I have stayed at the Wessex several times dating back to 1983 when my parents brought me here on holiday. I attach a lot of sentimentality to the Wessex, it is a very nice hotel with great facilities and a real charm about it. The bar area, restaurant and quality of food are all very good, especially when you consider the value the hotel offers. Location is excellent with the cliff tops and beach a stones throw away and the town centre just a short walk. My reason for only 3 points is that on my most recent visit (January 2012) the room was of a poor standard and there seemed to be a lack of staffing, although the ones who were around were very nice and efficient. My room (269) had the creakiest floorboards I have ever walked on and was very small. The TV only had 4 channels and the reception was poor on all of them. The bathroom was a decent size, although the décor was reminiscent of my first stay in 1983. The old fashioned mixer shower takes an age to get to the correct temperature and the shower gel bottle supplied was either watered down or the cheapest available. I won't let this one stay put me off, but I would hope that in the future, the Wessex management seek to improve on these minor issues as they could put first time guests off returning. I however, hope to return again soon.

given as a xmas gift,well received at book in ,but no information about facilities,hotel requires acomplete refurb,first morning at breakfast,shown to a table,carpet very badly stained and dirty,breakfast was vegitarian,and we were informed bye another guest,that if you required sausage and bacon,you had to order from a waitress who were standing talking,in a group toast consisted of 2 slices and cold,when the sausage and bacon arrived on a cold plate,and dried,sorry but we were very disapointed.

Stayed here for a mid Winter break for two nights in January and there's not much you can criticise about the Hotel.Free (large) car park, our room was a good size, clean, very quiet at night.The Hotel has indoor and outdoor pools, a snooker room, sauna etc...
Only minor negatives, and these really are minor, were the bath was a bit small, no 'proper' shower, WIFI wasn't free, something like £6 for 24 hours and the television only had four channals, come on, at least chuck in freeview!

What a great hotel and a fantastic atmosphere.... There's a lot to be said for places with character and this beautiful Victorian hotel really is very welcoming. Very clean and more than adequately sized bedroooms (we had a twin room on first floor, my parents had a double room on first floor), cannot fault the excellent service by all the staff. The gala dinner food was superb - all five courses, plus wine and champagne! Entertainment was very enjoyable and catered for all tastes until well past midnight. Five of us in our group, including mums and dad all had a fantastic time and enjoyed the company, fun and laughter with the other six guests on our table. Would thoroughly recommend it for 2012. Breakfast the following morning included as many options as I had ever seen and was very appetising.

Thanks to everyone at the Wessex who made our stay comfortable and enjoyable. We will definitely be booking again when we return to Bournemouth in the not too distant future!

Keep up the good work Mr Warren....