Bournemouth is one of the most popular seaside resorts in the UK, thanks to its sandy beaches and sunny weather. The town is great for shopping and has many fun attractions like the world’s first pier to shore zipline. The Cumberland Hotel OCEANA COLLECTION is the perfect place for a reasonably priced stay, thanks to its superb location overlooking the sea. An iconic Art Deco building, it’s been tastefully modernized yet retains many original features.
First Impressions – The Cumberland Hotel Bournemouth
When considering where to stay in Bournemouth, a sea view is definitely top of our list. The Cumberland Hotel is located on East Overcliff, a peaceful road that’s a short walk from the beach and the town centre.
There’s free car parking to the rear of the property. You will be warmly welcomed inside and check-in is quick and efficient.
The lift is on the small side, with it being a historic hotel, but it whisked us to our gorgeous Superior Ocean View Balcony bedroom in no time at all. Stepping on to the balcony, we were greeted with this panorama!
Accommodation at The Cumberland Hotel Bournemouth
The first thing that comes to mind is the sense of space. Not only is the bedroom huge, but it had two double wardrobes, a vanity unit and a separate cupboard that came in handy for storing our suitcases.
The Art Deco inspired furnishings are very chic and we loved the blue low lighting that gives a cosy glow. The beds are super comfy and you’ll get a great night’s sleep.
In the bathroom we found a cute towelling swan and Anyah eco-friendly toiletries. They’ve been dermatologically tested and have biodegradable packaging. The shower was very invigorating and we started the day feeling completely refreshed.
Little Touches
There are some nice little touches at The Cumberland Bournemouth, like this fresh fruit platter that was waiting for us when we arrived.
We also like the tea and coffee making facilities, including these Dorset Tea bags.
Dining at The Cumberland Hotel
The Cumberland Hotel has several great dining options. Mirabelle Restaurant serves a good set menu, and Ventana Grand Café is an award winning 2-rosette venue.
Both are open to locals as well as hotel guests, and many people choose to eat in the Del mar Lounge. It serves up Sunday roasts, platters and bar snacks in very classy surroundings.
We dined at Ventana Grand Café, which blends Art Deco style with contemporary chic. The food presentation is outstanding, beginning with the Salisbury goat’s cheese three ways – a peppered log, tempura fried and a moreish panna cotta with beetroot.
My starter was a delectable dish of pan fried Cornish King scallops with a mango and pepperdew salsa. There’s a great selection of wine and champagne and the sommelier recommended wines by the glass that went really well with our meal.
It was followed by a perfectly crispy pan fried fillet of Mudeford sea bass with herb sautéed Jersey Royals, cherry tomatoes, roasted samphire and salsa verde. Mudeford is just down the road and our friendly waiter had advised us that the fish here is particularly good.
Paul was impressed with his main course, the Ventana signature variations of Dorset lamb. It combined a tender braised lamb shank shepherd’s pie with a lamb and mint toad in the hole and a rump of lamb hot pot with roast beetroot and crushed pea purée.
By now I was feeling pleasantly full so I opted for Giggi’s Ices as my dessert. Locally made in Bournemouth, they’re all homemade on the premises each day. My chocolate and black cherry ice cream and green apple sorbet were a real treat.
Paul managed to find room for this superb white chocolate and banana parfait with caramelized banana, lime Chantilly and toffee drizzle. Of course, I stole a bite!
Breakfast the next day was a filling affair with a well stocked buffet serving up hot and cold dishes. We particularly liked the selection of freshly made juices.
Facilities at The Cumberland Hotel
The heated outdoor pool is just gorgeous, and you could almost believe you were in Miami. From the Art Deco style dolphin to the chill beds and poolside bar serving snacks, Costa Coffee and cocktails, it’s a very relaxing spot.
The Cumberland Hotel is part of the Oceana hotel group, and guests may use the facilities of all the other hotels. Next door at The Suncliff there’s an indoor swimming pool, traditional English pub, a games room and even two squash courts!
Adjacent to The Suncliff, you’ll find The Ocean Beach Hotel & Spa. It’s considered by many locals to be the best day spa in Bournemouth. We enjoyed an Oceana Signature Facial, using BABOR professional skincare products.
