Bournemouth is known for its seven-mile strip of glorious, golden sand. People from different parts of the country flock here to soak up the sun or have a wild time. It’s a popular destination for hen and stag parties. As such, you’ll find plenty of hotels that cater to all kinds of travelers. Whether you’re looking for cheap hotels in Bournemouth or luxury hotels, you’re sure to find something appealing. Cheap accommodation in Bournemouth is surprisingly good with a host of extras on offer.
While Bournemouth is popular for its beach, there are plenty of other things to do here if you can tear yourself away from the sea. There are gardens, museums and a town that’s worth exploring too. If you have time on your hands, you could check out the other popular beach destination, Brighton. It’s about a two-and-a-half-hour drive from here, so you could stopover at one of the best hotels in Brighton. London is also a little over two hours from Bournemouth if you’d prefer to head to the city. You could kill two birds with one stone – stay at one of the cheap hotels in London and explore the city, and then head to the beach in Bournemouth.
Table of contents
- Royal Bath Hotel & Spa
- Bournemouth Carlton Hotel
- Applewood Hotel
- Bournemouth East Cliff Sure Collection Hotel
- Urban Beach
- Village Hotel
- The Cumberland Hotel
- Ocean Beach Hotel & Spa
- Langtry Manor
- Marsham Court Hotel
- The Suncliff
- Top Affordable Bars in Bournemouth
- Top Affordable Restaurants in Bournemouth
- Free Things To Do in Bournemouth
Royal Bath Hotel & Spa
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Many cheap hotels in Bournemouth occupy historic properties that trace their roots to the 19th century. The Royal Bath Hotel & Spa is one such hotel that opened in June 1838 on Queen Victoria’s coronation day. As Bournemouth’s first hotel, the Royal Bath is big on traditional hospitality and comfort. Although a little secluded, the hotel occupies a prime position with outstanding views across the bay. It’s less than a kilometer from the Bournemouth International Centre and a 12-minute walk to the Central Gardens.
The Victorian architecture of the hotel complements the seaside location. Rooms range from compact singles to more expansive suites. All rooms have standard facilities such as a television, tea, and coffee making facilities and WiFi.
When it comes to things to do outside the rooms, you’re spoilt for choice with a wide range of amenities. You can dine at Oscar’s Brasserie, enjoy a drink at the lounge bar or head to Cafe Promenade for a tasty bite. However, if you’d prefer to work up an appetite, the hotel’s Health & Leisure Club offers a few options. Enjoy a leisurely swim or work up a sweat at the gym. If working out is not your idea of a perfect holiday, you could head to the spa for a round of pampering. With so much to do at the hotel, it’s definitely a cheap accommodation in Bournemouth that’s worth checking out.
Bournemouth Carlton Hotel
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Part of Best Western’s Signature Collection, the Bournemouth Carlton Hotel comes packed with a long history. It sits in the famous East Cliff area, providing dramatic views across the bay. The location also places you in proximity to the Bournemouth pier seafront. Like most hotels in the area, the beach is easily accessible via a zig-zag path. For those interested in the other facets of Bournemouth, you’ll find shops, the aquarium, and other activities nearby.
The hotel boasts of hosting illustrious guests such as Bobby Moore, General Eisenhower, and Harold Macmillan in the past. Built during the Victorian era, the hotel has been standing tall for over a century. However, a recent facelift has given the hotel a fresh appearance, spilling into the 76 guest rooms. Many rooms have views across the bay, with some featuring their own private balcony.
If you choose to take a day off from your wanderings, you’ll find plenty within the hotel to keep you busy. The outdoor pool with its sun loungers and palm trees is a good place to start. Relax on one of the poolside loungers with an ice-cool drink or snacks from The Shack. Alternatively, if you prefer a dip in the pool away from the sun, there’s also a heated indoor swimming pool and a sauna. Apart from the pool areas, there’s also a cocktail lounge with a terrace that looks out onto the sea. While the hotel may be a little heavier priced than most of the cheap accommodation in Bournemouth, it’s worth the extra bucks.
