Holiday Inn Bournemouth by IHG

We used to find the welcome warm and the hotel friendly, but there was a very different attitude from the staff this time. We're frequent guests and last stayed six months ago. The location is still fantastic, with easy access to the beach and town, and the rooms used to be very clean and comfortable. The beer and cider selection at the bar has been cut significantly. The bottled cider was off, smelling and tasting like vinegar, as if it had been stored somewhere warm before being refrigerated. As a publican, I also thought the bottled beer wasn't up to par. Breakfast used to stand out among similar hotels, but the food quality has dropped. It was overcooked, seemed carelessly prepared, and the selection was much smaller, with cheaper products that showed. I wonder if management has changed. This is disappointing and below the standard we've come to expect. They need to do better.

The staff were excellent, professional, attentive, and clearly dedicated. Ricardo stood out as an old-school hospitality professional who seemed happy to do anything to delight guests. The gentleman in charge of the breakfast area was fantastic too. Breakfast was a step above the buffet at competing budget hotels, and there are plenty of food options nearby. The hotel facilities were great, and its location is very convenient for the town centre, seafront, and University accommodation when visiting children. I really enjoyed our stay, would return, and wouldn't hesitate to recommend it.

The room was lovely and clean, and the staff were helpful with very good service. If you're bringing a big car, use the downstairs car park, as the upstairs one is small.

Nothing particularly stood out either way. It's clean, in a good location, and perfectly fine for a night away. The staff were friendly and attentive, parking was free, and breakfast was okay. It's okay.