Sandbanks Hotel

Location stunning. Breakfast very good but don’t be too late. Room was rather tired 116 but asked for a room with a glass balcony. The receptionist kindly moved us to 311. It was fantastic and really made our stay so wonderful.

Close to closing for the season so outside had been rather neglected. Needed sweeping and weeding.

Room was a good size, clean and fairly comfortable. Location is excellent and the staff are friendly and helpful. Breakfast was a very good, self-service spread with plenty of options. The hotel was generally well kept and clean. Parking was available with plenty of spaces and by entering the car registration at reception. Check in and out went smoothly, but I could not see any advantage of having checked in prior to arrival, especially as it did not result in getting the room arrangements we had booked.

Having booked in good time, we were disappointed not to have got the twin room that was booked, meaning I had to share a double bed with my mum. We did not get the extra pillow that was asked for in advance and, despite being asked for my and my guests' personal information, at least twice by email, prior to the booking, we each had to fill out a form with said information upon arrival. The ladies toilets on the reception level by the Seaview restaurant were out of action on each occasion they were visited, causing a great inconvenience to my guest with low mobility as they had to climb a set of stairs each time to reach the nearest other toilet. Hotel staff in the restaurants, bar and general areas were wearing jeans, where a uniform or smart work trousers would be more professional.

The location is great; overlooking the beach and everything that Sandbanks and nearby Canford Cliffs has to offer is within easy walking distance and the ferry to Studland is nearby. The staff were very friendly and helpful and the bar was fairly modern and very clean. Nice outside space to sit overlooking the beach with a drink with an outside bar but this was closed due us being out of season. The bedroom was a great size with a fabulous view and the bathroom was clean. Staff realised it was a birthday weekend and left a card and a gorgeous box of chocolates in the room, lovely touch.

Not much to dislike but the property is tired and in need of a lick of paint. The bedroom was a great size, generally clean and with a fabulous view but the paint was coming away from the windows, there was a dirty smear mark on the back of the bathroom door and the carpet needed a good clean. Breakfast was ok but the milk was off. Think the prices are being based on its position rather than anything else.

Great location and friendly staff

Tired in places. The lifts needed some serious maintenance. Staff were not wearing uniform