Review: It’s Nice at The Nici

Despite being a major tourist destination, Bournemouth is sadly lacking in the 5* hotel department, so news that The Nici (formerly The Savoy) was open for business this summer inspired my school friends and I to book a long-overdue celebration of our significant birthdays.

The Nici is perfectly located on Bournemouth’s West Cliff with panoramic sea views across to Old Harry’s Rocks and, on a good day, The Isle of Wight. Just a couple of minutes’ walk away, a zig-zag path (or cliff lift) allows easy-access to the sandy, award-winning beach below. The hotel’s completely refurbished interior is beautiful – think Miami Beach cool, with luxurious printed fabrics set against a light, clean backdrop. Even the staff, clad in classy cream uniforms, complement the decor.

We rocked up on a Friday afternoon, ready for some fun. Greeted by smiles, a £170,000 piece of art and subtly scented candles, we ooohed and aaahed at the laid-back luxury vibe.

The large lobby leads through, past a cosy lounge complete with fire, to the sophisticated bar area (where a DJ plays Florida-worthy tunes at night). Next was the restaurant and then out onto the sun terrace, all part of South Beach Restaurant, Bar & Terrace, which is open ‘for relaxed all-day drinking and dining’. This overlooks the expansive lawn, where the outdoor pool and bar offered us a peaceful place to soak up the last of the summer sun on private cabanas.

We stayed two nights and had a fantastic time. Our favourite parts? Firstly, the cocktails. We sampled these both nights (just to check they were as good as we thought they were after a couple of bottles of Prosecco the first night). I’m happy to report they were – ‘Candy Floss’, one of the House Hits, was my favourite. Plymouth Gin, Grapefruit Cordial, Honey and Champagne were expertly combined and presented with ACTUAL blue candyfloss attached. My friends loved ‘Wild Bramble’, one from The Nici Selection, which consisted of Bh1 Wild Strawberry Gin, Crème Fraise des Bois, Lemon and Berry Cordial. The waiter was fully versed in each of the numerous offerings and gave us helpful recommendations.

Number two on what could be an extensive list of The Nici’s best bits is the staff. My friend, who was struggling on crutches, asked me if I would call for the ball boy (I think she meant bell boy) to help with her numerous bags. Instants later a smiley, wide-shouldered lovely appeared. He insisted on carrying everything, no need for a trolley! And then bringing both cars to the front, and then talking us through the provenance of the art in the hotel. Reception staff and waiting staff – in fact all the staff - were extremely professional and knowledgeable; nothing was too much trouble.

Finally, I must mention the 73 stunning rooms (which include ten luxury garden suites with outdoor hot tubs) and, especially, beds, which were large and luxuriously comfortable, with crisp white bedding. The website says the rooms, which vary in size and price, are ‘fun and contemporary, yet tranquil and cosy’ and I would agree. No two are the same, but they’re all stylishly-decorated with lovely touches – we had free rum and a little gin bar, they even remembered a ‘Happy Birthday’ plate. My friend did speculate whether the lack of mirrors and plug sockets for hair styling would suggest that the designer had prioritised style over function. She had a point, but we were in The Nici Suite, not a standard room, and the space was unusual, so, being fairly new I guess the little tweaks that needed to be made were still being ironed out.

It's tricky to fault anything about the hotel actually; the lift could be bigger but refurbishing a traditional, older building was never going to be easy. And the food, while pleasant, could have been more varied - the same menu ran all day, from breakfast to afternoon tea and dinner. A light bites menu, or a different dinner menu would be an excellent addition. Having said that, the room service breakfast was utterly awesome. 

Overall, The Nici was definitely a 5* experience - even for the children, who had a designated playroom room with video games, books and board games and a little cinema showing Disney favourites. There’s something for everyone - yoga and croquet on the lawn, paddleboards and kayaks to borrow and private dining and meeting spaces. 

The first phase of the £27 million make-over may be complete but there’s much more to come, including a new 30m outdoor pool and garden restaurant, a spa and fitness centre and even a roof-top restaurant and bar.

The Nici has given Bournemouth a much-needed boost – it’s the closest to Miami Beach we’ll get in the UK. To coin a phrase from Cabaret, “In here, life is beautiful.”

For more information or to book, go to www.nicihotels.com 

by Emily McGregor, Local News and Lifestyle Reporter