Waterfront Inn Shanklin Exterior photoWaterfront Inn Shanklin Exterior photoWaterfront Inn Shanklin Interior photo
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From85US$ /night
Check-in
03Jun2026Select date
Check-out
04Jun2026Select 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
-
Steps from Shanklin Beach
Great
8.1
8.3
/10
3.4
3.6
/5

Accommodation and Comfort

Waterfront Inn offers 7 en-suite rooms, four of which provide sea views. Each room includes flat-screen TVs and tea-making facilities to enhance guest convenience. With airiness and traditional furnishings, the rooms facilitate a comfortable stay.

Dining Options

The Bistro & Bar serves a homely menu featuring local steaks and seafood. Guests can enjoy local ales, craft beers, and a selection of wines at the exclusive bar. The establishment offers breakfast options, including a full English breakfast and special dietary choices.

Prime Location

Situated meters from one of the Isle of Wight's award-winning beaches, Waterfront Inn provides direct beach access. Guests can enjoy long stretches of golden sand and a gently sloping shore, perfect for relaxation. The hotel is historical, being established in the 1800s, enhancing the staying experience.

Entertainment and Events

Live music events and themed nights create engaging entertainment for families and visitors. Guests are invited to reserve private functions with tailored menus and specialty cocktails. Such experiences foster a sense of community at the hotel.

Pet-Friendly Environment

Waterfront Inn welcomes guests traveling with pets, allowing dogs throughout the hotel. A nominal fee is charged for additional cleaning services. This pet-friendly approach ensures all family members can enjoy the stay.

Highlights

Location: meters from an award-winning beach

Accommodation: 7 en-suite rooms, 4 with sea views

Dining: Bistro & Bar with local menu

Entertainment: Live music and themed nights

Pet Policy: dog-friendly with a small cleaning fee

Must-do experiences

  • Stroll along Shanklin Esplanade for stunning sea views at sunset.
  • Visit the Shanklin Chine to explore its lush pathways and waterfalls.
  • Try the famous crab sandwiches at The Old Village Inn for lunch.
  • Discover local art at the Shanklin Gallery on High Street.
  • Enjoy a traditional cream tea at the historic Chine Hotel.
View all

Select your room type

Waterfront Inn offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals
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
Click button to see more rooms
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Price and Room Availability Calendar

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Facilities

Waterfront Inn offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences
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

At Waterfront Inn, indulge in a delightful range of British cuisine while soaking in panoramic sea views from the cozy seafront bistro. Whether seeking a family-friendly atmosphere or a romantic dinner, guests will find a welcoming dining experience that celebrates both tradition and modern flavors.
Waterfront Inn Shanklin Restaurant photo
Waterfront Inn Shanklin Restaurant photo

Waterfront Inn

British
Ambiance
Modern and family-friendly with a stunning terrace overlooking the sea.
Key Offerings
Start the day with a hearty Full English or Irish breakfast, or opt for a vegetarian twist. In the evening, unwind during cocktail hour with a selection of beverages that perfectly complement the spectacular sunset.
Reservation
Not needed
Open daily from 09:00 - 20:00 for breakfast, brunch, and dinner.

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
Local Highlights Near The Waterfront Inn
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Shanklin Chine
Shanklin Chine
4 minutes walking
A beautiful gorge with lush vegetation and a waterfall, perfect for a scenic stroll.
Small Hope Beach
Small Hope Beach
9 minutes walking
A charming beach offering calm waters, ideal for swimming and sunbathing, with family-friendly amenities.
Rylstone Gardens
Rylstone Gardens
9 minutes walking
A picturesque park featuring a floral display, playgrounds, and stunning views, appealing to all ages.
St Blasius Old Parish Church
St Blasius Old Parish Church
15 minutes walking
An ancient church known for its stunning architecture and historic significance, offering peaceful surroundings.
Shanklin to Ventnor Coastal Walk
Shanklin to Ventnor Coastal Walk
25 minutes walking
A scenic coastal walk featuring stunning sea views. A great choice for both casual walkers and fitness enthusiasts.
Sailing and Water Sports
3 minutes walking
Thrilling options available at nearby beaches, including paddleboarding and kayaking. Rentals are easily accessible.
Wellness Retreat at The Holistic Emporium
35 minutes walking
Relaxation through yoga classes and treatments, perfect for those seeking rejuvenation while enjoying nature.
The Lookout Cafe and Takeaway
The Lookout Cafe and Takeaway
2 minutes walking
A casual cafe serving delicious local dishes, with stunning sea views. Great for a quick bite or takeaway.
Sail 'n' Surf Cafe
Sail 'n' Surf Cafe
3 minutes walking
A beachside cafe offering fresh seafood and light bites in a relaxed atmosphere, ideal for families.
Chubby's
Chubby's
8 minutes walking
A family-friendly diner offering classic British fare, with a warm atmosphere and friendly service.
Shanklin Theatre
10 minutes walking
Local theater featuring a variety of performances, including comedy and live music, suitable for all ages.
The Waterfront Inn Bar
walking 2 minutes
An inviting pub with lively events such as quiz nights and live music, perfect for an entertaining evening.
Getting 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
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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 score
Based on 214 verified reviews
7.9/10
Very good
77%
Recommend
Cleanliness
7.9/10
Comfort
7.8/10
Facilities
7.8/10
Free Wi-Fi
8.4/10
Location
9.4/10
Staff
9.3/10
Value for money
8.2/10
Guest reviews
based on 214 reviews
7.9/10
based on 236 reviews
8.1/10
Sylvia from United Kingdom
Single
double room
3 nights in October 2025
|
Reviewed: December 01, 2025
9.5/10

