dorset
the harbour heights, poole
Stylish hotel at Britain’s celebrity seaside
where is it?
Above the exclusive 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.
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 <<<correct>>> 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' wives or retired criminals.
local interest?
Britain's best beach is five minutes walk, Poole Harbour is probably our best watersports venue and that's even closer. Sister hotel (less than a mile away) has pools, spa and tennis. Day trips include NT's Studland Beach and Brownsea Island, major shopping in Bournemouth, visits to Corfe Castle, Beaulieu National Motor Museum, and assorted gardens, golfings and boat trips.
what's the damage?
Double B&B from £130 per person. Brasserie around £35 for three-course dinner, restaurant £40, wine from £15 - £500, cocktails £7, Stella £3.10, martini £2.30, orange juice £1.40.
access for all?
Level surface from big car park, across tiled entrance, through big double doors into the bars and restaurants, onto the terraces and there's a lift to all floors. Garden and surrounding walks, however, are quite steep.
contact
Harbour Heights, Haven Road, Sandbanks, Poole Dorset BH13 7LW
Tel: 01202 707272
Email: enquiries@harbourheights.net
Web: www.fjbhotels.co.uk
