Finding a Marriott for Five
What Marriott hotels outside of London can get 5 in a room? I was wondering this question and checked out the Marriott app. I came across just two options: the Bournemouth Marriott Highcliff and the Bristol Marriott Royal. After some planning, we booked a Saturday night stay in Bournemouth for the family in January.
This trip was fully paid for by us, and the hotel did not know we were reviewing.
Why Stay at the Bournemouth Marriott Highcliff?
This seaside hotel offers stunning ocean views and direct access to Bournemouth Beach via a footpath or the West Cliff Lift. It’s a classic Bournemouth landmark, recently celebrating its 150th anniversary. The location is ideal, with an easy walk to the town centre, restaurants, and the Bournemouth International Centre.
For families visiting in the summer, there’s also a seasonal outdoor pool—a great place to relax.
Booking a Room for 5: The Best Option
Genuine family rooms for five are rare. I did compare to Marriott’s second-room discount. However, without a guarantee of interconnecting rooms, this wasn’t a practical solution for us.
Instead, we booked a Deluxe Family Room for £147, including breakfast—an excellent off-season rate.
The Room: Spacious & Well-Equipped for Families
All Deluxe Family Rooms have been recently refurbished, and ours was set up perfectly for five on arrival. The sleeping arrangements included:
- King Bed
- Fold-out sofa bed
- Rollaway single bed (placed in a small alcove)
The rollaway bed had an additional £20 charge on the confirmation, but this was not applied at check-out. Despite fitting in three beds, the room still felt spacious, with a separate table and chairs for dining or relaxing.
Check out the room video on Instagram HERE!
Family-Friendly Service
The staff were welcoming and accommodating throughout our stay. At check-in, our kids were given colouring books and games, and they were also invited to play the Spin to Win game for Marriott status holders, ensuring they all walked away happy with a prize.
The hotel clearly caters to families and has a diverse mix of guests of all ages and nationalities.
Dining Options: Something for Everyone
The hotel has several dining choices:
- Brasserie Blanc – where we had an excellent breakfast in a relaxing setting. It also serves a French-inspired menu in the evenings.
- Tiien Thai – a contemporary Thai restaurant attached to the hotel (closed during our visit).
Marriott offers breakfast-inclusive and half-board rates for those who want to include meals in their stay.
Final Thoughts: A Great Family Option by the Sea
The Bournemouth Marriott Highcliff is a fantastic choice for families looking for a seaside getaway. Most importantly, it offers the holy grail of a single room for five—with flexible occupancy for any combination of adults and children.
Alternatives in Bournemouth
If you’re considering other options, check out the Hilton Bournemouth and Hampton by Hilton, both of which offer connecting room options.
Book your stay at the Bournemouth Marriott Highcliff [HERE].
