The Waterfront Inn, Norfolk House, 19 Esplanade, Isle Of Wight, Shanklin, PO37 6BN,
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Next to Shanklin Beach
Very good
7.9
8.3
/10
3.4
3.6
/5
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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3-star beachfront guesthouse in Shanklin with local dining
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
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
9 sq. feet
1 Double bed
Heating
Shower
room details
Standard Double Room
2 persons
10 sq. feet
1 Double bed
Bathtub
Heating
room details
Double Room
2 persons
13 sq. feet
1 Double bed
Heating
Shower
room details
Show all rooms
Price and Room Availability Calendar
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Check-in/ Check-out
Facilities
Waterfront Inn offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences
Facilities: Very good
7.7/10Review 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
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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, PO37 6BN,
Explore Shanklin
Explore Shanklin: Activities & Dining
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
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
Shanklin 5 min · 1400 ft
Airports
Southampton (SOU) 97 min · 40.0 mi
Bournemouth (BOH) 167 min · 69.0 mi
Train
Shanklin Train Station 10 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:
7
Reviews and Ratings
Feedback about Waterfront Inn from previous guests about their experience.
Review summary
Based on recent reviews
Powered by AI
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
Free WiFi
9.8/10
Location
9.4/10
Facilities
7.7/10
Comfort
7.8/10
Pros
Beachfront location
Comfy bed
Friendly staff
Good breakfast
Meal options
Cons
Small room
Tired decor
Guest reviews
based on 125 reviews
8.1/10
based on 220 reviews
7.9/10
Sid from Australia
Single
double room
3 nights in August 2025
|
Reviewed: November 13, 2025
7/10
a decent stay
great location friendly staff good breakfast small room tricky shower short bed
The location is really great. i woke up to the sound of the sea. It was very calming. the staff were friendly. breakfast was good too. I ate outside overlooking the beach.
The room was basic and quite small. finding the right temperature for the shower was tricky. It went from lukewarm to scolding quickly. the bed felt short too.
0 Helpful
Aiden from United Kingdom
Single
Double Room
3 nights in August 2025
|
Reviewed: November 10, 2025
9.0/10
Excellent Beachfront Stay
beach location nice breakfasts attentive staff
I liked that this place is in a great location right across from the beach. The breakfasts were very nice and fulfilled my needs. I also found the staff to be very attentive, they are there for you.
The room needed a complete update.
Dining
9/10
Morning breakfast was lovely, especially sitting out on the veranda. I liked overlooking the sea as I ate breakfast. The value was also very good.
Rooms
8/10
My room was basic, it met my needs. The beds were comfortable and clean. I found this aspect very good and had no issues or concerns at all.
Facilities
9/10
The hotel location offers lots of parking close by. I noticed the hotel appears relaxed, it is a laid back environment. I enjoyed my time and stay here.
Location
10/10
The hotel's location on the Esplanade is great. If you get a sea view room you can wake up to the sound of the sea. There is very little traffic at night because the road is a dead end.
0 Helpful
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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 view attentive staff esplanade 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 staff breakfast menu room security poor 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
dirty marks limited 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 seemed like mission impossible.
0 Helpful
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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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