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 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.