It’s a German brand known for its gentle efficiency and the results were certainly impressive. I was able to go without foundation as my skin was so smooth and hydrated afterwards. Not only that, I fell sound asleep as my knowledgeable therapist worked her magic – clearly this was turning out to be a very relaxing stay.
There are several function rooms at The Cumberland, with my favourite being The Oceana Suite. It has a huge free-span dome, a chandelier with 50,000 crystals and colour changing lights as well as a stage, dance floor, private bar and its own sound system and can cater for up to 90 people seated.
What to See Near The Cumberland Hotel
If you can tear yourself away from the hotel, it’s mere minutes away from the beach. Once you’re down there you can walk or cycle for miles or just relax on the golden sand.
Dorset is one of the sunniest places in the UK after all! There’s also surfing on the man-made reef in nearby Boscombe, or take a look around the astonishing Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum. Here are some other suggestions for things to do in Bournemouth.
A Luxurious Stay at The Cumberland Hotel
Without a doubt, The Cumberland Hotel is one of the best places to stay in Bournemouth. It will wow you with its unique heritage, friendly staff, delicious food and superb location.
Guests who book direct get a number of benefits including 20% off spa treatments, 10% off dining and free cancellation up to 24 hours before arrival. By the way, if you’re wondering what the yellow flag below represents, it’s actually the Dorset county flag.
It’s sunny colour sums up our Bournemouth stay very well – full of sunshine, smiles and style!
Cumberland Hotel – OCEANA COLLECTION, East Overcliff Drive, BH1 3AF Bournemouth, Dorset, United Kingdom
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In association with The Cumberland Hotel Bournemouth
It looks so beautiful over there – the food wowza!!
Candice | Beauty Candy Loves
The food really was amazing, I’m still hungry thinking about it!
This looks like a lovely hotel – spacious rooms, delicious food & what an incredible sea view! Love the area around Bournemouth!
Miriam xx
Isn’t it a beautiful part of the UK! This hotel really was the perfect choice from which to explore the area
I have never been at the British Seaside but what you show here inspires me really to visit this place! The beach is obviously wonderful and the food looks definitely yummy! Thanks for sharing 🙂
xx from Bavaria/Germany, Rena
www.dressedwithsoul.com
My pleasure, Rena, you should definitely visit the British coast sometime and Bournemouth is one of the nicest towns to see
I’m convinced you are really right! Have a happy new week! xx Rena
Oh this looks so nice Suze. Who would ever think that you are in the UK on the British seaside. I love everything about it the rooms, the food and that pool. I could picture myself laying there relaxing with a glass of wine.
It really does feel like Miami! The poolside bar is gorgeous, a great place to while away an afternoon
I really love Bournemouth, and this looks like a lovely hotel to stay at (being sure to enjoy a Sunday roast!). Lovely to see the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum featured here too; isn’t it stunning?
Gabrielle | A Glass Of Ice x
Their Sunday roast is just perfect, I’d definitely go back for that. Glad to hear that you’re a fan of the Russell-Cotes too!
Oh wiw! This place sells itself, the food looks amazing & so does the seaside view! Who knew this existed, until now! Great article Suze! x
You’re right Tracey, it really does sell itself – one of the nicest places we’ve stayed!
Great post! The pool looks amazing and that spa 😍😍 I would love to stay there. Every last detail seems so well thought out 🙂
The spa was brilliant, loved my treatment and it was only a few minutes walk from my hotel
When I think of England I’ve never thought of beach side resorts haha! This one looks divine though- and all that food!! 😍
The food was so amazing and dining with a sea view was a great pleasure!
I must head down to Bournemouth more, this place looks wonderful!
I’m biased as I have family there but it really is a lovely town and this hotel is a great place to stay there
I absolutely love this place and the food looks really good! Lucky you
It was a real treat, Karla! Have a great week ahead
Looks lovely, I always prefer to stay by the sea. The food looks super yummy as well!
There’s nothing like a relaxing beachside stay is there and coupled with great food it’s a winning combination!
Wow, the hotel looks like a wonderful place to stay. Although I’m not a beach person but still I always prefer a sea-view hotel whenever I’m in a city with sea. Here, the sea with turquoise blue color is surely an added advantage for those who want to plan their stay there. Hotel surrounded with places to visit around for a day is a preferred place for me. You have seriously listed a lot of reason why it is a perfect place to stay while visiting Bournemouth.
