There’s nothing more nostalgic to me than the holidays we used to take when I was younger with my parents. Going to the British seaside playing on the beach, fish and chips and ice cream and walking along the pier. I really wanted my children to experience those classic holidays that I always loved. So on a bit of a whim during the British heat wave I booked a beautiful seaside hotel that looked perfect for our family. My main criteria was an outdoor pool that was also family-friendly and preferably on the coast and The Nici ticked all my boxes. It’s actually been on my radar for a while and I was excited to finally book and my mum and sister were keen too!
What is The Nici
Located in Bournemouth, an easy two hour train journey from London, The Nici is gorgeous family-friendly hotel with Miami vibes that gives all the holiday feels. This art-deco boutique hotel has 88 individually designed rooms with a gorgeous 30 metre swimming pool as the centre piece. The hotel is located on Bournemouth’s West Cliff with stunning coastal views and only a short walk to the beach and pier and easy reach of Bournemouth town centre.
Our room and interior design at The Nici
Everything about this hotel says South Beach. Nici’s art deco interiors are pure Miami vibes with palm prints, brushed brass, artworks, pastels, flamingoes and pineapples. The 1930s glam art work and aesthetic is very appealing to adults but children will love the fun vibes too. The communal areas such as the bar, Southbeach restaurant and the reception are pure vintage luxury I loved the fabric prints and the chandeliers.
There’s lots of options for family rooms and we opted for a two bedroom annexe suite. Rather unglamorously, the annexe is located in the hotel car park so it doesn’t have the beautiful seaside views of the rooms in the main building but the space was perfect for us.
I loved the jewel-like emerald tones, the leaf prints, the bold art and the coffee table books.
And one of my favourite touches was the little with pineapple cocktail shaker. Our had room had a handy kitchenette with a microwave, fridge, toaster, kettle, hob and coffee machine. Super useful for families.
And then two bedrooms and two bathrooms which is almost a prerequisite for us nowadays. The room decor is lovely and modern and I really liked the Miami-vibes of the leaf print, the gold fittings.
Experiences
It was the 30 metre outdoor swimming pool that was the main selling point to me and of course the kids loved it.
It’s open 8am until 8pm for unlimited swim time! There is also an indoor pool with restrictions on children’s swim times.
Else where in the hotel’s garden. Adult’s can enjoy cute cabanas and luxury fire pits and children can make the most of a ‘fake’ beach. My one criticism was the the grass could do with watering as there were quite a few brown patches.
My sister had got a suite with an outdoor bathtub / hot tub and the kids loved dipping into that and then cooling down in the pool.
As the British weather doesn’t always play ball, there’s an indoor game room with toys and books as well as a cinema room.
Though I didn’t get to use the spa myself, I did take a quick peek and as well as the indoor pool there’s state-of-the-art treatment and fitness facilities, a hydro pool, sauna and steam room as well as a gym and treatment and relaxation rooms. Adults-only of course! Many of the treatments are with gorgeous spa brand, Oskia.
Kid’s Club
Right by the pool is Coconuts – the Kids Club at The Nici. Our kids loved playing with the outdoor games such as Connect Four, building blocks, football etc and kids 4 + can be dropped off and can enjoy fun with local Children’s Entertainer, Minky Moos.
Food
The Nici is home to two really lovely restaurants and I would definitely recommend visiting for the food alone. South Beach is the hotel’s main restaurant and like the rest of the space it is light and airy with bold prints and art work.
The outside terrace is just the dreamist place to enjoy a bottle of Whispering Angel and the bridge is the perfect photo spot.
Food is fresh and seasonal though we found some of the dishes slightly lacking in delicacy or seasoning. We tried South Coast scallops, fish and chips, lobster pappardelle and fish stew to name a few things. The restaurant was very child-friendly with plenty of high chairs and kids menus on hand. We also had our breakfast in South Beach and ate from a lovely selection from the buffet or cooked meals from the a la carte menu.
The hotel’s other restaurant Old Harry Rocks was located slightly separately from the main hotel and by the pool. The interior was more rustic vibes than the main hotel with a beach shack feel and views out to the coast. The terrace is absolutely gorgeous but it was a bit too windy for us to sit out there.
Food is Mediterranean-inspired and we enjoyed most of what we tried such as oysters, cod, steak etc. My mum and I shared a whole seabass which we felt would have been better more simply done. The restaurant is also child-friendly with a similar ready supply of high chairs and colouring. I did think it was a shame that the kids menu served everything with chips and there was no more healthy pasta or rice option.
Conclusion
We had the best time at The Nici ,though the exterior is a little vintage and upkeep of public areas could be better, the service is friendly, the interiors are fresh and the atmosphere is sheer fun!
Great for Parents
Fab food, cocktails and wine list.
Fun and fresh design and interiors.
Spacious rooms with lots of style options
Great for Kids
Kids club, cinema and games room
Outdoor and indoor pool
Right by the beach
