There are some lovely public spaces in Langtry Manor. The lobby has curved doorways and antique chairs, which squeak pleasantly when sat upon. Following through from the lobby into the drawing room are walls neatly decorated with historical pictures and artifacts, and a cozy fireplace. All the communal rooms and passageways are similarly furnished with Edwardian period fixtures and furnishings. The dining room even has raw evidence of its royal heritage -- Edward's spy hatch -- and stained glass that complements the square lead piping in the windows. High ceilings, thick velvet curtains, luxurious carpets, and balustrades complete the look; and antique portraits are under-lit, so that the eyes follow guests'. Langtry Manor is popular with couples thanks to its romantic rooms, though anyone with an enthusiasm for history will enjoy it. 

Along a street lined with pine trees, the hotel is set within its own well-maintained grounds. A five-minute walk from the hotel is the coastline, with Blue Flag award-winning beaches running all the way through to Poole. The hotel is also within a five-minute drive of Bournemouth Natural Science Society and Bournemouth International Centre, and within 10 minutes' walk of Knyveton Gardens and Boscombe Chine Gardens Mini-Golf Course. A 20- to 30-minute stroll brings guests into Bournemouth's town center, where there are shops, museums and galleries, theaters, and nightclubs. The gorgeous woodlands of the New Forest are a 15-minute drive, and Sandbanks, with its show-stopping beach, is equidistant in the car. 

Rooms are named after historical figures from the Edwardian period; there's The King's Room, The Lillie Langtry Room, and The Emily Le Breton Room (Lillie Langtry's birth name), amongst others. The rooms are utterly historical -- think inglenook fireplaces, exposed beams, chandeliers, and four-poster beds (in some). The King and Lillie Langtry rooms in particular are uber-historical, whilst other rooms feel more modern. All rooms have flat-screen TVs with Freeview, and minibars; luxury rooms and suites have iPod docking stations and jetted tubs. Bathrooms are all contemporary and chic, with fluffy towels and rainfall showerheads, and most have tubs. Free toiletries are organic, from the Damana range. Rooms are well soundproofed from noise, and rooms to the back have the best views overlooking the garden.

Langtry Manor has some lovely grounds, and the well-maintained lawn and summer house are picturesque. In the summer, guests can walk over the graveled path to the lawns, where afternoon tea is served -- because the hotel is set back from the road, traffic noise isn't a problem. There's no fitness center or swimming pool on-site, but guests have free access to a leisure center a couple minutes' walk down the road. Food-wise, the Langtry Manor Hotel comes up trumps. Christopher Corbett is the head chef at Langtry's restaurant, and gets excellent reviews for regal dishes like rack of lamb. On Saturday, Edwardian dinner parties take place, with six-course meals and historical entertainment such as readings or re-enactments; guests should book in advance, as space is limited. Wi-Fi is free throughout.