There can be few better towns in UK to spend a summer weekend than Bournemouth. Often known in the past as “God’s waiting room” this seaside resort is now a vibrant busy town with its own Premier league football club. It still retains its stylish charm with graceful Georgian buildings next to modern hotels and elegant shops. The pleasure gardens, beach and pier and theatres and cinemas all provide a centre for enjoyment.
We chose to stay in an hotel on the East Cliff which was highly recommended as on TripAdvisor every review marked it as ‘Excellent’.
But The Grove is much more than just a hotel: it offers a beautiful holiday retreat for cancer patients and those with life threatening illnesses. Carers, families and friends are all made very welcome.
Owned by the registered charity Macmillian Caring Locally as non-profit making, it offers an outstanding service from specially designed bedrooms to dietary requirements. As cancer holiday specialists, everything they do is centred around the individual and their needs.
When we stayed the outstanding quality was that of care and friendliness. From the moment we were guided into the car park to the kiss goodbye, we felt warmth and attention. All the other guests, who may or may not have been suffering from cancer or other illness, were sociable and smiling. It really didn’t matter if you go there for a respite holiday or just to enjoy the Bournemouth experience; all are well looked after.
The staff were wonderful. From the waiters and nurse manager to the main man, Brenden, who made of point of chatting to everyone, we felt we had made new friends and will definitely be going back as the rates are very reasonable. The Grove also offers free trips to local areas and beauty spots and have their own beach hut for the use of residents and guests.
The facilities
Overlooking the lovely landscaped gardens,The Grove dining room is warm and inviting with a relaxing décor and an abundance of natural light. Here, you can get your day off to the perfect start with a hearty full English breakfast and selection of fruits, cereals, toast and hot drinks.
And then, after a full day exploring the delights of Bournemouth, waiting for you in the evening are a variety of freshly-prepared seasonal dishes, hand-selected wines and tantalising desserts.
As one of the most loved features of The Grove Hotel, the conservatory is open throughout the day. Whether you want to relax with a tea or coffee, chill out with your friends and family, or simply settle in with a book, you make yourself at home in this delightful space.
There is also a private dining room which can be reserved in advance for parties of up to 16 guests for a special occasion.
Each room at The Grove is warm and comfortable and boasts a private bathroom with heated towel rails, a flat screen TV with Freeview and radio, a direct dial telephone, internet access, an emergency call button, emergency pull cords, hair dryer, safe, tea and coffee making facilities, welcome toiletries and fresh towels.
What’s more, you can be sure that there is easy access throughout the hotel for all guests, with only three rooms located at the top of stairs.
I really cannot praise this hotel enough would highly recommend it; we thoroughly enjoyed out stay and will certainly go back. My only regret is that more people are not taking advantage of all it has to offer. They have 30 rooms available and they should be full all the time.
The summer stretches ahead of us so make the most of it: beautiful Bournemouth awaits. There are special deals, particularly around Christmas, you can find out more by visiting their website www.thegrovebournemouth.co.uk or telephone 01202 552233.
