Caprera

It’s clean, comfortable and well maintained, with a no-frills setup and prices significantly lower than nearby places. The guest house is close to central Sandown, a short walk from the rail station, and on bus route 8, with stops a minute away. Ignore those dated negative reviews.

The guest house itself was lovely, but the booking service was appalling. We arrived at 7:50 pm, within the stated 8 pm check-in time, only to be told they weren’t expecting us and that our family room, booked well in advance, wasn’t available. They gave us two double rooms instead, which were conveniently available. I’d recommend checking in two hours earlier than the stated deadline.

I haven’t stayed yet, I’m due there this weekend, and I’ll update this after the stay. So far I’m really unhappy with how I was treated and the information I was given. When I booked, I was told no payment was needed beforehand and that I’d pay at the hotel. Then someone from the hotel called to have a go at me for not paying yet. I explained what I’d been told, but the man kept arguing and was very rude.

I booked about seven months ahead. They charged my credit card in March 2016, then cancelled the booking in early May without any explanation. My money still hasn’t been refunded, and I can’t get hold of them because the answering machine is always on. BEWARE.