The Harbour Heights - is this Britain’s sexiest hotel?
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It's romantic, stylish and has great views - visit the south coast's coolest boutique hotel.
Where is it?
Above the exclusive celebrity-rich Sandbanks area of Poole, Dorset. That’s between Weymouth and Southampton on the south coast, about two hours’ drive from London.
Does it look inviting?
Among pines trees and expensive holiday flats on a hill overlooking Europe’s biggest natural harbour and most expensive property hot spot, it’s an unexciting whitewashed 20s building with just 38 bedrooms. Inside is where the £4.5million has been spent.
Does it have a USP?
Poole’s Sandbanks area has become a glitzy seaside for millionaires and celebrities. They’ve got restaurants, bars and yacht clubs but until now, not a matching hotel. Here it is. Oh and the view. THE view is as good a gawk as the south coast can offer; your coffee will go cold as you stare at miles of sea, harbour, islands, trees and boats.
Comfort factor?
Avoids country house stuffiness or boutique minimalism with simple good quality design. It’s light and casual, staff are young and easy, without heel-clicking or ’are you enjoying your meal, sir?’
Rooms are dominated by THE view. Apart from that they’re average size, nice laid-back décor (brown/mushroom) and good level of toys: email/web access through satellite TV, minibar, coffee/tea, iron/board, hairdrier, and, if you’re lucky and/or a journalist, a balcony. The stylish grown-up atmosphere helps create a sexy mood, wherever you are...
What’s in the bathroom?
Ungimmicky décor with matt beige tiles, jacuzzi-style bath and power shower strong enough to blast your toupee into the next room. Twin sinks, heated mirrors, chrome towel rail but meagre ration of towels. White robes, slippers, and branded ’we live like this’ toiletries including gorgeous ginseng and macadamia lotion.
I’m hungry
Harbar and Brasserie and Hytes Restaurant both form view-worshipping arenas. Nosh is "contemporary international’ ie: big white plates with pretty and tasty little dollops. More than average amounts of sea creatures. Eat lots of bread and book a table by the window/edge of terrace. Eating on patio with flaming torches and cool blue lighting is a summer epiphany.
What are the people like?
Last-minute city escapees sporting goatee beards, short skirts and Porsches mix with local eccentric millionaires looking like footballers’ orange wives or red-faced retired criminals.
Read about some of Simon Heptinstall's other favourite places to stay here:
Posh and pricey
Under-rated and fantastic
L'Horizon Hotel and Spa on Jersey
A brilliant bargain
Haven Road, Sandbanks , Poole, UK
Cost standard double room: £100 - £200 per night
Services spa, swimming pool, fitness equipment, near beach, parking, hotel restaurant, hotel bar, room service, business services, internet access
Average customer rating
awaiting 5 vote(s)...
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