KENSINGTON HOTEL | Bournemouth ★ Seaside Luxury & Beachfront Bliss

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Kensington Hotel Bournemouth Beach photo

Kensington Hotel Bournemouth Exterior photo

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Key details

About the Hotel

18 Durley Chine Road, Bournemouth, United Kingdom, BH2 5LE

Close to the beach

Guest rating

5.2

5.3

/10

1.7

2.4

Loved by Kensington Hotel guests

Friendly staff
Clean rooms
Comfy bed
Good location
Good customer service

"A definite plus parking provided as a lot of hotel don't have free parking, especially for the price of the hotel."

Iqbal from United Kingdom

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"It has a free car park."

Nan from United Kingdom

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"5 mins walk to the beach and all shops, great location."

mandlg40 from United Kingdom

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Kensington Hotel - A 2-star smoke-free hotel with a garden, bar, and proximity to Bournemouth Beach

Located near Bournemouth Beach, Kensington Hotel offers 37 bright, traditionally furnished rooms with private bathrooms, flat-screen TVs, and free WiFi. Each room includes a kettle, while some provide comfortable seating areas. The hotel features a restaurant and an on-site bar, along with laundry facilities and express check-in. Bournemouth International Centre and Bournemouth Pier are within a 10-minute walk, while other landmarks like St Peter's Church and Oceanarium are also nearby. A continental breakfast is available each morning at Kensington Hotel. Free WiFi is accessible in public areas, and self-parking is provided.

Pros

The hotel is a short walk from Bournemouth Beach and multiple local landmarks.

Rooms include flat-screen TVs, free WiFi, and private bathrooms.

A garden and on-site bar provide leisure options for guests.

Cons

Some guests may find the 2-star rating reflects limited luxury amenities.

The hotel does not offer on-site spa or fitness facilities.

Must-do experiences

Stroll through the beautiful Lower Gardens right near our hotel.
Sample fresh seafood at the popular Harry Ramsden's on the pier.
Visit the enchanting Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum for local art.
Catch a sunset at the iconic Bournemouth Pier for stunning views.
Explore the quirky shops at the Bournemouth Vintage Market on weekends.

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Select your room type

Find detailed information on rooms, amenities, and exclusive deals for your ideal beach holiday

Twin Room

2 persons

130 sq. feet

2 Single beds

Shower

Heating

room details

Double Room

2 persons

130 sq. feet

1 Double bed

Shower

Heating

room details

Triple Room

3 persons

175 sq. feet

1 Single Bed or 1 Double Bed

Shower

Heating

room details

Family Room

4 persons

220 sq. feet

2 Single beds

Shower

Heating

room details

Click button to see more rooms

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Prices and availability

View real-time room availability and secure the best rate for your travel dates

Facilities

Enjoy modern comforts, from ocean-view suites to family-friendly options with breakfast included

General

No smoking on site
Free parking
No pets allowed
Security
Smoke detectors
Fire extinguishers
Key card access
Key access

