournemouth's beach - you will either need to drive a fair distance around the coast, or hop on the regular ferries that make the brief... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful