Norfolk Royale Hotel

Guests enter the Norfolk Royale Hotel under a two-level Art Nouveau veranda -- a 1903 addition to this Edwardian property -- before reaching the reception area. While there is plenty of evidence of the building's 19th-century origins in such features as the high ceilings, supporting pillars, balustrades, and doorways, the ambience is that of a typical, upscale hotel whose trappings haven't been particularly well integrated into the period property. The lobby is airy and bright, thanks to the high ceilings and large windows; and gold decorative mirrors, chandeliers, and a grand piano add pizzazz. The space does look a little tired, and could benefit from a lick of paint and some jazzier furnishings to bring it into the 21st century. The hotel is surrounded by private gardens -- mostly clusters of trees, a stone fountain, and a patio area with wicker seating and outdoor heaters. Norfolk Royale Hotel predominantly attracts families and couples.

Located on a sleepy residential street with a bunch of pubs and high-street stores nearby, the hotel is a 10-minute walk to Bournemouth Beach, which gets packed in the summer, and 15 minutes' drive from Sandbanks, with a stunning beach. The quaint town of Christchurch is a 15-minute drive, and has a wonderful harbor and cute restaurants. The New Forest National Park is only a 15-minute drive away, and has wild ponies and ancient forests. Families can visit Marwell Zoo, a 45 minutes' drive, but worth it for the 235 animal species. Brownsea Island is a 45-minute trip by car and ferry; owned by the National Trust, it has woodland and heath, a variety of wildlife, and cliff-top views across to Poole Harbour and the Isle of Purbeck. If guests feel adventurous, then Stone Henge is about an hour away in the car.

Rooms are good sized and have modern edge -- some are flashier than others. Most have wall-to-wall carpeting and plush decor, with quality beds, soft linens, and scatter cushions. Color schemes are red and pink or blue and green, with floral pattern accents. Furniture is modern and made from light or dark wood. Standard rooms have minibars, coffeemakers, tube-style TVs (sadly!), and free Wi-Fi. Bathrooms tend to be large, with shower/tub combos; some have separate bathtubs, as well as showers. Molton Brown toiletries are a nice perk. Superior options include freestanding baths or corner whirlpool tubs, flat-screen TVs, and plush sofas. Rooms are quiet, and those looking onto the garden have the best views.

The indoor pool isn't enormous, but it's housed in a lovely conservatory with a curved glass ceiling, mellowly lit by Art Deco-style lamps. The pool and surroundings could easily be out of The Great Gatsby, and it's a sweetly chic place to swim. The Art Deco-inspired restaurant, Echoes, serves British cuisine for all three meals. Afternoon tea is served in the lounge, and there's a bar for cocktails and Friday happy hour. For business travelers, there are four suites that can be used for meetings, with room for up to 150 people. The garden can also hold up to 150, and is popular during the warmer months. There are also a whirlpool, sauna, and steam room, plus a spa offering beauty and holistic treatments.