RNLI College

What felt like a rather random choice of place to stay turned out to be a brilliant option. Such an interesting building and complex, loved all the little details in the room that made it feel like you were in a cruise ship cabin or posh yacht. Door handles = marine cleats! View over the harbour with boats bobbing about was beautiful, also loved the row of deckchairs in front of the lifeboats. Private parking was included (permit issued by reception). Now don’t get me wrong, it’s not crazy fancy, but it’s a decent step up from a Premier Inn. We just forgot to use the aircon, so it was a warm nights sleep, but that was our fault. Breakfast was self serve style in the ground floor restaurant and again, it wasn’t bad at all. A few things had run out but that’s because we got there late (they serve til 10.30am which I totally appreciate with checkout a reasonable 11am). But we had more than enough, and didn’t even need lunch. I really enjoyed our stay, wish I’d enquired about tours of the whole place.

We stayed three nights. The room was well designed. Bed very comfortable. Food in restaurant was also very good. Right on water front so nice views and some stunning sunsets. We also did a tour with Stuart. Excellent and interesting of past present and future of the RNLI. Had a go in their very impressive simulator. Don't miss it. And profits go to RNLI

Went for a winter weekend break. Weather was grim but the hotel was great. Nice, friendly feel, very welcoming especially the reception staff. Had good coffee and drinks in the Riggers Bar. Good views over the harbour. Went out for evening meal so can’t comment on the restaurant dinner, but the breakfast was superb. The room was bright, clean, tidy and well appointed.

Very comfortable room with plenty of space and a large window overlooking the lake. The receptionists were welcoming and helpful. A tour of the college was included and this was interesting and informative with the lifeboat simulator being the highlight. Breakfast was excellent as was the dinner on the day of our arrival. The Bar and Restaurant are both attractive venues.Excellent all-round experience.

Wow, I would highly recommend staying here. From arriving at reception, it feels so so special. When you speak to reception they show a genuine interest in you and are passionate about rnli. We managed to book a table at the restaurant after having a drink in the sun The restaurant staff where amazing, especially Olena.

My partner and I were looking for somewhere to stay in Poole for a short holiday and came across the RNLI College. What an absolute amazing place to stay. The College far exceeded our expectations, the food was very good, the staff friendly, the facilities modern and spotlessly clean. We booked the tour to see the training of the RNLI volunteers which included going in the simulator in a force 8 gale and seeing crew practice life saving techniques in the pool. The bedroom was beautiful with an en suite with views across the harbour. We were so impressed by the whole experience that we have decided to become RNLI volunteers ourselves and support their fantastic work in saving lives at sea and indeed some inland waterways.