Kensington Hotel Bournemouth | Budget Stays from $38

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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, BH2 5LE

Near the beach

Guest rating

5.1

5.3

/10

1.8

2.5

Loved by Kensington Hotel guests

Good room size

Friendly receptionist

Comfy beds

Clean room

"The family room was very spacious bathroom was very clean and ended up staying another night with the family and the staff were really friendly loved it."

Shanara from United Kingdom

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"Rooms are a bit dated but clean, cosy and great value for money."

mandlg40 from United Kingdom

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"The bed was comfortable, with warm and clean bedding."

Emilie from Italy

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4-star boutique hotel in Bournemouth

Amenities

Kensington Hotel boasts a prime location with direct access to award-winning beaches and stunning coastal views. The hotel also offers a heated indoor swimming pool and a sauna, providing guests with relaxation options. A well-equipped fitness center invites guests to maintain their workout routines during their stay.

Rooms

The hotel offers a variety of accommodations, including sea-view rooms and family suites with separate sleeping areas. Ensuite bathrooms are equipped with complimentary toiletries and heated towel rails for added convenience. Selected rooms also feature private balconies to enhance the guest experience.

Dining

Kensington Hotel hosts an on-site restaurant that serves a diverse menu crafted from locally sourced ingredients. Guests can enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a welcoming setting with a focus on seasonal flavors. Room service is also available for those preferring to dine in the comfort of their rooms.

Location

Situated just steps away from Bournemouth's beautiful beaches, Kensington Hotel is a short walk from the town center. Local attractions, including the Bournemouth Pier and the Oceanarium, are easily accessible. The hotel provides a convenient base for exploring the rich cultural history of the surrounding area.

Entertainment

The hotel regularly hosts live music events and themed nights, ensuring guests have engaging entertainment options during their stay. A cozy bar area presents a selection of drinks, ideal for relaxing after a day of exploration. Board games and reading materials are also available in the lounge for additional leisure activities.

Highlights

Location: Direct access to award-winning beaches

Rooms: Family suites with separate sleeping areas

Dining: On-site restaurant with seasonal flavors

Entertainment: Regular live music events

“For those seeking an affordable base to explore Bournemouth, this hotel prioritizes practicality. Its location, a short walk from both the beach and town center, is a definite advantage, especially considering the quiet street. In my opinion, it's a solid choice for budget-conscious travelers focused on location over luxury.”

Olivia SmithEditor-in-Chief at Cheaphotels

Location: Very good

7.3/10Review score

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Highlights from guests

Guest ParkingFree Parking

Free on-site parking made our family trip stress-free. We parked once and walked to the beach and attractions.

Mike from United Kingdom

Review on

Room FeaturesFamily Comfort

The family room was spacious, with a kitchenette and comfortable beds. It easily fit our whole family.

Nadia from Canada

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BedroomComfy Sleep

The beds were very comfy. I had a great night's sleep. The room was also warm and quiet.

Robert from Australia

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BathroomLovely Shower

The shower, although compact, was lovely. Fresh towels were provided daily during our stay.

Chloe from France

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Select your room type

The hotel provides a selection of rooms—doubles, family rooms, and suites—with perks like free cancellation, breakfast options, and great value deals

Twin Room
2 persons
12 sq. feet
2 Single beds
Heating
Shower
room details
Double Room
2 persons
12 sq. feet
1 Double bed
Bathtub
Heating
room details
Triple Room
3 persons
16 sq. feet
1 Single Bed or 1 Double Bed
Heating
Shower
room details

Show all rooms

Room rates & availability calendar

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July 2026 - July 2027

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Check-in/ Check-out

Amenities & services

Real traveler stories and honest reviews—no glossy ads, just authentic feedback to guide your booking

General

No smoking on site
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, BH2 5LE

Explore Bournemouth

Bournemouth Beach

11 minutes' walk

A stunning stretch of coastline known for its golden sands and vibrant beach culture, perfect for sunbathing and water sports.

Bournemouth Pier

11 minutes' walk

Iconic pier featuring a range of amusement activities, cafes, and scenic views of the coastline, ideal for strolls and family fun.

Oceanarium

11 minutes' walk

An engaging marine life experience showcasing diverse aquatic species; great for families, with interactive displays and feeding sessions.

Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum

3 minutes' drive

Art gallery within an ornate Victorian house, featuring stunning collections and beautiful sea views, along with seasonal exhibitions.

Treehouse Family Play

4 minutes' walk

Indoor play center designed for children with climbing frames and interactive activities, ideal for family-friendly fun and relaxation.

Branksome Dene Chine Beach

5 minutes' drive

Scenic beach with cliffs and a tranquil setting, perfect for swimming, beach walks, or relaxing while enjoying picturesque views.

Steam Vintage Tea Rooms

6 minutes' walk

Charming tea room offering a selection of traditional teas, homemade cakes, and light lunches in a cozy, vintage atmosphere.

