“An eccentric family run hotel in a fabulous setting - the 1930s with a ‘60s twist. Forget en suite bathrooms, but for families wanting a very relaxed seaside atmosphere at reasonable rates, with lots of friends to make, it's an experience. The antithesis of boutique.”
“An eccentric family run hotel in a fabulous setting - the 1930s with a ‘60s twist. Forget en suite bathrooms, but for families wanting a very relaxed seaside atmosphere at reasonable rates, with lots of friends to make, it's an experience. The antithesis of boutique.”
Hotel Review
A wonderful time warp, the Northbank appeals to salty sea dogs, army types, happy families, the artist Maggi Hambling and her students, and anyone who likes their hotel lived in, welcoming and entirely unconcerned with the vaguaries of fashion, plus a joyful dash of eccentricity, a stunning view of the Solent and direct beach access. Run with charm and commitment since 1959 by three generations of the Shaw-Yates family. A one-off that no true connoisseur of hotels could ignore. Sizzling Aga breakfasts.
Written by Fiona Duncan
Recommended For
- Families
- A memorable experince for all the family, with eccentric hosts, communal bathrooms and plenty of beachlife.
- Great walks
- With over thirty miles of Heritage coastline, there are many stunning walks to be had.
- Sailing
- A prime sailing spot and a favourite past time for both locals and tourists.
- Other Activities
- Go see the historic remains at ‘Dinosaur Isle’.
- Sights nearby
- Carisbrooke Castle - once a prison for Charles I.
- Child friendly
- Overrun with children having fun in the summer months.
- Charming
- Or Basil Fawlty comic, depending on your attitude.
- Quirky
- The shared bathrooms might not be for everyone.
- Restaurant
- Home cooking from an Aga.
- Views
- Overlooking the Solent.
- Rooms with balcony/terrace
- Owner managed
- Less £
- Family Suites
- Lively
- Sit-out Terrace
- Full of character
- Good wine list
- House party feel
- On the beach
- Artworks
- Sea Views
- Boutique
- Historic
- Antiques
- Village
- Retro/Vintage
- On an island
- Traditional
- Intimate
- Romantic
- Free wifi
Facilities
- Child friendly
- Overrun with children having fun in the summer months.
- Restaurant
- Home cooking from an Aga.
- Views
- Overlooking the Solent.
- Rooms with balcony/terrace
- Bar
- Family Suites
- Parking
- In room DVD
- Outdoor dining
- Sit-out Terrace
- Good wine list
- Sitting Room
- Garden
- Safe
- Suites
- Satellite / Cable TV
- Wifi
- Free wifi
Activities
- Great walks
- With over thirty miles of Heritage coastline, there are many stunning walks to be had.
- Sailing
- A prime sailing spot and a favourite past time for both locals and tourists.
- Other Activities
- Go see the historic remains at ‘Dinosaur Isle’.
- Sights nearby
- Carisbrooke Castle - once a prison for Charles I.
Map & Location
What's Nearby
Other Reviews
Northbank Hotel
"Oh, the joy of this hotel. Michael Shaw-Yates no longer patrols the dining room because when he did, newcomers thought he was Basil Fawlty."
Originally published by The Telegraph (view article)
