Sandbanks Hotel

The exterior of the hotel has a contemporary style, with silver signage and glass sliding doors. The lobby is smart and modern too -- the flooring and reception desk are made of dark wood, and the walls are adorned with nautical artwork. The bar and restaurant are bright and breezy, if a bit bland, with wooden furniture, and neutral-colored couches in the bar. The other public areas could use some TLC: parts of the stair carpet are held together with sticky tape and the elevators are old and clunky. The hotel is especially popular with families, thanks to its many kid-friend facilities. Some couples do vacation here, but, during school holidays, the pool and beach are dominated by children.

The Sandbanks Hotel trades on its location. Perched on the Sandbanks Peninsula in Poole, it has Poole Harbour at the front and the sea -- and stunning beach -- at the back. This mean that there are panoramic ocean views from all sides and plenty of water activities, like windsurfing and kayaking, to get involved in right outside the hotel. There’s no road between the hotel and the beach, meaning you can literally step out of the door and straight onto the sand. It’s a fairly quiet area, too, surrounded mostly by private homes and apartment complexes. Brownsea Island is just a 10-minute ferry ride away and offers the chance to see some rare wildlife. It’s also less than a 15-minute drive each to Poole's town center and train station, and to Bournemouth’s center; both have plenty of shops and restaurants. 

Rooms at the Sandbanks Hotel are large and the majority have great views, either of the sea or Poole Harbor. Many also have balconies with a small table and chairs. Most are in need of updating, though; the decor is dated -- with wooden furnishings, wall-to-wall carpeting, and pops of color in pillows and curtains -- and there are many signs of wear and tear, such as stained furniture and threadbare patches in the carpets. Bathrooms have shower/tub combinations, but are also in need of renovation and better cleaning. All rooms have free Wi-Fi (although it's spotty), a hairdryer, and flat-screen TV. Room service is also available, and connecting rooms and cots can be requested.

The Sandbanks Hotel has an extensive program of kids' activities. An entertainment team puts on shows throughout the school holidays, and parents can either stay with the children, or leave them in the care of the team. They also organize games on the beach, face-painting, craft activities, and talent shows. For an extra charge, children can also have breakfast with the kids' club mascots. The indoor swimming pool is a big hit with children of all ages, and for very young ones there’s an indoor soft play area.

There are plenty of facilities for grown-ups too, including a sauna, steam room, and small fitness center. For business guests, there are seven meeting rooms available. The restaurant serves a free buffet breakfast daily and is also open for lunch and dinner; it serves fresh, local cuisine alongside views of Poole Bay and the Jurassic Coast. There’s also a bar that has an extensive cocktail and wine list, and a beachfront terrace with plenty of comfortable chairs and tables. There's free Wi-Fi throughout, and free parking.