Bournemouth - not just for old folks.

Advantages: Beach, parks, gardens, shops, pubs, clubs, restaurants.
Disadvantages: price, parking.

...Bournemouth is often regarded as a quiet little retirement town but, since a radical redevelopment and rebranding of the town as a mediterranean resort, that is no longer the case. The town enjoys some of the finest weather in country, and the huge parks, fantastic beach and immaculate gardens which used to draw elderly holiday makers by the coachload are nowadays enjoyed by all ages. In fact, a large student presence (both local and foreign students) makes Bournemouth by far the most cosmopolitan town in Dorset. The student presence has given rise to a proliferation of good pubs and clubs - You can find live music most nights of the week (Try O'Neils at the top of Old Christchurch Rd), and with places like DNA down the road there's no need to go to bed before 5 in the morning on any night of the week. Be prepared to pay...

dogscoff 17.07.2000 · Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful
Review of Bournemouth (England)

Bournemouth in the twenty first century

Advantages: lots to do
Disadvantages: louts out late

...As a frequent visitor of Bournemouth I thought it prudent to share my thoughts on the town, which really could be a city due to its size. The town centre is a treat by day for any shopper. Many very well known shops and too some less known, including designer clothes shops, Debenhams, Beales, etc, are all within walking distance of each other, all being at various directions from Bournemouth Square. Good shops, well laid out, all user friendly, but there is one disadvantage. All roads from the square which has shops are all uphill! Some having more of a slope than others. The disabled are catered for but remember the slopes! From the shops you can walk to the beach and pier. The beach is sandy but 'full' of people on a nice day. The pier runs summer shows, the show for summer 2001 is THEFT, which has recently done a tour...

willsmj 21.07.2001 · Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful
Review of Bournemouth (England)

Ramada Encore Bournemouth - Customer Service Needs Improving

Advantages: Clean spacious rooms
Disadvantages: Customer service levels lets the hotel down

...The Ramada Encore in Bournemouth is a well placed hotel within walking distance of numerous bars and restaurants as well as the beach and surroundings attractions. At the time of writing there are over 70 Ramada hotels in the UK. ARRIVAL AND CHECK IN The hotel was easy enough to spot from the main road as it has a large sign in front to indicate its presence. We drove into the car park at the rear of the hotel and managed to find a parking space. There were also guest parking spaces at the front of the hotel and underground parking available with a lift to bring you up to reception. The car park has around 80 spaces. We were able to enter the hotel through the rear entrance and went to reception which was just a few yards away. There were two sets of people checking in but we didn?t have to wait as one set had just...

anonymili 12.08.2009 (15.08.2009) · Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful
Review of Ramada Encore, Bournemouth

Bournemouth By The Sea!!

Advantages: Bigger and better entertainment
Disadvantages: poor parking facilities

...Bournemouth has changed. The whole of the centre has been altered, there is now no access for vehicles into the centre of the town, purely pedestrian only. In some ways this is good, tourist trade has probably increased, there is a small cafe in the middle of the square where once stood the clock tower, access by foot is now safer than it used to be, plus you don't have to go through the many underpasses anymore (bad news for the buskers). When the change was taking place, most of us locals were worried, the level of traffic along certain roads has definately increased, but is not too bad considering. The main evening attractions in the town for young people are still the Cage/Zoo and occasionally Bump & Hussle. There are lots of pubs all around the town, for all ages and all tastes of music. There will be a new 3d cinema...

sarah_stitch 17.08.2000 · Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful
Review of Bournemouth (England)

I live here must be great.

Advantages: Not far to travel
Disadvantages: It still in England

...Well they used to say Bournemouth is where all the old people come to die?..erm I think not. Bournemouth is where I live and it is so not like many people think or imagine I think it really is the most beautiful place in England. Ok so where is Bournemouth? ------------------------------------------- Well Bournemouth is situated on the South coast of England. We are also within 15 minutes drive of the New Forest. Bournemouth is most easily accessible from London via the M3 and M27 and with good traffic this can be done in just over an hour and a half. We also have our own airport and my Mum flys home from Sunderland and it only takes her 50 minutes yet by car it takes about 8 hours. We are also a very quick ferry journey to the Isle of Wight. Our local main big town would have to be Southampton which is 45 minutes drive away...

kcjack 30.04.2004 · Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful
Review of Bournemouth (England)

Welcome to Sunny Bournemouth !

