The Hotel Guru
12 Best Luxury Hotels in Dorset

12 Best Luxury Hotels in Dorset

Dorset has long been known as a popular family-holiday destination. Less well-known is Dorset’s range of luxury hotels. Usually privately owned, the best luxury hotels in Dorset range from grand country houses to cool boutique affairs; many are making a mark for their food, too. And while many take advantage of being close to Dorset’s stunning coastline and beaches, others are deep in the countryside. Several of Dorset’s luxury hotels are family-friendly, while others are more geared to romantic weekends away.

For a luxury town stay

In the smart town of Poole, The Plantation is a stylish inn with a semi-colonial feel: bold-coloured bedrooms, charming garden with gazebos and conservatory restaurant with striking floor tiles and a breezy feel.
On the east side of Bournemouth, in Christchurch and in the grounds of the former Highcliffe Castle, The Lord Bute offers elegantly traditional rooms, a pretty terrace and family suites.
Christchurch Harbour Hotel & Spa is another good luxury option if you want to be town-based. The property offers style and exceptional service; smart rooms, excellent food, a pampering spa and stunning views.

For a luxury B&B

For airy, chic styling, take a look at No 98 Boutique Hotel, in the centre of popular Weymouth. Rooms are all cool shades of white with nautical accents; the best overlook Weymouth beach.

For Foodies

Close to Bournemouth beach, The Green House is a lofty whitewashed Victorian villa that has been sustainably modernised without losing its original features: Farrow & Ball eco-paint, solid oak doors, reclaimed wood furniture or wood furniture made from sustainable sources, powerful eco showers and organic bedlinen. The food at Arbor restaurant is fabulous and has been awarded 2 AA Rosettes.

Luxury hotels near the sea

Choose the Limestone Hotel if you prefer somewhere small (just 10 rooms) with chic but understated styling and close but not too close to the popular coastline. It sits in the postcard-pretty West Lulworth village, a 10-minute stroll from the coast.
The Alexandra Hotel enjoys a clifftop location in Lyme Regis, which means that there are stunning views across the harbour and out to sea. Here you'll find not only 24 luxurious bedroooms, but also a gourmet restaurant, sea-facing terrace and spoiling spa.

For traditional luxury

With dreamy gardens sloping down to the River Frome, and discreetly tucked away in the centre of Wareham, the 16th-century Priory Hotel has classic old-world charm; flagstone floors, beams, antiques and all wrapped in a mellow brick exterior. Some bedrooms have French windows; most have marble bathrooms.
Surrounded by beautiful gardens and bucolic countryside, Summer Lodge, in the Hardy-esque village of Evershot, exudes quintessential country-house charm. Vast rooms are traditionally and comfortably furnished, while there’s a tennis court plus luxurious Elemis spa.

Still not sure which to book?

If you still can’t find what you’re looking for, take a look at our full range of Dorset hotels.
Or check out the best luxury hotels in Devon, or our pick of the best luxury hotels across the UK.
Alternatively you could contact a friendly guru for advice.
- No 98 Boutique Hotel Weymouth 9 rooms from £126
  
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  Local exploring  -  Perfectly placed in the heart of Weymouth to explore the town's main attractions and the Jurrassic Coast
  Views  -  The best rooms have lovely views over Weymouth Beach
  Great walks  -  Take long walks along the coastal path
  Full of character
  
  A chic boutique property in one of the UK's favourite beach resort towns. Bright nautically inspired rooms feature hardwood floors, sash windows, and simple contemporary furniture. The best have sea views. Breakfasts are served and restaurants are a stroll away. A hip beach escape. See More
  
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- The Green House Bournemouth, Dorset 32 rooms from £160
  
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  Sailing  -  Bournmouth Cruises offers both cruises and rides on their speedboat.
  Great walks  -  Within easy access of the New Forest - a paradise for walkers.
  Restaurant  -  Arbor restaurant has been awarded 2 AA Rosettes
  Sights nearby  -  Visit Christchurch Castle ruins.
  Recommended by  -  Mr & Mrs Smith
  
  Eco hotel a few hundred yards from the beach. Contemporary rooms with designer wallpaper and some with free standing baths. Award winning restaurant uses produce from the local area. Well placed for exploring Dorset and the New Forest. See More
  
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- The Plantation , Poole Poole (Dorset) 10 rooms from £116
  
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  Local exploring  -  Well located in the smart area of Canford Cliffs with many of Poole's main attractions within easy reach.
  Great walks  -  Stroll through the beauitful Compton Acres, an expanse of glorious manicured gardens.
  Restaurant  -  Recommended.
  Boutique
  
