We’ve had a really cracking December and one of our highlights has to be Santa’s Sunday Lunch at the Riviera Hotel in Bournemouth.

I knew beforehand that we were able to use the leisure facilities while we were there so I packed everything we’d need for a swim and as Daddy couldn’t make it at the last minute we invited Nanny.

The hotel is very easy to find in Alum Chine and I was very pleased to discover we didn’t have to pay for parking.  From the minute we stepped in the door the staff were absolutely lovely and it wasn’t long before we were seated in their beautifully festive Cunarder restaurant and Santa was there ready and waiting to greet us!



The atmosphere was truly Christmassy, the tables were set beautifully, we had crackers to pull and Sam even had a pen and Santa’s list to write his requests on.  The Menu was 3 courses and Sam had his own children’s Menu to choose from too.  Every course we had was utterly delicious and by the end of the meal I had serious concerns about going swimming in case I just sank to the bottom of the pool!



Throughout the meal Santa was there talking to the children and making jokes.  Sam loves Star Wars so he was very impressed with the gift he was given and even Lucy had an unexpected bunny blanket which she adores.



After spending a good hour and a half enjoying our meal we said our thanks and headed off to find the pool.  The changing room was spotlessy clean and even though poor little Lucy was tired we headed off for a dip and spent another hour playing with the kids in the warm water.  My highlight had to be the super bubbly hot Jacuzzi which Sam enjoyed jumping in and out of.  Myself and my Mum took turns to hold Lucy but I could of honestly just lay in there for the whole day had I of been child free.

Before getting in the car we went to the bar for another drink and as Lucy slept Sam made some friends and they played happily in the games room while we sat back and relaxed for a while.

Good to know………..

The drinks are not overpriced like some hotels we’ve visited before.  Tea and Coffee was included at the end of our meal and I only paid £5.30 for an apple juice, orange juice and appletiser, bargain!

Free use of the leisure facilities were included in the day.  Towels were offered which I didn’t expect and I’ll remember this for next time.  There are lockers in the changing room which you’ll need a £1 coin for.

The toilets have baby change facilities.

The staff are more than happy to warm baby milk and baby food if you ask.

To keep up to date with future events at the hotel please visit the Website or Facebook page.

Well done to the staff and management at the Hotel Riviera, we had an extremely enjoyable afternoon with you.  The staff couldn’t of been more helpful, everyone had a smile on their face, Santa was very approachable and jolly, the food was delicious and your leisure facilities are amazing.  I have made a note of your Valentines event and with any luck Nanny will be able to stay over so that my husband and I can dine with you for the evening.

Did you know Father Christmas likes to have a cruise around Poole Harbour?

City Cruises offer a unique ‘Sail with Santa’ Christmas experience and we had a really lovely time on board the Solent Scene.



From the second you step on board the crew make you feel very welcome and Sam was desperate to explore straight away.  On the lower deck you’ll find the festive bar area where the grown ups can grab a mulled wine and mince pie (my breakfast) and the children can have a bottle of squash and biscuits.  Not being a fan of mulled wine (especially at 11am) I asked if it was possible to have a coffee instead which was no problem.

After we got our drinks we headed upstairs to find all the other children and the entertainer Dr Balloonman  He met us with a big smile and I was really grateful that he took the time to tell Sam that we had to be noisy so that Father Christmas could find the boat while we were out in the Harbour.  Sam’s not a fan of loud noises and gets quite anxious at times, which is funny because he’s the noisiest kid I know!

In no time at all we were set free from the Quay and after a brief safety announcement the party began.  We had lots of giggles, fun and dancing and Sam was even chosen to get up and help with blowing up some balloons which shot across the room to his amusement.

More dancing and trips up and down the stairs (that’s the ants in his pants that can’t keep still) and then everyone had to shout really loudly for Santa.  I wish I’d had my camera out when there was a sudden tinkle of a bell on the back deck and all the kids spun around cheering when they saw the big man coming up the stairs.

Sam was closest so he was the first to meet him and it’s really quite amazing how such a confident boy can go really quiet and shy but he managed to answer the questions with a smile on his face and said a big thank you when he was given a certificate of his trip and a present.

We then went downstairs to enjoy another drink and Sam opened his present to reveal he had an alarm clock!  We did both have a giggle at the uniqueness of the gift but actually he loves it and I had to put a stop to him taking it to bed in case he fiddled with it and accidently set the alarm for 2am giving us all a heart attack in the middle of the night!

Before arriving back at the Quay we went upstairs again and found Dr Balloonman making balloons for the children and Sam LOVED the lightsabre he made!

Sadly Daddy and Lucy couldn’t make the cruise at the last minute but actually it was really nice to have some quality time just with my boy, so much so that once we got off and waved goodbye we headed into the arcade and then set off to Wareham to see Santa in the Christmas parade.

Good to know….

There is a toilet on board but there are no baby change facilities.  The bar area was quiet though and when Lucy came on a summer cruise the staff didn’t mind me changing her in the corner of the bar (luckily it didn’t stink!)

The cruises last 1hr and 15 minutes so there’s plenty of time to enjoy a drink and take in the lovely views.

The bar sells lots of hot and cold drinks and snacks if you’re peckish.

The cruises are running at 11am, 1pm and 3pm on selected days up until Christmas Eve and full details can be found on the City Cruises website.

Under 2’s are Free.

Thank you City Cruises for a fantastic ‘Sail with Santa’ trip, we both had a great time and wish the staff, crew, skipper and Santa a very Merry Christmas.

Love

Dorsetmum
xxx