73 Haven Road, Sandbanks, Poole, United Kingdom | (888) 635-3814
Perched on a hillside overlooking Poole Harbour
Superb three-tiered terrace features stunning views
Many of the spacious rooms have sea-view balconies
All bathrooms have jetted tubs
Wine cellar is staffed by a dedicated sommelier
Free on-site parking
Free Wi-Fi
No leisure or spa
facilities
Some rooms have parking lot views
The 38-room Harbour Heights Hotel is an upscale boutique where the main feature is a wonderful tiered
terrace that offers superb views over Poole Harbour. Rooms are mostly spacious, with lovely sea vistas seen through floor-to-ceiling windows or from furnished balconies.
While jetted tubs come standard in all bathrooms, a lack of any spa facilities
is disappointing for this level of hotel. Dining, however, is first-rate and
the hotel keeps an excellent wine cellar with a full-time sommelier. Overall,
rates are not cheap, but it's certainly worth the upgrade for a
room with a spectacular view. Wi-Fi is free, as is breakfast.
Disclaimer: This content was accurate at the time the hotel was reviewed. Please check our partner sites when booking to verify that details are still correct.
Scene
Boutique with unassuming facade and spectacular terrace
One of four
hotels belonging to the local family-owned FJB chain of Dorset hotels, Harbour
Heights occupies an initially unassuming property dating back to the 1920s with
an inconspicuous gray and white facade sparsely ornamented with sculpted
shrubbery. Stepping into the reception, the scene is smart and quirky with
elongated armchairs and sweeping marble-top reception desk with an undulating
backdrop. Artwork plays a large part in the interior design, with few walls
not adorned with a water-themed painting. Contrasted with its understated
frontage, to the rear is an immaculate, three-tier terrace with stunning and
unrivaled views over Poole Harbour and Brownsea Island beyond.
Location
Perched on a hill between Poole center and Bournemouth -- half a mile from Sandbanks beach
The hotel is
located off a quiet, residential tree-lined road perched on a slope overlooking
the sea in Poole's Sandbanks area. Like many hotels in the area, it's best
reached by car as there's not much in the way of public transport and few
restaurants can be found in the immediate area. A long stretch of sandy beach, however, is just a 10 minutes' walk away and the start of
Luscombe Valley Nature Reserve is also just a short stroll from the hotel. Both Poole town center
and the large coastal resort town of Bournemouth are within a 10 minutes' drive
-- in opposite directions -- while five minutes by car takes you to the ferry
that connects to Brownsea Island and Dorset's famous Jurassic coast.
Rooms
Pleasant and spacious rooms, most with stunning views over the harbor
The hotel has
just 38 rooms, all of which are decorated in a pleasant, modern style with
polished wood furnishings, patterned fabrics, and a clean, business-like feel. Floor-to-ceiling
windows make the most of wonderful views across Poole Harbour, while many rooms
open to Juliet balconies or furnished terraces for the full panoramic vista --
old-fashioned telescopes are also provided, though guests should note that not every room has
sea views. Standard amenities include free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs,
mini-fridges, and (uncommon for hotels in the area) air-conditioning, while
every bathroom features a jetted tub, which is even rarer.
Features
Fine dining with stunning views and an impressive wine list -- though no spa facilities on-site
While the views
overlooking Poole Harbour from the Harbor Bistro's three-tier, teak-decked
terrace is the hotel's main attraction, the restaurant itself also provides
excellent dining throughout the day; the hotel is one of the few in the
country with its own wine cellar and full-time sommelier, so it's no surprise
the wine list is impressive. A continental or full English breakfast is
included in the rate, while on-site parking and Wi-Fi is also free of charge. Lack of any leisure or spa facilities, however, is a shame.
