Exeter Road, Bournemouth, United Kingdom | (888) 708-2081
Minutes' walk to the seafront and pier
Proximity to Bournemouth town center and opposite the BIC (Bournemouth International Center)
Clean, classic rooms with tea kettles and free bottled water
Some rooms have Nespresso coffeemakers and sea views
Chic seafood restaurant with live piano music
Free Wi-Fi
No extra bar for when the restaurant gets busy
Fee for parking
Room decor is a bit drab
Opened in 2010, Park Central Hotel is an upper-middle-range property that's superbly located for the BIC (Bournemouth International Center) and a stone's throw away from the sea. The modern hotel has 48 rooms over four floors, and is home to a seafood restaurant that gets rave reviews from both guests and locals, who visit in droves to eat vast quantities of fruits de mer. Rooms are spotless, and have tea and coffee facilities and flat-screen TVs. Although the hotel could do with a little updating decor-wise -- UK seaside hotels are known for their old-fashioned charms -- it's a solid choice with a top beachside location that's not far from the town center, and comfortable rooms.
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Scene
Seaside hotel that's brimming with life, and has great views, though with some dated decor
A cream-colored building with elegant, carved detailing, Park Central Hotel is a grand, detached property set right on Bournemouth's busy seafront. Its traditional frontage contrasts somewhat with the smart and contemporary surroundings that meet guests upon entry, which is through a curved doorway, and up a carpeted stairway. A seating area near reception offers bright-blue carpeting, soft brown armchairs, and a few framed prints of seaside scenery, but there is no real lobby. Hallways, too, are carpeted in blue, and are dotted with ornate, silver accent mirrors. The Crab restaurant is more stylish, with wood flooring, lots of windows, and a chic, black carpeted area with modern, stone-like chairs. In the front garden are some rather nice, mature plants, including palm trees. From some windows throughout the hotel, travelers can enjoy views of the sea, lending a bright, breezy, and invigorating atmosphere. The hotel is popular with families, couples, and music fans who are attending gigs and musicals across the road at the Bournemouth International Center.
Location
Five-minute walk to Bournemouth town center, and near to Sandbanks and the New Forest
Bournemouth is a fun town to visit. Vibrant and lively, it is full of restaurants and wonderful Victorian and Edwardian architecture, including two piers, a cliff lift, and the lovely Lower Gardens. Park Central Hotel overlooks the sea, and from here, guests can walk to any of the attractions and venues in the town. It's five minutes' walk from the Bournemouth Pavilion Theater and Bournemouth's town center. The BIC is adjacent to the hotel, and always has musical shows on. The New Forest, an area of untouched wilderness with wild ponies and ancient trees, is a 20- to 30-minute drive away. Sandbanks is a shorter car journey of 15 minutes, and has a show-stopping beach and a millionaire's row of houses to admire.
Rooms
Smart and classic, with space to spread out; some with Nespresso machines and sea views
The hotel sits just above the beach, so ocean views are plentiful from rooms at the front of the building. All rooms are a good size, and have generally comfortable beds, free Wi-Fi and bottled water, as well as tea and coffee facilities and flat-screen TVs. Decor is minimal and a bit drab, in dark wood and white, with some red accents and dark-brown leather chairs. The windows are large, letting plenty of natural light flood in. Bathrooms are sleek and modern, with white and gray tiling, and most have stall showers. The Signature rooms are individually decorated and the largest available; all have sea views and Nespresso machines.
Features
Super-busy seafood restaurant
The hotel has a brilliant reputation for its food, which is demonstrated by the restaurant being packed to capacity nearly every evening. The Crab restaurant serves local seafood, such as chili and sesame whitebait, as well as huge plates of fruit de mer. Some guests have mentioned that there should really be a separate bar for when the restaurant fills up, so that drinks can be enjoyed in a quieter environment. Wi-Fi is free, but there's a charge for parking.
