The Belmont

A nine night stay which we enjoyed very much. The relaxed atmosphere, our room, the veranda and the pool were lovely! We can understand the owners’ pairing back on costs (no staff or room service) - neither impinged on our enjoyment. Linda, the owner, is a non stop bundle of energy and tries very hard to cover all bases! Just two very small observations: we would have loved some fresh fruit to add some variety to our breakfast and despite the hotel’s web site stating that porridge was an option we were informed that we’d need to buy our own instant version which Linda would prepare for us! The hotel is in a great location with off road parking. We would happily return even if we have to bring our own fruit and porridge.

Another great stay at Des & Linda's Belmont Hotel, very fair prices, discounted ferry booking made really simple. Every facility thoughtfully provided from pharmaceuticals, snacks, lunches, drinks in the bar & especially cocktails in a very laid back environment. The new improvements, refurbished pool area with cocktail bar & BBQ make for a very friendly stay. Breakfast freshly cooked is delicious. Rooms very well equipped & comfortable. Still the best hotel in the best area on the Island. Thanks Des & Linda we'll see you next year.

Their staff (especially their receptionist) is pathetic and awkward. Poor and unexpected experience. Their owner must keep a check on staff behaviour and should train them some basic hospatility ethics.

We had a WONDERFUL stay recently at The Belmont Hotel. Everything: from Room, to Garden / Pool area, and our amazing Breakfasts was excellent, and our hosts were so welcoming! Thank you, Rose and John R

Whoever cannot rate the Belmont as 5* or can in any way find fault won’t have stayed at the same Belmont as we just have. It’s by far the best B&B hotel we’ve visited. Linda and Des run it in their own way very different and much better than elsewhere. Our comfortable room (20) was huge with direct access onto the front veranda. The breakfast choices were numerous, the pool area very inviting and when it’s wet (we had two days of it) the large lounge is yours for however long you wish with a tempting sweets and snacks cabinet nearby alongside the ice cream freezer apart from which sandwiches and more can be ordered for lunch so if needs be there’s no need on such days to go elsewhere except of course for dinner. Shanklin has a wide variety of restaurants, pretty pricey on the whole it has to be said but that’s how it is wherever you go. At the cheaper no frills end we ate at the Happy Haddock and the Paramount (booking very much recommended) but watch evening opening hours at both, while the others were the Village Inn and Amici (a very good Italian restaurant) where booking quite well in advance is essential at both (we booked a couple of weeks before leaving home), all of which are in the High Street, and finally the Steamer Inn on the seafront who don’t take bookings so be ready if necessary to wait as it’s very popular. And when you get back to the Belmont there’s a well-stocked bar. As for getting about, the island bus service is reliably good so forget the car unless it’s necessary. We left ours at home, using our county bus passes but if you do the same they are acceptable on all regular numbered routes but not the specials. That said, if you’re 60+ a 24-hour ticket on the latter will cost you just £9.30 and considering how far that can get you it’s good value. Despite a cold wind blowing for a large part of our two week’s stay we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and can very much recommend the Belmont.

The Belmont run by Linda and Des offers a really good insight into what makes for a good hotel. All the important things are done well, for example, great freshly cooked breakfast and an excellent buffet of cereals, toast croissants etc. Our room was well appointed, plenty of storage, nice bathroom with a bath. Nice views of the church and the sea in the distance. A few interesting differences from the norm…. Having your room cleaned every day, towels changed, bed made is not available. You might think “this is poor service” but why? Do you need fresh towels every day, can’t you make your own bed, and how nice not to feel you have to tidy up to allow the room to be cleaned. The hotel foyer runs an honesty box for just about anything you need or want. Drinks, coffee/tea (also available in your room), toiletries, shoes, yes even shoes! A lovely garden area with a good sized pool, plenty of seating and even a BBQ area! Over 18 years, Linda has worked out what works and what doesn’t. Sandwiches are available at lunchtime, if you happen to be around or arriving early. No evening meals but most people eat out at the many restaurants less than 1/2 mile away. Why make life complicated? No need. Off street parking is a real benefit. If you have children or pets, this is not the choice for you. If like us, you want quiet, calm , no screeching or yapping then you will enjoy this setting. One important thing, Linda and Des know what makes their life work, they also know what the vast majority of guests want. The offering may be different but if you ‘go with the flow’ and enjoy someone working their socks off the make your stay a friendly, relaxing event, then the Belmont is definitely worth a look.