Chine Hotel

A revolving wooden and brass door leads through to the Chine Hotel's lobby area,
which has loads of Victorian charm in its polished parquet floors,
chandeliers, and wide staircase with deep red carpeting and an ornate wooden
banister. The hotel's style is classic and traditional, and the focus is very much on families, who
make up the majority of guests. In the past, the hotel has hosted some famous
theatrical names, such as Laurel and Hardy, and there are photos of them
adorning the corridor walls. The building sits on top of a hill and has
extensive and secluded grounds with views of the sea. There are often weddings taking
place in the grounds, or children making use of the playground and outdoor pool
in the warmer months.

Unlike most Bournemouth hotels, the Chine Hotel is a bit further inland, in the quieter Boscombe area. However, there are still sea views and beaches within walking
distance. The hotel sits at the end of a residential road, and a car is necessary for getting around town; there's free parking for guests, although spaces are limited. From
the hotel’s gardens, there’s direct access to Boscombe beach, and it’s around a
10-minute walk to Bournemouth beach. Boscombe Pier and a host of restaurants
along the promenade are a 10-minute walk away. Also a 10-minute walk is the
Coastal Activity Park, which offers a wide range of activities, including
kayaking, boulder-climbing, and beach tennis. The Knyveton Gardens are a
15-minute walk away, but Bournemouth town center is not close enough to walk
to, approximately a 10-minute drive away. Bournemouth train station is a five-minute
drive, and Bournemouth Airport is a 15-minute drive. 

Rooms at the Chine are done up in traditional chain-hotel-style decor, and many could use updating --
there are signs of wear on the carpets and furniture in a lot of rooms. All are quite spacious, though, and while some have bland, taupe-colored furnishings with plaid drapes and accents, some have a more modern color scheme with dark leather headboards and a crimson accent wall; many also have balconies. White-tiled bathrooms have combination shower/tubs. All rooms have free Wi-Fi, tea- and coffee-making facilities,
hairdryers, and a flat-screen TV. Those traveling with
children can book connecting rooms, and Family Suites are also available. Many
rooms have garden views, while Sea View Rooms have views of
Boscombe Pier and miles of sandy beaches. It's worth noting that, thanks to the age of the building, rooms can get hot and stuffy in the warmer months.

There are plenty of facilities on-site at the Chine Hotel to keep guests of all ages busy. Those
traveling with children are particularly well taken care of, thanks to a kids'
club which provides entertainment during the summer holidays, an outdoor
playground, and an indoor play area which is suitable for children up to
age seven. A children's tea is served in the restaurant during the early
evening, but kids are also welcome to eat later with their parents in the main
restaurant, which has a separate children’s menu. The restaurant serves local
cuisine, including a wide range of freshly-caught fish, and has sea views. The bar has a garden and sea view, and also offers snacks
throughout the day, such as sandwiches, salads, and paninis. An extensive buffet breakfast with à la carte options is served daily and comes included in the room rate. There are indoor and outdoor swimming pools, as well as a sauna and spa tub, and a small fitness center. However, most of these areas look tired around the edges and could use updating.
The loungers around the pools are shabby and need replacing, too. The
hotel’s highlight is its three acres of mature gardens, which include a
pond, waterfall, and woodland area. There’s also a picturesque gazebo where outdoor
weddings are held regularly. Corporate travelers are welcome to make use of the business
center and three meeting rooms. The hotel offers free Wi-Fi and parking.