Waterfront Inn, Shanklin ➤ Reviews, Rooms & Prices 2026

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Key details

About the Hotel

The Waterfront Inn, Norfolk House, 19 Esplanade, Isle Of Wight, Shanklin, United Kingdom, PO37 6BN

Next to Shanklin Beach

Great

8.1

8.3

/10

3.4

3.6

Loved by Waterfront Inn guests

Great location
Friendly staff
Delicious breakfast
Comfortable bed

"Location could not be better, just listening to the waves lap onto the beach whilst relaxing in bed, pure bliss."

Carolyne from United Kingdom

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"Really nice food and cocktails in a great location."

Caroline B from United Kingdom

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"Great location on the seafront with a manageable walk into the town."

Gemma

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Amenities

Waterfront Inn offers seven en-suite rooms, with four providing sea views. Guests have access to an exclusive bar featuring Isle of Wight ales, craft beers, and spirits. The hotel boasts a sun terrace where visitors can enjoy beverages while soaking in the sea breeze.

Rooms

The guesthouse provides a mix of airy and comfortable rooms, ensuring all guests enjoy a pleasant stay. Each room includes en-suite bathrooms, flat-screen TVs, and traditional furnishings. Some rooms offer views of the beach and sea.

Location

Nestled just meters from one of the Isle of Wight's award-winning beaches, Waterfront Inn offers direct access to golden sands. The long stretches of gently sloping shore make it an appealing choice for beach lovers. Its position enhances convenience for both relaxation and exploration.

Dining

The Bistro & Bar is a highlight, featuring a straightforward menu that includes local steaks and seafood alongside classic seaside fare. Breakfast options include a full English breakfast or a vegan option, both served until 11:30 AM. Guests can enjoy the comfort of dining with panoramic coastal views.

Entertainment

Waterfront Inn hosts live music events and themed nights, providing a lively atmosphere for families and friends. These events encourage a sense of community among guests. The hotel's long-standing staff offers a positive and welcoming experience.

Highlights

Location: just meters from award-winning beaches

Dining: Bistro & Bar with local seafood

Rooms: 7 en-suite rooms with sea views

Entertainment: live music events and themed nights

“In my view, the beachfront location and family-run atmosphere are key here. It seems perfect for those seeking both sea views and a homely base. The inn's long-standing history and bistro add to its charm, especially with the local ales on tap.”

Anna BlackEditor-in-Chief at Tohotel

Location: Perfect

9.4/10Review score

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Highlights from guests

DiningBeachfront Bites

The restaurant's food was excellent, with generous portions and reasonable prices. Dining with sea views was a superb experience.

Oliver Smith from United Kingdom

Review on

Room FeaturesStunning Sea Views

Waking up to the sound of waves and panoramic sea views from our comfortable room was pure bliss.

Mei Lin from China

Review on

Guest ParkingHassle-Free Parking

Purchasing an IOW car pass made parking easy around the island, including directly in front of the hotel.

Rajesh Patel from India

Review on

BathroomPristine Relaxation

The bathroom was exceptionally clean and well-maintained, adding to the overall comfort of my stay.

Isabelle Dubois from France

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Select your room type

Waterfront Inn offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals

Budget Double Room

2 persons

100 sq. feet

1 Double bed

Shower

Heating

room details

Standard Double Room

2 persons

110 sq. feet

1 Double bed

Shower

Heating

room details

Double Room

2 persons

140 sq. feet

1 Double bed

Shower

Heating

room details

Budget Twin Room

2 persons

130 sq. feet

2 Single beds

Shower

Heating

room details

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Price and Room Availability Calendar

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Facilities

Waterfront Inn offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences

Facilities: Very good

7.8/10Review score

General

Non-smoking rooms
Free Wi-Fi in public areas
VIP check-in/ -out
Pets allowed
Security
Luggage storage
Coffee shop
Smoke detectors
Fire extinguishers

Guest Parking

Electric kettle

Services

Pet amenities available
Welcome drink
Happy hour

Dining

Restaurant
Snack bar
Bar/ Lounge area
Special diet menus

Business

Meeting/ Banquet facilities

Children

Children's menu

Spa & Leisure

Beach access
Sun terrace
Leisure/ TV room

Room features

Heating
Sitting area
Terrace
Garden furniture
Tea and coffee facilities
Ironing facilities

Bathroom

Free toiletries

Self-catering

Electric kettle

Media

Flat-screen TV

Room decor

Carpeted floor

Dining Onsite

Waterfront Inn offers a delightful array of dining experiences, blending traditional British cuisine with modern flair, all in a family-friendly atmosphere. With stunning panoramic sea views, guests can indulge in hearty breakfasts and evening delights while basking in the comforting embrace of seaside charm.

Waterfront Inn

British

Ambiance

Family-friendly with a cozy, modern vibe alongside traditional elements, featuring both indoor seating and a lovely terrace overlooking the sea.

Key Offerings

Guests can savor a Full English or Irish breakfast, alongside a variety of vegan and gluten-free options. Evening meals and cocktail hour provide additional opportunities to indulge.

