Best Bournemouth Hotels with Indoor Pool | A Local’s Guide [2023]

Why Bournemouth hotels with indoor pool, when you could sit outdoors on a sunny day? Well because this is Britain, and even in summer our weather is notoriously unreliable. During the Bournemouth Air Festival in August, shows have been called off numerous times that I can remember due to wet or windy weather.

So while an outdoor pool is lovely when the weather is good, you can use an indoor pool in Bournemouth at any time. Which is ideal for anyone who loves to take a dip, as well as families with kids.

I live locally and have stayed in several hotels in Bournemouth with an indoor swimming pool. I’ve also dined at the restaurants there, drank in the bars and had full insider tours as part of a previous work role. In this guide, therefore, I’m only recommending hotels in Bournemouth, UK that I genuinely rate.

In a hurry? Check out my overall winner as best Bournemouth hotel with indoor pool here

Of all the local hotels, I love the Hilton Bournemouth. It’s got the lot – the Sky Bar at the top, the Bh2 leisure complex beneath and an unbeatable location.

This guide will take you through six of the best family hotels in Bournemouth with indoor swimming pools. Whether you prefer a three or four star property, the ideal hotel for you can be found right here.

Whether you prefer an art deco East Cliff hotel for a romantic break, the great value options right next door or an aparthotel near stylish Westbourne and the beach, these are the finest Bournemouth hotels with a swimming pool indoors.

Let’s get started! From sea view four star properties to a three star with a sauna and steam room or jacuzzi as well as a pool, these are the top business, couples’ and family hotels in Bournemouth with indoor swimming pools.

Best Bournemouth hotels with indoor pool contents

• Best Bournemouth hotels with pool comparison table
• Best Bournemouth hotel deals with pool – top options
• Best Bournemouth hotel with pool – what to look for
• Best Bournemouth hotels with pools – recommendations
  • Hilton Bournemouth
  • The Cumberland
  • The Connaught
  • The Suncliff
  • Hotel Collingwood
  • Riviera Aparthotel
• Best Bournemouth accommodation with indoor pool – FAQs

Best Bournemouth hotels with swimming pools comparison chart

Name	Star rating	Location	Key features	Price
Hilton Bournemouth	4*	Town centre	Sky Bar, in town & near beach, above leisure complex	Click here
The Cumberland	4*	East Cliff	Art deco, outdoor pool, great eatery & cocktail bar	Click here
The Connaught	4*	West Cliff	Lovely spa, pretty gardens, peaceful yet convenient	Click here
The Suncliff	3*	East Cliff	Great value, opposite beach, use of Oceana amenities	Click here
Hotel Collingwood	3*	West Cliff	Sauna, steam room & kids’ club, great staff, big car park	Click here
Riviera Aparthotel	3*	Alum Chine	Self-catering options, near beach, close to Westbourne	Click here

Best hotel in Bournemouth with indoor pool – Top options

• Hilton Bournemouth – Best location by a mile
• The Cumberland – Best sea view outdoor pool
• The Connaught – Best outdoor dining areas
• The Suncliff – Best value for money
• Hotel Collingwood – Best rated by guests
• Riviera Aparthotel – Best for self-catering

Choosing a Bournemouth hotel with indoor swimming pool – What to look for

Location

So here’s a brief insider’s guide to central Bournemouth. You have the town centre, where the shops, restaurants, beach, pier and Bh2 leisure complex with cinema are located.

Then, stretching to either side are East Cliff and West Cliff. Many hotels are loacted in these areas, which are just a short uphill walk from town and very close to the beaches. Beyond those are areas like Boscombe, which also has a pier, and Alum Chine near Westbourne.

Which area is best to stay in depends on your priorities. I personally love the East Cliff area, for example, which is peaceful, opposite the beach and handy for town.

Swimming pool

All of these hotels have an indoor pool – but some also come with additional extras like a jacuzzi, a steam room, a sauna or even a heated outdoor pool.

