The Clifton

cool, but the room is a little bit small

We returned after 10 years to an updated and still very beautiful Clifton Hotel. The original and welcoming owners, Carys and David were still there with a small but experienced team of helpful staff. The rooms are tastefully decorated and equipped with everything you need, plenty of hot drink choices and a mini bar. We stayed in the balcony bay view room overlooking the beautiful landscaped garden with spectacular views out to sea. The hotel was clean and well maintained and nothing was too much trouble for the friendly and accommodating staff. The house keeping staff kept our room well stocked with tea, coffee, biscuits and fresh towels (thank you Becky and Josh). We felt very looked after, breakfast was fabulous every day, lots of choice (the home made marmalade is particularly yummy, thanks Cary’s Mum) and you can order cakes, coffee and hot food throughout the day if you don’t want to go too far. The hotel was as wonderful as we remembered and we are really glad we went back. Thank you for a lovely stay.

The Clifton Hotel is very much a relaxing home from home. The building and pretty garden have an uninterrupted view of the sea and, if you get one of the comfortable rooms with a sea view, you can sit and watch the passing ships using the binoculars provided. Even better, get one with a balcony and you will be tempted to laze around for much of the day. There are plenty of books available around the hotel if you have forgotten to bring your own. The hotel lounge is a great place to while away the time too: once again you have a view of the sea and there are comfortable chairs to rest in and drink tea or coffee and eat one of the hotel’s delicious cakes. There is a small bar area and dining tables. The menu available includes what I call ‘simple food, done well.’ Breakfast is very good (be sure to try the freshly squeezed orange juice or homemade marmalade). There are lovely walks available from the Clifton, indeed, the clifftop walk passes right by the front of the hotel. Shanklin Chine is a few minutes’ away and the town is an easy walk. The relaxed atmosphere is helped by the friendly and attentive staff. Zoe and Dennis are keen to ensure guests enjoy their stay and are happy to tell you more about Shanklin and the Isle of Wight. We have already booked our next stay!

We stayed for 5 nights in a bay view room with outstanding views of the hotel garden and the sea beyond. We made use of the binoculars provided to watch the ships go by. We slept very well and enjoyed a generous breakfast each morning with the hot dishes freshly cooked to order. All the staff were friendly and helpful and had excellent tips for days out. The hotel is about a 5 minute walk from Shanklin Village where you can eat in the evening; we particularly liked The Crab for its menu and friendly staff. We would stay here again next time we visit the island.

The Clifton is one of the best hotels I have ever stayed in. It has a true 'home from home' feeling, beautifully furnished in a very comfortable way. Everything has been thought about, down to a hot water bottle in the bedroom (the central heating did work). Spotlessly clean, with an excellent breakfast with a huge choice including the owner's special, which is delicious. Very friendly staff. Lovely sea views. I can't praise the Clifton enough.

A beautifully set hotel, quiet and in full view of the sea lanes. Close to Shanklin Chine and the Esplanade. We enjoyed it very much. The staff were helpful and the breakfasts were out of this world. We also surprised our host with a last minute request for an evening snack. He was very pleased to oblige and we were served a very tasty meal. It was sad to depart.......