When we got here, there was massive confusion over the parking. We had paid for it in advance, but…read morethen it wasn't available, so we had to park somewhere else, then pay again for the parking, which we didn't get refunded. We were getting guided over the phone by a new waitress, which was stressful to be honest, as she didn't really have any idea. However, as soon as we got there, we were greeted by the owner, who apologised and showed us to our room. The room had literally just been refurbished, it was a nice room, although the bedding was decent, the pillows and duvet were cheap. They had left the Ikea stickers on the £1.99 lamps and toilet roll holders and so on. The shower room and toilet were really small and compact, although clean, the shower glass had loads of water marks on it. There was a bath in the bedroom, all a bit strange, as the room itself wasn't really the vibe of a room that would have a freestanding bath in the main bedroom area. The bar was the best part. The owners son was super friendly and chatted away, offering us the local vodka and gin and that was super nice. They had loads of brews and options for drinks and the service was excellent. The open fires and quirky decor with flowers, and fairy lights was very cute. Really loved that about it. It was very central and once the car was parked up, there was no need to use it again until we left. Breakfast was very good indeed and had excellent ingredients. I would stay here again, but only if the room rates were at a good price. Can't fault the bar or the food.

I stopped into the Wheatsheaf for the first time since it's reopening at the start of February…read more It's a truly changed venue, and while there are clear evidences of the pub this used to be, the friendly welcome and excellent food have more than made this an excellent find. While the bar is stocked with a standard south coast array of ales and wines, the kitchen is set up both of a la carte and carvery on Sundays. The carvery was quite possibly the best I've had in 10 years. The portion was generous and varied with fresh prepared veg, roast potatoes, gammon, chicken, beef and yorkshire puddings. The chef was on hand to carve and gladly told me the story of the reopening. One of the only minor (and it truly is minor) complaints I could have is that the gravy was over salty, but next time I'll bear this in mind and only pepper my veg. The other minor complaint would be that while ale is nice and all, a craft lager would really round out the taps at the bar. Overall excellent.

I thought the staff was really amazing at the hotel. They were very friendly and helpful. We had a…read morefamily room and the bed was a bit lumpy, could feel the springs, and really telegraphed any of my partners movements. The other issue was without a/c in the room, it was a bit hotter than I would have liked. Shouldn't have been a problem, but the windows have a lock to prevent opening very far, so couldn't get the cold night air into the room. Had a fan, which made it acceptable. Very clean bathroom. There is a coin only vending machine in the lobby, to get cold drinks. Would have liked ice making or a refrigerator in the room, as I couldn't get my drinks cold. Had pump dispenser of shampoo/soap in shower. No other tolietries provided. I liked the location as it was about a .7 mile walk to the city center, so it was nice and quiet, but not too far to get to restaurants, etc. We needed to go to a laundry and the closest we found was about a mile walk. The #5 bus from E. Cowes was 3.50 or so and dropped us off at the road for a 2 minute walk to the hotel. Our room #52 was on the quay side which was fairly quiet and pretty to look out on.

Very good food and good service.Make sure you register online for the vouchers. Some excellent…read moreoffers.

The warm and inviting Pier View is a nice ale house with a decent menu to boot…read more Decor is sailor bar standard, varnished wood and boating supplies bolted liberally to the ceilings. Warm and friendly with great seating it's hard to find fault. The drinks menu is broad, but the ales are the star of the show. The meal menu is a little less broad, but what it lacks in endeavour it makes up in imagination. I've yet to try something that wasn't delicious.

Great little pub right in the middle of the high street ... possibly the best of the many pubs in…read moreCowes. Doubled in size when the smoking ban came into force, and now has large pavement area with tables too. Very popular with yachties, and scrummy food. Specials board is usually pretty good, but the mega burger is stunning. Gets very busy on summer weekend, so if you want a seat get here early or book. Highly recommend

Yesterday had 80th birthday party. Only 13 people. After we were seated we waited quite a while…read morebefore having to ask to be served. Had to wait and ask to be served all courses. Had to ask to serve wine. Had to ask to serve coffee. Staff disappeared after every course. No one asked if we needed condiments. We had one gluten free meal and staff didn't know if it was free. Had to go and see chef meanwhile our dinners were getting cold. They brought out the cake I supplied but no plates or cutlery. We were the only ones in our section of restaurant with one party in the lower section. We expected a higher quality of service. The food was very good which saved the day. I blame management for not training the staff. Everything was too much trouble. Not a good team spirit there. Moral was low. This won't be recommended for a party.

Spent 2 nights at the Lakeside and were very impressed, the hotel is in a lovely setting with…read morestunning views. The food in the brasserie was superb as was the service, breakfast was good too with all the usual options buffet style. The room was a good size and like the bathroom was very modern and stylish, however the bed wasn't the comfiest id slept in and the duvet was very heavy. Final thing, if you can drag yourself out of the spa (remember £1 for the locker), take time to wander down to the river and around the grounds.