The Clifton

The garden is beautiful, and the staff were thoughtful, courteous and provided outstanding service. We especially enjoyed the food, including the homemade scones and marmalade. From the hotel overlooking the water, it’s easy to walk along the esplanade or visit Shanklin Chine and Old Village. Excellent place, and we’d stay again and recommend it.

We loved the Premier room, with its sea-view balcony and separate lounge. It made for a perfect five-day break, just as I’d imagined. The breakfast was very good, and the staff were all friendly and helpful. I would have appreciated access to our room earlier than 3pm. I understand that may not be possible when the hotel is busy, but it was very quiet during our stay, 13/04/25 -18/04/25. We’ve stayed at lots of hotels and have always appreciated early access when it can be arranged. It felt like a firm rule here, though with some consideration it might have been possible. Being allowed in early when practical makes us feel the hotel is accommodating. Still, this is a great place to stay.

We loved our five nights at the Clifton hotel so much that we extended a stay we’d originally booked for three. The staff were kind and brilliant, and when we had to leave early before breakfast on our last morning, they packed drinks, crisps and fresh fruit for the road. The location made getting around easy: a few minutes to the beach, about ten minutes to the nearest bus stop, and close to High Street and Regent Street with their gift shops, charity shops and local businesses. The reliable public transport was useful for us as non-drivers. Both the outside and inside are lovely, with a pretty garden to sit in and cosy, homely decor. Our room was clean and tidy, with an ensuite bathroom, TV, hair dryer, several plug outlets and a ceiling fan that would help in summer. The only thing I’d change is the curtains. In summer the sun came up around 5am and woke us a couple of times, so blackout curtains might work better. There are classic board games to play, including Risk, Monopoly and Cluedo, plus about a dozen others, and lots of books to swap or borrow. I don’t usually eat breakfast, though I did try a waffle one morning and struggled to finish it. My partner ate breakfast each day and said it was really good. There was tea and coffee, fruit, yogurt, granola, cereals and cooked options made to order. I’d recommend the hotel to anyone visiting the Isle of Wight, and hope to return next summer!

We know the staff so well now that coming back feels like coming home. The breakfasts were delicious, with loads of choice as usual, and our room was spotless and comfortable. Those mattresses were amazing! Another wonderful stay at The Clifton. See you next year, we can’t imagine staying anywhere else on the island.