The Spyglass & Kettle by Greene King Inns

Hotels
•
Greene King's Pubs & Hotels
7.8 (1066 reviews)
25-27 Stourwood Avenue, Southbourne , Bournemouth , gb

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Free
Children allowed
Pets allowed

Facilities

Offsite parking discounted rates available
Parking
Non-smoking rooms
Restaurant
Terrace
Family rooms
Pets allowed
Fax/photocopying
Non-smoking throughout
Kid meals
See all facilities

Review Highlights

Pros:
Great location
Friendly staff
Cons:
Cold rooms
Dated facilities

Categories

Cleanliness
7.51
Generally clean and comfortable, but some reports of cold rooms and freezing bathrooms.
Service
8.48
Staff were consistently friendly and accommodating, though some concerns raised regarding responsiveness to complaints.
Location
9.02
Great location near the beach, praised in multiple reviews.
Room Quality
6.97
Rooms were described as small, cold, and dated in some cases.
Amenities
7
Basic amenities available but some issues with heating and outdated fittings.
Value for Money
7.96
Good value for short stays, though some felt it was lacking for longer durations.
Food and Beverage
7.51
Breakfast options generally liked, but some reports of items being overcooked or cold.
Overall Experience
7.98
Generally positive experiences with some minor issues.
* This sentiment is summarized by AI based on user reviews.
Updated at: 2026-01-08 05:19

Property Description

Prime Location by the Beach
Located on Southbourne clifftop with a stunning view of the Blue Flag beach, The Spyglass & Kettle offers a perfect seaside getaway.

Comfortable Rooms with Modern Amenities
Experience a cozy stay in rooms equipped with a flat-screen TV, a hairdryer, and an en-suite bathroom, ensuring a relaxing stay.

Convenient On-Site Facilities
Enjoy the convenience of an on-site bar & lounge and pub restaurant, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring the nearby attractions.

Experience the charm of Southbourne at The Spyglass & Kettle - Book your stay now!

Important information:

When traveling with pets, please note that an extra charge of £10 per pet, per night applies. Please note that a maximum of 1 pet is allowed per room. Please note that the property can only allow small and medium-sized dogs.
A deposit may be required at the property.

Check-in and check-out hours:
Check-out: 11:00 AM

Property Policies

  • Groups

    When booking more than 4 rooms, different policies and additional supplements may apply.

  • Parking

    Free private parking is possible on site (reservation is not needed).

  • Pets

    Pets are allowed on request. Charges may be applicable.

  • Internet

    WiFi is available in all areas and is free of charge.

  • Children and extra bed policy

    Children of any age are allowed.
    Children up to and including 2 years old stay for free when using an available cot.
    Children up to and including 12 years old stay for free when using an existing bed.
    You haven't added any extra beds.
    Any type of extra bed or child's cot/crib is upon request and needs to be confirmed by management.

Location

Guest Reviews

7.8
Based on 1066 reviews
Cleanliness: 7.51
Service: 8.48
Location: 9.02
Room Quality: 6.97
Amenities: 7
Value for Money: 7.96
Food and Beverage: 7.51
Overall Experience: 7.98
J
jacqueline • solo_traveller • gb
7
Great situation and nice environment.
Pros:

I regularly stay at The Spyglass and Kettle and it very much serves my purpose as I only sleep at the hotel, it is perfectly situated on the East Cliff with plenty of free parking.

Cons:

At the bar when purchasing drinks and signing into the hotel took longer than I would expect considering the number of bar staff.
I also had problems using the key card.
Unfortunately, the heating was on during the hottest may week on record which meant a very hot night's sleep.

2026-06-02 • via Nuitee
P
Pabitra • family_with_children • gb
9
2026-05-29 • via Nuitee
P
Philip • solo_traveller • gb
8
Comfortable, Clean & the Staff were Great
Pros:

It was very clean & pleasant atmosphere, & the staff were great & helpful

Cons:

Im not one too complain, But my room was very hot, no air conditioning & only had one top small window that opened,
i was very Happy with everything else tho, Thank You

2026-05-29 • via Nuitee
S
Shayne Ramsay • solo_traveller • gb
7
Cheap and cheerful and perfect location.
Pros:

I love that they are so welcoming to dogs! Also, the location is just brilliant! It is right opposite one of the few dog friendly beaches in the area. The single room was spacious and perfect for me and my dog.