Applewood Hotel
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The Applewood Hotel is a family-run hotel that is easy on the pocket. It’s a good option if you’re looking for cheap accommodation in Bournemouth with character. The hotel is located in the West Cliff region, which puts you within easy reach of beaches, shops, bars, and nightlife.
A recent refurbishment of this Edwardian Guesthouse has pushed the hotel up a few notches on style. The modern chic decor and cleanliness give you good value for your money. Guest rooms are either small, single, large king, or twin rooms with bay windows overlooking lovely gardens. High ceilings and period features make the rooms feel light and airy. While all rooms have free WiFi, only the larger rooms have a television and tea and coffee making facilities.
Given the size of the property, you cannot expect too many extras. However, the expansive garden area or the lounge bar is an excellent place to unwind. At an extra charge, guests can also enjoy a full English breakfast.
Bournemouth East Cliff Sure Collection Hotel
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Set on a clifftop overlooking the beach, the Bournemouth East Cliff Hotel by Best Western is an excellent option if you’re looking for traditional cheap accommodation in Bournemouth near the sea. It’s about a 10-minute walk to the center, but there’s plenty to keep you busy in the vicinity. You could head to the Bournemouth Pier to try your hand at the slot machines or catch a performance at the Pavilion Theater. Oceanarium aquarium is also close by if you’re interested in the undersea world.
The distinctive whitewashed hotel has pretty terraces attached to many rooms. Other rooms come with balconies accessible through large French doors. Tastefully decorated guestrooms feature coastal-themed artwork and photographs. The rooms here are quite spacious with many offering lovely sea views. Apart from super-fast WiFi, you won’t find any other extras in the rooms.
There aren’t many onsite facilities, except a nice lounge where you can enjoy a few bites or a drink. However, guests can use the facilities of the hotel’s sister concern just next door. These include a gym, a pool, and a restaurant. That being said, if you’re looking for spacious, cheap accommodation in Bournemouth, this is one of the best.
Urban Beach
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An award-winning boutique hotel that’s also easy on the pocket is the Urban Beach hotel. Just five minutes from the beach, this tastefully designed hotel stands out as one of the best cheap hotels in Bournemouth. It’s not just the beach that’s easily accessible, but also the town center, just 10-minute walk north.
The hotel has 12 individually decorated rooms that come with tasteful furnishings. You’ll find influences of the Far East in many rooms that add to the decor. Rooms range from cozy singles to more spacious doubles. Don’t expect any extras by way of high-end amenities, but you do get free WiFi.
The beating heart of the hotel is the modern bistro which is open for all meals. However, the drinks are the standout here, with many holidaymakers and loyal customers making regular visits. When you’re this close to the beach, you probably won’t have time to enjoy any other facilities. Apart from the bistro, there are no other extras, but you won’t miss them.
Village Hotel
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If a scenic location is what you’re after, the Village Hotel may not make it to the top of your list. However, it’s conveniently located for commuting around the city with the bus stop just two minutes away. The train station is also within easy reach by taxi, but the beach is further away.
That being said, it’s a good place if you’re looking for cheap accommodation in Bournemouth with character. The five-floor hotel is fairly new, so you’ll find shiny, clean spaces throughout. The guest rooms are colorfully decked out with striped carpets and matching striped wallpaper. The color scheme is uniform, even for the furnishings. Rooms come with free WiFi and flat-screen TVs.
What makes this hotel special are the facilities outside the rooms, especially the fitness area. You can enjoy a good workout at the fitness center with its state-of-the-art equipment. There’s also a 25m heated swimming pool, steam, sauna, and a whirlpool spa. In addition to this, the fitness studio has a variety of classes. When you’ve worked up an appetite, you can head to the Pub & Grill for a tasty burger stack or hot wings. The pub is a good place to unwind with a beer or wine. Alternatively, you could pick up a Starbucks or order room service.
