The Bembridge Coast Hotel on the Isle of Wight was my first experience of an adults only Warner Leisure Hotels. Initially I was a bit overwhelmed by the large number of guests. I was soon to discover that this was not a problem. The check-in procedure was quick and painless. My bags were tagged ready to deliver to my room when it was ready and I was free to explore the grounds of the hotel.
Walled Garden at the Bembridge Coast Hotel in Bembridge on the Isle of Wight
The hotel is situated so close to the coast that the beach is a natural extension of the lovely grounds that surround it. These grounds include a small pitch and putt course and a formal walled garden. Easy access to the beach means guests can walks along the beach. When the tide is out it is possible to walk from the hotel to Bembridge Harbour. A lovely long walk through impressive scenery. At high tide is in the Coast Path offers a pleasant alternative.
Walking along the Beach from the Bembridge Coast Hotel in Bembridge on the Isle of Wight
The hotel is close to a local attraction, the RNLI lifeboat station which has a small museum open to the public. There is a good local bus service between Ryde and Newport via Sandown. The nearest bus stop is a 10-15-minute walk away.
The RNLI Lifebout Station in, Bembridge on the Isle of Wight
A variety of accommodation is available from standard rooms (no balcony) to Signature Rooms, Royal Rooms and chalets – dotted in blocks around the site. Some nice touches include a complimentary bottle of wine, snacks, home-made biscuits and complimentary water. The tea and coffee making tray is kept well stocked and fresh milk is stored in the fridge. A fluffy bathrobe and plenty of towels were also available. The toiletries in the bathroom are the same brand as those used in the hotel spa. They are also on sale in the hotel foyer. A second shop sells clothing, jewellery and souvenirs.
Signature Room at the Bembridge Coast Hotel in Bembridge on the Isle of Wight
The package includes breakfast and evening meal. Guests sit at the same allocated table for each meal. The restaurant is so cleverly designed with separate dining areas at different levels that there is no feeling of being part of a large crowd of people. The buffet duplicate some of the most popular stations to keep the queues down. All the tables have their own waitress and Mary was my waitress. She was very friendly and helpful throughout my stay. I was pleased to discover that some dishes were brought to the table thus avoiding the need to keep going to the buffet and I chose to order those for my first dinner. However, the aroma of the curries available on the buffet the second night enticed me there. They were really good.
Four Tides Restaurant at the Bembridge Coast Hotel in Bembridge on the Isle of Wight
Evening entertainment is provided by professional artistes every evening after dinner. The guests were soon tapping their feet and singing along before taking to the dance floor. Guests are also allocated their own table for the entertainment which is different every evening. Outdoor activities include a pitch and putt golf course and an archery range. There is also a swimming pool, gym and indoor bowls. Plenty to keep guests occupies throughout their stay – and a lovely stay it was.
Evening Entertainment at the Bembridge Coast Hotel in Bembridge on the Isle of Wight
Getting There
There are regular ferries to the isle of Wight and a choice of routes as follows: Lymington to Yarmouth; Portsmouth to Fishbourne; Portsmouth to Ryde; Southampton to West Cowes or East Cowes. I took the Wightlink Car Ferry from Portsmouth to Fishbourne (Ryde) and from there it was a short drive to my hotel in Bembridge.
There are also several public transport options to get from the mainland to the Isle of Wight including “through” tickets to the Isle of Wight port of entry. Onward travel tickets, including travel on the Island Line Train are also available and discounts such as Railcards are valid for these tickets. The passenger ferry to Ryde pierhead is a good option as there is a regular train service operating from Ryde Pierhead connecting the east and south of the Isle of Wight via the towns of Ryde, Brading, Sandown, Lake and Shanklin.
There are good bus services for getting around the island operated by the Southern Vectis. This bus company who also organise days out around the island.
This article was based on the personal experience of Valery, an ExperiencedTraveller.