Business Details
Family-Friendly Hotel in Seaview with Sea Views
Established in 1840, Northbank Hotel has been a cherished family-run establishment since 1959, offering guests a unique blend of historic charm and modern comfort. Our Victorian seaside retreat, once requisitioned by the War Department during World War II, now provides 16 elegantly appointed guest rooms, three of which feature en-suite facilities and uninterrupted sea views. We pride ourselves on serving locally sourced, home-cooked meals prepared on our traditional Aga, complemented by an expertly curated wine list. The hotel's prime location directly overlooking the Solent allows guests to enjoy spectacular maritime vistas, with safe bathing areas and rock pools for families. Our dedicated team, led by the Shaw-Yates family, ensures a warm, welcoming atmosphere that has earned us generations of returning visitors.Strategically positioned in the heart of Seaview village, we offer convenient access to the Isle of Wight's renowned natural beauty and cultural attractions. The property's extensive gardens extend to the beachfront, creating an idyllic setting for relaxation. We cater to diverse groups including sailing enthusiasts, artists, and families, with special rates available for sailing teams and group bookings. Our commitment to maintaining the highest standards of hospitality has been consistently recognised by our valued guests, who frequently commend our attentive service and authentic island experience.
Services
Accommodation
Dining
Parking
Wi-Fi
Sailing discounts
Highlights and features
- We offer 16 individually decorated guest rooms with sea views in a historic Victorian building
- Our home-cooked meals use locally sourced ingredients from our own allotment
- Direct beach access with safe bathing areas and rock pools for families
- Special rates available for sailing teams and group bookings
- Award-winning hospitality with generations of returning guests
What people say
Friendly staff
Great food
Amazing views
Wonderful chef
Magic days
Services
Accommodation
Our 16 guest rooms combine Victorian elegance with modern comforts, featuring three en-suite rooms with sea views. All rooms include comfortable beds, tea-making facilities, and most offer panoramic Solent vistas. The hotel maintains a family-friendly atmosphere with safe sea bathing areas and rock pools for children.
Dining
We serve locally sourced, home-cooked meals using fresh produce from our allotment. Our daily changing menu showcases regional specialties prepared on our traditional Aga, complemented by an extensive wine list. The dining room offers uninterrupted sea views for an enhanced culinary experience.
Parking
Secure parking facilities are available at the rear of the hotel for guest vehicles. We also provide cycle storage in our garage, ensuring safe and convenient access to the hotel's amenities for all visitors arriving by car or bicycle.
Wi-Fi
Complimentary high-speed internet access (10.5mb) is available throughout the hotel. Guests receive 100mb of free downloads before requiring top-up, ensuring reliable connectivity for both leisure and business needs during their stay.
Sailing discounts
We offer special rates for sailing teams and group bookings at the nearby Seaview Yacht Club. Our location provides easy access to sheltered waters and racing opportunities with the club's fleet of Seaview Mermaids keelboats, ideal for competitive and recreational sailors.
People
Mary Shaw-Yates
Owner
Mary Shaw-Yates has managed Northbank Hotel since 1959, continuing her family's tradition of hospitality. With extensive knowledge of the Isle of Wight's history and attractions, she ensures every guest experiences the hotel's unique charm and heritage.
Mark Shaw-Yates
Co-Manager
Mark Shaw-Yates co-manages the hotel with his brother William, bringing decades of experience in hospitality. He oversees daily operations and guest services, maintaining the high standards established by his family's long association with the property.
William Shaw-Yates
Co-Manager
William Shaw-Yates works alongside his mother Mary and brother Mark to maintain Northbank Hotel's reputation. He focuses on preserving the building's historic character while ensuring modern comforts meet guests' expectations during their island stays.
Questions
What are the check-in and check-out times?
Check-in is at 3 PM and rooms must be vacated by 10:30 AM.
Are pets allowed at the hotel?
Yes, we welcome pets with a supplement of £15 per night.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept all major credit cards for reservations and payments.
What is your cancellation policy?
A non-refundable deposit of £100 per person is required, with cancellation due 8 weeks before arrival.
Is there dining available on-site?
Yes, we serve breakfast and dinner daily using locally sourced ingredients in our Solent-facing dining room.
How do I reach the hotel from mainland UK?
We recommend fast train connections to Portsmouth with ferry transfers to Ryde, followed by a short taxi or bus ride to Seaview.
Reviews (7)
Deborah May
Apr 07, 2021
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Fabulous. Yes, it was 'just' coffee in the garden, but we also ordered the lemon drizzle cake which was so special! Really delicious. And the views are spectacular. Thanks you for delicious coffee and cake. We will be back!
Naturally Attuned
Mar 02, 2021
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Truly loved our stay in this quirky hotel, facing the beautiful beach with a wonderful green space facing Portsmouth. Steps down to the beach and regular swimmers meet to the left at the bench who were friendly and welcoming. Lovely hotel, steeped in history and time, with a wonderful staff team, great breakfasts and a range of rooms (some being upgraded) to cater for different needs. Very restorative, and quirky as we needed much rest and nurture. They also do cream teas and have table tennis :)
Will Morey
Nov 07, 2020
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Outstanding. A rare find in today's world. Charm, beauty, outstanding service. The kids loved it. Especially the hat party on the first night. Perfect in every way. Makes a refreshing change from the bland and soulless hospitality industry that has become the norm. Top notch.
Rose Clary
Jan 14, 2020
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Miserable service. Gave 5 weeks notice to cancel a 3 night stay due to a family bereavement. Owner said she had people waiting for the room so that was great. But still refused to return my 200 deposit.
Scott Miller
Jan 01, 2020
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Fifth visit, took my daughter and two grandchildren this time, they loved every minute. Mary and her family were great hosts as usual. This beautifully situated hotel is as quirky ana great as ever, fantastic!,.
Diana Roper
Apr 02, 2019
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This feels a bit like writing a review after being to stay with family and if thats the type of feel you like then this is the perfect hotel for you. The hotel is cosy, comfortable, deeply relaxing with unbeatable views and this year was our 13th visit in a row with our children who wouldnt miss it for the world. Days of swimming in the sea, collecting shells and catching crabs on the rocks without an electronic device in sight make this a break back in time. Mary's breakfasts are wonderful and the highlight of the stay with a 3 course dinner looking out over the sea the most peaceful way to spend the evening.
Everyone who goes falls in love and this place is the best kept secret on the island. If you want upmarket, chic decor with all the trimmings this is not the place for you but if you value character, experience, old fashioned simplicity then this may just be your idea of heaven.
Everyone who goes falls in love and this place is the best kept secret on the island. If you want upmarket, chic decor with all the trimmings this is not the place for you but if you value character, experience, old fashioned simplicity then this may just be your idea of heaven.
Ed Holtby
Dec 01, 2018
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Think of it not as a hotel but as a big wonderful bed and breakfast with a bar and full board. We return year after year for the exceptional staff/family that run the hotel and of course the best breakfast on the isle of Wight. The kitch retro decor isn't for everyone but i personally feel right at home.
