Photo: Bryan Dearsley
Riley’s Bryan Dearsley has plenty of good things to say about his stay at the unique, boutique Amarillo Guesthouse, the perfect base from which to explore 10-miles of Bournemouth
When it comes to finding a great Bournemouth bed and breakfast, you can’t do much better than book a stay at the unique, boutique Amarillo Guesthouse. Located in Boscombe in one of Bournemouth’s best neighborhoods, the Amarillo offers pretty much everything that’s needed for a fun-filled getaway to the spectacular Dorset coast.
Classy rooms, each with comfortable beds, plush bedding, and unique décor? Yup. A fantastic breakfast that’s guaranteed to keep you going all day long? You bet. Friendly owners eager to make your stay the best it possibly can be? Amarillo proprietors Ged and Jane certainly fit the bill.
Set in a large, fully restored Victorian-era home that they purchased in 2019, in just a few short years this dynamic and extremely hospitable couple have turned the award-winning Amarillo into one of the best B&Bs in Bournemouth.
A Great Choice of Rooms at the Amarillo Guesthouse
ocated an easy walk (or bike ride) away from the beach, this classy Bournemouth B&B boasts a choice of seven guest rooms. While individually designed, they each feature unique décor and furnishings, complimentary Wi-Fi, phone and iPod docks, as well as flat-screen TVs. For complete privacy, most rooms come with ensuite bathrooms.
Our favourite for a luxury stay at the Amarillo is Room 4, the Hengistbury. Highlights of this spacious king suite include high-end bedding, a work desk facing the tall bay window overlooking the park, and a private bathroom with shower. In addition to the 50” flat screen TV, guests can make use of the handy Tassimo coffee machine.
Also recommended is the Sandbanks Junior Suite. Fresh from a funky new makeover, this upper-level room features two opening skylights that allow in plenty of fresh air and light when open. The room’s centerpiece is the huge mural based on the iconic Breakfast at Tiffany’s film, along with the fun cow theme reflected in the cushions, throws, and chinaware. In addition to your own private ensuite bathroom, the room comes with a 43” Smart TV and Nespresso coffee machine.
Out and About in Bournemouth
The Amarillo also prides itself on its breakfasts. Served in its communal dining area with its unique artworks and funky décor, all guests are treated to an impressive array of breakfast cereals and granolas, breads and pastries, fresh fruit, and a selection of juices and hot beverages as part of the complimentary breakfast included in your stay. Sumptuous full-English breakfasts can also be enjoyed for an additional fee and should be booked the night before.
After breakfast, take a stroll in nearby Knyveton Gardens or, if you’re planning a day at the beach, grab your beach towels and head for the water. The Blue Flag beaches of Boscombe and Bournemouth are easy to get to, with a favorite route being the walk through Boscombe Gardens which brings you out directly opposite Boscombe Pier.
The main attractions and fun things to do in Bournemouth are also easy to get to from here. For those wanting to explore a little further along the Dorset coastline, be sure to reserve one of the Amarillo’s three touring bikes.
A Bike Called Bertie
I was introduced to my reliable “steed” for the day by Ged and had so much fun exploring the 10 miles or so of beachfront that lay before me that I simply knew this reliable machine had to have been given a name. “Bertie,” Ged told me straight-faced upon my return. “This one’s called Bertie.”
While it’s certainly easy to walk from the Amarillo to the beach, Bertie the bike added a whole other unexpected dimension to my Bournemouth getaway. It was so much fun having the opportunity to explore the town’s many Chines, the ravines carved out of the soft chalk cliffs that now served as public parks and gardens, located to the west of the Amarillo.
And to the east I was able to make my way with minimal effort all the way to Hengistbury Head. Free from crowds most of the way, exploring the coast on two wheels was a delightful way to spend an afternoon and, so be sure to reserve “Bertie” or one of the other bikes when booking your stay.
Book the Entire Bournemouth B&B
Looking to travel to Bournemouth with a group of friend or extended family? Another unique feature of the Amarillo Guesthouse is that the entire property can be booked for those in need of additional space when visiting Bournemouth.
Benefits of Ged and Jane’s self-catering program include not only having the seven bedrooms for the exclusive use of you and your guests, but also the common spaces, including the dining room. This unique package also includes use of the B&B’s well-equipped kitchen and the normally private garden.
To find out more about both the B&B and self-catering options on offer at the Amarillo, check out their website at www.amarillobandb.co.uk.
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Bryan Dearsley is Editor-in-chief of LuxuryEngland and Riley International Media.
