Harbour Heights Hotel

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. 

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. 

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.  

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.