The staff were pleasant, friendly and helpful. Rooms (we had a double and a single): nice, if a little bit dusty and over-furnished (the double had two bedside chests of drawers, a separate large chest, a dressing table with two more chests of drawers and a double wardrobe!). Ensuite OK - only a shower cubicle in ours but there was a separate bathroom just down the corridor for those who wanted it. We didn't have a sea view - from the orientation of the house I suspect few rooms do.

Outside, the open lawn overlooks the bay - a fantastic place to sit and soak in the view. The small open-air swimming pool is clean and well-maintained, though its shape is more for splashing around in than actually swimming. (Note: 50p charge for a towel to use by the pool.) The grass tennis court on the other hand looks like several small land mines have been let off in it!

The breakfast was fine as hotel breakfasts go - nothing spectacular but perfectly good -again with a great view from the dining room. We enjoyed a couple of drinks in the hotel bar, but I think we were its only customers that night. In a way it's a shame this hotel doesn't offer dinner, as it would make a good place to relax for the evening.

Most of the other guests were families with young children ,and the hotel seemed well set up to cope with these.

If I have one real criticism, it's this: the hotel is signed up to the tourist board's "Cyclists Welcome" scheme. We were certainly welcome, but the scheme rules say the hotel must provide secure cycle accommodation. In fact our bikes ended up in an open shed, with nothing fixed to attach our locks to. They need to do better on that. The other minor quibble is that they tend to go a little over the top with the notices telling you things you can't do - but I guess that's a grand old English guest-house tradition!

Overall though, a pleasant stay and I'd go there again.

We have at last had a minute to write a review for or stay at the Overstrand Hotel. This has been an unexpectedly top-notch holiday. Having enjoyed Brittany for the last couple of years we decided on a re-vsit to the Isle of Wight - time and logistics etc. The Overstrand Hotel proved to be of recommendable quality. The house itself is a pretty decent piece of early Twentieth Century vernacular Architecture - samples of stained glass being of great quality. The hotel offers good facilities for children (five and over?) with tennis court and swimming pool. The pool is the right temperature and the pool area seems to catch the sun. Tennis court needs a bit of tlc but we all enjoyed it nevertheless. The garden offers a panoramic view over the sea that has to be the envy of most Shanklin and Sandown residents, it is really good! Topped off with a good cooked breakfast every morning, and a couple of drinks on an evening, and polite and friendly hosts, you get a good return for the extra few pounds the hotel costs over the average. Quiet, relaxing, and recommended!

I have just returned from a week at the Overstrand with my husband, 13 year old son and 9 year old daughter. We all want to return. The house and views are wonderful, the grounds were huge for the children to play in and they loved the pool, come rain or shine.The room were bright and airy if a little snug for a family of 4. Our 1 critisism was that the bathroom although spotless was a little dated and cramped and the shower over the bath a nightmare. The breakfast catered for everyones need and was well presented and scrummy. It was great to come back in the evening and have a nightcap in the bar, the staff were helpful and chatty in the bar and at breakfast. The rooms were cleaned daily whilst we were having breakfast, and we had fresh towels daily.
Overall we would recommend this hotel to anyone who wants to stay in a hotel within walking distance of Sandown and Shanklin, whilst enjoying the spectacular views over the sea.

We stayed 2 nights in this very welcoming B&B. We were visiting grandparents & needed somehwhere within easy reach of Brading. The 2 children (ages 15 & 9) stayed in an ensuite twin and we had a double. The rooms were clean, fresh & airy. THe kids room was the better room but we're not complaining. My husband is over 6 foot & it was arelief to find the bed was large enough & firm enough. The en suite showers were good though ours was slightly cramped for a big fella.
Mein host was very welcoming & chatty: opened the pool to the kids delight, which was warm enough; clean apart from the leaves which were duly fished out.
Breakfast was a veritable feast. Not just a full english but kippers!! or eggs 3 ways. Plus the usual ceral & the warm croissants were a delight. Our waitress was very friendly, helpful & chatty.
There is also a small very comfortbale bar with a reasonable choice of beverages.

The local towns of Sandown & Shanklin are only a short walk away but the cliff pathe has unfortunately dived into the sea on the way to Shanklin.

We enjoyed staying here and wouldn't hesitate to do so again.