Hotel Miramar

We've stayed here three times now and been lucky enough to get the same amazing room with fabulous sea views each time. The hotel is top class, extremely clean, with friendly, helpful staff and a fabulous breakfast. Nothing is too much trouble for them. They also have lovely unusual jewellery at inexpensive prices. A special thank you to saffron for making us feel extra special, and huge congratulations on your well-deserved promotion. We'll be back.

‼️ Please read the General Manager reply ‼️ Beware if you book through a third-party platform. We came away feeling Miramar doesn't value our business. Our experience suggests that guests booking through sites like Booking.com may be treated as “discounted customers,” which surprised us given these platforms bring hotels significant new business. We often book this way for the extra security and support many travellers value. Parking was one reason we chose this Bournemouth hotel, along with its location. When we arrived, the car park was completely full because a private function was on. We eventually found a space and were told parking would cost £15, payable at checkout. We accepted. By later that evening and the following morning, though, the car park was almost entirely empty, with about 98% of spaces free. At checkout, I said it seemed unusual for a 4-star hotel to charge guests £15 when the car park was largely empty, especially when not all customers pay. Rather than acknowledging my point, the receptionist immediately said we'd booked a “cheap” or “discounted” room through Booking.com instead of directly with the hotel. The implication was that we'd chosen the cheap option, so charges like this were to be expected. It was unprofessional and incorrect. After we left, we compared prices on Booking.com and Hotel Miramar's official website. Ironically, the hotel's own site was cheaper for the same room, as shown in the print-screen. Despite being repeatedly told we had a “discounted room,” we had actually paid more than guests booking directly, and were also insulted and lied to. The explanation simply wasn't true and was used to justify charging extra while implying we'd picked a cheap option. We paid and never suggested we might not. We weren't questioning the charge itself, just the reasoning, and being made to feel insulted over “£15” and lies. We said that the way we were spoken to and the situation overall meant we probably wouldn't bring our business back. The receptionist replied, “Good! That’s fine.” For a hospitality business, that indifference to customer feedback was disappointing. Apart from the service issue, the property felt tired for somewhere marketed as four-star. The rooms felt closer to a 3-star standard, and the service less than that. The shower was very low and uncomfortable for someone taller than 6 ft. We noticed two moths in the room. During the day, cleaning cupboards were left open with linen and supplies on display, which didn't look polished. The worst part wasn't the £15 parking fee, but the attitude and dishonesty in the interaction with reception. A business shouldn't insult paying customers, call them cheap because of their booking method, misrepresent what they paid, or use that as a reason for extra charges. Third-party platforms offer security and support that many travellers prefer, and bring hotels a steady stream of customers. If guests are seen as “discounted” and less valuable, that may explain the attitude we experienced. Because of how we were treated and the explanation we were given, we wouldn't feel comfortable coming back. Future guests may want to keep that in mind before booking. I wouldn't feel comfortable being a paying guest. I'll follow up by email to Booking.com.

It was a night to remember, and I've had so many kind messages from friends and family about how much they enjoyed themselves and how beautiful the hotel looked. Huge thanks to Brian and his amazing team for making my 50th birthday party so wonderful. They went above and beyond to make sure everyone had a great time, and I really appreciate all the care and effort that made the evening run smoothly. Thanks again, hope to see you soon!

Lily and Tanya are amazing, and nothing is too much trouble for them. The food is superb, the staff are great, and this is a brilliant hotel with good value. We highly recommend Miramar in Bournemouth for a short or long stay. Every time we stay, it gets even better!