  A lively combination of chic pub and stunning contemporary accommodation. Rooms are beautifully styled with a bold colour palate, patterned wallpaper and crisp white linen. The restaurant mixes British classic with more tropical offerings and is worthy of a visit alone. See More
  
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- The Lord Bute Christchurch 13 rooms from £117
  
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  Local exploring  -  Boasting a fabulous location wedged between the two natural bounties of the New Forest and the spectacular Dorset coast.
  Sights nearby  -  Take the Ferry across to Hengistbury Head, famous as a site of archaeological and ecological importance.
  Great walks  -  Discover the pretty rugged landscapes of the New Forest on long walks.
  Romantic  -  Good for couples.
  
  A luxury boutique hotel set in the original grounds of the Highcliffe Castle. Elegant rooms are traditionally dressed with heavily draped sash windows, antique furniture and spacious bathrooms. An award winning restaurant serves up innovative fusion dishes to great success. See More
  
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- Limestone Hotel West Lulworth, Dorset 10 rooms from £110
  
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  Local exploring  -  Lulworth is surrounded by numerous cultural and natural attractions.
  Great walks  -  Explore the beautiful coast and countryside on walks starting straight from the property.
  Restaurant  -  Featuring dishes championing locally sourced produce
  Kayaking  -  Discover the coast by kayak.
  
  A small rural hotel set in the picturesque village of West Lulworth. Chic rooms mix traditional and contemporary styles with boldly patterned wallpaper, chandeliers and sash windows. The fabulous restaurant is a celebration of all things Dorset. The perfect spot for a relaxing country escape. See More
  
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- Summer Lodge Evershot, Dorset 24 rooms from £265
  
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  Foodies  -  The dream team of Head Chef Steven Titman and world-renowned Sommelier Eric Zwiebel make dinner an unforgettable experience.
  Romantic Break  -  Let your romantic side out with candlelit hot tub sessions, in room champagne and rose petals on the bed.
  Great walks  -  Borrow wellies for strolls around the English garden or the adjoining deer park teeming with wildlife and natural beauty.
  Tennis  -  Guests are welcomed to use the hotel rackets for a Sunday afternoon knockabout on the courts.
  Recommended by  -  I Escape, Frommers, Good Hotel Guide, Kiwi Collection, Relais & Chateaux
  
  A Hardy-esque country house turned hotel, surrounded by lovely gardens and spectacular countryside. Luxurious rooms boasts elaborate floral fabrics and plush furnishings. The gourmet restaurant is not to be missed, nor the extensive bar. A cosy countryside base, complete with pool, spa and tennis. See More
  
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- Priory Hotel Wareham (Dorset) 17 rooms from £220
  
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  Local exploring  -  From the Saxon town walls of the ancient market town of Wareham to the rolling Dorset countryside there is plenty to see.
  Great walks  -  The lovely gardens slope down to the River Frome, a perfect starting point for an afternoon stroll.
  Sights nearby  -  Check out nearby Corfe village with the spectacular ruins of Corfe Castle, only a few miles away.
  Restrictions on children  -  Not under 14
  Recommended by  -  Frommers, Good Hotel Guide, Sawdays
  
  A slice of old England served with China tea. With pretty gardens bordering the river, The Priory is a delightful and luxury historic hotel on the edge of Dorset’s Isle of Purbeck. See More
  
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- Alexandra Hotel Lyme Regis, Dorset 25 rooms from £180
  
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  Views  -  Fabulous views over Lyme Bay and the Jurassic Coast
  Seaside  -  Ideal for a seaside holiday.
  Restaurant  -  Recommended.
  Great walks  -  Good for walkers.
  Recommended by  -  Sawdays
  
  Panoramic views over the ocean and the harbour from this cliff top boutique hotel. Luxurious bedrooms, gourmet restaurant and sea-facing terrace, and an excellent spa too. Great for a weekend away, think lobster and sea breeze. See More
  
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- Christchurch Harbour Hotel & Spa Christchurch 64 rooms from £160
  
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  Kayaking  -  Complimentary single and double kayaks available for the guests to use.
  Restaurant  -  Two restaurants both making the most of the freshly landed seafood
  Great walks  -  Plenty of coastal walks for all abilities
  Views  -  Superb views over Christchurch harbour
  
  Style and exceptional service on the Dorset coast. The newly refurbished Christchurch Harbour Hotel offers smart bedrooms, excellent food, pampering spa and wonderful views. Perfect for an indulgent break by the sea. See More
  
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