Parking in Bournemouth

lisyloo · 4 January 2008 at 2:27PM

I want to go to Bournemouth for a weekend but would like to find some central car parking.
The hotel I'm staying at is central - BH2 6EN but charges £12 per day which grates a little.

Does anyone know any cheaper options given that we might be coming and going or should I jsut bite the bullet and pay the £12.
I've been trying to search for a while but the main site bournemouth.gov.uk is down and I can't seem to find a lot of info.

flutsy · 4 January 2008 at 4:40PM

Thats seems like a lot of money. Have been to bournemouth a few times and have found there to be quite a lot of free parking - or at least cheaper than £12.

Could you not just book the car parking space if and when needed?

flutsy · 4 January 2008 at 4:43PM

Just found this:

quote: £12 a night parking with free parking right opposite the hotel.

Source:

http://www.travel-library.com/hotels/europe/uk/england/bournemouth/norfolk_royale_classic_hotel.html

I wouldn't buy the parking!

firespire · 4 January 2008 at 4:51PM

lisyloo wrote: »

I've been trying to search for a while but the main site bournemouth.gov.uk is down and I can't seem to find a lot of info.

Its up now for me http://www.bournemouth.gov.uk/Residents/roads/parking/Parking_Charges.asp
click on relevant 'map' to see the rates

lisyloo · 4 January 2008 at 4:57PM

Could you not just book the car parking space if and when needed?

Yes we could do that but I just wanted to do some research as in some car parks a couple of short stays could be more than £12 in which case we may as well use the security and convenience of the hotel.

quote: £12 a night parking with free parking right opposite the hotel.

Thanks a lot for this.
That's the hotel I'm staying at - I'll post the deal as well.

svmitche · 4 January 2008 at 5:29PM

Hi,

If you look at the quoted post it is actually a criticism of the hotel, not a deal. The 'free parking' is on-street parking and should not be relied upon as this is a busy area and parking is nigh on impossible at times (I live in the area).

They charge this money as the hotel is right in the town centre and they can charge it as there is little choice if you want a secure, longer term parking space. There are public car parks, but they charge premium prices and are not necessarily secure.

I know it's not great advice so apologies, but my advice would be to pay it this time, but if you return to Bournemouth then stay in an alternative hotel on the East Cliff (Hotel Miramar is the best one, with free parking) as their parking is generally better and not charged at this ridiculous price!

Hope this helps a bit - sorry not to be more positive!

lisyloo · 4 January 2008 at 5:49PM

If you look at the quoted post it is actually a criticism of the hotel, not a deal.

Yep I got that.
I meant I'll post the deal that I've found at that hotel.

I know it's not great advice so apologies, but my advice would be to pay it this time

Thanks for the advice. it's great to have advice from someone local.

ut if you return to Bournemouth then stay in an alternative hotel on the East Cliff (Hotel Miramar is the best one, with free parking) as their parking is generally better and not charged at this ridiculous price!

Thanks for the recommendation but I got an excellent deal (that I have posted).
I would also rather have the facilites (steam room etc.) and central location.

I probably shouldn't complain given the deal I've got but being an ardent money saver I just wanted to work out whether it was necessary.

I agree that you have to take into account the security, time and convenience issue.
The hotel car park has an entry code and is private.
I know that nothing is foolproof but it's probably a good deal more secure than some public car parks.

I am a very ardent money saver but it's also wise to recognise false economies.
i.e. it's much more expensive to have your car nicked or broken into.

Woby_Tide · 6 January 2008 at 12:42AM

definitely better if they have a secure car park at the hotel, the local 'pay' car parks taht tend to be open 24hours to that hotel are poorly lit at best and personally I don't even like leaving our car iin them for a few hours of an evening let alone overnight. You're just unlucky in that it's town centre rather than on one of teh cliffs as they tend to offer on street parking for free(though the hotels often have their own parking due to the extra space they have out of the town centre)