The Kings Arms

Hotels
Harbour Hotels
9.2 (136 reviews)
18 Castle Street, Christchurch, England, BH23 1DT , Christchurch , GB

Facilities

Free WiFi
24-hour front desk
Luggage storage
Concierge service
Wheelchair accessible
Elevator
Breakfast available (surcharge)
Safe-deposit box at front desk
Smoke-free property
Free self parking
See all facilities

Review Highlights

Pros:
Friendly staff
Great location
Comfortable bed
Delicious breakfast
Cons:
Cleanliness issues
Room size complaints

Categories

Cleanliness
8.1
The room had issues such as a badly chipped bath and broken shutters, impacting cleanliness.
Service
9.57
Staff were reported as super friendly and helpful; issues were addressed promptly.
Location
10
The location was highlighted as excellent, close to bus routes and not overcrowded.
Room Quality
8.56
Rooms were modern and well-decorated, but some were described as small and had some issues.
Amenities
9.59
Hotel offered amenities like early check-in and a well-maintained breakfast area.
Value for Money
8.55
Some reviewers felt the hotel was a bit pricey given the issues experienced.
Food and Beverage
9.6
Breakfast received positive mentions, enhancing the overall stay.
Overall Experience
9.6
Overall experiences were positive but affected by some cleanliness issues.
* This sentiment is summarized by AI based on user reviews.
Updated at: 2026-01-07 20:00

Property Description

Convenient Amenities: Enjoy complimentary wireless internet and concierge services to enhance your stay. Satisfy your hunger at the hotel's restaurant or through convenient room service options.

Comfortable Accommodations: Relax in one of the 20 guestrooms with modern amenities like iPod docking stations and flat-screen TVs. Pamper yourself in private bathrooms with designer toiletries.

Prime Location: Explore nearby attractions including Christchurch Castle and Regent Centre. Take a short drive to visit the scenic Southbourne Beach or Hengistbury Head Beach.

Immerse yourself in a stay at The Kings Arms and experience upscale comfort near the beach. Book now for a rejuvenating getaway like no other.

Important information:

Make use of convenient amenities such as complimentary wireless internet access, concierge services, and a banquet hall.

Check-in and check-out hours:
Check-out: 11:00 AM
Airport code: BOH

Property Policies

  • Pets

    Pets not allowed

  • Guest type

    Essential workers only - NO

  • General

    Professional property host/manager

  • General

    Property is not currently implementing any enhanced cleaning measures

  • Children and extra beds

    No cribs (infant beds) available

Location

Guest Reviews

9.2
Based on 136 reviews
Cleanliness: 8.1
Service: 9.57
Location: 10
Room Quality: 8.56
Amenities: 9.59
Value for Money: 8.55
Food and Beverage: 9.6
Overall Experience: 9.6
N
Nicola family
10
Pros:

This is an older hotel, very close to the High Street and a short walk to The Priory and waterfront. The room was very nice, large bathroom. The bed wasn’t terribly comfortable but we were only there for two nights. I loved the tea set up in our room that included a variety of organic teas, fresh milk, kettle and cookies. So nice to have in the morning. The staff were very friendly and helpful. We didn’t eat in the hotel as there are many restaurants on the High Street but it looked very elegant and nice. Overall we were very happy with our stay and would stay there again in the future.

2025-10-12 via Nuitee
P
Peter partner
10
Pros:

Room spacious and well equipped. But you had to be a gymnast to use the shower in the bath.

2025-10-05 via Nuitee
G
Geoffrey partner
10
Pros:

Friendly and helpful staff. Room very comfortable and lovely bar. Breakfast was very good with plenty of choice.

2025-10-05 via Nuitee
T
Tom
10
Pros:

Staff was very good nothing was too much trouble would have liked it better if we could of had an evening meal at the hotel

2025-09-30 via Nuitee
J
Janice
10
Pros:

Staff were extremely friendly and helpful, and it was a nice touch having a free drink token.

2025-09-29 via Nuitee
L
Leigh partner
10
Pros:

We had a lovely stay, staff are great and the rooms are bright and modern. We will definitely be back!

2025-09-28 via Nuitee
L
Lorraine friends
10
Pros:

Phenomenal location, very nice rooms, courteous staff. Loved everything about this place.

2025-09-18 via Nuitee
C
Caroline
10
Fabulous Find
Pros:

Our stay was incredible, made even more fabulous by Briony, Rahul and Spencer, who all showed a friendly and professional approach.

Our room, room 101, was fantastic!! Large, freshly decorated and homely. Our bed was huge and the bedding gorgeous, although a larger duvet would be a good addition. The bathroom was clean, large and well lit.

