Isle of Wight Sandown (Merrie Gardens) hotel

Wife and I enjoyed a fantastic stay over three nights in a family room with two adult size teenage children at premier inn Isle of white, Sandown, Merrie Gardens over Easter. Great location for local supermarket supplies and access to Franklin esplanade just several minute drive away, couple of restaurants in the high Street (although in my opinion,the only one worth mentioning is Khao Yai Thai restaurant which was very good value and tasty well prepared food). Hotel staff were amazingly receptive and helpful, didn't see a single rolled eye or pursed lip from any of them through several very busy breakfast services. They took care of all of my personal requests promptly and with friendly conversation and there was a great laid-back atmosphere. Special mention for the kitchen staff as the breakfast was cooked to the same high standard every morning. The mushrooms and black pudding were something else, I've stayed at a few different premier inns over the last several years here the breakfast is really stand out, everything clearly cooked and prepared by people who love to eat food. Only one thing I would improve on and it's totally out of control of the staff, its the window in the room doesn't open and after three days sleeping and showering with two extra large teenagers in tow room smelled a bit funky. Of five premiere inns I have stayed in over the last few years this is the best one so far, with the sam two teenagers in tow, even though the room wasn't as large as others we have enjoyed and even with the room window not opening, this is the best one and that's mainly thanks to the staff.

The reception staff were incredibly helpful and welcoming, with nothing too much trouble for them. They even suggested places that we might like to visit, when we explained that we were on the IoW for just a few days. When we booked the hotel, the website was ambiguous about the availability of evening meals and seemed to imply that only breakfast was available. This wasn't the case. Reception quickly clarified this and helpfully amended out breakfast-only meal deal. We thoroughly enjoyed our evening meal and found that restaurant staff were as equally friendly and helpful as reception

We were booked for 3 nights, ended up there for 4 due to fog playing havoc with the ferries. 3 nights were in a premier plus room, the last night we had to switch to an accessible room as it was the only one left. Not as nice and smelt a bit damp but very grateful to have got a room. Big thanks to the lovely chap on reception at breakfast on the Monday who sorted it for us. He was really kind and helpful and a credit to Premier Inns We stay in loads of premier inns and this was just as good. Lovely breakfast, and very conveniently located. Great car park!

Attending for a funeral, all 5 rooms were paid for for early checking. The team greeted us with compassion and kindness. The lady on reception was accommodating and said if we needed anything just ask. On our return after the sad day we had drinks in the bar. Daniel and the team looked after us again with kindness. The breakfast was amazing and the sausages outstanding. Well done Chef I thoroughly recommend this hotel and with the team on hand you won’t want for anything. A credit to the premier inn team.

Have stayed in the hotel, together with the family, in February 2026 and forgotten a pair of new shoes under a table in the room. When called the hotel next day, I was plesantly surprised by speaking to hotel's manager Daniel, who has confirmed that they found the shoes and that the hotel will send them to me! Daniel, thank you very much for your help! The hotel itself left a good impression: it's a no-frills option, with free parking, in a very quiet place and with solid walls as you cannot hear visitors in other rooms. English breakfast in the morning was filling; if you want a vegetarian option or eggs made differently, just ask a member of staff. The room was very clean. In terms of amenities, Morrisons, Aldi, a pub and a KFS are all a stone-throw away. There's 30-minute walk to Shanklin old village and beach to one side and 30-minute walk to Sandown pier and beach to the other. Top island's attractions are typically 20 minutes away by the car, except for Needles, which is on the other end of the island. Would stay again if decide to visit Isle of Wight again.