Review of The Channel Guest House, Dorset

>> For contact details and more information, see our full listing of: The Channel Guest House

Lynn Morris stays at this family run guest house on the Esplanade, literally a few steps from Weymouth’s golden sand beach. 

The Channel Guest House, Weymouth. Photo: Lynn MorrisAccommodation 
There are 11 en suite rooms, five with sea views. They range from a well designed single to family rooms sleeping three or four. In the off season the family rooms are converted into spacious doubles. For my money, the best room in the house is spacious double number 2 under the eaves on the third floor, which has spectacular views over the beach and a large bathroom. 

Activities
Some families come for a week and spend their entire time on the beach but there is plenty else to do. There is great walking and cycling nearby. The owners can arrange bike hire if necessary. Or you can take the bus from the stop opposite the hotel along the Jurassic Coast stopping off at little coves and picturesque villages along the way. For the kids there is the Sea Life Centre and Sand World exhibiting some of the best sand sculptures known to man. In addition in the summer season, there are various events in Weymouth including the Spirit of the Sea festival celebrating the area’s maritime heritage, delicious seafood and a sailing regatta. There is also a lively carnival in August. One great reason to go in August 2012 is the sailing events of the Olympics which are taking place off Portland, just a short trip across the causeway. This would be a perfect place to stay while you watch the British sailing team bring home the medals.

The Food
As far as possible the family serve up local produce for breakfast. Owner Chris said he is trying to turn the traditional English breakfast into the traditional Dorset breakfast. They use free range eggs and sausages from a local farm. Dairy products come from Craigs Farm in nearby Osmington. The jams and marmalade are all local and include delicious offerings from Boasty's Best, the Dorset Preserve Company and From Dorset with Love. If cooked breakfasts are not your thing there is a continental breakfast option and cereal on offer too. For dinner Chris recommends Floods a local fish restaurant.

A bedroom in The Channel Guest House, Weymouth. Photo: Lynn Morris
What makes it green?
As mentioned above the food is as local as possible. Ecover cleaning products are used. The owners encourage the use of public transport and are knowledgable about which bus will take you where. The owners recycle rubbish, reduce packaging where they can and have recently installed a more efficient boiler.

How to get there on public transport
Getting to Weymouth is very easy from London there is a direct train from Waterloo, which takes about three hours. Book train tickets via thetrainline.com: Train tickets to Weymouth. It is also possible to take a National Express coach. The train station is a five minute walk from The Channel Guest House and the bus stop is just across the road. But don't struggle with your bags on your own if you need assistance or are arriving late at night just let the owners know and someone will come and meet you. In addition if you arrive by public transport and pay cash there is a five percent discount on your bill. 

Top Tip
Book fast for August 2012 and catch some Olympic sailing action.

Verdict
The Channel Guest House is one of many on Weymouth's picture perfect Esplanade but the friendly owners give it a family feel and will genuinely do their level best to make your stay as comfortable as possible. 

Weymouth's sandy beach. Photo: Lynn Morris
>> For contact details and more information, see our full listing of: The Channel Guest House

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