The Park Central

Bournemouth

parkcentralhotel.co.uk

AS PART of our trip to sample the really good food on offer at The Crab at Bournemouth, my husband and I, plus our toddler daughter, spent an equally good night at the impeccable four star Park Central hotel, which is part of the same building.

Central is its name, and central is its location, being a mere 100 yards from the seafront one way, and 5 minutes from Bournemouth’s shops the other way. It is also immediately opposite the BIC, making it the perfect venue in which to stay for business and for pleasure, too.

We arrived and parked up, and were glad of the very friendly welcome from the staff – all of whom acknowledged us and smiled. When the door to our room swung open, we also ran instantly to the window to have a good look at the terrific view of the pier and the seafront. We heard sea birds, saw the waves crashing, and later enjoyed looking at the lights of the seaside amusements. It was a perfect place from which to take in autumnal Bournemouth.

Our daughter certainly availed of the space in our suite, making it perfect for a family stay. There was a separate TV in the centre space opposite a sofa, plus a spacious alcove containing a huge wardrobe, and the main area where the bed was. The bed was huge and extremely comfortable but we all found that our favourite space was the bay window with that exceptional view. We popped the mini kettle on to have a cuppa and take it all in.

After exploring Bournemouth, it was a pleasure to return there to relax and unwind and not just one but all three of us slept like babies that evening, thanks to the comfort of the handcrafted king size bed.

In the morning, we all trooped downstairs to the Crab restaurant to enjoy the breakfast option, including fresh fruit, pastries, cereal and a full cooked menu, too. We hoovered up poached eggs and orange juice and strawberries and I couldn’t resist a croissant too, given that they were buttery, pillowy and fresh as a daisy, just as they should be.

We arrived at Park Central stressed, unhappy parents. We left feeling restored and revitalised, and really delighted by the quality of everything we had witnessed and digested! I would recommend it without hesitation and, when we are next in Bournemouth, we know exactly where we will be laying our heads.