In their own words: what guests say about staying at Marsham Court

As one of our guests pointed out in her letter, people are often quicker to write when something goes wrong than when it goes right. So when three lovely pieces of feedback reached us within a short time of each other, we wanted to share them properly. One came from a family who hadn’t managed a holiday together in years, one from a group of more than 60 dancers, and one from a guest who’s been back so often she now calls us her go-to place in Bournemouth.

A family getaway, ten years in the making

The first was a letter written to Rosie personally, a couple of weeks after a stay with a mum, two sisters and one much-loved dog. Our guest’s mum needs a profiling bed, and for around ten years that had made getting away almost impossible. This time the whole family could come together, in a location they loved, and that was what made the trip so special. It’s exactly why our accessible rooms and facilities matter so much to us.

What we loved about her letter is how much she noticed. The biscuits on the tray, the Clipper tea and even the Who Gives A Crap toilet rolls were all, as she put it, “keenly noted”. She’ll happily admit the breakfast room took her a few goes to get the hang of, but once she had, she decided it was “so well thought out”, and a plentiful cooked breakfast set everyone up for the day ahead. Evenings were spent catching up together in the bar over a couple of meals, with something on the menu for everyone and a heart-shaped shortbread to go with a cuppa.

The part that really made our day, though, was what she said about the team. She wrote that she didn’t know how we find “these gorgeous people”, and asked us to thank every single one of them, including the people working quietly behind the scenes. Consider it done. The one thing the family didn’t get round to was a swim, as it was a little too chilly for the pool, but they’ve already booked to come back in May and September, so we’re keeping our fingers crossed for sunshine.

A warm welcome for four-legged guests too

Her sister’s dog was treated like a VIP from the start, with treats waiting on the bar, a doggy menu to choose from, and a bed, toys and more treats ready in the room. We’re dog lovers ourselves, so that’s how we like every four-legged guest to feel.

If you’re planning to bring yours, you’ll want to book one of our nine dog-friendly bedrooms or two self-catering apartments, as dogs can’t stay in every room. The dog-friendly bedrooms are all on the first floor, and two of our accessible rooms welcome dogs too. Once you’ve settled in, your dog is welcome to join you in The Retreat and out on the terrace, while the Plantation Restaurant and our function rooms stay dog free. And if something gets left behind at home, just ask, as we can usually help with anything from a bed and bowl to blankets, towels and even a ball thrower. Our pet-friendly rooms are for dogs only, and additional dog and cleaning charges may apply, so have a look at our dog-friendly rooms before you book.

Sixty-plus dancers and one memorable weekend

Our second review came from a dance group of more than 60 people who made Marsham Court their home for a weekend, spreading out across the lounge, the function rooms and the restaurants. It was the service that stood out for them most, and they described the whole team as excellent, both in how they treated guests and in how smoothly everything ran. The food got a glowing mention too, beautifully presented, cooked just right and brought to the table promptly.

They were honest that their own room was on the compact side, though clean, comfortable and well equipped, and we think that’s a helpful thing for anyone booking to know. Every one of our bedrooms is a slightly different shape and size, so if a bit of extra space would make your stay, just tell us and we’ll help you find a room that suits.

The guest who keeps coming back

Our third review is from someone who has stayed with us several times now, and we’re very glad she keeps returning. She mentions the delicious food, the spotless rooms and a well-stocked refreshment tray, and remembers making the most of the outdoor pool on an earlier summer visit. She also took the time to thank people by name, from her booking through to housekeeping and The Retreat, and we’ve made sure those thanks reached them.

For her, accessibility is a big part of why she comes back. Before she arrived, her accessibility requirements were all arranged, right down to a reserved disabled parking space, so there was nothing left to sort out on the day. That conversation beforehand makes all the difference, and it’s something we’d encourage for anyone with access needs. We’re proud to be one of the most accessible hotels in the UK, with a Changing Places facility and a Sensory Room alongside our accessible bedrooms, and the more we know before you arrive, the more we can have ready for you.

Come and see for yourself

You’ll find us on Bournemouth’s East Cliff, immediately opposite the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum. Whether you’re planning a family get-together, a break with your dog or a weekend for a larger group, give us a call on 01202 552111 and we’ll help you find the right fit. Or, if you’d like a browse first, take a look at our bedrooms and see what takes your fancy.