If you are coming to Bournemouth for a conference or an event at the BIC, the Bournemouth International Centre, the Flexiestays apartments on the West Cliff and around St Michael’s Road put you within walking distance of it, the town centre and the beach. You let yourself in with a code at any hour after 3pm, park at the building, and get a kitchen, fast Wi-Fi and often a desk, which suits a working trip better than a single hotel room.
Guests who have stayed for events say the same thing in their reviews:
“A great place to stay, very close to the BIC and beach, and we look forward to staying there again.” (Jane, Trustpilot)
“Very clean with plenty of space for a family of four. Good location for the BIC, easy access instructions, and a parking space available.” (Stephanie, Booking.com)
Where to stay for the BIC
The BIC sits on the seafront on the West Cliff side of the pier, the same side of town as the Flexiestays buildings.
- The West Cliff buildings, The Tower House Hotel, The Cliff Manor Hotel, The Shore House Hotel and The Shore Retreat Hotel, are on the cliff top. Tower House is ten minutes’ walk from the pier; Cliff Manor, Shore House and Shore Retreat are a short, mostly level walk from the town centre.
- The St Michael’s Road buildings, The Pebbles Hotel, The Coast Hotel and The Seabreeze Hotel, are on the town side of the West Cliff, with the town centre and its restaurants within walking distance.
Jane’s review above was for an apartment at The Tower House Hotel. Each building’s page on this site lists its walking times, so compare them from the hotels page.
Why an apartment works for event travel
A conference day is long, and a hotel room is where you sleep between sessions. An apartment gives you a little more:
- Arrive when you like. Self check-in works from 3pm onwards with your own code, sent three days before you travel (or within two hours if you book later than that). A late train or an evening registration is no problem. Early check-in can be requested, and is confirmed in writing when the schedule allows.
- Leave on your terms. Check-out is by 10am. If your last session runs later, ask about leaving bags where the building has storage, or request a late check-out in advance.
- Work from the apartment. Every apartment has fibre Wi-Fi suitable for video calls, and many have a desk. Ask the team which apartments have a proper workspace if you need one.
- Look the part. Apartments have an iron and a hair dryer. Jane’s review mentions the ironing board and charging sockets too.
- Eat without booking a table. The kitchen means breakfast before an early start and something simple after a long day.
- Keep fit. The 24-hour gym at The Shore House Hotel is free for every guest.
More on the events and work trips reviews page.
Parking and getting around
Most Flexiestays buildings have free on-site or private parking, and each listing says what its apartments have. Where bays are allocated, your bay number comes with your arrival instructions. Having a space at the building means you can leave the car there and walk to the BIC, the town centre and the seafront. If you are driving a van with display kit, ask the team before you book what your building can take.
Booking for a team or a delegation
If several colleagues are coming, a corporate account can book a block of apartments, with the group in the same building where possible, and bill the company directly with one VAT invoice a month. A two-bedroom apartment lets two colleagues share, each with their own room. Individuals booking for themselves can ask for a VAT invoice for expenses. See contractor and corporate stays for how accounts work.
Busy dates
Large events fill the town. Book as early as you can, and consider the option to pay 25% now and the balance before you arrive, available on qualifying stays up to six months ahead. The Bournemouth Air Festival in August and bank holiday weekends are busy for other reasons too; if your event falls near them, book earlier still.
After the sessions
The West Cliff is a short walk from the beach and the promenade, so an evening walk along the sand is easy. Westbourne’s independent cafés and restaurants are about ten minutes west of most buildings, and the town centre is the other way. Flexie Perks, the local discounts included with every booking, cover cafés and more; see Flexie Perks explained.
The help centre explains how self check-in works and corporate and contractor stays in full.
Planning a stay in Bournemouth? Book on flexiestays.com with the team that runs the apartments, and pay 25% to secure your dates.
Check availabilityWhat guests say about events & work trips
More reviewsIf you want an apartment that is within easy walking distance to Bournemouth's sea front yet a quiet location this is the place to stay. The apartment is clutter free, clean with a very comfortable bed and good working kitchen. The place would benefit from some home touches but it met most of our needs. Highly recommend 😊
Frequently asked questions
Is Flexiestays close to the BIC?
The buildings are on the West Cliff and around St Michael's Road in central Bournemouth, the same side of the pier as the BIC. Guests who stayed for events describe the location as very close to the BIC.
Can I check in late after a conference dinner?
Yes. Self check-in works any time from 3pm with your own access code, so you can arrive in the evening or late at night without telling anyone.
Can I get a VAT invoice for a conference stay?
Yes. Every payment comes with an invoice, and the team issues VAT invoices on request. Companies can also be billed directly on a corporate account.
Can a group from one company stay in the same building?
Block bookings of several apartments are available on a corporate account, with the group placed in the same building where possible.