We had a weeks stay at Chestnuts in September, myself and partner and my 85 year old father. Dad had a single garden room (12) and we were in a front facing double on the first floor (10). I must admit to being a bit taken aback when we were shown Dads room as it's through the hotel and out the back door. It's a small single room but has a lovely small shower room/toilet and ample storage space, freeview telly, basin, bedside table and light along with supplementary heater and blanket. Dad was very comfortable there.
Our room was a comfortable double on the first floor with again small shower room/toilet, ample storage etc. Excellent shower with good pressure although Dads had to be run for a while to get the hot through.
The whole hotel was beautifully decorated in a light modern style with lots of prints and pictures on the walls. There's a small TV lounge and the dining room is open plan with the bar area and forms a nice communal space so you can chat with other guests easily if you wish.
Chris and her son Luke run the place and are so friendly and helpful. Lukes breakfasts are the best. There is such a choice and it's all very well cooked and presented. You can eat there in the evenings if you book ahead and the dinner menu has a large choice. We didn't but lots of the others did and the food looked and smelt lovely.
The hotel is located within easy walking distance of the seafront (if you're fit as it's a steep walk back up), there is a cliff lift which operates between 10am and 6pm. It's also handy for the town although again there are hills involved but the whole island is quite hilly. When booking this holiday I was torn between Shanklin and Ventnor and am so glad I picked Shanklin as Ventnor must have some of the steepest hills on the island.
All in all we loved the Chestnuts and Chris and Luke and would not hesitate to return there or recommend them to others. I would have rated it perfect but for the hill down to the beach.
Chris recommended a couple of eating places which we loved. The Pointer pub for Sunday lunch (booking recommended), Black Cat Thai restaurant in the old town, and the Chinese just 50 yds from the hotel (I've forgotten its name unfortunately). All had lovely food, reasonable prices and good friendly service.
Visit Waltzing Waters if you can for a fascinating show with a difference.
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