Royal Bath Hotel & Spa Bournemouth

“Not what I expected for a 4 star hotel”

This is a historical old hotel. However the restaurant and bar decor is nice with nice furnishings in keeping with the old theme of the hotel. The hotel has good facilities for private functions or events.There are also nice gardens in the hotel .The location is right next to the beach and walking … more

This is a historical old hotel. However the restaurant and bar decor is nice with nice furnishings in keeping with the old theme of the hotel. The hotel has good facilities for private functions or events.There are also nice gardens in the hotel .The location is right next to the beach and walking distance to the town However Parking at this hotel is extortionate at £28 per day. You are better off parking elsewhere, other hotels or carparks can offer cheaper rates for parking. We booked a small double room at £118 per night. You get what you pay for. A small room with a small double bed. There is no air conditioning in the room and it was very hot but we had to make do with a fan in the room . The room has a window but it faces the roof with little daylight and a breeze when opened. The rooms are not cleaned or serviced during your stay so if you need anything, you contact the reception. The breakfast service is a self-service buffet which was ok . We decided to purchase dinner which was also a self service buffet dinner and it was poor with a poor selection of food. Unfortunately we got there 35 minutes before closing at 9 and some food had gone and was not fully replenished. There is no waiting service at dinner, so if you want a soft drink,you get it yourself at the drinks dispenser and if you want alcohol you have to go to the bar to purchase and bring to your table. The spa and cafe building needs to be renovated as it is tatty from the outside, The inside seems ok but needs modernisation. You also have to pay £5 to use the spa facilities. The staff seem nice and friendly the bar and restaurant staff but they seem to be overstretched as the hotel doesn't have enough of them to provide a certain level of service considering it is rated 4 star hotel. The reception staff were not helpful in telling you how to get to your room and where to find everything in the hotel considering we were first time visitors. I feel this hotel should be rated 3 Star because most things are self service. The hotel seems to be run on a tight budget.The breakfast and dinner closing times are very early and the checkout time is too early during the week. I don't think we will return to this hotel. Having been abroad recently I realise how much cheaper and better the hotels can be even with the same rating which is why many people go abroad.

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