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 Bournemouth is the perfect place to 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. We were warmly welcomed inside and check-in was 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
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 bed was super comfy and I had 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 liked the tea and coffee making facilities, including these Dorset Tea bags.
Dining
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 were invited to dinner 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
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! The Best Western Hotel Royale, also on East Overcliff, has another superb indoor pool. 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. Funnily enough, my Aunt comes to Bournemouth quite frequently and had come to the same conclusion so she’s a regular at the spa. I 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. We’ll be writing in depth about all the things to do nearby very soon.
Final Thoughts
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!
The Cumberland Hotel, East Overcliff Drive, BH1 3AF Bournemouth, Dorset, United Kingdom
Tel: +44(0)1202 298 350 – Mail: sales@oceanahotels.co.uk
In association with The Cumberland Hotel Bournemouth
The post A Luxurious Stay at The Cumberland Hotel, Bournemouth appeared first on Luxury Columnist.
from Luxury Columnist
No comments:
Post a Comment