The Riviera Hotel & Apartments - Alum Chine
By the Top3Hotels editorial team. Based on Booking.com guest scores and reviews, location data and reference prices. We did not stay at this hotel. Updated 2026-10-24.
Yes, this is a sensible booking if you want a well-reviewed 3-star base in a quiet part of Bournemouth at the lowest price among our three picks. Skip it if you want to be close to Poole Harbour or Brownsea Island on foot, or if bar prices matter to you.
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Sold out? See available alternatives →Who it suits and who should skip it
This is our Budget pick for Bournemouth. It fits couples and families who want a 3-star hotel with a gym and a restaurant listed, and who care more about a calm street than a central address. Pets appear in the property tags, so owners travelling with a dog should look closer, but the pet policy and any fee are not confirmed here.
Skip it if you plan to spend most of your time around Poole Harbour or Brownsea. Those are far from Alum Chine. It is also not the pick for anyone who wants five-star service or confirmed beachfront rooms.
Location and getting around
The address is 14 Burnaby Road, Alum Chine. Guests describe it as a quiet position a short walk from the beach and the town centre, and the location score is 8.9 out of 10.
The nearby sights in our data are a different story. Brownsea Castle is about 4.9 km away, roughly 61 minutes on foot. Brownsea Island is about 5.6 km and 70 minutes. Poole Harbour is about 6.5 km and 81 minutes. All three are far, so plan on public transport or a taxi. These walking times are straight-line estimates and have not been checked on real streets.
A beach is listed among the provider facilities, but that does not confirm a beachfront location or a set walking time to the sand. Check the map before you book if sea access matters.
What guests say
The score is 8.1 out of 10 from 2,680 guest reviews.
Two themes come up most. The staff get praise for being friendly and professional, with a warm and helpful welcome. The location also scores well for being quiet and close to the beach and town centre.
The main complaint is about value at the bar. Room rates are seen as reasonable, but drinks are considered expensive. If you like a nightcap, budget for it or look outside the hotel.
Price and how it compares with our other two picks
We saw a reference price of €84.22 per night for a 2-night stay in November 2026 for 2 adults in one room, about €168 for both nights. That was 27% below the sample median of €115.01. Treat it as a reference, not a live quote, and check today's price for your dates.
Our Best Value pick, The Green House, came in at €107.52 per night with a higher score of 8.6 and 4 stars. Our Luxury pick, THE NICI Bournemouth, was €244.80 per night with 8.4 and 5 stars. So the Riviera saves you about €23 a night against The Green House and about €160 a night against THE NICI.
Listed facilities include free Wi-Fi, a restaurant, a fitness centre, a pool, free parking, family rooms, a garden and a terrace. Breakfast details are not confirmed, so check whether your rate includes it.
Why it made our top 3
We compared 8 eligible properties in Bournemouth. After setting aside the upscale choice, this hotel had the lowest eligible reference price. Its 8.1 score put it joint 5th of 8 on reviews, which is mid-table, but the review count is high and the location score of 8.9 is strong.
Before you book
Room size, noise, renovation condition, breakfast inclusion and cancellation terms have not been assessed. Read the room description and the rate conditions carefully.
Check the pool and gym opening hours, any parking rules, and the pet policy if you travel with an animal. Facilities can change, and fees may apply.
Check prices on Booking.com ↗We may earn a commission if you book. It never changes our pick.
Sold out? See available alternatives →Questions travellers ask
How much does The Riviera Hotel & Apartments - Alum Chine cost per night?
We saw €84.22 per night as a reference price for a 2-night stay in November 2026 for 2 adults. Prices change, so check today's price for your own dates.
Is it on the beach?
Guests say it is a short walk from the beach, and a beach is listed in the provider facilities. A beachfront position is not confirmed, so check the map.
Can I walk to Brownsea Island or Poole Harbour?
Not realistically. Brownsea Island is about 70 minutes on foot and Poole Harbour about 81 minutes, both straight-line estimates. Use public transport or a taxi.
Is breakfast included?
Breakfast details are not confirmed in our data. Check the rate you book to see whether breakfast is included and what it costs.