Waterfront Inn Shanklin Exterior photoWaterfront Inn Shanklin Exterior photoWaterfront Inn Shanklin Interior photo
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From85US$ /night
Check-in
05May2026Select date
Check-out
06May2026Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

The Waterfront Inn, Norfolk House, 19 Esplanade, Isle Of Wight, Shanklin, United Kingdom, PO37 6BN
-
Close to the seafront
Great
8.1
8.3
/10
3.4
3.6
/5

Waterfront Inn - A seafront guesthouse with panoramic views, award-winning beach proximity, and locally sourced dining

Situated on Shanklin's Esplanade, Waterfront Inn is a family-run guesthouse offering seven en-suite rooms, four with sea views. Rooms feature flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee facilities, and private bathrooms with showers or baths. The property includes a restaurant serving Full English breakfast, local steaks, seafood, and vegan options, alongside a bar with Isle of Wight ales and craft beers. Guests can access an outdoor seating area with sea views and live music events. The inn is meters from an award-winning beach and a 15-minute walk from Shanklin town. Parking is available nearby, and pets are welcome for an additional fee.

Pros

Panoramic sea views from select rooms and the outdoor seating area.

Proximity to an award-winning beach and Shanklin Chine (0.5 km).

Full English breakfast included, with vegan and gluten-free options.

Dog-friendly accommodations for an additional £10 per stay.

Cons

Limited parking availability, relying on street parking or nearby car parks.

Breakfast service ends at 11:30 AM.

Must-do experiences

  • Stroll through Shanklin Chine for breathtaking views and wildlife.
  • Savor local crab cakes at The Crab and Lobster Inn for fresh flavors.
  • Visit the Old Village for charming thatched cottages and shops.
  • Explore the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary for a heartwarming experience.
  • Take a coastal walk to Ventnor for stunning scenery and local cafés.
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Select your room type

Find detailed information on rooms, amenities, and exclusive deals for your ideal beach holiday
Budget Double Room
2 persons
100 sq. feet 
1 Double bed
Shower
Heating
Standard Double Room
2 persons
110 sq. feet 
1 Double bed
Shower
Heating
Double Room
2 persons
140 sq. feet 
1 Double bed
Shower
Heating
Budget Twin Room
2 persons
130 sq. feet 
2 Single beds
Shower
Heating
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Prices and availability

View real-time room availability and secure the best rate for your travel dates

Facilities

Enjoy modern comforts, from ocean-view suites to family-friendly options with breakfast included
Facilities: Very good
7.8/10Review score

General

  • Non-smoking rooms
  • Free Wi-Fi in public areas
  • VIP check-in/ -out
  • Pets allowed
  • Security
  • Luggage storage
  • Coffee shop
  • Smoke detectors
  • Fire extinguishers

Guest Parking

  • Electric kettle

Services

  • Pet amenities available
  • Welcome drink
  • Happy hour

Dining

  • Restaurant
  • Snack bar
  • Bar/ Lounge area
  • Special diet menus

Business

  • Meeting/ Banquet facilities

Children

  • Children's menu

Spa & Leisure

  • Beach access
  • Sun terrace
  • Leisure/ TV room

Room features

  • Heating
  • Sitting area
  • Terrace
  • Garden furniture
  • Tea and coffee facilities
  • Ironing facilities

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries

Self-catering

  • Electric kettle

Media

  • Flat-screen TV

Room decor

  • Carpeted floor
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Dining Onsite

Nestled right on the seafront, Waterfront Inn presents a delightful dining experience with panoramic sea views. Savory British cuisine melds with family-friendly and romantic settings, catering to a variety of dietary preferences and mealtimes.
Waterfront Inn Shanklin Restaurant photo
Waterfront Inn Shanklin Restaurant photo

Waterfront Inn

British comfort food
Ambiance
Contemporary bistro with stunning sea views
Key Offerings
Indulge in a hearty Full English or Irish breakfast, along with vegan and gluten-free options for brunch and dinner. The restaurant features a cozy atmosphere on the terrace for evening cocktails.
Reservation
Reservations recommended for larger parties.
Open daily from 09:00 to 20:00 for breakfast, brunch, and dinner; cocktail hour included.

