In Bournemouth, the hard part about choosing a hotel is that there are so many excellent hotels that it can be difficult to choose one. The hotels in Bournemouth come in all shapes and sizes, offer luxuries and activities galore, and cater to every type of budget, whether big or small. For couples or for those commemorating a special occasion, here are three of the most popular hotels in town.

1. Bournemouth Marriott Highcliff Hotel

Located at the West Cliff, the Marriott Highcliff is an exquisite venue. It has 160 richly appointed guest rooms with excellent facilities. Each room has deluxe accommodations, en suite bathrooms and boasts of a breath-taking views of the sea.

Every room also has a desk, telephone with voice mail, colour/satellite TV, alarm clock, hair dryer, mini-bar, iron/ironing board, trouser press, crib, pull-out sofa bed, separate tub and shower, and high-speed Internet access. Room service is available 24 hours.

Outdoors, the pool and sun terrace are a popular retreat during the summer months. Their indoor pool and fitness area are widely patronized all-year-round. Facilities also include a whirlpool, Jacuzzi and fitness centre. On-ground activities include biking, hiking, hunting, bowling, kayaking, fly-fishing, horseback riding, sailing, surfing, water skiing, mounting biking or rock climbing as well as tennis, volleyball and miniature golf. For 18-hole golf, many excellent golf courses are a short distance away.

The Marriott Highcliff Hotel offers three attractive dining options, each one with its own unique and tempting cuisine. The Sea Breeze Restaurant has a formal setting and serves fine international cuisine during breakfast, lunch and dinner to go with a sensational view of the sea. Old Harry's Wine Bar has a sporty and lively atmosphere, a pool table and big-screen TV. The Mountbatten Bar is a private, richly appointed and comfortable enclave that exudes elegance at every turn and  specializes in light meals and afternoon teas.

2. Ocean View Hotel

Nestled atop East Cliff, the Ocean View Hotel is fronting the sea and offers a stunning view of Poole Bay and the Purbecks. It has landscaped gardens, superb indoor leisure facilities, 53 bedrooms and access to over 30 nearby golf courses.

Each of the hotel's en suite bedrooms is finely furnished, and many come with a balcony that provide a view of the Bay. All of the rooms have en-suite facilities, colour TV, direct dial telephone, hair dryer, trouser press and tea and coffee-making facilities.

Guests will surely be impressed with the elegant Hampshire Restaurant, with its superb view of the gardens and the bay and its excellent international cuisine. Hampshire Restaurant is an ideal venue for a romantic dinner by candlelight, its ambiance provides an alluring backdrop that has sent many a heart a-flutter.

Of course, if you're with your special someone, you will want to engage in a number of enjoyable activities that enhance your intimacy and create those special bonds. Aside from the restaurant, the hotel also has licensed cocktail bars that offer entertainment on most nights and the large Dorset ballroom for dancing. Facilities include a spa, steam room, and indoor swimming pool.

As the hotel is a well-known haven for golf enthusiasts, it offers special rates for golfers and flexible meal times to accommodate golf times. There are many professional teachers around, and you'll be tempted to use this holiday as a timely chance to learn to play the challenging game of golf.

3. The Suncliff Hotel

A mere 1.5 hours drive from London, The Suncliff is located on Bournemouth's prestigious East Cliff and provides a breath-taking view of the town's renowned golden sand beaches. Fronting the ocean, The Suncliff also titillates the senses with a host of fresh culinary delights. Their staff has developed an excellent reputation for fine service. And when you're in the mood for some winng and dining, the beaches feature a seemingly limitless array of first class bars and restaurants as well as exclusive neighbourhoods such as Canford Cliffs and Sandbanks.

The Suncliff is a short walk from the vibrant centre of Bournemouth and its myriad opportunities to shop, relax and have fun at such places as the Bournemouth Oceanarium, The Bournemouth Eye, Poole harbour and Christchurch.

In addition, the hotel is ideally situated for visiting such surrounding attractions like the Jurassic coastline, The New Forest, Purbeck Hills, Monkey World, Compton Acres, Bovington Tank Museum and the National Motor Museum at Beaulieu.

The Suncliff has 95 modern rooms, each one featuring a terrace or balcony that provides a stunning view of the sea. Each room has an en suite bathroom, television and hair dryer. There is also an executive suite and four poster rooms.

            The hotel's indoor leisure complex features a sauna, spa, heated swimming pool, mini-grym and a             tournament-size squash court. The restaurant offers fresh local produce daily while The Dorset     lounge bar features an ocean-front conservatory.
           
            Another of The Suncliff's popular attractions is its access to two nearby associate hotels, The             Cumberland and The Cliffeside. The Cumberland is famous for having one of the largest heated outdoor pools in town.