Bournemouth East Cliff Hotel Sure Hotel Collection by Best Western

The sea view was amazing, but we paid a lot for two nights and the stay was appalling for a Best Western. The rooms didn't look like the photos, with old, outdated furniture, holes in the ceilings, broken tiles and a toilet, plus rain dripping through the roof into the bathroom. The bath sides were covered in mould and the kettle was badly scaled. Room service only brought clean cups and emptied the bin. They didn't make the bed, replace towels or clear our glasses from the bar the night before. Breakfast was sparse: sausages, bacon, scrambled egg, hash brown and tomato for the hot options. We waited 12 minutes for a clean juice glass, most tables hadn't been cleared, and only two staff were on, just 40 minutes after breakfast began. No cash at all. The photos of the executive room taken after we got back in the late afternoon show the actual room, not what was advertised. Never again.

The hotel was well maintained inside, so don't let the exterior put you off. Our room had a wonderful sea view and a balcony shared with another apartment, which wasn't an issue. The shower took a few minutes to warm up, but everything else worked well. We stayed three nights and didn't have breakfast, so I can't comment on it. Room service could be exchanged for free drinks at the bar. The pool was closed for renovation, but we could use the gym and other areas at the neighboring sister hotel Carlton, which was a definite plus. The beach is right in front of the house, though its cliffside position means about a ten minute walk to reach it. The city centre is walkable, nothing is very far, and there are bus stations nearby.

The toilet flush wasn't great and some parts of the hotel are dated, but the room itself was spacious, clean and in good condition, with a new carpet. It was cleaned well each day and we got fresh towels. For the value compared with nearby hotels, we'd stay again.

We spent most of our time outside at the beach and only came back to sleep, so the basic facilities suited us. The location is the big draw: right by the sea, with a ramp to the beach directly in front. The hotel is dated and a little tired, and our family room, with one large bed, two singles pushed together and a sofa bed, had no air conditioning or fridge. Guests can use the pool, sauna and gym at the nearby sister hotel, a short walk away. The staff were genuinely warm, helpful and kind, and made the stay more pleasant. If you want a no-frills place with a great seaside spot and nice people, and it's cheaper than other hotels, it could work.