Cons:

I asked what time the kitchen closed and was told 21h00 so I was really surprised to be told at 20h05 that the kitchen was closed. After begging as only one extra person to be fed, they relented and my order was duly taken. But I was then really surprised to see a table of four, who were not staying overnight, ordering food at 20h40! That is just really bad!

2026-05-27 • via Nuitee
P
Paul • solo_traveller • gb
8
2026-05-26 • via Nuitee
M
Mai • couple • ca
7
Séjour à Bournemouth
Pros:

L’hôtel est en face de la plage. La chambre est meublé de base, mais c’est propre. Il y a un pub au RDC mais ce n’est pas bruyant

Cons:

Il n’y a pas d’ascenseur. Le lit n’est pas confortable

2026-05-26 • via Nuitee
J
Jennifer • family_with_children • us
8
2026-05-26 • via Nuitee
S
Simon • solo_traveller • gb
9
2026-05-24 • via Nuitee
C
Carla • family_with_children • gb
8
Relaxing time with family
Pros:

Location great. Staff helpfull. Food delicious

Cons:

Just the room facing the back but not a big problem

2026-05-23 • via Nuitee
A
Anthony • solo_traveller • gb
7
One night stay
Pros:

Friendly staff and nice choice of food

Cons:

Too many steps up to our room no tables available for guests who were staying as all the tables had reserved signs on them for their evening quiz

2026-05-19 • via Nuitee
B
Brett • couple • gb
6
Breakfast room did not open on time stayed
Pros:

Location
Dog friendly

Cons:

Stairs to room husband disabled and dog can’t get up and down stairs

2026-05-14 • via Nuitee
S
Sally • solo_traveller • gb
5
Cons:

Shower didn’t drain.
Loo flush broken.
My room in the eaves, couldnt see in the mirrors!
Breakfast 45 minutes delay

2026-05-12 • via Nuitee
J
john • couple • gb
9
Pros:

Good.Good.Good.

2026-05-12 • via Nuitee
T
Tommy Watt • solo_traveller • gb
4
I found the room to be inadequate in terms of structure with barely any room to move about.
Pros:

The nearness to the Clifftop

Cons:

In essence this is what would be described as a very good pub but, from my point of view, not really an hotel. I appreciate I sought a budget hotel but the access to the shower and even into the room was difficult. No shelves for toiletry in the sink/toilet/shower area. Breakfast service left a lot to be desired but the staff were wonderful in trying to make the stay bearable. There did not seem to be any one in overall charge although a phone number was displayed in my room.

2026-05-12 • via Nuitee
D
Diane • family_with_children • gb
8
Comfortable room, pleasant stay, staff were lovely and helpful!
Pros:

Very comfortable room

2026-05-11 • via Nuitee
G
Glyn • solo_traveller • gb
7
venue great , staff excellent , room clean & tidy & good value , overall happy with my choice
Pros:

good lively vibe, very helpful friendly staff (especially at breakfast) room was clean & tidy, food was of a good standard & overall good value , great location for access to the sea & surrounding facilities .

Cons:

Room was very tired & could do with redecorating at least, ( carpet & curtains very worn )fire alarm went off at 1.00am was a false alarm but Was sorted out quickly thankfully , the bed was very hard & uncomfortable ( could do with a topper at least)

2026-05-10 • via Nuitee
L
Liz • solo_traveller • gb
9
Perfect location 👌
Pros:

Location - so close to the prom and beach
Staff were lovely and friendly
20%off if you dine there, which we were anyway!

Cons:

Stairs - only because one of us was post op

2026-05-10 • via Nuitee
C
Catriona • couple • gb
9
2026-05-09 • via Nuitee
G
gregory • couple • fr
6
Peu mieux faire
Pros:

Proche de la plage.
Le dîner était bon et pas cher.

Cons:

Des travaux sont a prévoir dans la chambre 4.
Nous avons passé 3 nuits et avons dû attendre la dernière nuit pour avoir une autre chambre.
En effet le bac à douche était bouché. Le chauffage de la salle de bain ne fonctionnait pas.
La cabine de douche est en sous pente. Mon mari c’est ouvert le front avec la barre de la porte de douche.
Le premier jour pas de pain de mie au petit déjeuner.
pas viennoiseries.
Personnel désagréable.

2026-05-08 • via Nuitee
J
JOHN PARKER X • solo_traveller • gb
6
One Night Stay
Pros:

We love the location.

Cons:

Poor breakfast service.
Bedroom very basic no heating working.

2026-05-07 • via Nuitee