The Cumberland Hotel
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Standing among the row of hotels that belong to the Oceana group, The Cumberland Hotel is a cut above the rest of the cheap accommodation in Bournemouth. Recently awarded the highest AA 4-star rating, this iconic Art Deco hotel overlooks the golden beaches of Bournemouth. It’s a popular destination for holidaymakers and a venue for weddings too.
While nudges towards the 1920s decadence with black, white, and chromes, you won’t find any period pieces. The guest rooms also reflect some of this style with bold geometric wallpapers and floral motifs, but the leanings are more modern. At the end of the day, you can look forward to a good night’s rest on the luxurious crisp white linen. That being said, one thing to bear in mind is that the walls are not very soundproof, so noise does travel.
If you can bear these little inconveniences, there are other facilities outside the rooms that you can enjoy. For one, the hotel has an excellent outdoor pool and sun deck. It also has an award-winning two rosette restaurant, Ventana Grand Cafe. The other restaurant, Mirabelle, is where breakfast is served at a discounted rate for guests. A good place to unwind at the end of the day is at the lounge bar.
Ocean Beach Hotel & Spa
4
Part of the Oceana collection that was refurbished and re-branded two and a half years ago, the Ocean Beach Hotel & Spa offers cheap accommodation in Bournemouth in a tranquil setting. It sits atop the East Cliff neighborhood near other hotels of the same group. Just a few minutes away, down a zig-zap path, you’ll find the beach.
What sets this hotel apart from the others of the same group is the vibrant vibe. Decorated in a modern, rustic beach style, the hotel has a surprisingly good range of amenities. Guestrooms differ in decor and range from classic standard rooms to modern premium bedrooms. All rooms come with standard amenities for a comfortable stay.
You can enjoy a full English and Continental breakfast buffet in the Atlantic restaurant that overlooks the swimming pool. There’s also an Italian Cafe onsite for someone hankering for homemade pizzas. It’s also a good place to enjoy a cocktail or a drink. The outdoor Sun Terrace is especially charming in good weather.
Besides the outdoor swimming pool, guests can also relax at the top-rated Oceana Day Spa. The luxury Asian-inspired Day Spa is a popular spot in Bournemouth. Another plus point about staying here is that guests can use the facilities of the other Oceana hotels in the area. There’s also onsite parking.
Langtry Manor
3
The Langtry Manor boasts of being one of the more romantic cheap hotels in Bournemouth. Built in 1877 by Edward VII for his mistress Lillie Langtry, the hotel draws its inspiration from this history. Set amidst East Cliff’s tree-lined streets, this Victorian country house allows you a small step back in time.
Many of the house’s original features are still visible in the carved fireplaces, mullioned windows, balconied bedrooms, and elegant staircases. Each of the 13 guest rooms has an individual design. Rooms have been recently refurbished to provide modern amenities. If you care to spend a little more, book one of the Heritage Rooms with a few unique extras.
One of the best parts of the hotel is the dining room with its chandeliers, minstrel gallery, and fireplace. It’s an excellent setting for a traditional British meal. Breakfast is served at the sister hotel just a few steps away. It’s a good spread with a range of cooked breakfast choices and a continental selection.
Marsham Court Hotel
2
Someone looking for cheap hotels in Bournemouth with a bit of history will probably like the Marsham Court Hotel that traces its origins to 1913. The family-run hotel was initially housed in two houses in East Cliff and had only 13 rooms. It was later extended to one more house and expanded to 41 rooms in 1923. Since then, the hotel has grown even more and is now a sprawling full-service 4-star hotel.
You can look forward to spacious, clean rooms outfitted with modern amenities such as high-speed wireless internet, televisions, complimentary toiletries, and tea and coffee making facilities. All rooms are ensuite, and some even come with balconies that look out onto the sea.
Outside you’ll find a heated pool that’s exclusively for guests of the hotel. The pool is open from May to September. During peak season, the pool bar is open for a selection of drinks and snacks. You could also grab a bite on the terrace. Another good place to enjoy a meal is at the casual dining restaurant, The Retreat. It’s open for all meals, including Afternoon Tea. Breakfast is served daily in The Plantation Restaurant, which is also open for dinner.
