Premier Inn Isle Of Wight Sandown

The hotel is widely celebrated for its exceptional staff, who consistently go above and beyond to ensure a pleasant stay, making it a memorable experience for many guests. This dedication to service is a signature feature that sets the hotel apart. Guests frequently highlight the comfortable beds and the overall cleanliness of the accommodations, contributing to a restful night's sleep. Its location serves as an excellent base for exploring the surrounding area, particularly for those with a car, and the breakfast consistently receives high praise for its quality and variety. The hotel is an ideal fit for families seeking a convenient and welcoming base, business travelers looking for a reliable and quiet stay, and couples desiring a comfortable retreat after a day of sightseeing. To enhance your visit, be aware that while parking has historically been free, new charges may apply, so it is advisable to confirm this upon arrival. Additionally, guests should note that room windows are fixed, relying on air conditioning for ventilation.

Facilities & Amenities
Guests frequently discuss the hotel's Wi-Fi connectivity, noting that the free Wi-Fi is often unreliable and slow, prompting many to opt for the premium Wi-Fi at an additional cost, which generally offers better, though not always perfect, speeds. A significant recurring point of feedback is the inability to open windows in the rooms, meaning ventilation relies solely on the air conditioning system, which some found insufficient, leading to stuffy conditions. Rooms are equipped with a kettle, mugs, and complimentary tea and coffee supplies, with additional provisions available at reception. Some guests in Premier Plus rooms appreciated the inclusion of a fridge, though some reported it was not cooling effectively. A minor but frequent inconvenience mentioned by guests is the tendency for key cards to deactivate, requiring multiple trips to reception for reactivation.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
The cleanliness of the rooms is generally well-regarded, with many guests describing them as spotless and well-maintained. However, a few isolated reports mentioned initial cleanliness issues, such as dirty remotes or stains, which were promptly addressed by guests themselves or staff. The beds are consistently praised for being exceptionally comfortable, ensuring a good night's sleep for most, though some found the pillows or mattresses to be too soft. Family rooms are noted to be on the smaller side, feeling a bit cramped when extra beds are added. Noise levels are typically low, contributing to a quiet environment, though some guests experienced disturbances from external sources like nearby fast-food establishments or internal noise from other guests. The lack of opening windows is a significant concern for many, impacting ventilation and leading to stuffy rooms, despite the presence of air conditioning.

Dining & Food Quality
The breakfast experience at the hotel receives overwhelmingly positive feedback, often described as excellent with a wide array of hot options including cooked items, and a comprehensive continental breakfast selection featuring cereals, yogurts, fresh fruit, and pastries. Guests particularly commend the chef and staff for their attentiveness, ensuring food is constantly replenished even during busy periods, and accommodating specific requests. The dinner menu, however, is frequently noted as being quite limited in choice, with some guests finding the food to be basic or microwaved, while others found it satisfactory. The restaurant atmosphere is generally pleasant, though some found it dim or quiet. Despite the mixed feedback on dinner, the quality and variety of the breakfast are a consistent highlight for many visitors.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's location is considered very convenient, serving as an excellent base for exploring the island, especially for those traveling by car. Guests appreciate the immediate proximity to essential amenities, including supermarkets like Aldi and Morrisons, a local pub, and a fast-food restaurant. While the hotel is situated between popular coastal towns, the walk to the beach or esplanade can be quite long and hilly, which might be challenging for some. A significant point of discussion is the parking situation; while ample spaces are available, a new parking charge has been introduced, which was previously free. Guests are required to register their car at reception, and some expressed frustration over this unexpected cost and the lack of clear communication about it prior to arrival.

Staff & Service
The staff at this hotel consistently receive the highest praise, with guests describing them as exceptionally friendly, helpful, and attentive. Many reviewers highlight their willingness to go above and beyond, providing sympathetic assistance during difficult times and remembering guest preferences. The check-in process is generally reported as quick and efficient, contributing to a smooth arrival experience. While daily housekeeping is not standard, guests can request room cleaning and fresh towels from reception. Staff are also commended for their proactive customer service, often checking in with guests to ensure their needs are met and providing useful local information. Overall, the dedication and professionalism of the team are a standout feature, significantly enhancing the guest experience.

Additional Information
A notable change that has caused considerable discussion among guests is the introduction of parking charges, which were previously free. This new fee, often around seven pounds per night, has been a source of frustration for many, especially as it was not always clearly communicated during booking. Some guests reported issues with the hotel's "Good Night Guarantee" not being honored, particularly concerning noise disturbances that could not be immediately resolved. For those booking Premier Plus rooms, some expected amenities like chocolates or bottled water were occasionally missing, and the bath height in some rooms was noted as being unusually high, posing a challenge for entry and exit. Furthermore, guests frequently reported a complete lack of mobile signal within the hotel building, making communication difficult without relying on the hotel's Wi-Fi. The key card system also appears to require investment, as cards frequently fail.