Among the East Cliff's most recognisable buildings stands The Cumberland, a handsome 1930s art-deco hotel whose sweeping white curves and sunny terrace evoke the golden age of the British seaside. Set above Poole Bay, it carries its period heritage without pretension, making it a characterful and atmospheric base for a break on the Dorset coast. Few hotels in town match quite this much between-the-wars glamour.
Rooms
Rooms span comfortable doubles through to sea-facing options looking out across the bay, with doubles starting from around £110. Interiors reference the building's Jazz Age origins while including the practical comforts expected today, such as free Wi-Fi throughout and en-suite bathrooms. Anyone who values a water view should ask about sea-view rooms when booking, since these capitalise on the hotel's elevated clifftop position and tend to sell out first. Families are catered for well, and the range of room types suits both couples on a short break and guests staying longer by the sea.
Where it sits
One of Bournemouth's most sought-after seafront addresses, the East Cliff, is where the hotel sits. A short, level walk reaches the clifftop gardens and the zig-zag paths and lift descending to the sand, while the town centre, with its shops, the Lower Gardens and a broad choice of restaurants, lies only a few minutes further on foot. This blend of a quiet clifftop setting with genuinely easy access to both beach and town explains why people keep returning to this stretch of coast. For an eco-conscious alternative close by, see The Green House Hotel, or consider Tower House Apartments for a self-catering stay. More places to stay across the resort appear on our accommodation guide.
Good to know
The outdoor swimming pool and sun terrace serve as the showpiece, a genuine seaside-resort touch that comes alive on warm summer days with the bay as a backdrop. On-site parking counts as a real bonus in an area where kerbside space along the cliff is scarce, and a restaurant and bar mean dinner or a nightcap are never far away. As with most independent seaside hotels, booking direct tends to secure the best rates. When reserving, ask about sea-view rooms and pool access, and check the current seasonal arrangements for the pool and restaurant before travelling, as these vary through the year.
