Monday 19th May 2008 - Posted by Dan

Last week, Becs and I had a weeks annual leave and Becs decided to take me away for a couple of days to Swanage. (I’m sure it should be the other way around but hey, I wasn’t complaining!).

Overlooking the pleasant and clean bay of Swanage and nestled next to the Grand Hotel is the wonderful Bella Vista Bed and Breakfast. When we arrived we were warmly greeted by Graciete and given the basic info of the house for our stay. Our first impression was how beautifully decorated and appointed the house was. The charming, grand central hall and staircase takes you up to the 8 rooms of which ours was overlooking the south facing garden and of course the all important seaview.

The room was instantly impressive with a wonderfully large bed, tasteful eggshell woodwork paint and red feature cushions. It was impeccably clean and spacious. The en suite shower room and toilet was again well decorated and although I prefer to have a bath, I don’t mind just a shower for a few nights.

The view from the room was wonderful (we had mixed weather) and the three pains of glass in the sea view window frame the coast like three separate pictures.

There was plenty of clothes storage space with a wardrobe for hanging long clothes. The room also comes with some basic condiments and complimentary bottled water. All good.

An added bonus, not often present in many B&B’s, is free unfettered fast WIFI. Wonderful! I love to be able surf the internet on holiday and this was a real surprise and delight.

Then onto the most important aspect of a bed and breakfast, the breakfast!

It was fab. A menu was provided and you could choose anything off it. The was an array of very healthy cereals, yoghurt, fruit and fruit juices. Excellent. The dining room overlooks the garden so we had a wonderful late spring view over the sea! The garden is well kept and fresh flowers from the garden are placed on the tables.

The B&B also comes with its own off road parking which is blessing as the road does get a bit busy there. It was a very pleasant leisurely 15 minute walk into the centre of the town along the promenade and the town itself is being redeveloped so is becoming every quainter as time goes on.

All in all a wonderful place to stay and we highly recommend it. It ticks all our boxes. It is certainly more upmarket in terms of its price but if you’re prepared the extra buck, you get a truly marvellous experience for your money.

We will return!