This month we continue our mini travel review feature with Eve Hartridge with another UK location,  the jewel in Dorset's crown, Bournemouth.
When I think of Bournemouth a few things come to mind; long sandy beaches, M27 traffic jams, and Liverpool Victoria Friendly Society, not forgetting the huge population of pensioners. In the same way we all seem to know someone who knew someone who had a distant relation on The Titanic, we all have a link with a retiree in Bournemouth, maybe even a Titanic survivor. Who knows, it's possible. However, please excuse my ignorant view; Bournemouth is a young vibrant place packed with bars, clubs and restaurants. Even LV= rebranded some time ago. And the beauty of this incongruous Dorset hotspot is it can be reached in under 2 hours by train from Waterloo, avoiding the M27 altogether. Here's what to do in your 24 hours.
Did you know that Bournemouth is home to the World's only chocolate-themed hotel? This is the claim made by The Chocolate Boutique Hotel, based in the West Cliff area of Bournemouth. You don't need to be a chocolate fanatic to stay here, but it helps as this hotel is a chocolate lover's dream. Easy to find, this impressive grade II listed Villa has 13 delicious rooms and sweet suites (especially the Chocolate Truffle Suite), all appointed to a high standard with flat screen televisions, iPod docks and luxurious chocolate interior design. The hotel bar has a cool retro feel, and I recommend that everyone samples a chocolate martini, which can be made by hand or by using the huge automatic cocktail making machine.
The hotel is a friendly family-run affair where nothing is too much bother, breakfasts are made to order and offer a wide selection including smoked salmon and scrabbled eggs, and even chocolate pancakes, of course. If that wasn't enough, chocolate fountains and champagne can also be provided on request and the hotel runs a number of chocolate workshops that die-hard fans can attend. Check the website for details. The Hotel can also be booked for special occasions and corporate events on an exclusive basis.
Sadly there is no restaurant at the Hotel so we recommend talking a stroll down the hill (and taxi back) to sample Aruba Bar and Restaurant on the seafront, even when the sun isn't shining the fabulous cocktails and excellent international cuisine here transports you to a happy place.
http://www.thechocolateboutiquehotel.co.uk/
http://aruba-bournemouth.co.uk/
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