Langtry Manor Hotel

The bed was comfortable, the shower was good, breakfast was nice, and there was a good choice of tea and coffee. Free parking was handy, and the dressing table was lovely. It’s about a 20-minute walk to the seafront. Breakfast hours are 8.00-9.00 Monday to Friday, 8.00-10.00 Saturday, and 8.30-10.30 Sunday. When we arrived at Langtry Manor Hotel, we thought it looked lovely, and the room seemed nice at first. Then we noticed dust everywhere, an uncleaned carpet, mould in the bathroom, and a light hanging from the ceiling. The lady across the road apologised and moved us to another room, but it had the same cleanliness problems. We called reception the next day and were told housekeeping would come. When we returned, they’d only dusted the headboard and light bulbs. That was all. For the price, this was really disappointing and unacceptable. Nobody came to speak with us or even look at the room. The pillows were hard and flat, like sleeping without pillows, but when we asked for more, they brought some the same day.

We’d happily return to Langtry Manor Hotel and recommend it to anyone wanting a welcoming place with character in Bournemouth. Breakfast next door at the sister establishment was generous and tasty, with vegetarian options, and the dining room and staff were warm and pleasant. It’s served daily from 8am to 10am. The hotel is a beautiful historic building from 1877, with original pieces on the first floor and a connection to Lillie Langtry. There’s off-street parking, and it’s a short walk to Bournemouth town centre. Our suite was spacious and comfortable, with plenty of storage and seating. The spa bath was a highlight, and we appreciated the toiletries, kettle with tea and coffee, and two bottles of mineral water. There’s also a letterbox just seconds away on Knyveton Road if you need to post a letter or postcard. We were delayed in heavy traffic on the A34 for over an hour, so we were especially grateful to the receptionist, who waited well over an hour past check-in time. She kept us updated and reassured us she’d be there when we arrived. Her care and professionalism put us at ease right away. Thanks to everyone who made our stay so memorable.

Breakfast was at the Derby Manor across the road, and we wished we’d stayed there instead. It was bright, clean and inviting, with great staff. There was a buffet of pastries, cereal, toast, jam, tea, coffee and juices, plus cooked options. Those weren’t freshly cooked, so they were lukewarm and a bit dry, but edible. The price is in line with other local three-star places, and I suppose you get what you pay for. This place feels left to fade away, which is sad given its well advertised history. We wouldn’t return. Our junior suite with spa bath was huge, with lots of space, storage, lights and sockets. There’s free parking and WiFi, and the location is quiet. The towels were very clean, the bedding was clean, and there was a good selection of teas, coffees and milk, plus mini toiletries. But the place felt like the Mary Celeste, with no staff and a key code for self check-in. An overly friendly guest or tenant approached us on arrival. Maybe he meant to help, but it was an odd exchange. The room was grubby and tired, with a sticky carpet and lots of black mould around the windows. The bed was extremely uncomfortable, with poor pillows and a lumpy mattress. The spa bath taps didn’t work, so we tried filling it with the overhead shower, but gave up because it was painfully slow and wouldn’t stay hot. The bath, jets and shower curtain all needed a good bleach scrub. There’s no bar, only a guest lounge with tea and coffee, which we didn’t use.

The rooms were good, and breakfast was good too. The lady in the breakfast room was great. But there was no food on site, and I don’t understand a hotel having no restaurant for dinner. At arrival, the door was shut and there was no reception, just a number to call. I went to the other hotel opposite to find a lady who barely spoke English. I had two kids with me and needed them all in my room, but they wouldn’t help place my young son with me. Instead, I had to pay for another room. Surely anyone with kids would know how concerning it is to split a child from their mother. I see that as a major safeguarding issue and unsafe for families. They refused my refund request for the extra room I had to buy. Don’t go to this hotel with kids.