Freshwater Bay Restaurant

This is a 3 star hotel which should be 4 star. Extremely clean throughout with friendly and helpful staff. Our double room was spacious and had a balcony overlooking Freshwater Bay. It had a large and very comfortable bed, new and attractive carpeting and had been decorated recently. The bathroom was spotless, fully tiled with plenty of hot water, a bath and a separate shower cubicle. The food was good with plenty of choice, reasonably priced, generous portions, healthy and locally sourced with friendly waiting staff. The Restaurant is well-appointed with sea views and a table is allocated throughout your stay. The only fault was being asked to pay up front for drinks each evening just as we had begun eating our starters, and having the bottle plonked down on the table with a cork screw. It is quite demeaning having everyone hearing not only what you have chosen but how much it cost, and grappling with cutlery, wallets and card machines when you've already paid in advance for all accommodation and the meal. It would be far more normal to settle up discreetly in the bar afterwards or at Reception upon departure. It does make one wonder what type of guests they normally host. We are in our 70's, we had signed a disclaimer and the hotel had our personal and credit card details, our car registration and we only live just across Christchurch Bay, 10 miles away as the crow flies ( but a 50 mile journey by road and Red Funnel Ferry). There was also an immaculately clean square indoor pool with whirlpool, and ladies and gentlemens changing rooms. Free parking is available with a voucher provided by the Hotel in a pay and display area, and there is a discount booking direct with the Albion Hotel for the Southampton Ferry service.

Had a great stay at the Albion, our room was quite large with a huge bathroom and shower. The room was very clean with a large tv. We were on the ground floor overlooking the beach with great views. The bar is a nice place to sit in the evening and watch all the activities on the beach. The barman, Dillon was polite and friendly and a real credit to the company. The lady on reception was also nice and helpful. What we didn’t like was the food package, no flexibility you have to pay £30 each, per day for the complete duration of your stay. Because we overlooked the small car park between the hotel and beach, on a number of times we had a large van or car parked right outside our window. Which completely blocked our view. The car park has parking restrictions but these were ignored and not in-forced. Apart from this we had a great stay and would definitely go back.

Had a great weeks holiday based at the Albion, double room with sea view was lovely, very clean and towels changed when requested, didn’t bother with the breakfast/ dinner option which didn’t appeal to us. Great situation, sea water about 14 degrees so we wore wetsuits, but others just wore costumes. Reception staff were very pleasant. Only used pool once as not that warm and a bit short for doing lengths.

I would say this is a nice place on the quiet side of the Isle. It loses a star because I think they could do better with the breakfast and the room we were in was interminably hot. Other than that, prices were decent, staff were absolutely lovely, friendly and helpful, beds were clean and soft, rooms were clean and very spacious and the sea views were just brilliant. Going to sleep to the rumble of real waves is so peaceful. We are definitely coming back.

Beautiful location, right on the bay in a quiet section of IOW. Cliff walks in both directions, including to the Tennyson monument and The Needles. Staff is professional and friendly, breakfast and dinners were delicious, they even have kippers in the morning. Cozy bar area. Gorgeous pool and bubble pool. We thought the water temperatures were perfect. I would rate this place a four and a half actually. The only downside is the slightly dated room furnishings. But with the balcony door open so you can listen to the ocean, who cares? Great hotel. Looking forward to returning.