We loved our stay and will definitely to The King's Arms.

2025-09-15 via Nuitee
D
Donna
10
Fabulous stay
Pros:

Fantastic hotel, beautiful interior, standing proud in the centre of Christchurch, with an imposing position overlooking the old priory ruins and castle.
The staff were attentive, there was a small mix up on check in, that was sorted swiftly and promptly. Given the wrong door key by a young member of staff, I would imagine still training.
Early check in was a great bonus to opt for, just a small additional charge.
The priory king rooms were large and airy. The large Georgian windows were fantastic, one small drawback, the traffic noise but as it is on a main road it was to be expected.
The blinds do not all close together, several slates needs to be done manually. This could possibly be addressed as it is a little frustrating having to close them individually! But this was remedied in a few minutes.
The beds and pillows were comfy ensuring a sound nights sleep.
I wouldn’t hesitate to return.
Thank you for a wonderful stay.

2025-08-20 via Nuitee
N
Nick
10
Lovely 2 night stay
Pros:

Stayed here for 2 nights whilst attending our nephews 21st birthday celebration. Lovely hotel although our room was a little small but adequate for our stay. Breakfast was lovely. Would we stay here again without a doubt.

2025-08-17 via Nuitee
S
Stuart
10
Pros:

a great stay, staff very helpful (especiually as we left some dresses behind).
Breakfast grea

2025-08-12 via Nuitee
N
Nigel
10
Great place for a break
Pros:

Lovely, bright and well presented, great staff always helpful. Location perfect close to bus routes, high street but far enough from Bournemouth not to suffer from crowded roads and so many people.
Food excellent
Very comfortable bed
No street noise

2025-08-11 via Nuitee
E
Emma
4
A frustrating one-night stay
Pros:

Plantation style shutters were broken and the milk in the fridge was spoiled. The bath was also badly chipped and the air conditioning was blasting straight onto the kids’ bed despite the cool weather, even when I turned the temperature way up. The room then became unbearably stuffy when the air con was turned off, as unable to open windows.

The milk was replaced and staff came to look at the shutters and tried to bodge them shut. Was told the issue would be reported to maintenance in the morning.

It was difficult to settle the kids to sleep in the light and cold/hot conditions, and then we all woke up very early due to sunlight flooding in.

Extremely disappointing given the price point and no compensation offered.

2025-08-08 via Nuitee
L
Linda partner
10
Pros:

Super friendly and helpful staff, rooms spotlessly clean

2025-08-02 via Nuitee
N
Niki
8
A little hidden gem
Pros:

Calm and peaceful, comfy bed and secure parking, will be coming back

2025-08-02 via Nuitee
M
michael
10
Gem of a Hotel
Pros:

Delightful hotel ,beautiful decor in bar , excellent parking
Great welcome from host and bar staff.
Easy to park and in a good position in Christchurch .
Definitely return when we have more time .

2025-08-01 via Nuitee
I
Iestyn
10
Convenient and comfortab.e
Pros:

We booked relatively last minute for a one-night stop; this would be a good base for a longer stay. Newly-refurbished (2024/25?) it was clean throughout, comfortable in all respects. Our room was a 3rd floor (attic) room, so not much of a window and no view. We'd probably want more natural light for a longer stay, but it was fully functional, excellent en suite and cheaper than chain hotel options, so no complaints really. Staff were friendly and helpful and we were very happy to be given a token for a free first drink in the bar!!

We weren't going to order breakfast but did have the continental option in the end - good value, possibly better than the cooked option. But everything was excellently fresh and that includes the milk in the room!

Free car parking opposite the front door, but possibly not enough space if fully occupied - get there early!

All in all, recommended

2025-07-30 via Nuitee
N
Neil
6
Happy average
Pros:

Lovely hotel, room a bit clostrophobic.
Shower trap was blocked so did not drain and couldn’t really have a proper shower. Handle fell off bathroom door leaving trapped inside.
Light broke above basin.
Staff extremely un-attentive over breakfast.
I would say average hotel at an expensive hotel price.

2025-07-27 via Nuitee
P
Patricia
10
Great stay in Christchurch
Pros:

Thoroughly enjoyed our one night stay at the Kings Arms. Fantastic location, right in town centre. Free parking, a big bonus. Friendly staff, welcome drink, fantastic room, air conditioned, comfy bed, lovely bathroom.
Will definitely return. Thoroughly recommend.

2025-07-23 via Nuitee
I
Ian partner
10
Pros:

Beautiful rooms and a great bar.

2025-07-16 via Nuitee