Luccombe Hall Hotel offers a wide selection of leisure facilities free to guests (Image: Luccombe Hall)
The clifftop location boasts panoramic views of the sea that stretch for miles
Highlights
- Close proximity to Ventnor and Shanklin Beach
- Expansive leisure facilities including hot tub, sauna, indoor and outdoor pool
- Panoramic views of the island’s south-east coast
- Ground floor garden rooms with private hot tubs
- Freshly cooked meals including afternoon tea available daily
- Free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel
Luccombe Hall Hotel Review
Luccombe Hall Hotel sits on a clifftop at the edge of the quaint Shanklin Old Village, on the Isle of Wight which was recently named as 2023’s “best” summer staycation hotspot for Britons by Tripadvisor.
Just a five-minute walk from the high street, while the entrance is accessible down a quiet residential street, the coastal views are instantly visible once you step through the door to reception.
Glass windows which stretch the width of the dining area show off impressive sea views and make for a calming atmosphere indoors. The entrance hall is quiet and charming and a warm welcome from the staff at reception ensures you know exactly what’s on offer during your stay.
Bishop’s Bar and the GrandView Restaurant come off the entrance hall, and the hotel even has a large games room tucked away on the right.
Owned by the family-run Garden Isle Group, Luccombe Hall is managed by the son and daughter of Ken Wells, the original owner. With a homely family feel, the hotel is equal parts traditional and modern, having just been refurbished in April 2018.
While the outside of the hotel may look unassuming, the homely setting doesn’t disappoint inside. The sleek yet inviting property has everything a guest could need for a comfortable stay, and it can’t be said enough how informative and friendly the staff are from the offset.
The rooms are decorated with a coastal palette (Image: Luccombe Hall Hotel)
The Rooms
Rating: 4/5
Luccombe Hall offers a range of rooms to suit the needs of each guest. These include executive suites, standard rooms, sea-facing balcony rooms, family rooms, and four exclusive superior garden rooms each with a private hot tub.
For guests hoping to get the best sea views, balcony suites at the back of the hotel are recommended. Meanwhile, families and those wanting more space are well-suited to the ground floor’s superior garden suites.
Each room is decked out with tasteful coastal decor in calming hues of grey, green, white and blue. The soothing colour scheme, paying homage to the surrounding sea views, is perfect for relaxing after a day exploring the Isle of Wight.
The rooms are complete with a stylish ensuite bathroom which contain a powerful shower and standard-sized bath.
With a homely family feel, the hotel is equal parts traditional and modern
Each one comes equipped with free Wi-Fi access, and a smart TV enabling access to Netflix and other streaming services. A hairdryer and complimentary toiletries are also offered, along with tea and coffee-making facilities which are replenished daily.
Daily housekeeping ensures the welcoming rooms are kept exceptionally clean, and white robes and slippers are replaced each day for hot tub users.
Guests staying in superior rooms with private hot tub access can use them until 10pm while relaxing in their quiet garden complete with decking and turf.
The hotel offers expansive leisure facilities and private gardens in some rooms (Image: Luccombe Hall)
Dining and Drinking
How does Luccombe Hall Hotel compare to other UK hotels?
Rating 4/5
The dining area has some of the hotel’s most breathtaking views of the coast, all of which can be soaked up in the conservatory-style balcony while feasting on a freshly cooked breakfast.
Changing natural light floods the room from dawn until dusk, though it should be noted that it can get very warm on a sunny morning.
Freshly prepared full English breakfast with continental options is served between 07.30am and 10am, after which guests can enjoy lunch and even afternoon tea before dinner service.
While the continental offerings of juice, cereal, toast, yoghurt, fruit, and pastries are self-service, the attentive staff take care of hot food, tea, and coffee orders.
The Grand VIew Restaurant boasts an impressive sea view visible from the moment you arrive inside (Image: Luccombe Hall)
The expansive menu includes eggs benedict and eggs royale as well as vegetarian or standard fry-ups. Following breakfast, the hotel offers afternoon and cream tea between 12:30pm and 4:30pm every day.
This can be booked 24-hours before dining via the hotel reception. Dinner at the hotel includes a three-course menu plus coffee, which is served between 6pm and 8:30pm. However, young guests can enjoy an early tea served between 5:30pm and 6pm with various options available on the menu.
Bishop’s bar and lounge remains open all-day serving favourite beverages and an extensive wine list. Bar snacks can also be purchased here by guests while enjoying a drink in the sophisticated lounge area just off of reception.
Amenities
- Tea / coffee-making facilitiesÂ
- Bathrobes, slippers and towels
- Soap, shampoo, and conditioner
- TV, telephone and free Wifi
- Hair dryer
- Private hot tub and garden
- Indoor pool
- Indoor hot tub
- Sauna
- Indoor games room
- Pool table, air hockey & table tennis
- Grand View Gardens/ sunbathing area
Location
Rating 5/5
Luccombe Hall Hotel is an ideal retreat for those looking to relax by the sea, and its proximity to nearby attractions is another standout feature. Just a 30-minute drive from the Red Funnel East Cowes ferry port, the quick route offers a whistle-stop tour of the island’s rolling green fields, winding lanes, and coastal scenery.
Shanklin’s quaint Old Town is a five-minute walk from the hotel with a range of traditional pubs, and independent restaurants to explore. The family-run Italian restaurant Pavarotti is particularly good for pizzas and there are a handful of independent pubs with cosy open fires, period architecture and welcoming owners.
Just 20 minutes from the hotel is Osborne House, a royal residence in East Cowes, close to the Ferry port. Cowes high street is worth a visit on the way back for a spot of lunch at the Harbour Kitchen.
For a more glamorous evening meal, guests should visit The Hambrough Restaurant in Ventnor – just 10 minutes by car from Luccombe Hall. Award-winning chef Matthew Tomkinson heads up a range of exquisite dishes using locally sourced produce which is not to be missed.
Panoramic views of the coast can be seen from almost every point in the hotel (Image: Luccombe Hall)
Value for Money
Rating: 3/5
Prices vary depending on the time of year and day of the week. Double or twin rooms start at £90 per night. Superior Garden Rooms with hot tub start at £210 per night. Breakfast for each guest is included in the price, in addition to a half-price deal on car ferry travel via Red Funnel.
Find rooms and book direct on the Luccombe Hall Hotel website. Or, compare deals and prices for a stay at Luccombe Hall with Booking.com or Hotels.com.
Final Verdict
Booking a stay at Luccombe Hall Hotel in Shanklin is definitely worth it this summer, whether it be to explore the area or simply enjoy the coastal views from a private hot tub.
The location is excellent for those looking to explore the nearby area on foot, though a car is essential if guests plan on visiting parts of the Isle of Wight further afield.
The attentive staff and accommodation make for a pleasant stay, and the nearby businesses – including restaurants and pubs, had equally as welcoming hosts.
Luccombe Hall may not be the most affordable destination for those on a tight budget, but it certainly offers a slice of luxury for a very reasonable price.
And with so many destinations on its doorstep – including Ventnor, Cowes high street, and Osborne House, it’s an ideal spot for beach lovers – whether they be family, solo travellers, couples, or a group of friends.
This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