Guest Parking

Electric kettle

Services

Housekeeping
Laundry

Children

Cots

Spa & Leisure

Garden area

Room features

Free Wi-Fi in rooms
Heating
Garden furniture
Ironing facilities

Self-catering

Electric kettle

Media

Flat-screen TV

Room decor

Carpeted floor

Kensington Hotel Location

18 Durley Chine Road, Bournemouth, United Kingdom, BH2 5LE

Map view

18 Durley Chine Road, Bournemouth, United Kingdom, BH2 5LE

City landmarks

Beach

Bournemouth Beach

3000 ft

Harbour

Bournemouth Pier

3000 ft

Aquarium

Oceanarium

3000 ft

Gallery

Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum

1.0 mi

Parking area

Bournemouth International Centre

3000 ft

Garden

Lower Gardens

3000 ft

Church

St Peter's Church

3000 ft

Square

The Square

3000 ft

Gallery

Westover Gallery

3000 ft

Theatre

Bournemouth Pavilion Theatre

1.0 mi

Park

Bournemouth Parks

3000 ft

Landmark

Central Gardens

3000 ft

Landmark

Westbourne

3100 ft

Landmark

Upside Down House

3000 ft

Landmark

West Cliff Lift

3000 ft

Gallery

Gallery 65

4000 ft

Landmark

Bournemouth Observation Wheel

3100 ft

Casino

Grosvenor Casino Bournemouth

1.0 mi

Park

Meyrick Park

1.4 mi

Mall

BH2 Leisure Complex

2300 ft

Church

St Stephen's Church

2700 ft

Landmark

Lollipops Play Cafe Bournemouth

3100 ft

Night club

Halo Nightclub

2100 ft

Mosque

Bournemouth Islamic Centre & Central Mosque

2500 ft

Landmark

Argyll Gardens

2400 ft

Church

St Andrews United Reformed Church

2300 ft

Landmark

Durley Chine Beach

2900 ft

Beach

Middle Chine

3100 ft

Beach

Alum Chine Beach

5000 ft

Nearby

Amusement Park

Treehouse Family Play

900 ft

Restaurants

Steam Vintage Tea Rooms

1500 ft

47 Poole Hill

Jungle Cafe Bournemouth

1000 ft

51A West Hill Road

Olive Cafe

1400 ft

50A Poole Hill

Casa GourMex Mexican Restaurant

1300 ft

29 Poole Hill

Southbourne Fried Chicken

1700 ft

118 Seabourne Rd

Omelettos

1700 ft

31B The Triangle 31B the Triangle

Pondok Falafel And Juice

1800 ft

25 The Triangle

Espresso Kitchen

2000 ft

69 Commercial Road

Tealith Bubble Tea

1900 ft

83 Commercial Road

Subway

1900 ft

83 Commercial Road

The Hop Inn

1700 ft

6 West Cliff Road

KFC

2000 ft

59-61 Commercial Road Units 7-8 The Triangle

Explore Bournemouth

Local Highlights

Bournemouth Beach

11 minutes' walk

Stunning sandy coastline perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and beach sports, featuring beautiful views and vibrant beach activities.

Bournemouth Pier

11 minutes' walk

Iconic Victorian pier with amusement arcades, breathtaking views, and access to the beach and coastal walks. A must-visit!

Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum

20 minutes' walk

Historic building showcasing fine art and cultural artifacts in a beautiful garden setting. Offers guided tours and family-friendly activities.

Oceanarium

11 minutes' walk

Engaging aquarium with a variety of marine life, including sharks and turtles. Great for families and educational outings.

Treehouse Family Play

4 minutes' walk

Indoor play area for children featuring climbing frames, slides, and ball pits. Ideal for families seeking fun and entertainment.

Water Sports at Bournemouth Beach

11 minutes' walk

Thrilling water sports like paddleboarding and jet skiing available for adrenaline seekers. Rental services are conveniently located nearby.

Tropical Gardens

18 minutes' walk

Serene gardens with exotic plants, walking paths, and quiet seating areas, perfect for relaxation and a refreshing stroll.

Massage Therapy at Local Spas

5 minutes' drive

Luxurious spa services available offering massages and wellness treatments, catering to relaxation seekers and self-care enthusiasts.

Steam Vintage Tea Rooms

6 minutes' walk

Charming tea room serving an array of teas, homemade cakes, and afternoon tea, perfect for a delightful break after exploring.

Casa GourMex Mexican Restaurant

5 minutes' walk

Lively eatery offering authentic Mexican dishes. Great for casual dining with a vibrant atmosphere and vegetarian options available.

Jungle Cafe Bournemouth

4 minutes' walk

Family-friendly cafe featuring fresh and healthy meals in a playful environment. Offers several gluten-free options.

Olive Cafe

5 minutes' walk

Cozy cafe serving delicious coffee and Mediterranean-inspired dishes, with outdoor seating for enjoying Bournemouth's pleasant weather.

Bournemouth Pavilion Theatre

20 minutes' walk

Historic venue showcasing a variety of performances, including musicals and comedy shows. Family-friendly events are regularly scheduled.

Lower Gardens Live Music Events

11 minutes' walk

Outdoor venue hosting live music events throughout the summer, offering a fun atmosphere for all ages. Family-friendly with plenty of space.

The Square Nightlife

11 minutes' walk

Vibrant area with a selection of bars and clubs, providing a lively nightlife scene. Features themed nights and local talent performances.

Westover Gallery

11 minutes' walk

Art gallery specializing in contemporary and modern art with regular exhibitions. Perfect for art lovers looking for cultural enrichment.

How to get around?

