The Cumberland is one of the East Cliff's most recognisable buildings, a handsome 1930s art-deco hotel whose sweeping white curves and sun-trap terrace capture the golden age of the British seaside. Rising above Poole Bay, it wears its period heritage lightly and makes a characterful, atmospheric base for a break by the Dorset coast. Few hotels in the town carry quite so much of that between-the-wars glamour.
The rooms
Accommodation ranges from comfortable doubles to sea-facing rooms that look out across the bay, with rates starting from around £110 for a double. The interiors nod to the building's Jazz Age origins while keeping the practical comforts you would want today, including free Wi-Fi throughout and en-suite bathrooms. If a view of the water matters to you, it is well worth asking about sea-view rooms when you book, as these make the most of the hotel's elevated clifftop position and are usually the first to go. Families are well catered for, and the mix of room types suits couples on a short break and guests settling in for a longer seaside holiday equally well.
The location
The hotel sits along the East Cliff, one of Bournemouth's most sought-after seafront addresses. It is a short, level stroll to the clifftop gardens and to the zig-zag paths and lift that carry you down to the sand, while the town centre, with its shops, the Lower Gardens and a wide choice of restaurants, is only a few minutes further on foot. That combination of a quiet clifftop setting with genuinely easy access to both beach and town is exactly what keeps people coming back to this part of the coast. For an eco-conscious alternative nearby, see The Green House Hotel, or for a self-catering stay consider Tower House Apartments. You can browse more places to stay across the resort on our accommodation guide.
Good to know
The showpiece is the outdoor swimming pool and sun terrace, a proper seaside-resort touch that comes into its own on warm summer days, with the bay as a backdrop. On-site parking is a real bonus up here, where kerbside space along the cliff is at a premium, and there is a restaurant and bar so you need not venture far for dinner or a nightcap. As with most independent seaside hotels, it pays to book direct for the best rates. When you reserve, ask about sea-view rooms and pool access, and it is worth checking current seasonal arrangements for the pool and restaurant before you travel, as these can vary through the year.
