Bournemouth’s hotels were more zimmer than zing until this boutique beauty burst on to the scene in the summer of 2022. It brings addictive, Miami-inspired energy to the West Cliff seafront, thanks to perky art deco, palm-printed decor in ice-cream sundae shades. Last year, it added a spa and cool indoor pool to the mix, ideal for when the weather prevents you lounging in a cabana by its Insta-catnip, 30-metre outdoor pool. The Nici’s 88 rooms are as personality packed as the public spaces, while a new poolside restaurant, opening this year, will ensure summer dining is also Miami nice.
Overall score 9/10
Main photo: a Sea View Deluxe room at the Nici
This article contains affiliate links, which may earn us revenue
Rooms and suites
Score 9/10
Guests need aviators to enter the rooms: they are dazzling white moodboards punctuated by palm-print fabrics — some sourced from fashion house Christian Lacroix — balanced by emerald green throws that bring warmth. Generous touches abound, from retro postcards you can send to friends to covetable handwoven jute beach bags emblazoned with an “Out of Office” brag — yours to borrow for trips to the beach, which lies a short walk beyond the hotel’s lawns. Those on the fourth floor have views to the Isle of Wight or Old Harry Rocks, off Studland Bay. Think twice about the poolside garden suites in summer, though. They may be perfect for dog owners and have private hot tubs, but nosy sunbathers can peek in as they pass en route to the pool.
Food and drink
Score 8/10
The food was the weakest link during the hotel’s launch period but it has since recruited Dominic South as executive chef, who brings more than a decade of experience to the table from time at leading London hotels the Langham and the Corinthia. He and new head chef Ian Gibbs have finessed the menu at the South Beach Restaurant, introducing international dishes such as cauliflower and truffle soup, chicken Milanese and New York strip steak with peppercorn sauce, which all complement the room’s high-octane, brasserie vibe. This summer a new, laidback poolside diner, Harry Rocks, will up the ante further by serving sushi and sharing plates.
Advertisement
• Best seaside towns in the UK
• Best coastal and beach hotels in the UK
What else is there?
Score 9/10
The serene spa has eight treatment rooms, an 18m indoor pool, steam room, aromatherapy sauna and a relaxation room with “crystal-energy loungers” to help restore your natural equilibrium. There’s a small yoga studio, a decent if dinky gym and outdoor group fitness activities from boardwalk runs to sea swims. There are kayaks, body boards, paddle boards and bikes to borrow to get on the water or waterfront, and a mini cinema with daily screenings for adults and children. Young guests also have a playroom with video games, books and board games and organised activities such as kids’ yoga and craft workshops.
Where is it?
Score 9/10
Bournemouth’s award-winning sandy beaches are minutes away, down a zig-zag path, and come complete with a kitsch Victorian pleasure pier and arcade. The lovely Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum is an easy walk and a seaside villa that offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of two Victorian collectors, Sir Merton and Lady Annie Russell-Cotes.
Price B&B doubles from £230
Restaurant Mains from £16
Family-friendly Y
Dog-friendly Y
Accessible N
• Best family days out in the UK
• Best boutique hotels in the UK
Advertisement
Sign up for the Times Travel Newsletter here.