Reservation

Recommended during peak hours.

Open daily from 09:00 to 20:00 for breakfast, brunch, and dinner.

Waterfront Inn Location

The Waterfront Inn, Norfolk House, 19 Esplanade, Isle Of Wight, Shanklin, United Kingdom, PO37 6BN

Map view

The Waterfront Inn, Norfolk House, 19 Esplanade, Isle Of Wight, Shanklin, United Kingdom, PO37 6BN

City landmarks

Garden

Rylstone Gardens

2500 ft

Church

St Blasius Old Parish Church

3600 ft

Beach

Small Hope Beach

2500 ft

Landmark

Shanklin to Ventnor Coastal Walk

1.4 mi

Harbour

Sandown Pier

1.8 mi

Gallery

Glory Art Glass

1.9 mi

Landmark

The Holistic Emporium

1.9 mi

Church

St Boniface Old Church

2.1 mi

Cave

Bonchurch Landslip

2.1 mi

Museum

Dinosaur Isle

2.5 mi

Farm

The Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary

2.3 mi

Beach

Sandown Beach

2.1 mi

Zoo

Isle of Wight Zoo

2.7 mi

Zoo

Amazon World Zoo Park

2.7 mi

Church

St Boniface Down

2.3 mi

Landmark

Island Artisan

2.4 mi

Lake

Bonchurch War Memorial

2.3 mi

Nature reserve

Alverstone Mead Nature Reserve

2.4 mi

Museum

Ventnor Heritage Museum

2.7 mi

Landmark

Isle of Wight Owl and Falconry Centre

2.6 mi

Landmark

Appuldurcombe House

2.8 mi

Landmark

Ager Farm Nursery

2.7 mi

Church

Church of St George

2.8 mi

Beach

Ventnor Beach

2.9 mi

Gallery

Neil Williams

2.9 mi

Landmark

Longshoreman's Museum

2.9 mi

Landmark

Yaverland Beach

2.8 mi

Nearby

Nature reserve

Shanklin Chine

1000 ft

Beach

Shanklin Beach

500 ft

Esplanade

Shanklin seafront

900 ft

Restaurants

The Lookout Cafe and Takeaway

400 ft

12A Esplanade

Sail 'n' Surf Cafe

900 ft

28 Esplanade

Chubby's

2000 ft

1 Regent Street

Domino's Pizza

2100 ft

5 Regent Street

Poppins

2100 ft

16A Regent Street

Graces Bakery

2200 ft

20A Regent Street

Cinderellas Tea Room and Dress Shop

2200 ft

7 High Street

Grub Plus Restaurant

2400 ft

17 Regent Street Shanklin

The Copper Kettle

2500 ft

29 High Street

Explore Shanklin

Explore Shanklin: Activities & Dining

Shanklin Chine

4 minutes' walk

A picturesque gorge featuring lush vegetation and a waterfall, perfect for a scenic stroll and photography.

Small Hope Beach

9 minutes' walk

A serene beach known for its beautiful views and calm waters, ideal for relaxing and beach activities.

Rylstone Gardens

9 minutes' walk

Stunning gardens with walking paths and a playground, perfect for family outings and peaceful retreats.

Sandown Pier

8-minute drive

A classic seaside pier offering entertainment, arcades, and picturesque views of the ocean.

Shanklin to Ventnor Coastal Walk

11 minutes' drive

A scenic coastal walk with breathtaking views, suitable for hiking enthusiasts. Access via local transport.

Surfing Lessons at Small Hope Beach

9 minutes' walk

Exciting surfing lessons for all skill levels. Rentals and guided sessions available. Perfect for thrill-seekers.

Spa Treatments at Luccombe Manor

5-minute drive

Relaxing spa options with massages and wellness treatments, ideal for unwinding after a day of activities.

The Lookout Cafe and Takeaway

2 minutes' walk

A cozy cafe offering fresh seafood, vegetarian options, and stunning views of the shoreline.

Chubby's

8 minutes' walk

Casual dining with a menu featuring burgers, pizzas, and local favorites. Family-friendly atmosphere.

Sail 'n' Surf Cafe

3 minutes' walk

Casual beachfront cafe serving light bites and refreshing drinks, a great spot for sunbathers.

Shanklin Theatre

5 minutes' walk

A charming venue hosting live performances, including music, theater, and comedy shows. Check for shows.

Local Music at The Falcon Inn

10 minutes' walk

A lively pub featuring live music, quiz nights, and a friendly atmosphere, ideal for all ages.

Getting around

City Centre

Shanklin5 min · 1400 ft

Airports

Southampton (SOU)97 min · 40.0 mi

Bournemouth (BOH)167 min · 69.0 mi

Train

Shanklin Train Station10 min · 2700 ft

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Property information and rules

Check-in

from 14:30-21:30

Check-out

from 08:00-10:00

Guest Parking

No parking available.

Internet

Wireless internet is available in public areas for free.

Breakfast

The hotel Waterfront Inn serves a full breakfast for free.

Children & extra beds

There are no cots provided in a room.

