We booked a family room for two nights and got one of the newly refurbished rooms in the West Wing of the hotel. It was very large and had an alcove for the bunk beds. The view over the Chine was fine, and in the summer we could have watched the outdoor pool in action. The indoor pool is fine, albeit small and there is a gym. The outdoor hot tub under the Dorset night is good fun. Food was ample and the restaurant has a lovely position overlooking the sea. There is a good activity room for up to 8 year olds in the basement, and a pool room for older children to use. The staff seem friendly and mostly capable, although the reception was not as efficient as it might have been.

This is part of the FJB chain which includes the Harbour Heights and the Sandbanks Hotel, and you can book spa treatments at the other hotels should you wish to do so.

The hotel is in a quiet setting, and an easy walk to Boscombe Pier. The parking at the hotel could get very busy in the summer months, so this is something to be aware of.

Got a great rate at lastminute and then got upgraded to a huge sea view room on arrival - with no extra charge for our 7 year old.

The room was fine, nothing too exciting, but large and clean. Bathroom was spacious and clean with good size bath and strong shower.

The hotel bar was pleasant and breakfast was great. Only real disappointment was the dinner which was very average.

The real seller for this hotel is it's grounds and location. There are several beautiful gardens and areas to explore, along with a pond and waterfall, children's playground and putting. The lovely sandy beach at Boscombe is five minutes walk down through the hotel gardens.

The hotel has a large, clean, heated outdoor pool, with comfortable sun loungers and waiter service. The indoor pool and spa are relatively new and very nicely done.

The hotel caters really well for children, with indoor and outdoor play areas, a really good 5.30 pm children's buffet tea and supervised kids activities during the school holidays.

Highly recommended!

We had to make a last minute booking for an overnight in Bournemouth so went onto Laterooms. What a deal the Chine turned out to be. We got an excellent rate including an evening meal. The room was large and overlooked the gardens with a partial sea view. The restaurant was delightful and both dinner and breakfast the next morning were very good. The setting with the hotel gardens was most pleasant and it was situated in a pleasant part of town. All in all a very enjoyable stay and we wouldn't hesitate to recommend this hotel. Normally we stay at the Royal Bath when in Bournemouth but next time we will be heading for The Chine if we can get another good rate.