Advantages: Centrally located hotel in Bournemouth
Disadvantages: Old building means prone to squeaky floorboards

...I recently had to attend a course for work, which involved several overnight stays in Bournemouth. I opted to stay in the RAC rated **** Norfolk Royale Hotel, located in the central town area of Bournemouth. Arriving at the hotel, there is an area at the front where you can drive in and park whilst you check in. (You can also park in this area overnight, or in the underground carpark - each charged at £9 per night). Checking in is straightforward - although you will need to leave credit / debit card details, but this is standard practice. Reception is in the lobby area - a plush, well furbished area with comfortable chairs, an open fire and a bar. You will be given a keycard, and told where your room is. (On my visits, a porter service was not visable, although may have been available on request). The hotel itself is quite old...

SRowlands 14.10.2006 · Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful
Review of Norfolk Royale Hotel, Bournemouth

Queens hotel Bournemouth

Advantages: Great facilities and location
Disadvantages: Some rooms on the small side

...Getting there Our family stayed at the Queen?s Hotel Bournemouth for 2 nights back in May 2007. The drive down from North London is 112 miles and took around 3 Hours 20 Minutes which included a 30 minute stop over. The Hotel is located on Meyrick Road, just a minutes walk from the sea front and a 15 minute walk to the Pier. There is room for about 15 cars in the car park at the front of the Hotel, with room for a further 20 cars at the rear. This is free to use for guests and you give your car registration details when you check in. The hotel has 109 rooms and deluxe suites situated over 4 floors. There is a lift near the reception to all floors except lower ground which has just 6-8 steps, so the Hotel is ideal for the elderly. Rooms Choices of rooms range from four-poster bridal suite rooms to deluxe, family and executive...

eddierog 13.08.2007 · Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful
Review of Queens Hotel, Bournemouth

Celebrating England

Advantages: looks cute
Disadvantages: retired

...Everybody my age had TY beanies, they were adorable! My close circle of friends and I were huge collectors and between us we have most, if not all, of them going! One of these is England the Bear. England: The name is pretty self explanatory. This bear represents the country England. Whether it is bought as a souvineer by a tourist in England, or by somebody whose home country is England and they are proud of that, this bear is there to represent it. Appearance: To look at, England from a distance seems plain, almost like a basic white bear. Indeed, his fur is white, which goes hand in hand with the whiteness of the England flag. Around his neck there is a little red, white and blue bow - the colours of the Union Jack. This alone is cute, and then on his chest you will notice a little England flag has been stitched on. This adds to...

Amy69 23.08.2009 · Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful
Review of TY England the Bear

lifes a beach!!

Advantages: sun, sea, surf, views, countryside, night life! Bournemouth has it all
Disadvantages: can be busy in peak times, and somewhat expensive.

...I was born and bred in Bournemouth and have lived here all my life. Why? Because it has so much to offer and plenty to do for everyone. I shall explain! Ready for a long review? Good, get your cuppa and read why I think Bournemouth is one of the best places in the country to visit. Where is it??? Situated on the central south coast of England south west of Southampton off the m27 then onto the A31 through Ringwood. From the west country it is situated east of Dorchester off the A35. Bournemouth is well sign posted and easy to get too. Its has its own international airport and train station. so its easily accessible by road, air and sea! What?s there??? To start with there are the world famous sandy beaches, all 7 miles of them, consistently voted some of the best in the country. With the blue flag award...

darky2005 29.03.2005 (30.03.2005) · Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful
Review of Bournemouth (England)

Getting around Bournemouth

Advantages: The review tells the story
Disadvantages: The review tells the story

...INTRODUCTION I thought I would write about how to get around in Bournemouth for two main reasons. The first, is that I live here/there so I am in a good position to inform people about it. The second reason, is that Bournemouth is one of the most popular holiday destinations in the United KIngdom and many people will visit at some point during their life. Before I get into the main part of the review, I will say that travelling in Bournemouth isn't pretty good or easy. That's why people need to be informed. ROAD (CAR) Bournemouth is particularly prone to heavy traffic, throughout the year. The main reason for the large number of traffic jams on the road, is as a result of the road network. As Bournemouth has grown and developed, new roads and access have had to be built. It is impossible to reach some areas of the town...

thespurs 25.07.2004 · Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful
Review of Getting Around in Bournemouth