Hotels in Bournemouth

Still wondering what to do in Bournemouth? Opodo has the top must-see plans so you won't miss a thing. Find everything you need to know before picking your stay in Bournemouth and book your hotel today!

Bournemouth, a thriving coastal town on the south coast of England, is a haven of golden sand, lush gardens, and vibrant modern life. It is most famous for its seven miles of soft, sandy beaches, which consistently rank among the best in the UK. The iconic Bournemouth Pier juts out into the water, offering a mix of traditional seaside amusements and modern thrills like the PierZip.

Running from the town centre down to the sea are the stunning Lower, Central, and Upper Gardens, a Grade II listed Victorian parkland that provides a peaceful, green oasis in the heart of the town. With a dynamic entertainment scene, a huge variety of dining options, and a prime location next to the stunning Jurassic Coast, Bournemouth is the perfect blend of seaside relaxation and city vibrancy.

When choosing where to stay in Bournemouth, your preferred location will depend on whether you prioritise beachfront access, town centre activity, or a quieter, more exclusive feel.

The most central and popular area is around the Bournemouth Pier and Central Beach. Hotels here place you directly on the seafront or a very short stroll away, offering easy access to the main attractions, the Pier, the Lower Gardens, and the Bournemouth International Centre (BIC) for entertainment. This area is ideal for first-time visitors who want to be near the buzz and the main transport hubs.

For a slightly quieter, yet still very central base, consider the hotels on the East Cliff or West Cliff. These clifftop locations often house grander, more luxurious hotels and guest houses, offering spectacular panoramic sea views. East Cliff, in particular, is home to the stunning Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum, a must-see Victorian villa. The cliff lifts make accessing the beach from these heights quick and easy.

If you prefer a charming, village atmosphere with excellent independent shopping, look towards the suburb of Westbourne. Located a short distance west of the town centre, Westbourne is known for its beautiful Victorian arcade, unique boutiques, and high-quality cafes and restaurants. This area offers a more peaceful, local feel while still being well-connected to the main beach areas via a lovely stroll through the Upper Gardens.

Bournemouth is served by Bournemouth Airport (BOH), with direct buses providing an easy connection to the town centre and train station. The town itself has an extensive local bus network, which is very useful for exploring the wider area, including the popular Hengistbury Head or neighbouring towns like Poole, allowing you to venture out easily from your central hotel base.

To find the best value on your hotel booking in Bournemouth, it is important to time your trip carefully around the seasonal swings. As a major UK coastal resort, the highest hotel prices occur during the school summer holidays, typically from late July through to the end of August.

A great tip for saving money is to consider staying a little further from the Central Beach and Pier area, looking instead at the suburbs or locations slightly inland. A unique time-saving opportunity to look out for is the Bournemouth Air Festival, which usually takes place over four days in late August or early September. This massive event, featuring spectacular air displays, draws enormous crowds, and hotel prices in the central area will be at a premium during this period. Booking outside of this specific window, or choosing a location further east towards Boscombe, can help you find much more favourable rates.