To begin with, I should point out that though I was born in the 80s, my sole knowledge of that or prior decades comes from stereotypes portrayed in television and media, which I don't know any better than to try and dispute.
I stayed in The Chine Hotel as part of a training course for 2 weeks, and got a good feel for the place. And my impression was that it was kinda stuck in an era long gone-by.
By that, I don't mean this is a themed hotel made up to look like the Golden Oldies era. It's more like it was built some time ago, and then just maintained, without ever a consideration for modernisation. Which is okay for some, but I like my style to be from.. this century.
That said, the Chine Hotel does have most the amenities you're looking for - a decently stocked bar selling alcohol are slightly over-inflated prices, a buffet breakfast and dinner with lots of different options - nothing made exceptionally well, but nothing below par. And a cramped gym, adjacent to a slightly claustrophobia-enducing swimming pool.
However, the rooms I stayed in (I stayed in a different room in the second week) were decent. The bedroom style was consistent - read: dated - but the rooms were large. The ceilings were high and you'd have absolutely no problem swinging around all the cats you can find. Though you'll find a flatscreen TV and a small kettle, there is no fridge/minibar or safe. The bathroom is basically a small partitioned section of the room with a wafer thin wall, but big enough to fit a normal sized bathtub.
The service at the hotel was polite and friendly - they were welcoming and made my stay pleasant, and the rooms and general areas were clean and well looked after.
Location wise, you're a little close to the unrecommended Boscombe area, which is well known for being the rougher part of town. You're are however, a stone throw away from the beachfront, which is via a nice walk through the hotel's gardens.
Overall, though I wouldn't recoil in horror if I were to stay at the Chine again, if I were staying in Bournemouth again, I'd probably try out a different hotel. read more