The Canford
About the Island Hotel
The Canford - A boutique pub with 11 rooms, dog-friendly amenities, tiki huts, and a 5-minute walk to Canford Cliffs Beach
The Canford is a 4-star boutique pub with 11 individually designed rooms, inspired by British colonial explorers, and a dog-friendly policy welcoming up to two dogs per room. Located in a leafy residential area of Poole, the hotel offers free private parking and free WiFi throughout. Rooms feature a writing desk, tea and coffee making facilities, air conditioning, and private bathrooms with either a bathtub or a shower; some rooms include a roll-top bath and a separate shower. The à-la-carte restaurant serves dishes using fresh, locally sourced ingredients, with a conservatory dining area and a bar offering a selection of wines and beers. Guests can relax in the pub garden, which includes unique tiki huts and beach huts for outdoor dining, or on the terrace. The Canford is situated 2 km from Poole Harbour, 5 km from Brownsea Castle, and 6 km from Sandbanks, with direct access to a coastal walkway and Blue Flag beach a 5-minute walk away. Business amenities include free high-speed WiFi, express check-in/check-out, and room service. The hotel provides family rooms, cots, kids' meals, and a special dog welcome pack with treats, as noted by guests. A continental or full English breakfast is available each morning at The Canford.
Pros
Extremely comfortable beds and high-quality bedding receive consistent praise from guests.
The garden features quirky tiki huts and beach huts, creating a distinctive outdoor dining and drinking area.
An honesty tray in each room offers local snacks and drinks, including homemade tiffin and fresh milk.
The hotel is a short walk from Canford Cliffs Beach, with easy access to the South West Coast Path.
Staff are frequently noted for going above and beyond, with many reviews highlighting personalised touches like birthday cards or upgrades.
Cons
Breakfast service can be slow, especially during busy periods, with limited early options before 8:00 AM.
Some rooms (e.g., Room 10) are described as small for two people, and the bar area adjacent to the pub can feel tired in decor.
Select your room type
Price and Room Availability Calendar
Facilities
General
- No smoking on site
- Wi-Fi
- Parking
- Safe deposit box
- VIP check-in/ -out
- Express check-in/ -out
- No pets allowed
- Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
- Wheelchair access
- Security
- Allergy-free rooms
- Smoke detectors
- Fire extinguishers
- Key card access
Guest Parking
- Private parking is possible on site for free.
Services
- Room service
- Housekeeping
- Welcome drink
Dining
- In-room breakfast
- Restaurant
- Bar/ Lounge area
- Special diet menus
Children
- Cots
- Children's menu
Facilities for people with disabilities
- Toilet for disabled
- Bathroom for disabled
Spa & Leisure
- Beach access
- Garden area
Room features
- Air conditioning
- Heating
- Mini-bar
- Terrace
- Garden furniture
- Tea and coffee facilities
- Ironing facilities
Bathroom
- Free toiletries
Self-catering
- Electric kettle
Media
- Flat-screen TV
- AM/FM alarm clock
Room decor
- Carpeted floor