Self-catering suits Poole particularly well, partly because of the delis and markets and partly because a kitchen gives you somewhere to deal with wet wetsuits.
On the water
Apartments around the Quay and the harbour have the views and the location, with the restaurants and boats below you.
Near the beaches
Properties at Sandbanks, Canford Cliffs and Lilliput put the sand within walking distance, which matters more than it sounds when you are carrying beach kit.
Space and value
Inland, around Ashley Cross, Hamworthy and Broadstone, the same money buys considerably more room.
See also camping and glamping and holiday parks.