Pets

Pets are allowed on request.

Languages

English, Portuguese, Chinese

Number of rooms:

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback about Waterfront Inn from previous guests about their experience.

Review summary

Based on recent reviews

The Waterfront Inn boasts an exceptional seafront location where many guests enjoy waking up to the soothing sound of waves. Rooms are generally a good size, with some offering delightful sea views, and are equipped with convenient amenities like kettles for tea and coffee. The Darwin Room provides a lovely setting for dining, and while some found it a little chilly indoors, the outdoor terrace is a popular spot. While a few guests have mentioned that some basic rooms could use updating, the overall experience is considered great value, especially given the location near the beach.

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Review score

Based on 125 verified reviews

8.1/10

Great

82%

Recommend

Location

9.4/10

Staff

9.3/10

Comfort

7.8/10

Facilities

7.8/10

Pros

Beachfront location

Comfy bed

Friendly staff

Good breakfast

Meal options

Cons

Small room

Tired decor

isaac from united kingdom

Business traveller

classic double room sea view

3 nights in August 2025

Reviewed:November 10, 2025

9.3/10

lovely beachfront stay

sea viewattentive staffesplanade location

The location is amazing, right on the esplanade. i had a sea view room, and i enjoyed the sound of the sea each morning. the staff are very friendly and helpful. I found them very attentive .

The temperature control in the shower was tricky. Adjusting the dial even slightly would cause it to fluctuate from lukewarm to scolding.

Rooms

9/10

my room was a good size with a comfortable bed. i had plenty of pillows. the room decor was also lovely and clean.

Service

10/10

the staff were friendly and helpful at all times . nothing was too much trouble for them. they always greeted me with a smile.

Facilities

9/10

Parking was easy, with plenty of spaces close by to the hotel. the inn has a lovely terrace. It is perfect for an early or late evening drink.

Dining

9/10

Breakfast was very good. There was a good variety of choices. i enjoyed the option to eat outside overlooking the beach. the breakfast was AMAZING!!!

0 Helpful

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Laurie from Australia

Single

Budget Twin Room

4 nights in June 2025

Reviewed:August 15, 2025

7/10

helpful staffbreakfast menuroom securitypoor drainage

i found the staff to be helpful. the breakfast menu was great, it covers a good variety. the option to have dinner there exists. many menu items sounded delicious.

my room needed improved security. the shower stall drainage was poor. these issues did detract from the experience somewhat.

0 Helpful

Harry from United Kingdom

Single

budget double room

3 nights in June 2025

Reviewed:July 08, 2025

6/10

sea frontdirty markslimited plug sockets

the location met my expectations because it was on the sea front.

The room i booked needed some serious help. i noticed dirty marks all over the walls and doors. They were not subtle. the floorboards seemed questionable. I worried about falling through them at night. i had trouble finding enough plug sockets and there was no mirror in the room so blow drying my hair reminded me of mission impossible.

0 Helpful

Barbara from Germany

Single

classic double room sea view

3 nights in June 2025

Reviewed:June 23, 2025

7/10

adequate seaside stay

amazing locationbeachfront locationclean roombreakfast varietyold decorloud pipestoilet flushing

the location was amazing right on the beachfront. the room was clean. the breakfast menu offered a good variety of choices.

the room decor seemed old. the water pipes were loud. i also heard toilet flushing from another room in my bathroom, quite bothersome.

0 Helpful

Questions of the users

About Waterfront Inn

What period is the most ideal for a beach getaway at Waterfront Inn?

10 June 2024

August is typically considered the best time for a beach holiday, but from June to September, the beach views are captivating as well. The property remains open year-round, offering services at the bar, restaurant, and B&B.

Can you share details about nearby parking options and any associated costs?

15 July 2024

Parking is available directly across the road on the Esplanade, with several spaces and two large car parks nearby. Free parking is offered from November to February, while an Isle of Wight tourist permit is advised for the rest of the year.

Is Wi-Fi access available in the guest rooms?

22 August 2024

Yes, complimentary Wi-Fi is provided throughout the property, including all guest rooms.

Are discounted ferry tickets available for guests?

5 September 2024

Discounted ferry tickets can be booked through the property, but are exclusively available for guests who book directly.

Are there pet-friendly accommodations available?

30 September 2024

Yes, pets are welcome at the property, with a charge of £10 per dog for additional cleaning services.

Is breakfast included with the stay?

20 October 2024

All stays include a full English breakfast, with options for vegan and vegetarian diets available.

What time is breakfast served?

25 November 2024

Breakfast is served between 8:30 AM and 10:00 AM.

Is there an outdoor area where guests can relax and enjoy the sunshine?

17 December 2024

Yes, the establishment features a terrace area where guests can sit and enjoy the view of the sea when the weather is nice.

Do guests have access to evening meals on-site?

13 January 2025

Yes, evening meals are available, offering a selection of local ales and a homely menu.

Are gift vouchers available for booking stays?

24 February 2025

Yes, gift vouchers can be issued for a specified amount, valid for booking within six months.

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