Kensington Hotel

I liked the fact it was close to the main attraction of Bournemouth the beaches and pier! I liked that the family room could fit all my family comfortably. The room was spacious and had adequate amenities with its own kitchenette which was lovely. The staff was informative was helpful and happy to help. Our sleep was comfortable. I’m extremely glad that there was free parking.

One of the mattresses was too stiff but the other mattresses were nice. There were too many codes to remember to go in and out of the hotel and the rooms. The shower was a little unclean but overall clean enough. The pillows and towels need changing. One of the beds didn’t have a base, which is not good.

Before booking, we read some of the reviews on here and TripAdvisor - and, intrigued by the variety in reviews we wanted to try it out! The hotel building is very smart looking, and yes the front car park is a little tight, but there are spaces to the side that had a minibus parked in when we were there so I can't understand why people were moaning about that. The communal areas (reception, corridors etc) were very clean. Our room was bigger than expected as we were allocated a 3-bed room rather than the double we had booked. There were lots of comments about the cleanliness of the rooms, but ours was fine. Ok. So they could scrub the floor under the waste pipe of the toilet (as one reviewer mentioned they hadn't) but it's not as it you ever touch there so don't worry about it. The bed and bedding was clean (apart from the valance which had clearly been touched by a dirty mop or three but as you don't actually sleep on that it doesn't matter). The room had a large TV with excellent reception, a kettle with the usual tea and coffee bits and a fan, which was a lovely touch. As a couple of bald guys, we were particularly pleased to see the hair dryer provided was in perfect working order! It could probably do with a lick of paint, but really only because there were some 'wear and tear' signs since the last time it was decorated (scuffed paint etc). A few reviews mention the owner who likes to talk a lot. To be fair, that's actually true - but he is very welcoming and is very knowledgeable about the area. His introduction speech is entertaining and it will open your eyes - or close them if you're tired. What he doesn't know about Bournemouth and it's property prices isn't worth knowing - but don't ask him to join your quiz team as he isn't allowed! Some reviews mention the noise at night as the hotel accepts groups (stag and hen parties etc).

There was a bar and dining area downstairs that weren't in use. It's a shame as it looked like a really comfortable place to have breakfast, a coffee or maybe a night cap. The outside area (beer garden?) was lovely but unloved - but I guess if the bar and dining aren't in use that could be expected.

Fantastic location and staff who were kind and helpful. Easy check in and out. All information provided straight away meaning we could come and go independently.

One room had shower draining issues meaning that family members came to use our room for showering. I also cut my toe open on the frame of the bed when walking round it due to it being open and sharp metal - no staff avaliable on reception when it happened to be able to log it.

Hotel manager was highlight of my day most days very knowledgeable and loves a good chinwag

My only complaint would have been in the single room i stayed in the shower in en suite had no heat setting so when you get in its scorching hot, most days i couldnt even stay in more than a couple of mins

Everything was clean, and they allowed us to check in early as our room was ready. Parking were available all the time, and that (for me) is a one thing less to worry about.

Maybe, to complain about something... , the mattress to soft for me, but not for my friends :) Then, it is not a really problem, we are all differents. Ah! We forgot shower gel and they did not have. But apart for that, everything was great.

I was very pleasantly surprised at the Kensington. My four day booking was rather last minute and subsequently I found some unfavourable reviews online. However I don't understand these as the hotel was great. Clean, well appointed and located in a charming historical building. My room was large with an excellent en-suite bathroom, a very comfortable bed, an armchair, coffee table and ample storage. The TV was huge. My ground floor room had was raised above street level and I could sit in the large bay window and look over the garden seating area and water feature. The Wifi was adequate albeit a little erratic. Mention of course has to be made about the charming host, a man who knows more about Dorset than any man alive. All in all a great stay at a lovely hotel and I will be back.

This is a very minor gripe, but there was no desk/dressing table which I would have liked in order to do work on my laptop. There is plenty of room for one in the room and I feel that would be preferable to many guests over the single armchair and coffee table.

The gentleman on reception, Jerry was absolutely lovely and a complete laugh, he really made me and my friends want to return because of him and we are planning to come back next summer to see him! He taught my friend to dance and called us taxis, let us sit and chat with him in reception while we waited. The room was big enough for what we needed, although 5 girls sharing two mirrors was a mission! the property is a bit out of town but taxis come quickly and when it wasn't raining we walked. The hotel is very laid back, and friendly.

The rooms were basic and clean enough - which is what we expected due to what we spent, the bathroom smelt a bit damp, but the room was warm, we had nice big windows with a nice view and it was good value.

We were able to check-in 2 hours before our check-in which was a bonus , staff were very helpful can't fault the service we were given. A definite plus parking provided as a lot of hotel don't have free parking, especially for the price of the hotel.

The only problem was with the size of the bed as we are used to sleeping on king-size beds and no AC , but otherwise no other issues.

I upgraded from a single room to a double room. The room we were given had everything I needed. The bed was low but it was comfortable. The shower worked well and the bathroom was a good size.

The fact I could only open one window as I like to have lots of fresh air in my room.

Prompt with excellent service and made to feel at home

Was happy grateful for the punctual helpful service and appreciation to the staff with their hard work and making sure your taken care of !! I could have done with breakfast in bed tho haha