Business Details
46 Years
experience
Your Beachfront Escape at Aqua Hotel
Aqua Hotel has been a family-run establishment since 1980, offering premium beachfront accommodation in Shanklin, Isle of Wight. Our commitment to exceptional service, gourmet dining, and guest-centric amenities has earned us a loyal clientele. Nestled just metres from Shanklin Beach, we provide elegantly designed rooms with panoramic sea views, complemented by our New England-style Brasserie restaurant. We specialise in creating seamless holiday experiences, including discounted car ferry bookings for direct reservations.With over four decades of hospitality expertise, our team ensures every guest enjoys the perfect blend of coastal tranquillity and modern comfort. Our facilities include free high-speed Wi-Fi, a fully equipped bar lounge, and easy access to local attractions. Whether you seek a romantic escape or a family getaway, Aqua Hotel combines tradition with contemporary luxury to make your stay unforgettable.
Services
Accommodation
In-House Restaurant
Ferry Reservations
Free Wi-Fi
Bar & Lounge
Beach Access
Evening Entertainment
Breakfast Service
Dinner Service
Balcony Rooms
Details
- Year established: 1980
Highlights and features
- We have operated as a family-run hotel since 1980 with deep local knowledge.
- Our prime beachfront location offers direct access to Shanklin's Blue Flag beach.
- We provide exclusive discounted ferry rates for guests booking direct reservations.
- Our Brasserie restaurant serves award-winning cuisine with panoramic sea views.
- Free high-speed Wi-Fi and modern amenities ensure seamless guest connectivity.
Services
Accommodation
Our modern, en-suite rooms feature double-glazed windows, central heating, and complimentary tea/coffee. Six private balcony rooms offer uninterrupted sea views across Sandown Bay. All guests enjoy free high-speed Wi-Fi and access to our beachfront location, just a short stroll from Shanklin town centre. The hotel provides a smoke-free environment with contemporary furnishings.
In-House Restaurant
The Brasserie serves gourmet evening meals daily, with a seasonal menu and daily specials. Sundays feature a traditional roast lunch. Our wine list showcases global vintages, and the separate bar offers cask ales, spirits, and soft drinks. Diners enjoy panoramic sea views from our New England-style restaurant.
Ferry Reservations
We offer discounted car ferry rates for guests booking accommodation directly via our reservations team. Preferential pricing applies to Portsmouth-Ryde, Lymington-Yarmouth, and Southampton-Cowes routes. Our team assists with booking both accommodation and ferry crossings simultaneously for a seamless travel experience.
Free Wi-Fi
Complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi covers the entire hotel, including guest rooms, restaurant, and bar areas. The secure network supports tablets, smartphones, and laptops, with passwords available from reception. This service ensures guests stay connected throughout their stay.
Bar & Lounge
Our bar lounge features cask ales, keg beers, wines, and spirits in a comfortable setting. Guests enjoy evening drinks with friends or fellow travellers, complemented by a dart board and American pool table. The lounge provides a relaxed atmosphere for socialising during your coastal getaway.
People
James Blanchett
Owner
James Blanchett has co-managed Aqua Hotel since 1980, building a reputation for exceptional service and hospitality. With decades of experience in the tourism industry, he ensures every guest experiences the unique charm of Shanklin's coastline through personalised service and attention to detail.
Annette Blanchett
Owner
Annette Blanchett has co-owned Aqua Hotel since 1980, focusing on culinary excellence and guest satisfaction. Her leadership in developing the Brasserie restaurant has established it as a local dining destination. She combines traditional hospitality with modern comforts to create memorable stays for international visitors.
Questions
How do I book accommodation with discounted ferry rates?
Contact our reservations team directly at 01983 863024 to book accommodation and receive preferential ferry pricing for Portsmouth-Ryde, Lymington-Yarmouth, or Southampton-Cowes routes.
What dining options are available at The Aqua Hotel?
The Brasserie offers gourmet evening meals daily with seasonal menus and Sunday roast lunches. Our bar serves drinks and light snacks in a relaxed atmosphere overlooking the sea.
Are there facilities for business guests?
All rooms include free high-speed Wi-Fi. The hotel provides a quiet environment for remote work, with power sockets and modern amenities in every room.
What accessibility features are available?
We offer ground-floor rooms and lift access to upper floors. The hotel has step-free access to public areas, and staff are available to assist guests with mobility needs.
Can I access local attractions easily from the hotel?
Shanklin town centre is a 10-minute walk via cliff lift. The Fisherman's Cottage pub is nearby, and Shanklin Chine museum is accessible via coastal paths adjacent to the hotel.
What happens if I need to cancel my booking?
Cancellation policies vary by season. Contact our reservations team directly at 01983 863024 for specific terms applicable to your booking period.
Reviews (7)
Noel Gilmour
Jun 19, 2022
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The Aqua is a small hotel set facing the sea at the end of Shanklin Esplanade. The hotel is small and compact across two upper floors, which sit above the bar and restaurant. The hotel also has a patio area in front of the premises with tables and parasols. The check-in was easy and the receptionist was very welcoming and extremely helpful. We had a sea view room with balcony. Views were spectacular.
The room a reasonable size and was clean and bright. The ensuite was compact, but dated, but very clean. The shelf across the sink was problematic when washing your face, and the pull cord light switch projected into the door space you had to dodge it walking in. Those were minor issues and did not detract from the overall experience. Breakfast choices were grand and should suit most people with cereals and cooked items. They were experiencing staffing issues so the evening restaurant was not operating. This was not a issue as there were other eateries next door. Overall, the stay was enjoyable.
The room a reasonable size and was clean and bright. The ensuite was compact, but dated, but very clean. The shelf across the sink was problematic when washing your face, and the pull cord light switch projected into the door space you had to dodge it walking in. Those were minor issues and did not detract from the overall experience. Breakfast choices were grand and should suit most people with cereals and cooked items. They were experiencing staffing issues so the evening restaurant was not operating. This was not a issue as there were other eateries next door. Overall, the stay was enjoyable.
Norma King
Jun 12, 2022
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Went in for a coffee, asked for a flat white (which they advertised) but when it came it certainly wasn't a flat white, not sure if they knew what one was.
Charles Kennedy
Jun 02, 2022
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They really looked after me. Nice quiet room, with an amazing balcony looking right at the sea. With an on site bar and inside / out side dinning and very close to the town, it could not be more perfect for a weekend or longer staycation.
Justine Ensby
Oct 27, 2021
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Excellent hotel, really lovely breakfast and really friendly staff. We stayed in the apartment next to the hotel which was lovely and clean with good facilities. Food in restaurant is fantastic too. Will definitely return again.
Anastasia Saunders
Oct 07, 2021
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The food and service were excellent, very attentive and took care of a big group of us. They took time to decorate the table and make the event special. Everyone was happy with the food. We were showed to the bar first for a drink which was a nice touch.
Seamus R.
Sep 16, 2021
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We staycationed this year. Although the whole of the UK us a rip of for holidays, we had a pleasant experience. The restaurant serves great food, and it's lovely sitting outside with a cold pint of reasonably priced beer. The hotels facilities are modern, and the staff are pleasant and helpful. Great location. I'd recommend the restaurant.
Nicholas Marcinkowski
Aug 14, 2021
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Spent the week here. Great views of the sea from the room. Host was helpful and friendly. Everything you need and expect for a sea side hotel in the UK. Special mention for the amazing breakfast and breakfast staff. Highly recommend, we will be back!
