Haddon House Hotel

Haddon House Hotel is situated on the roundabout opposite the main car park for West Bay and the entrance can be a little tricky if traffic is heavy. We couldn't see any disabled parking in the front (the hotel is popular and the carpark was very busy), there was none marked in the overflow around the back. There was also no wheelchair access from the rear car park either. This may just be something that we missed. The food and the service was excellent and nice to see local youngsters being given opportunities when we hear of high youth unemployment. Anyway we visited Haddon House for my mother in law's birthday. We had the Sunday roast and everything was lovely the desserts were also excellent and there was a good selection. And the price was very reasonable for the entire meal. The waiting staff we had were all very helpful. I wouldn't describe it as quiet as it was very busy with several large groups. The decor is a little dated but it is clean and tidy. I highly recommend making a booking in advance as it is popular with locals and holiday makers alike. We booked 2 months in advance for a group of 8. We look forward to returning in the near future.

A convenient location a few hundred metres from the beach. After a minor negotiation we moved to room 4 upstairs which had a good view of the distant countryside. We liked the decor of the hotel . The staff were very helpful and friendy; especially Dee who looked after us. The dinner bed and breakfast deal was good as we chose dinner from the a La Carte menu as part of the DBB package. The starters of scallops and crab baked with cheese were excellent. The lamb rack with double- cooked chips, steamed vegetables and a rosemary gravy was outstanding. The knickerbocker glory desert took effort to finish. The atmosphere on the hotel restaurant was from a bygone age which we liked with piped music from the 40s, 50s over dinner. The brealfast was sumptuous, nothing was too much trouble: great service. The excellent food and service and the easy parking sets thos hotel apart. It has its own unique identity unlike big brand chain hotels that I personally dislike.

We were taking a slow trip along the coast from Seaton to Swanage for the second week of our holiday. I wanted to stop at West Bay and take in the view of the harbour and from the beach. Parking in carparks was, for us, to expensive for a view. On approaching the hotel, and looking for a coffee, the sign outside invited us in for a morning coffee. A staff member invited us into the beautifully decorated dining room where comfortable armchairs awaited. A short while later we were presented with a tray with coffee pot, cups and saucers and choc chip biscuits. Enough for a cup of coffee each, plus a top up. A really good cup of coffee in relaxing surroundings.