Our Shearings coach was full and this popular Coast and Country hotel was very busy. Roomy and comfortable coach and after two short service station breaks we arrived early afternoon.. Received a warm welcome and was pleased our room was on the ground floor as there appeared to be only one lift .Our standard room was quite adequate, clean with comfortable beds and furnishings and a nice newly refurbished bathroom with a great shower. We had misgivings that we overlooked the car park but it was very quiet and we enjoyed good sleep. Although quite basic, there was everything we needed. We always feel it is wise to book an upgrade bedroom and have the extra size and views.
The hotel is rather tired and needs some updating but we thought the facilities were
fine. The lounges were roomy with plenty of comfortable seating – one had to get a seat early in the evening as there was entertainment on three nights, always singers but they were quite good and got folk up to dance,.The dining room was very pleasant with views over the lovely gardens and beyond to the sea. The food was very good. Survival of the fittest at breakfast time around the cereal and toaster area but the buffet had a good choice. Enjoyed our 3 course evening meal with a small choice. The waiting staff were excellent, quick and pleasant. It was nice to have an included coffee/tea at the end of the meal. There was quite a large terrace outside and we were fortunate enough to be able to enjoy drinks there some days as the weather was mild and quite sunny.
We loved the position of The Savoy in the WestCliff area. Walking through the hotel gardens to the front, it was about a 20 minute stroll downhill to the pier. Beautiful sandy beaches stretching for miles. Bournemouth is quite hilly along the coast but for anyone walking along the beach it is bliss. We had two pleasant excursions, one to Salisbury (would have liked an extra hour here} but it was a half day trip and a full day trip visiting Southampton, Lyndhurst and Burley in the New Forest.
Overall, Shearings always offer very good value and we would really liked to have stayed longer, but we’ll be back.