You may need to book slots for the swimming pool, so do bear than in mind. One hotel listed here has no indoor pool – but with use of the one right next door plus an outdoor pool it’s well worthy of consideration.

Bars & restaurants

In general, Bournemouth beach hotels with a pool also tend to have very good bars, cafes and restaurants within them. If that’s a priority, then it’s definitely something to consider when choosing which one to stay at.

6 of the best Bournemouth hotels with indoor swimming pools

Hilton Bournemouth

Best location by a mile

• Star rating: ****
• Location: Town centre

Of all centrally located hotels in Bournemouth with indoor pool and spa this has to be number one. There are so many top level amenities on site, including a spa, an indoor pool, the Sky Bar with magnificent views and the Schpoons & Forx eatery, which serves one of Bournemouth’s best bottomless brunches.

That’s not all. You only literally need to head downstairs to reach the huge range of restaurants housed in the Bh2 Leisure complex beneath the hotel. There is also a large cinema here.

All the shops of central Bournemouth are clustered around the Bh2 and Hilton, and it’s a short and very pleasant walk through the gardens to reach the pier and golden sandy beach. If you do stay here, don’t miss having a cocktail in the Sky Bar – I went for a hen night and the views are breathtaking.

High points:

• Short scenic walk to beach
• Above Bh2 leisure complex
• Impressive amenities

Low points:

• Higher price tag

Click here to view the Hilton Bournemouth

The Cumberland

Best outdoor pool with sea views

• Star rating: ****
• Location: East Cliff

The Cumberland is my personal favourite, and the best choice if you want to find 4 star hotels in Bournemouth with indoor pool. In those terms it’s something of a well-kept secret, though, because it hasn’t actually got an indoor swimming pool…

But. Guests staying at The Cumberland can use all the amenities of the Oceana hotels. The Suncliff is conveniently located right next door, and it has a pool which we used when staying at The Cumberland. It’s a decent size, and we had it all to ourselves.

The outdoor pool at The Cumberland has to get a mention though – it’s gorgeous and a very popular spot between late spring and early autumn. Ventana Grand Cafe is also a highlight, and I loved having lunch there with a sea view. The art deco styling of The Cumberland also makes the perfect setting for cocktail hour.

Just a short walk along the clifftop will take you into the centre of town, and there are ocean views from many of the rooms. As well as from the brasserie and bar and the outdoor pool.

High points:

• Iconic art deco hotel
• Heated outdoor pool
• Great bistro & bar

Low points:

• Indoor pool next door

Click here to view The Cumberland, Bournemouth

The Connaught

Best outdoor dining areas

• Star rating: ****
• Location: West Cliff

The Connaught is another of the hotels in Bournemouth with indoor swimming pools that I’ve personally spend time in and recommend. It’s been subject to a lot of investment in recent times, and the revamp has resulted in refreshed rooms, a basement spa area with indoor pool and a stylish eatery and bar.

Sitting outside with a cocktail on a sunny summer’s evening is as relaxing an experience as being pampered at the spa, and for me that fact that this hotel is a Best Western is like hiding its light under a bushel. It’s independently run, however, and the owners are not shy of spending money to make it the best it can be.

The location feels pretty secluded, yet it’s just a brief downhill stroll to the centre of town and the beaches.

High points:

• Recent refurbishment
• Peaceful yet convenient location
• Bar & restaurant with outdoor terrace

Low points:

Click here to view The Connaught, Bournemouth

The Suncliff

Best value for money

• Star rating: ***
• Location: East Cliff

If you cannot get into The Cumberland next door or would rather save your money for spending on shopping, restaurants and nights out, then the room rates at The Suncliff are an absolute steal.

The hotel is also owned by Oceana, along with The Cumberland, Ocean Beach and The Hermitage, and again the fact that they’re prepared to invest really shows. (Top tip – try Neo restaurant at The Hermitage if you can, it offers a fantastic fine dining experience.)

Not every room at The Suncliff is perfect, but many have sea views. (If they were top-notch, then accommodation wouldn’t be available at anywhere near this price.) You can also use the amenities of The Cumberland and the other Oceana hotels when staying here.

