Highcliff Grill - Bournemouth

The dining experience in the hotel restaurant was satisfactory. However, the large space felt a bit lacking in atmosphere. We ordered a rump steak, a beef burge... read more The dining experience in the hotel restaurant was satisfactory. However, the large space felt a bit lacking in atmosphere. We ordered a rump steak, a beef burger, and a sea bass special, and all dishes were well-prepared and enjoyable. The service was attentive and friendly.

The restaurant features excellent local produce and truly outstanding service. The sea view was an added bonus! read more The restaurant features excellent local produce and truly outstanding service. The sea view was an added bonus!

Booked on late notice but they were very accommodating for myself and my partner. Service was excellent and did not rush us to finish our meal at all like we ha... read more Booked on late notice but they were very accommodating for myself and my partner. Service was excellent and did not rush us to finish our meal at all like we have experienced before in other restaurants.

In the restaurant, which had only five tables occupied, my daughter requested a gin and tonic using Hendricks gin. The server returned saying she had never hear... read more In the restaurant, which had only five tables occupied, my daughter requested a gin and tonic using Hendricks gin. The server returned saying she had never heard of it. I then suggested Bombay Sapphire, but she came back again to say they had run out of that too. After a third attempt, she informed us that they were out of gin altogether. My wife asked for black pepper, but the waitress told us they only had white pepper available in the shaker on the table. Halfway through our meal, we noticed the restaurant manager walking by and asked for black pepper once again. She assured us she would fetch some. By the time 80% of our meal was finished, a server finally appeared with a pepper pot and explained, "It took so long because they had no idea how to open it." To our surprise, it contained white peppercorns. My wife took it from her and showed her that it was actually a pepper grinder! While the food was quite good and the service friendly, the staff clearly had no idea what they were doing. This experience at the Marriott Highcliff Hotel in Bournemouth certainly does not reflect well on the Marriott brand. It felt like a place devoid of care or responsibility, and it was quite surreal.

The food was excellent but there seemed to be several new waiters when we went and had a few mistakes but all very friendly. Did find the chairs on the low side... read more The food was excellent but there seemed to be several new waiters when we went and had a few mistakes but all very friendly. Did find the chairs on the low side but the food more than made up for this. Taste and presentation very good.