Casa GourMex Mexican Restaurant

5 minutes' walk

Lively eatery serving authentic Mexican dishes like tacos and enchiladas, perfect for casual dining; vegan options available.

Bournemouth Pavilion Theatre

20 minutes' walk

Historic venue hosting a variety of performances including plays, musicals, and concerts, with something for all ages.

The Square

11 minutes' walk

A vibrant hub with seasonal events, music performances, and festivals, offering a lively atmosphere and local entertainment options.

Getting around town

City Centre
Bournemouth 8 min · 2000 ft
Airports
Bournemouth (BOH) 17 min · 7.0 mi
Southampton (SOU) 83 min · 34.0 mi
Train
Bournemouth Central Station 24 min · 1.2 mi
Bus
Bus stop 11 min · 3000 ft

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Property information and rules

Check-in

from 15:00-21:00

Check-out

from 09:00-11:00

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

What past guests shared about their stay

Review summary

Based on recent reviews

The Kensington Hotel offers convenient onsite parking, and many find its location near the beach ideal. The family rooms are noted for being spacious, and the provision of coffee, cups, and a working kettle in the rooms is appreciated. Some guests have mentioned that the hotel is a bit run down, but overall, it is considered a peaceful place to stay, especially given its affordable price.

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Review score

Based on 362 verified reviews

4.4 /10

Guest rating

25 %

Recommend

Breakfast

8.7/10

Free WiFi

7.5/10

Facilities

5.2/10

Cleanliness

5.7/10

Pros

Early check-in

Hot showers

Comfy beds

Good room sizes

Friendly staff

Cons

Rude receptionist

Small shower box

Dirty bedsheet

based on 182 reviews

2.5/5

hannah from united kingdom

Family with children

family room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: January 17, 2026

8.8/10

surprisingly lovely stay!

helpful staff great location settled experience

gerry at the front desk was super helpful , as he helped us get settled. he was very knowledgeable and told us about the local area. the hotel's location was great, near everything we needed.

the curtains were slightly off the wall, but it wasn't a major issue.

Rooms

9/10

the family room was spacious enough for me and my family, providing comfortable sleeping arrangements. it was decorated lovely , and it really gave the room a pleasant atmosphere. the beds felt comfy , which was excellent after a long day.

Facilities

8/10

i found the facilities adequate for a short stay , and i had no major issues. the staff were always polite , and. they responded fast when i needed help.

Location

10/10

the location is amazing , and it allows convenient access to the seaside. being near the seaside meant easy trips to the beach , which i took full advantage of. everything was close by , and it made it easy.

Dining

8/10

while there is no dedicated restaurant , many dining options are located nearby , , made it easy. several pubs and clubs were within walking distance , so i had great nights. the manager offered helpful directions.

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alfred from germany

Single

double room

4 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: January 15, 2026

6/10

okay stay

convenient location fresh towels missing gel missing shampoo

the location was convenient. it was near amenities i wanted to use. the staff scheduled regular cleanings and fresh towels. the room was clean.

the hotel was not without its problems though. the bathroom had no gel or shampoo. only disinfectant was available. i also found that the room had not been cleaned during my four day stay.

0 Helpful

Samantha from Australia

Single

double room

3 nights in October 2025

Reviewed: November 10, 2025

9/10

friendly staff fresh towels

the staff were friendly and professional. regular cleanings and fresh towels were scheduled.

the blinds were worn, so light entered the room.

0 Helpful

Grayson from United States

Family with children

Family Room

1 night in August 2025

Reviewed: October 20, 2025

6/10

a basic stay

spacious room friendly staff stained towel limescale kettle

The family room was spacious (which was a plus). The staff were friendly and loved helping my family. We ended up staying another night with the family.

My kettle had limescale. I did not use it. There were stains on the wall, and the towels are stained.

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FAQs

About Kensington Hotel

What is the check-in and check-out policy at Kensington Hotel?

Check-in is at 15:00 and check-out is by 10:30.

How far is Kensington Hotel from Bournemouth International Centre?

Kensington Hotel is a 10-minute walk from Bournemouth International Centre, which is approximately 800 m away.

What nearby restaurants can guests dine at when staying at Kensington Hotel?

Guests can enjoy dining at nearby restaurants such as White Fox Italian Ristorante Pizzeria (0.5 km), Casa GourMex Mexican Restaurant (0.5 km), and Hamptons Lounge Bar & Restaurant (0.5 km).

Is parking available at Kensington Hotel?

Free private parking is available on-site without the need for a reservation.

What room amenities are provided at Kensington Hotel?

Rooms at Kensington Hotel include a flat-screen TV, free Wi-Fi, a private bathroom, and a kettle.

Which popular attractions are located near Kensington Hotel?

Nearby attractions include Bournemouth Pier (1 km), Alum Chine Beach (1 km), and Upside Down House (1 km).

What languages do the staff speak at Kensington Hotel?

Staff at Kensington Hotel are proficient in English.