The 16 Best Beach Hotels in Dorset (2025)

Dorset, in south-west England, has a stunning coastline offering golden sands, the majestic ‘Jurassic Coast’ - a National Heritage Site of chalk cliffs and fossil-packed beaches – plus pretty bays, as well as seas for watersports. Choosing a Dorset coastal hotel ensures you’ll be next to this remarkable natural beauty. Some hotels give sweeping views, other Dorset hotels are close to the beach while others are tucked away from the crowds. Use our guide to the best beach hotels in Dorset and start to plan your visit.

Family-friendly beach hotels

• The whole family can enjoy the spectacular setting of Moonfleet Manor which overlooks Chesil Beach. This former stately home has been cleverly modernised with a mix of traditional and contemporary styling, and has both a spa and indoor pool. There are countless activities and facilities to keep children thoroughly entertained, including a huge games room, featuring a play space for pre-schoolers, videos games, pool tables, a football pitch, basketball court and even a climbing wall! Dogs are warmly welcomed as part of the family.
• With its laidback feel, wide choice of activities nearby, and (of course) the beaches, The Bear of Burton just outside Christchurch is perfect for a family break. The family room can easily accommodate two adults and two children, plus nearby Adventure Wonderland is a fun day out.

• Set on a cliff overlooking Bournemouth beach, The Nici offers spacious rooms with plush leafy prints and bright artwork. There's a playroom with games and books, a cinema showing kids' films, plus ping-pong, lawn croquet and other outdoor play gear.
• Offering spectacular views over Lyme Bay and Cobb Harbour, the clifftop Alexandra Hotel is a family-friendly option in Lyme Regis. There's a wide range of rooms, most able to accommodate children, but for those who prefer a bit more independence there are couple of apartments which can sleep up to six. There's also a garden which leads down to the lovely beach. 

For a stunning view

• Between Lyme Bay and Chesil Beach, the Seaside Boarding House is a chic, white clapboard affair with a touch of Cape Cod to its styling. There are just nine rooms with a mix of vintage and upcycled marine salvage, all with full or partial sea views. The stunning South West Coast Path is on the doorstep.
• Perfectly placed in the heart of Weymouth, No 98 Boutique Hotel offers nine bright, nautically inspired rooms – the best with breathtaking sea views. Unwind with a picnic on the town's lovely stretch of beach or head to Portland harbour for windsurfing and kitesurfing.

Town centre beach hotels

• Well located in the smart area of Canford Cliffs and with many of Poole's main attractions within easy reach, The Plantation boasts stunning contemporary accommodation while the restaurant mixes British classic with more tropical offerings. Spend time on the town's beautiful beaches with two just a short walk from the property.
• As the name suggests, Christchurch Harbour Hotel & Spa sits right on the harbour and has recreated the seaside hotel in sophisticated style with chic bedrooms, a glamorous bar plus spa with sauna and crystal steam room.

• Just a block from Bournemouth beach, The Green House offers an eco stay in a Grade II listed building. Expect recycled wooden furnishings in the bar and the solid oak doors and ash furnishings in the bedrooms. There's also an elegant restaurant with well-priced tasting menus. 
• Equally chic is Dorset House in Lyme Regis. This B&B in a Grade II listed property offers just five rooms in cool shades and with stripped floorboards; some with sea-views. There’s also an honesty bar.
• Another smart option in the centre of pretty Lyme Regis is Lyme Townhouse. Beautifully renovated rooms feature white washed walls, charming antiques, and large sash windows. It's just a short stroll to the beach and historic Cobb harbour.

Beach hotels for a quiet getaway

• For perfect peace, it would be hard to beat Lulworth House in postcard-pretty West Lulworth. With just two rooms, and tucked in sub-tropical gardens, it’s both charming and relaxing – as are the hosts. Rooms are light and airy; opt for the suite with French doors to the garden.
• Another place worth checking in West Lulworth – a village just a 10-minute stroll from the coast and the stunning Lulworth Cove – is Limestone Hotel. It feels peaceful and private (just 10 rooms) and has a fresh, chic but understated styling, plus a well-regarded restaurant.

A pub with rooms

• The Canford is a charming pub with rooms which sits just outside Poole, a short walk from the sandy Canford Cliffs beach. Book one of the Feature Boutique Rooms with a four-poster bed, fluffy robes, and freestanding tub for a truly romantic retreat.

• For idyllic pub-style accommodation, the 16th-century Castle Inn fits the bill with its thatched roof, white-washed walls and picket fence. Rooms are cosy with exposed stone walls, beams and a light contemporary style, plus there’s a small beer garden with lovely views and plenty of beaches and coastline to explore.

• Lulworth Cove Inn is a stylish pub with 12 rooms set in an enviable spot right on the impressive Jurassic Coast. This is a laidback stay where the bright and airy interiors have a nautical theme. Hearty pub classics are served in the restaurant.

Still not sure which to book?

• Expand your search to include all our Dorset recommendations,
• or check out our list of the best beach hotels in neighbouring Devon.
• Alternatively, you could contact a friendly Guru for advice.