City Centre

Bournemouth8 min · 2000 ft

Airports

Bournemouth (BOH)17 min · 7.0 mi

Southampton (SOU)83 min · 34.0 mi

Train

Bournemouth Central Station24 min · 1.2 mi

Bus

Bus stop11 min · 3000 ft

Want to get the best booking rate?

Access special rates for early reservations and start planning your dream beach holiday

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Property information and rules

Check-in

from 03:00-21:00

Check-out

from 08:00-10:00

Guest Parking

Private parking is possible on site for free.

Internet

Wireless internet is available in the hotel rooms for free.

Children & extra beds

Maximum capacity of extra beds in a room is 2.

Pets

Pets are not allowed.

Year renovated:

2011

Number of rooms:

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback about Kensington Hotel from previous guests about their experience.

Review summary

Based on recent reviews

Kensington Hotel is appreciated for its location, a short walk from the beach. The family rooms are notably spacious, a plus for those travelling with children. Some guests have mentioned the building appears a bit dated. Amenities such as free coffee, cups, and a working kettle are generally well-received.

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Review score

Based on 343 verified reviews

4.4/10

Guest rating

25%

Recommend

Breakfast

9.1/10

Location

7.6/10

Facilities

5.5/10

Cleanliness

5.8/10

Pros

Good location

Clean room

Ok receptionist

Near beach

Cons

Broken furniture

based on 182 reviews

2.5/5

Georgia from United Kingdom

Family with children

double room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed:January 19, 2026

6/10

convenient locationfriendly staffonsite parkingcigarette smellinsufficient curtainsmissing toiletries

the location was quite convenient. it was a short walk to the beach, i must say. the staff were very friendly, a real plus. there was also a car park available, very useful.

the room smelled a bit like cigarettes, and that's a problem for me. the curtains didn't fully shut, a nuisance. basic toiletries, like shower gel, were missing from the bathroom. not a big deal, but noticeable.

0 Helpful

alexander from germany

Single

double room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed:December 09, 2025

6/10

basic stay with some issues

good locationunclean bedsheetsbathroom hairs

the location was good , within walking distance of some attractions.

the room was not properly cleaned , and i found several hairs on the bedsheets and in the bathroom. this.

0 Helpful

Andy from United Kingdom

Single

Single Room

4 nights in November 2025

Reviewed:December 03, 2025

6/10

dated decorthin towels

The building definitely shows its age. the decor felt dated. It looked like something from decades ago. there was rubbish in the hallways and empty cans lying around! also, the tv in my room had no remote, it was annoying. the towels were thin.

0 Helpful

Harper from United Kingdom

Family with children

Family Room

3 nights in August 2025

Reviewed:September 15, 2025

8.7/10

a good experience

helpful staffwifi serviceluggage storage

i found the staff were eager to help with directions. i had no trouble with the wifi service and i was able to stream videos. the room size suited my needs with enough space for luggage storage.

i noticed the bathroom door needed some slight adjustments.

Location

8/10

the hotel is near public transport options this made travelling around the area easy. access to local shops and eateries required only a short walk which was very convenient. the beach was within reasonable walking distance.

Service

9/10

staff were available at the front desk around the clock and this added to the sense of security. they offered assistance with luggage which was greatly appreciated on arrival. reception promptly addressed my questions.

Rooms

9/10

my room included a tv with several channels this kept my kids entertained. fresh towels were provided daily and a good supply of toiletries was also available. the beds featured firm mattresses.

0 Helpful

Owen from United Kingdom

Family with children

Family Room

3 nights in August 2025

Reviewed:September 11, 2025

6/10

decent locationsmall roommould patches

The location was decent though the noisy road was a bother.

My room was quite small, definitely not what i expected from a 'family room'. the tv didn't work, i reported it, but nothing happened . the bathroom was rather grim, with mould patches. It was far from a pleasant experience.

0 Helpful

Eva from Germany

Family with children

Family Room

3 nights in August 2025

Reviewed:August 24, 2025

8.5/10

solid stay near the shore

friendly staffideal locationspacious room

i found the staff quite friendly. they accommodated my family. the location proved ideal, near the beach. the family room was spacious.

i noticed the bathroom was small.

Rooms

9/10

the family room was large , providing ample space. the bathroom was clean. i appreciated having enough room for luggage and everyone to move around without feeling cramped.

Dining

8/10

coffee was available in the room at no extra charge. cups were also provided. the kettle worked well. this amenity was very helpful for enjoying a morning beverage before heading out.

0 Helpful