Waterfront Inn Location

The Waterfront Inn, Norfolk House, 19 Esplanade, Isle Of Wight, Shanklin, United Kingdom, PO37 6BN
Map view
The Waterfront Inn, Norfolk House, 19 Esplanade, Isle Of Wight, Shanklin, United Kingdom, PO37 6BN
Nearby
Nature reserve
Shanklin Chine
1000 ft
Beach
Shanklin Beach
500 ft
Esplanade
Shanklin seafront
900 ft
Restaurants
The Lookout Cafe and Takeaway
400 ft
12A Esplanade
Sail 'n' Surf Cafe
900 ft
28 Esplanade
Chubby's
2000 ft
1 Regent Street
Domino's Pizza
2100 ft
5 Regent Street
Poppins
2100 ft
16A Regent Street
Graces Bakery
2200 ft
20A Regent Street
Cinderellas Tea Room and Dress Shop
2200 ft
7 High Street
Grub Plus Restaurant
2400 ft
17 Regent Street Shanklin
The Copper Kettle
2500 ft
29 High Street
Explore Shanklin
Explore Shanklin
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Shanklin Chine
4 minutes walking
A picturesque gorge featuring waterfalls and lush vegetation, perfect for photography and short walks.
Small Hope Beach
9 minutes walking
A tranquil sandy beach ideal for sunbathing and beachcombing, with beautiful views across the sea.
St Blasius Old Parish Church
15 minutes walking
An historic church with stunning architecture and peaceful surroundings, a great spot for a quiet visit.
Shanklin to Ventnor Coastal Walk
25 minutes walking
A scenic coastal route offering breathtaking views, ideal for both hiking and wildlife spotting.
Beach Fun at Shanklin Beach
2 minutes walking
Enjoy swimming, sunbathing, or beach games. Facilities include cafes and rental options for beach equipment.
Shanklin to Ventnor Coastal Walk
25 minutes walking
This scenic walk offers great views and is perfect for the adventurous. The trail is well-marked and accessible.
Yoga by the Beach
5 minutes walking
Relaxing outdoor yoga sessions are available near the beach. Check local listings for schedules.
The Lookout Cafe and Takeaway
2 minutes walking
Casual dining with sea views, offering fresh seafood and homemade cakes. A favorite for lunch and snacks.
Chubby's
8 minutes walking
A family-friendly eatery known for its classic fish 'n' chips and vegan options. Reservations recommended.
Poppins
8 minutes walking
A delightful café featuring all-day breakfast and local treats. Known for its cozy vibe and friendly service.
Shanklin Theatre
10 minutes walking
Enjoy a variety of live performances, from drama to comedy, in a charming, traditional theater setting.
Local Jazz Bar
15 minutes walking
A vibrant venue featuring live jazz music several nights a week. Ideal for music lovers of all ages.
How to get around?
City Centre
Shanklin5 min  ·  1400 ft
Airports
Southampton (SOU)97 min  ·  40.0 mi
Bournemouth (BOH)167 min  ·  69.0 mi
Train
Shanklin Train Station10 min  ·  2700 ft
Want to get the best booking rate?
Access special rates for early reservations and start planning your dream beach holiday
Check Rates
Property information and rules
Check-in
from 14:30-21:30
Check-out
from 08:00-10:00
Guest Parking
No parking available.
Internet
Wireless internet is available in public areas for free.
Breakfast
The hotel Waterfront Inn serves a full breakfast for free. 
Children & extra beds
There are no cots provided in a room. 
Pets
Pets are allowed on request.
Languages
English, Portuguese, Chinese
Number of rooms:
7

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback about Waterfront Inn from previous guests about their experience.
Review summary
Based on recent reviews
Powered by AI
The Waterfront Inn enjoys a fantastic location right on the Esplanade, with many guests appreciating the sea view rooms where they can wake up to the sound of the sea. The food receives consistent praise, especially the pasta dishes, with the varied menu also offering plenty of veggie options, and some recommend trying the Darwin Room or the outside terrace for dining. While breakfast is generally well-received, a few guests have mentioned that the cooked breakfast wasn't to their particular liking. The fast and reliable WiFi also adds to the appeal.
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Review score
Based on 125 verified reviews
8.1/10
Great
82%
Recommend
Location
9.4/10
Staff
9.3/10
Comfort
7.8/10
Facilities
7.8/10
Pros
Beach location
Friendly staff
Wonderful breakfast
Comfortable beds
Cons
Noisy pub
Tiny shower
Scruffy decor
Poor cleaning
Guest reviews
based on 125 reviews
8.1/10
based on 240 reviews
8.1/10
Oscar from Spain
Couple
Classic Double Room Sea View
3 nights in August 2025
|
Reviewed:October 03, 2025
9.0/10