Thanks for sharing.
The sea really does have an amazing colour in Bournemouth and it’s so relaxing to look at it from the hotel balcony
It looks absolutely amazing and I never would have guessed this is England 🙂
It’s great when you get a surprise like that isn’t it! The feel of the place is definitely Miami cool meets Art Deco chic
It looks more like one of the art deco buildings in Miami. Love the way there are so many sunbeds but no one on them!! That’s the downside to our lovely British weather of course. Loving the room
Well the sunbeds do get busier later in the day, we got up early to take the photos. You’d be surprised just how warm it gets there!
It looks so lovely! Now I want to stay at a resort lol
I hope you get the chance, Michelle!
The Cumberland Hotel looks fantastic. I love the view of the water from the room and the bathroom looks super luxurious. Frankly, I would have never guessed this was the UK. I just don’t associate it with a beach trip! But after seeing Bournemouth and the hotel, I definitely have a changed perspective.
You’re right, Jackie, the hotel really doesn’t feel like it’s in the UK! It’s surprising how great the weather is in Bournemouth too, gives the whole town a permanent holiday vibe
This hotel looks so cool, love the lighting in the rooms and the shower and WOW I would love to eat there all day long 🙂
The lighting is really funky, it definitely fits the Art Deco vibe. As for the food, it was amazing!
What a beautiful property and the food looks amazing! Pinning for future travels
It really is stunning, Sherianne! I hope that your travels take you there at some point
The acumberland Hotel looks dreamy! And so does that rump of lamb! Thanks for sharing Suze!
The rump of lamb was so tasty, in fact the whole meal was fantastic
The food looks AMAZING!!!!! Thanks for such a detailed review!
You are very welcome, Any – have a great week ahead
This looks absolutely luxurious! I would be all over that fruit plate. What a welcome! The view is absolutely wonderful!
What a great location Suze and I love how spacious your room is! The last time I went to Bournemouth was 7 years ago on a work trip. I was sent home when I came down with Shingles (nightmare!) – I would love to return though and experience the city properly rather than be quarantined to my hotel room!
I’ve had shingles once and it was horrid, you should definitely return to Bournemouth so that you have a better memory of it!
I love the view from your balcony! And the food looks amazing!!! Your photos and the way you described your experience definitely showed that Cumberland Hotel is a great place to stay in Bournemouth!
I’m pleased that you enjoyed reading it, Trish!
From the time I saw the first picture I wanted in!!! Lol. What a beautiful place in a beautiful location. The view is gorgeous!! The bed look ridiculously comfortable and the shower stall is stunning!!! The food looks delicious. Awesome place.
It really is a great combination of lovely hotel in a lovely setting! The bed was so comfy and we really enjoyed the food
I actually hadn’t heard of Bournemouth before reading your post, but I do want to rent a car and explore more of the UK coast the next time I visit London – I really haven’t spent much time at the seaside at all. But the world’s first pier to shore zipline sounds awesome!
The Cumberland Hotel is definitely where we’ll stay – love their attention to detail, and added extra touches like the swan towels, eco-friendly amenities and fruit platters in the room. The dining looks incredible too – each plate is a work of art! Nice to know that the spa is an attraction in its own right. Thanks for the feature / review.
The spa is fantastic, and we really enjoyed all the attention to detail like the swan towels that you mention
The Cumberland looks lovely, we normally stay in an Air B&B with wonderful views but this looks perfect will check it out when we go next Lucy x
I’m sure you would love it, Lucy – it feels like a home from home as the staff are so friendly
Bournemouth is one of the best places to visit for beach holidays. Its much better then brighton because of its sandy beaches and sunny beaches. Also, It is an happening city because of too many clubs to party and young crowd from Bournemouth University. I would suggest to spend a night too after spending a beautiful day on the beach here.
http://www.yourtravelshop.com/
It’s such a vibrant place and staying over means that you get to enjoy the full dining experience too
I’ve just had a quick stop in Bournemouth whilst passing by. Looking at this it seems I should make the effort to spend a couple of nights at the Cumberland and really soak up the atmosphere of the great British seaside. Love the beach huts btw!
You definitely should, Suzanne, as it’s a great way to see more of the town and to really enjoy the sea views