Premier Inn Isle of Wight Sandown (Merrie Gardens) hotel — Hotel in Isle of Wight

Rooms: We stayed for 5 nights and booked a family room for two adults and 2 children. Our room was located at the end of the hallway on the ground floor. Each kid had their own bed so they were very excited about that. The room was clean and tidy. I’m glad we were able to have a room next to my parents - called in advance to enquire about availability. There was a kettle, mugs, glass cups, spoons, tea/coffee, different types of sugar available. If you needed your room cleaned, you need to inform reception before 12pm. We only needed the room cleaned on the third night, just to get some new towels. If you need more tea/coffee/sugar, there is a table next to reception where you can pick up some. This gets refilled several times a day. If you just need new towels, just ask one of the staff members in the morning. Room was quiet, so managed to sleep through the night. Can sometimes hear someone walking around upstairs, but we didn’t have much of an issue. As we were located at the back of the building, we rarely have anyone walking outside our door. Beds were comfy and there were extra pillows if needed. Downside: no mobile phone service at all. Not even one bar! We tried the free WiFi on the first night but the connection kept dropping. In the end we opted to upgrade to the premium WiFi at £5 per day for three devices. However, they have a package where it cost £15 for a week, which we chose to keep the kids happy. Room got a bit stuffy after showers, so would need to have the air con on. Would have liked the option to open the windows.

Parking: Parking was free and there was plenty of space, even when we came back late.

Staff: Staff were very friendly! Our first day, we had Dan help us get checked in. We asked many questions about where to eat and what to do and he was very helpful about it. If he didn’t know, he would ask his colleague on the walkie talkie. All the staff members were always there to help when needed, even during breakfast. They greet you with a smile! The staff work really hard, they would be running around during breakfast service and also dealing with the reception desk. They may not be sitting all the time at reception, but if we needed something they would pop out from their office and assist. There is an assistance button at reception if needed.

Location: There was a Morrisons and Aldi within walking distance, which was very convenient. If we needed anything extra, it was available. There is also a Morrisons petrol station so we refilled there. It was about 1.54p for diesel. We had access to a lot of activities from here. It didn’t take long to drive to places. There is a drive thru KFC right next door, we didn’t try this place out as we always get to eat it back in London, so might as well try out the local restaurants.

Breakfast: We had the buffet breakfast for the 5 days. There were eggs,hash browns, bacon, sausage, baked beans, mushrooms and black pudding. Range of sliced bread, freshly baked mini croissants and pain au chocolate. Various cereals, yoghurt, mixed fruit salad, apples/clementines/bananas, fruit juices and hot drinks.

You would have to book your table, which we did on the evening of our arrival. The dining area is located opposite the front desk. Staff is always running around making sure things are going smoothly and would greet you and ask if everything is ok. My mum wasn’t feeling too well one morning and they allowed us to bring some food for her. They even asked how she was the following day.

Other Negatives: There were issues with our room key cards as they kept deactivating. It was close to getting it reactivated every day! It was a bit annoying as we didn’t know if it would work or not until we got to the door, which was all the way at the back of the building.

Overall, we were happy with our stay here and it was a good...

Stayed here for four nights and our check in was pretty easy, warm and welcoming.. Got keys to our room at 14, but had to swiftly return to reception as the room was dirty and stained on everything. The table had lacquer peeling off so returned to reception and showed the staff member our concerns. Staff member apologised and said this wasn't acceptable and was shocked as duty manager checks room.. (Not sure what state the duty manager sleeps or stays in but this wasn't acceptable standards)

We changed room and initially happy and it was clean, but the quilt cover had bodily stains on it. Returning to the reception again to request a change of quilt cover, was asked when I expected this? Personally this was quite offensive as should be "not a problem we will get this resolved quick as possible". I pointed out the lacquer issue and was told sternly that tables being replaced when hotel quiet. I explained I accept that, but didnt want you guys thinking we have vandalised the room.

Well by time we went out the staff came by and changed the bedding.

The bed was extremely comfy and the bath was nice and deep. The breakfast was superb with the weekend chef, but went a bit ropey in places on the Monday and Tuesday.

Ample amount of parking and checking in your car was simple. Thankfully didnt ask me my nationality, as it really isn't premier inns business what I identify as in the UK. Hotel has confusion as to why it advertises it doesn't serve food, yet you can order from the menu.

Overall it was nice stay with some issues.. I'd happily consider...

This Premier Inn is located right next to a large morrisons with petrol station, there is also an aldi and kfc as well hence it is very conveniently located.

Unlike the other Premier Inn in Sandown by the seafront there is plenty of free parking here which is awesome.

Check in was swift and easy and staff polite. Room was large, comfy and clean, as was the bathroom. Shower gel, kettle with tea & Coffee, a hairdryer, large TV, were provided in room, but sadly no fridge, would have liked a fridge for my milk. Bed was really confomy and double glazing was good so couldn't hear any of the traffic outside. Free WiFi is provided but its really slow and rubbish, it will be OK for browsing and checking email but not fast enough for streaming TV or MS Teams / zoom. They offer a premium WiFi for £5 but I didn't try it. THERE WAS ABSOLUTELY NO MOBILE RECEPTION inside which was so damn annoying. Air conditioning was working and good as it had been a hot day (mid 20's).

Bathroom looked clean, but obviously the cleaners are skiving as it stunk of urine. If I wasn't so tired and just staying the night I would have complained. Shower gel and hand wash were provided but nothing else.

Breakfast is an additional charge, I paid for it and it was a decent buffet with bottomless tea and coffee.

Would I stay here again? Yeah probably, but there is definitely room for improvement in terms of the housekeeping, otherwise another no thrills...