lovely seafront stay

friendly staffcomfortable bedsexcellent location
the staff showed great friendliness. the room offered comfortable beds and cleanliness. the breakfast menu had lovely options and good food. the location provided immediate access to the waterfront.
my room had some limited view of the sea.
Facilities
9/10
the room was compact and made the most of available space. furnishings seemed nice with clean, comfortable beds. the bathroom provided plenty of hot water to use the bath.
Location
10/10
the hotel features a great location on the sea front. it offers easy access with convenient parking. the terrace provides a smashing view to enjoy.
Dining
9/10
breakfast seemed excellent offering plenty to eat to start the day. guests order from the main menu. the restaurant provides great service with lovely surroundings.
Service
10/10
the staff are very friendly and helpful at all times. their service enhances the overall dining experience. they ensure every guest feels welcomed and accommodated.
0 Helpful
|
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christian from germany
Couple
double room
3 nights in August 2025
|
Reviewed: September 27, 2025
8.8/10

pleasant seaside stay

attentive staffconvenient parkingnice breakfast
I found the staff attentive, especially with drinks orders. Morgan was great. they accommodated our table changes so we could sit in the sun. breakfasts were nice. there was also lots of parking nearby.
Facilities
9/10
parking is available near the hotel. the hotel also offers outdoor seating on a terrace, letting guests enjoy the sea view. i saw people enjoying drinks and meals outside. it was quite lively.
Rooms
8/10
the double room provided basic, comfortable accommodation to meet my needs. i did not find extra amenities. however the bed was comfortable. overall, the rooms were clean.
Service
9/10
staff members were very helpful. they seemed to anticipate needs. the staff also handled changes to seating quickly. they were friendly and polite.
Location
10/10
the location is right across from the beach. it provided easy access to the seafront. the hotel's position also allowed a manageable walk into town. i enjoyed this convenience.
Dining
8/10
breakfast was lovely. i was able to sit out on the veranda to enjoy the sea view during my meal. the portions were generous and the food tasted good. i thought this was nice, we loved the food.
0 Helpful
|
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jonathan from united kingdom
Single
classic double room sea view
3 nights in August 2025
|
Reviewed: August 25, 2025
9.0/10

pleasant stay with excellent service

breakfast varietyhelpful staffaccessible locationinclusive breakfast
the breakfast had good variety. i found the staff helpful and cute throughout my stay. the hotel has an accessible location near the seafront. i liked that my room rate included breakfast from the main menu (a nice surprise!).
the room decor seemed a bit dated.
Dining
9/10
breakfast offered lovely sea views from the veranda. the waterfront offered good value evening meals with huge portions of delicious food. there were many options available for those with allergies.
Location
10/10
the hotel's location is superb, near the seafront. the hotel is accessible for walks along the coast. the views are fabulous (especially from the rooms facing the sea).
Facilities
8/10
the hotel has a darwin room, (a little chilly, but appealing). the room i booked had a sea view. the bed was comfortable and met my needs for a short stay.
Service
9/10
the staff were very cute. the staff were helpful in taking food orders promptly. they were quick to deliver drinks on a busy saturday evening.
0 Helpful
|
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Barbara from Germany
Single
Double Room
3 nights in June 2025
|
Reviewed: August 17, 2025
8.5/10

seaside delight

lovely breakfastbeachfront locationattentive staffconvenient parking
the breakfast included many options, and the food tasted lovely. the location was fantastic, right across from the beach, so i could easily walk to the sea. staff members were attentive . parking was available nearby, very convenient since i drove to the coast.
The shower temperature was difficult to adjust. The water turned from lukewarm to very hot easily.
Service
9/10
staff members were lovely and helpful. they quickly addressed my questions and provided assistance with directions in the area.
Rooms
8/10
the room had comfortable beds. it was nicely furnished and clean. there was plenty of hot water in the bathroom, made bathing convenient after a day at the beach!
0 Helpful
|
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Jordan from United Kingdom
Single
Double Room
3 nights in June 2025
|
Reviewed: July 29, 2025
9/10
friendly staffmain menu
the location is great right on the esplanade staff members were friendly and helpful it was nice to have meals available at the hotel. breakfast was excellent with plenty of options to start the day
finding the correct temperature for the shower was difficult
0 Helpful
FAQs
About Waterfront Inn
What is the check-in and check-out policy at Waterfront Inn?
Check-in is available from 14:30 and check-out is by 10:00.
How far is Waterfront Inn from Shanklin Beach?
Waterfront Inn is located just a few steps from Shanklin Beach.
What are the dining options at Waterfront Inn?
The hotel features an on-site restaurant and a bar/lounge area serving local ales, craft beers, and meals.
What amenities are available in the rooms at Waterfront Inn?
Rooms include free Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV, coffee/tea making facilities, and private bathrooms.
What are the nearby attractions to Waterfront Inn?
Nearby attractions include Shanklin Beach, Blackgang Chine amusement park (17 km), and Osborne House (20 km).
Is there a beach access from Waterfront Inn?
The hotel has direct access to the beach, making it convenient for guests.
How far is Waterfront Inn from Southampton Airport?
Waterfront Inn is located 63 km from Southampton Airport.
What breakfast options are available at Waterfront Inn?
Guests can enjoy a Full English, Irish, or vegetarian breakfast.
What additional services does Waterfront Inn offer?
The hotel provides luggage storage, a shared lounge, and a terrace for guests.
What family-friendly amenities does Waterfront Inn provide?
The hotel offers a children's menu and a welcoming atmosphere suitable for families.
What type of views can guests expect from Waterfront Inn?
Some units at the hotel feature sea views.

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