Contemporary and classic hotels
It is possible to have the best of both worlds, if you're looking for contemporary features with the high-class standards of a traditional hotel, as travel writer Andrea Wren of Wren Elite Travel finds out
Luxury for less
Urban Beach Hotel, 22 Argyll Road, Boscombe, Bournemouth
See www.urbanbeachhotel.co.uk or telephone 01202 301509
Staying: For a funky, young vibe and fantastic rooms, the Urban Beach Hotel is just the thing. Sounding very much like you'd expect it to look, it is contemporary in decor with a laid-back ambiance - yet still manages the high standards a more traditional hotel might have (although room service isn't really de rigeur here).
Room 3, particularly, is ever-so stylishly furnished - a decadent chandelier, fabulous mood lighting, and a glorious red leather sofa by the huge bay window, perfect for people-watching over the bar below.
Arran Aromatics toiletries and a super tub bath means bath time is a sheer delight. Rates from £120 for a double room (Room 3, £170).
Eating: You can eat in the bar downstairs, a hip and lively haunt with excellent prices and scrumptious food. The crispy beer-battered fish is delicious, and breakfast is something worth waking up for (go for Urban Benedict!).
Nearby? Bournemouth is a 25 minute walk down the beach, with trendy bars and great restaurants. Boscombe will soon be home to Europe's first artificial surf reef.
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