Really good Stay by the Sea

friendly staffdelicious paellasuperb locationextended happy hour
I found the staff friendly and helpful. The food was delicious. I particularly enjoyed the paella. The location is superb, with easy access to the beach. The cocktails were great, especially during the extended happy hour (it lasted two hours!).
The shower temperature was tricky to adjust.
Location
10/10
This hotel enjoys a fantastic location right on the Esplanade. With the sea view room, I woke up to the calming sound of the sea. The limited traffic at night made for a restful place.
Dining
9/10
Breakfast offers a good choice, and the option to eat outside overlooking the beach is a real treat (a must-do). The dinner menu provides various options, satisfying diverse palates. Locally brewed beers and a good selection of spirits at the bar were nice.
Rooms
8/10
My room was a good size and clean, with a comfortable bed ensuring a restful night. I noticed the room included fresh towels daily and had convenient bedside lamps. A small window offered some light and ventilation.
Facilities
9/10
The hotel provides reliable, consistent, and fast Wi-Fi, useful . The bar area is well-stocked with a variety of drinks. I found the hotel has an easy access to the beach.
0 Helpful
|
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Nick from United Kingdom
Single
Double Room
3 nights in August 2025
|
Reviewed:October 01, 2025
8.8/10

Beachfront Bliss

beachfront locationbreakfast varietyfriendly staffdirty mark
The hotel had an amazing location right on the beachfront, a real advantage. The breakfast menu had a good variety, really appreciated. Staff members were friendly and helpful .
I found the room needed a complete update. There were dirty marks on the walls, doors, and in the shower, indicating a need for better maintenance.
Service
9/10
Staff was helpful with directions and quickly responded to my requests. The reception desk offered assistance with luggage storage both before check-in and after check-out. I felt well taken care of .
Location
10/10
The hotel is directly on the beachfront, easily accessible to many restaurants. I could hear the waves from my room, a very calming experience. The beach is just steps away from the hotel entrance.
Facilities
8/10
Breakfast had a variety of options, including both hot and cold selections. The restaurant offered indoor and outdoor seating with sea views. The hotel provided complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the premises.
Rooms
8/10
The room included a television and tea and coffee making facilities. I had a comfortable bed with plenty of pillows, convenient. The bathroom had essential toiletries.
0 Helpful
|
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Questions of the users
About Waterfront Inn
What time can guests enjoy breakfast at the inn?
12 January 2024
Breakfast is served between 8:30 AM and 10:00 AM.
Is there free Wi-Fi available throughout the hotel, including the guest rooms?
20 February 2024
Complimentary Wi-Fi is accessible throughout the premises, including all guest rooms.
Are discounted ferry tickets available for guests?
15 March 2024
Discounted ferry tickets can be purchased for guests who book directly.
Can you provide parking options near the inn?
23 April 2024
There are ample street parking spaces directly opposite the inn and two large car parks nearby, making it convenient for guests.
What options are available for guests with dietary restrictions at breakfast?
10 May 2024
The breakfast menu includes a variety of options catering to dietary needs such as vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free choices.
Is it possible to bring a travel cot for a baby, or does the inn provide one?
30 June 2024
The inn offers one Mothercare travel cot free of charge for guests traveling with a baby.
Is there evening dining available for guests?
15 July 2024
Evening meals are offered, featuring a homely menu with local steaks and seafood, along with a selection of craft beers and wines.
Can guests bring their dogs during their stay, and is there an additional fee?
22 August 2024
Dogs are welcome at the inn, with an additional charge of £10 per dog for extra cleaning.
Are there any facilities for relaxing outdoors at the inn?
14 September 2024
Guests can enjoy seating on the terrace with sea views, perfect for taking in the sun and sea breeze.
Are gift vouchers for stays available, and how do they work?
28 October 2024
Yes, gift vouchers can be purchased for stays, allowing recipients to select from available dates within six months.

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