When I toured this hotel recently I was impressed with what they’d done so far and I just love the East Cliff location, just a stone’s throw from the beach and a brief walk from town. If you want cheap hotels in Bournemouth, this is my pick.

High points:

• Great value rates
• Sea views from some rooms
• Use of other Oceana hotel amenities

Low points:

• Some accommodation rather tired

Click here to view The Suncliff, Bournemouth

Hotel Collingwood

Best rated by customers

• Star rating: ***
• Location: West Cliff

At the time of writing Hotel Collingwood was the top rated choice among Bournemouth family hotels with indoor pool, so it had to be included here. So what do visitors like so much? The room rates are pretty attractive, for a start.

Helpful staff also win praise, as does the pool, steam room, sauna and kids’ club. There is also a large car park here, which is perfect for those driving down to the south coast.

Bournemouth Pier, beach and the town centre are a 10 minute downhill walk away from Hotel Collingwood and the freshly prepared meals are very highly rated. This property also won a Trip Advisor Traveller’s Choice award in 2021.

High points:

• Steam room, sauna & kids’ club
• Very helpful staff
• Large car park

Low points:

• Steep uphill walk from town

Click here to view Hotel Collingwood, Bournemouth

Riviera Aparthotel

Best family rooms & apartments

• Star rating: ***
• Location: Alum Chine

The Riviera Hotel and Apartments has a lovely, squeaky clean swimming pool with a jacuzzi. It’s located by Alum Chine beach rather than in central Bournemouth, but it’s not too far at all. The upmarket district of Westbourne is also within easy reach, and this is lined with stylish boutiques, bars, cafes and restaurants.

You can choose between double and family rooms or opt for an apartment, which gives you the option of taking a self-catering break – as well as more space.

There is usually plenty of parking here and it’s very close to Alum Chine beach. Some accommodation comes with sea view balconies, and it’s nice being able to pick between shopping and eating out in Bournemouth or Westbourne.

High points:

• By Alum Chine beach
• Near Bournemouth & Westbourne
• Self-catering apartments available

Low points:

• Decor a little basic

Click here to view the Riviera Hotel & Apartments, Bournemouth

Best Bournemouth hotels with indoor pools – FAQs

Is Bournemouth, UK worth visiting?

With two piers, great shopping, restaurants and entertainment and many miles of golden sandy beaches, Bournemouth is well worth visiting. You also have the attractions of Poole and Christchurch to hand, plus the New Forest isn’t far away at all.

Bournemouth is not only worth visiting – for my family it was worth moving to when we upped sticks almost two decades ago! The lifestyle is the closest you’ll find to that in a sunny, outdoorsy country like Australia.

What is Bournemouth famous for?

Bournemouth is the largest town in the county of Dorset and is famous for its golden sandy beaches that stretch for miles. It’s the place usually featured on the national news when there’s a heatwave.

Bournemouth manages to be a traditional family seaside while also catering to a younger crowd – not least because of the local student population. The town is also close to beautiful English countryside, including the New Forest, plus traditional thatched cottages and lovely village pubs.

What are people in Bournemouth, Dorset like?

In general, people in Bournemouth are very proud of their town – whether they were born here or not. A higher than average proportion of the population has moved to the area from elsewhere, when they come to study, work, retire or simply enjoy the coastal lifestyle.

Which is the best Bournemouth hotel with indoor pool for you?

As you can see there are some great Bournemouth family hotels with a pool inside – as well as those suitable for a romantic break for two. I hope this guide has helped you to find the right one for you – and that you love the area I proudly call home.

Maybe one day you’ll even consider moving to Dorset too!

Polly x

The following local guides might also be useful:

• Bournemouth beach hut hire
• How to get to Bournemouth from London
• Best things to do in Bournemouth
• Open-top bus from Bournemouth to Swanage
• Top Bournemouth eateries with a view
• Bottomless brunch spots in Bournemouth
• Bournemouth beach hut hire

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