The Best Hotels to Book Near Osborne House, Isle of Wight

From the grand staircase to the chandeliers, this 1873-built hotel is stuffed with Victorian elegance. Grab a window-side armchair in the sea-view drawing room, made for yacht spotting. In winter, the antique-strewn lounge – with a library of maritime books – is lit by a log fire. You’ll love the nautical-esque Admiral’s dining room serving excellent steaks – and the sunny garden terrace to sample the long wine list. The same family have run Villa Rothsay for 36 years, so expect a warm welcome.

B&B hospitality meets stylish decor – think exposed brick, colourful matte finish walls, local artwork and in-room fireplaces. Choose the king ensuite sea-view room for sparkling coastal scapes. You’re encouraged to make yourself at home here: there’s an honesty bar for late nights in the lounge, and the dining room’s always open for you to bring food back. Friendly owners will proudly tell you about locally sourced breakfast ingredients that make up the excellent full English and more – they even make their own vegan sausages.

This pretty, ivy-strewn cottage – five minutes from Cowes high street – features cosy rooms with classic wood furnishings and criss-cross windows. Best are the private dog-friendly chalets: enchanting lodges nestled within the grounds’ woodlands. Beautifully rustic inside – but still have TV and wifi – they have outdoor, garden-side porches that twinkle with lights come nighttime. Breakfast is a full English and more – served in the conservatory or gardens when sunny. Keep your eyes peeled for red squirrels and other wildlife.

You can’t miss the tall, uniquely shaped Endeavour House – which dates back to Victorian times. There are only three bedrooms here so it’s a truly quiet, personable stay. Stays come with classic cooked breakfasts done fresh and well – enjoyed in the plant-strewn, dark wood-furnished dining room. Each room has at least a glimpse of the Solent – bedroom three is a sweeping view. Expect in-room luxuries like bay windows, plush seating, a fireplace, complimentary biscuits and Cole & Lewis toiletries.

Newport-based Hewitt’s – a 15-minute drive from Osborne House – is home to an excellent restaurant serving up beautifully presented dishes like seared scallops and pork belly with black pudding bon bons. Follow dinner with cocktails – try the Wight Lady with gin, triple sec and lemon – before winding up the staircase to your 14th-century, newly decorated room. They’re chicly minimalist in colour but with quirky wallpaper or wall-wide art. Enjoy breakfast in the hidden rear garden which lights up at night.

You’ll love this dog-friendly hotel, whatever the weather. Sunny days mean breakfast in the flowery walled garden – in winter, relax in the stylish, fire-lit lounge. The cafe serves afternoon tea, evening meals – try the fragrant Thai – and glasses of the fizzy stuff, served up with special tapas nights and live music. Head up the historic staircase to your room that retains original features like fireplaces and exposed beams, alongside tasteful additions like Mulberry Heirloom wallpaper and a Louis XVI-style bed.

From the lounge to the rooms’ boat-dotted wallpaper, on-theme Seaview has nautical and naval memorabilia throughout. The Michelin Bib Gourmand award-winning restaurant serves local delicacies like Green Barn Farm goats cheese souffle – plus Insta-worthy desserts. Prefer casual dining? Try the Pump Bar and Grill featuring local gin and ales. You’re minutes from the sea or borrow an electric bike for great coastal cycling. The 200-year-old renovated fisherman’s cottage, Myrtle Cottage – a self-catering, dog-friendly apartment within the grounds – is perfect for families, too.