The Suncliff
1
One of the best cheap hotels in Bournemouth that’s close to the golden sands is The Suncliff hotel by Oceana. Sitting at the top of the prestigious East Cliff neighborhood, it’s a five-minute stroll to the beach from this traditional English hotel. Getting to the town center is also an easy 15-minute walk from the hotel, or you could also catch a bus.
There’s nothing grand or flashy about this hotel with its white exterior and modern interiors. However, it’s a comfortable choice for those looking for cheap accommodation in Bournemouth. You can choose from different bedroom types to find one that caters to your needs. Many rooms offer breathtaking views of the sea from private balconies and terraces. The decor feels a bit dated, though. Color LCD TVs, tea and coffee making facilities, and complimentary toiletries are standard to all rooms.
While the rooms may not be all that enticing, the facilities at the hotel draw visitors here in droves. You’ll find a 20ft heated indoor pool on the lower level (only available to residents in the busy months), squash courts, table tennis, a mini cardio gym, a dance studio, and a top-rated day spa. Besides all this, you’ll also find a few dining options within the hotel.
The Overcliff Pub gives locals and visitors the chance to enjoy the ambiance of a traditional English pub combined with stunning sea views. Another good place to enjoy a drink is at the quiet Tropicana Bar. On the lower ground floor, you’ll find The Atlantis Restaurant. Alternatively, you could head to the other outlets of the Oceana Bournemouth resort.
Top Affordable Bars in Bournemouth
- Sixty Million Postcards – Opened in 2006, this pub has become an institution of sorts in Bournemouth. Boasting one of the sunniest beer gardens in Bournemouth, you can enjoy perfectly poured cocktails or classic ales and craft beers. With special offers throughout the week, it’s a popular space for students or someone looking for cheap drinks.
- Revolution Bournemouth – With happy hours on from Sunday – Friday until 9pm, this cocktail bar and restaurant on Old Christchurch Road is another popular hangout. You can party on till the early hours with resident DJs mixing up some great tunes or enjoy themed parties and club nights. One thing to note though the bar has a smart/casual dress policy that includes smart footwear for men.
- The Moon in the Square – Wetherspoon has three pubs in Bournemouth, all popular for their affordable drinks and eats. These pubs also have a great vibe so if you’re wondering where to spend your evenings without breaking the bank, you could try one of the Spoons.
Top Affordable Restaurants in Bournemouth
- Picnic Park Deli – Located in the Westover Gardens area of the Lower Gardens, this little cafe comes as a pleasant surprise. If you’re exploring the area it’s a good place to head for brunch, lunch or coffee.
- Chez Fred – Run by three generations of the Capel family, this is one of the best places in Westbourne to dig into your comfort food of fish and chips at a reasonable rate.
- Deli Rocks – This Italian Deli and Espresso Bar in Southbourne serves up a wide range of Italian bites. From delicious pizzas, pastas to healthy salads and coffee it’s an excellent place to enjoy a cheap meal.
Free Things To Do in Bournemouth
- Bournemouth Beach – A visit to Bournemouth would be incomplete without a visit to its golden sands. Considered one of the best beaches in England, it stretches for seven miles. It’s good place to find cheap hotels in Bournemouth too.
- Bournemouth Gardens – These historic gardens known as the Upper Gardens and Central Gardens are an excellent place to unwind if you want a break from the city. Inside the gardens you’ll find a bandstand with regular free concerts, ornamental rockery, a war memorial, and plenty of other things. If you want to explore the gardens at leisure why not take the Bournemouth Gardens Tree Trail!
- Boscombe Arts Trail – Art afficionados will enjoy discovering the installations along this free walk. Installed in 2010, the trail begins in the shopping precinct in Boscombe and culminates at the Boscombe Pier. It takes about 25 minutes to walk find all the installations created by Dorset artist Andy Kirby.
