It had started feeling like our last holiday was a long time ago, and my stress levels determined a break was necessary. Time and money were not on our side though, so I started looking for a one-night stay somewhere within striking distance of the Isle of Wight. I was looking for a cheap room in a hotel with a jacuzzi, pool, or ideally both. My searches centred around Portsmouth and Southampton, but then in one of them up popped a hotel in Sandown. Now, even if I didn’t live on the Isle of Wight, Sandown wouldn’t be top of my places to visit in December, and as it is only a 25 min drive from home it appears an even more bizarre choice. The fact is, 2 hours on a ferry costing £40+ could instead have been spent in one of the Island’s fabulous eateries spending rather less and having much more fun. So, I booked quick before I changed my mind.
We had booked ourselves a room in the Melville Hall Hotel. We spent a pleasant day pottering around the south of the Island, eating at Chale Green Stores, wandering round the beautiful botanic gardens at Ventnor and browsing round a knitting shop. Ok, I admit, I skipped that part and watched some loony surfers bobbing around off Ventnor beach while Mrs G browsed for knitting excitement. After all that we wondered if we shouldn’t have bothered booking the hotel, which could yet turn into a massive let down, but we had, and having paid for it, we were going!
I have to say we were pleasantly surprised. We ended up in a room with a four poster bed (a nice, if ultimately rather pointless, touch) which was clean and attractive (the room, though the bed was too). When we discovered the room was equipped with wine glasses and a tea pot we were simply delighted. As cheapskates we are often found drinking supermarket plonk in our room. Usually this involves using teacups ordisposable plastic beakers from the bathroom. And we are both converts to the way of the teapot, so being able to make an (almost) proper brew (no loose tea) was great.
We had no time for tea or wine at this point though, as we had discovered an extra feature when we checked in. The friendly chap at reception had told us they had not only the jacuzzi and plunge pool, but an outdoor jacuzzi, which was open until 6pm. This we had to sample, and so we stepped out through the bar into the November air, and quickly dunked ourselves into the warm, bubbling water. The jacuzzi was huge, sat next to the outdoor pool which was closed for the winter, and we spent a lovely 45 minutes watching the final light of the day fade away and the stars come out. Getting out wasn’t quite so pleasant as getting in, but we quickly warmed up again in the plunge pool inside, though the small indoor jacuzzi was too small for another round of bubbling. Instead we found our next batch of bubbles in a glass in the comfortable bar.
The bed was comfortable, though as this is an older hotel noise transmission from the rooms either side and above did intrude a little into an otherwise peaceful night (we had an Olympic snorer next door). Breakfast the next morning was perfectly adequate, though nothing stunning.
Service throughout was good and always friendly. At this time of year the hotel was fairly quite but there were still sufficient staff around.
All in all this provided a great value for money mini-break, and was great for a quick recharge of the batteries.
Our night cost £59 for a double room, including breakfast and use of the spa facilities, booked through Laterooms. The Hotel also offers ferry inclusive breaks from those arriving from the neighbouring Island, but do check if it is cheaper to book your ferry and accommodation separately - with Laterooms prices you might find it sometimes is.
P.S. If you’re interested in Chale Green Stores, we’d suggest you read Matt and Cat’s review. We just can’t compete on food reviews so aren’t going to try, though you can read my comment on the review based on one of our previous visits.