Victoria Lodge

Breakfast was amazing, with fresh fruit, pastries, cereal and cooked options. The full English was delicious, and there were homemade preserves for toast if you still had room. Our sea-view room was lovely, very clean and comfortable, with good Wi-Fi and ample private parking, which came in handy. Pez and Alysa couldn’t do enough for us, and nothing was too much trouble. Their motto is “arrive as strangers, leave as friends,” and that’s exactly how it felt. Highly recommend.

Breakfast was so good I could write a book about it. There were at least eight kinds of tea, regular and decaf instant coffee, a proper coffee machine, and chilled orange juice. Help yourself to as much as you like. There was fresh multigrain and white bread for toast, with Marmite, honey, homemade jams and lemon curd. One of the owners makes the jams and curd herself, and they were the best I’ve ever had. I’d come back just for those. She also makes homemade granola, which is very good and dangerously moreish. Hot breakfasts are made to order, with a full English, bacon or sausage sandwich, or scrambled or poached eggs on toast. My poached eggs were perfectly cooked. There was fresh fruit, plus lots of cereals and toppings, including dried prunes and chia seeds. If you need gluten-free food, there’s a separate station with its own cereal, bread and toaster to avoid cross contamination. All of this is included in the price, with a great view of Culver Down and the horizon while you eat. The view carries on through the lounge and breakfast area, across the sea, Culver Down and Shanklin. I could see the same scene from my bedroom window. There’s also a small garden with chairs and picnic tables, or you can relax in the homely lounge. The hotel is plastic free, with tea and coffee making facilities in the room. Downstairs, you can take fresh cold milk from the fridge in a ceramic jug, which is much nicer than mini UHT cartons and better for the environment. My room had a really comfy bed, a nice bathroom and a hot, powerful shower. There was a little desk, two bedside tables with lamps, plenty of USB ports, and a wardrobe. Everything I needed was there, and I liked the seaside colours, bedding and pictures. From arrival, the staff made me feel like an old friend. They couldn’t do more for me, and breakfast really was delicious. I wish I’d found Victoria Lodge Hotel sooner. Book directly for the best price. I’m sure you won’t regret choosing it for an Isle of Wight break. I can’t wait to go back!

We love staying here whenever we visit the Isle of Wight. It has such a friendly, homely feel. X

I had a lovely night here so I could go to the theatre along the road. The owner gave me a warm welcome and couldn’t do enough for me. My ground-floor room was very comfortable, and a very nice breakfast was included in the price. I’d stay again if I needed to be in Shanklin.