Hallmark Hotel Bournemouth East Cliff

Attracting a range of guests from couples and families to business travelers, Hallmark Hotel Bournemouth East Cliff has a more modern feel than its sister hotel next door, despite its original 1930s Art Deco architecture. The lobby itself is quite small and plain, with wood floors and a wooden reception desk. Next to this is a lounge area filled with contemporary dark wooden furniture, comfortable blue velvet sofas, a baby grand piano, and an open fireplace. There are large windows, making it a bright and attractive place to sit. There's also some outside space at the hotel, including a breezy terrace with flowers, patio furniture, and unobstructed sea views; it also overlooks the outdoor swimming pool. Decor in the restaurant is more traditional, which makes it look a bit dated and doesn't quite fit with the style of the other common areas.

The Hallmark Hotel Bournemouth East Cliff is, as the name suggests, set on Bournemouth’s East Cliff, overlooking the ocean alongside many other hotels, next door its sister hotel, the Hallmark Hotel Bournemouth Carlton. It’s a good location for exploring Bournemouth on foot, with a sandy beach and the city's famous pier just five minutes away on foot. Bournemouth International Centre and all the town center’s attractions are a 10-minute walk, away, and it's a seven-minute walk to the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum, and 13-minutes to Bournemouth Pavillion Theater. Those with a car will have easy access to other attractions in the vicinity; the Beaulieu Motor Museum, Corfe Castle, and Poole Harbor are all within an hour’s drive. Bournemouth Airport is a 20-minute drive away.

Rooms at the Hallmark Hotel Bournemouth East Cliff are large and bright, and many have unobstructed sea views and balconies. The decor is sleek, chic, and modern; neutral colors are used throughout, with dark wood furniture and cream carpets and upholstery, apart from the odd splash of color in red cushions or blue armchairs. All rooms have free Wi-Fi, a desk, hairdryer, flat-screen TV, tea- and coffee-making facilities, bathrobes, and free mineral water, biscuits, and candy. Some rooms feel new and modern, while others have signs of wear and tear, such as worn carpets. Bathrooms are neutrally-decorated with plain white tiles and shower-tub combinations, but some could use updating. Previous guests have reported that the water pressure is rather low.

The hotel has an elegant brasserie that uses locally sourced ingredients. It serves both classic British dishes and continental meals, and a children’s menu is also available. An extensive buffet breakfast is available, but is not included in most room rates. Guests can also dine at the Frederick's, located at the sister property. There are four bar areas at the hotel, including a garden bar and the Ocean Suite, available for meetings. There’s a cocktail bar done up in wood and leather furnishings, that has an ocean-view terrace. The terrace leads down to the heated outdoor swimming pool, lined with sun loungers. There’s no indoor pool or spa here, but visitors can use those facilities, plus a sauna and small fitness center, at the next-door Hallmark Hotel Bournemouth Carlton. 24-hour room service is available, as is free Wi-Fi, free parking, meeting rooms, and a conference space.