The Sandbanks Hotel

stayed for one night on a touring holiday of the west country. arrived in beautiful sunshine. hotel is a bit like stepping back in time particularly the leisure complex. I was absolutely delighted to discover the laundry facilities in the basement after almost two weeks touring. The pool looked grubby and the gym was airless and needs updating given the room tariff at this hotel. We had executive rooms which were lovely with balcony and fantastic sea views. Dinner was included we chose to take our allowance and eat in the brasserie... more

My family and I have been staying at Sandbanks for ten years. Our children, now 16 and 14 have made a group of friends who always book at the same time and have and grown up with their annual reunion at Sandbanks being the high spot of the year. When we first tried out the hotel, just for a couple of nights, our then four year old cried when we left - and the next time - and the time after that. The entertainers are like personal friends and the entertainment they put on is 'join in and enjoy yourself' games, dances, and... more

Very expensive but we as a family keep getting drawn back here year after year. The location is fantastic with sea views to the front and the harbour to the back. Situated right on the beach it's great. Children can also enjoy the activities they have during the holidays. Dinner and breakfasts excellent.

I have just come back from a stay at the Sandbanks Hotel with my wife and 9 month old son. We thought it was the perfect family hotel. We have been holidaying at Sandbanks for many years, but have not been to the Sandbanks hotel recently. The rooms were an ideal size for us, with a large bed and sofa-bed. The outdoor bar area is excellent. The location is second to none with steps straight out from the terrace to the sand. We only had breakfast at the hotel but it was delicious. The staff (the majority of whom appear to be... more

Happy kids = Happy Mum and Dad! Dizzy Danni and Jimbob Squarepants - the childrens' entertainers are worth their weight in gold. We have 3 children aged 11, 9 and 7 and the entertainers managed to cater for all needs. When the weather was sunny the children played rounders on the beach with the staff and when it rained alternative games were played inside the huge ball room. Every evening the Children's disco was a fantastic end to each day. Whether there were 50 kids or just 5, each child was made to feel special. Also worth... more

What a pity this place doesn't try just a bit harder... The raw material is all there. The hotel is situated right on one of the most beautiful pieces of sand in the UK and near some of the the most delightful scenery and attractions. The layout of the hotel, with a superb terrace, large public rooms, a restaurant overlooking the sea, an indoor swimming pool, space for kids facilities and bags of family rooms, also promises so much. Unfortunately, this hotel fails to deliver the goods on so many levels, especially given the premium... more

I am not surprised by any of the comments that I have seen on this website. I just wished I had read them before booking this hotel. We booked the advertised 'family weekend' which was over stating it to say the very least. Kids club consisted of 2 entertainers (who to give them credit, did do their best to keep the kids happy) However, the facilities to work with were very poor. The evening family entertainment was non existent! Try telling that to your children when they have looked forward to it all day!! The bedrooms are very... more

I stay away from home approximately 2 nights per week and can quite honestly say this is one of the worst hotels I have stayed in. The Duty Manager was rude and unhelpful beyond belief. The rooms were worse than Travelodge standard and reminded me of the inside of dodgy chalet from Butlins circa 1972. Not only this I was a woman in a single room and the balcony door lead onto the beach without a secure lock which was very worrying. I had planned to stay for 1 night and my parents 3 but having suffered for the first night and... more

A great location with excellent beach just out the backdoor. Hotel was also good for kids and had amusements each evening plus children's teas. Decor of hotel is a bit tatty in places, and food was average. Pool is very poor. In general, it is OK but for the money (c.£100 per head), I expected more and was a bit disappointed.

Well, very good location, good service and food, but somewhat run down, especially the swiming pool area. At £100/person/night, including breakfast and dinner, I would have expected better quality. Whilst the disapointments, like the noisy floor, tarnished swiming pool, steam room in need of an uplift, didn't spoil the stay, I will not be coming back