Nici
Miami beach club meets Edwardian seaside — bold tropical prints, statement art, warm lighting, and a cabana-and-cocktail energy that somehow works even in February.
Book a Garden Suite if you're bringing a dog — they're dog-friendly and come with a private outdoor hot tub
Why It Matters
Shortlisted for The Cateys Best Independent Hotel 2025. Named No. 1 'Best UK Hotel with an Outdoor Pool' by The Times. Featured in The Times 100 Best Places to Stay 2024. Winner of Best Interiors at Prima Magazine's UK Spa Awards 2025. One of the few south coast UK hotels where a genuine resort experience — outdoor pool, full spa, multiple restaurants, cinema — exists at this level.
THE NICI is a renovated Edwardian seafront hotel on Bournemouth's West Cliff that went through a £25 million refurbishment in 2022 — and the result looks more Miami than Dorset. That candy-striped 30m outdoor heated pool, the billowing cabanas, the Cuban cigar-mould art installations: it's a full commitment to the aesthetic. There are 91 rooms and suites, two restaurants, a serious spa, a private cinema, and beach gear available to borrow. It works for couples, families, and groups equally, without feeling like it's trying too hard for any of them.
Where You'll Stay
12 room types available
Cosy Annexe Room
The smallest room in the property, located in the annexe separate from the main hotel building. Compact, quiet, and good value for those who want access to all hotel facilities without needing much in-room space.
Family Annexe Room
Annexe-based family room with two additional single beds, sleeping up to four. A practical family option with the bonus of being slightly removed from the main hotel bustle.
Inland Cosy Room
The entry-level room at THE NICI. Inland-facing, compact, and comfortably furnished. Good for solo travellers or those who plan to spend most of their time in the spa, pool, or restaurants rather than in their room.
Inland Family Room
Designed for families or groups of four, with two additional single beds. Inland-facing but spacious enough that the room becomes the base camp. Practical without sacrificing the hotel's signature style.
Inland Standard Room
A step up from the Cosy rooms, still inland-facing but with a bit more space. The go-to for no-fuss travellers who want the full hotel experience without paying the sea view premium.
One Bedroom Annexe Suite
Self-contained one-bedroom suite in the annexe building, with a kitchenette and separate seating area. Good for longer stays or those who want a bit more independence while still using all hotel facilities.
Poolside Garden Suite
Ground-floor garden suites that open onto the pool area, with a private outdoor terrace and their own hot tub. The only rooms where dogs are permitted. Guests reviewers have consistently highlighted these as a favourite upgrade — especially the private hot tub.
Sea View Deluxe Room
Ocean views from the moment you open the curtains. These are the sweet-spot rooms — proper sea views, the full luxury fit-out, without stepping up to full suite territory. Worth the premium over the standard inland options.
Sea View Suite
A proper suite with stunning ocean views, a plush seating area, and all the extra touches. Some suites at this level can see the Isle of Wight and Old Harry Rocks on clear days. Built for a celebratory stay.
Sea View Suite with Terrace
First-floor sea view suites that come with their own private terrace, outdoor seating, and sun loungers. The terrace makes a significant difference in summer — morning coffee outside with a sea view is genuinely worth booking for.
THE NICI Suite
The biggest suite in the house. A proper apartment-style layout with a dining area, kitchenette, and lounge alongside the bedroom, plus the hotel's signature views. Ideal for families or a group of friends wanting proper space without getting separate rooms.
Two Bedroom Annexe Suite
Two-bedroom self-contained suite in the annexe, with a kitchenette and separate seating area. The most practical option for families or groups wanting their own space, with full access to the hotel's pool, spa, and restaurants.
The Property
Eat & Drink
2 venues on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
Retro candy-striped design with sunloungers and billowing cabanas. Open year-round (weather permitting), with food and drinks service right to your lounger from 12pm–7pm. Open 8am–4pm daily. Residents and NICI Club members only — not open to walk-in day guests.
Kayaks and paddle-boards available to borrow for guests heading down the zig-zag path to Bournemouth beach. Beach bags also provided. The beach is a 2-minute walk away.
School holiday kids' club with organised activities. Unsupervised playroom with books and games also available, open 9am–8pm year-round. Child-friendly cinema screenings daily.
Croquet on the hotel grounds.
Outdoor ping-pong table on the hotel grounds.
Foosball table by the bar at South Beach Restaurant.
A 13-seat cinema with daily screenings. Popcorn and pick 'n' mix are part of the deal. Family-friendly screenings available every day. Good wet-weather option for families.
Fully air-conditioned gym with the latest cardio, resistance, and functional training equipment. Fitness studio for classes including Pilates, yoga, spin, and aqua aerobics.
Sunken fire pits in the garden/terrace area. A popular spot for evening drinks after the outdoor pool area winds down.
Sunday yoga classes available plus a small yoga studio within the spa. Beach yoga is also available — the hotel sits just above the shoreline.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
Piano lounge near the bar. Dogs permitted here (not in the main restaurant).
Licensed for weddings and events. Indoor and outdoor spaces available. Dedicated events team.
Sandwiches available around the clock; fuller room service menu midday–9pm.
Evolve Organic Beauty / Malin + Goetz bath products depending on room category.
Spa and wellness membership from £130/month with no joining fee. Includes unlimited spa access, outdoor pool, studio classes (Pilates, yoga, spin, aqua aerobics), and up to 30% off spa treatments.
Landscaped gardens with sunken fire pits and terrace seating overlooking the sea.
Valet parking available on arrival. £27 per night. No EV charging points currently available on site.
Dogs permitted in Garden Suites and the Piano Lounge and terrace. Not permitted in the restaurant or pool area. £30 per night per pet. Beds and bowls provided.
Part of the NICI Spa. Heated, suitable for proper lengths or a gentle float.
Spa hydrotherapy pool for tension release and muscle recovery.
Dedicated quiet relaxation room within the spa.
BUILD YOUR THE NICI PLAN
Rooms, dining, spa, and resort experiences — organized into one trip plan.
Start Planning