Cumberland Hotel Bournemouth

One of Europes only remaining purpose built Art Deco hotels, the Cumberland offers guests total relaxation yet is only minutes walk from Bournemouths vibrant centre with its cafe society, superb shopping and beautiful gardens. The Cumberland Hotel, now one of Europe s only free standing Art Deco Hotels, was built in 1937 in the Height of the Art Deco Period. A classic shaped building and one of Bournemouth s only purpose built hotels, it fast became one of Bournemouth s finest hotels. It was bulit by a builder named Mr Rowley whose daughter now lives in Pasadena, USA. She informs me that she and her friend, Rhoda Goodman, placed five multi sided three penny bits under each foundation stone. She still has the trowel that laid the stone and has promised to send it from Pasadena. During World War Two, it was commandeered by the army and housed troops defending England s South Coast. After the war, The Cumberland soon became Europe s largest Jewish hotel complete with synagogue and remained so for many years. Around 20 years ago, the hotel became gentile and became somewhat of a sleeping giant until, in 2006, it was purchased and closed down for a multi million pound refurbishment both inside and out. It now once more reflects some of the Art Deco grandeur of former days