Hillside Ventnor

It appears there is important information to address regarding Hillside Ventnor. Hillside Ventnor ceased operations as a hotel in October 2023. The land and building were sold, and the accommodation business was not taken on as a going concern by the new owner.

The Michelin Key distinction for hotels was launched in October 2023, with the first awards for Great Britain and Ireland being announced in late 2024 (for 2025). As Hillside Ventnor closed before these awards were officially distributed, it would not be a currently Michelin Key selected property. However, it was an award-winning hotel in its time, having received a Good Hotel Guide César Award in 2022.

Below is a comprehensive review based on Hillside Ventnor's operations prior to its closure in October 2023.

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Comprehensive Review: Hillside Ventnor (Former Operations)

Hillside Ventnor, an upscale guesthouse-style hotel nestled on a hillside overlooking the Isle of Wight resort of Ventnor, was highly regarded for its unique blend of comfort, tranquility, and distinctive design before its closure in October 2023. It was housed in a charming 18th-century thatched-roof Georgian villa with a rich literary history, once hosting figures like poet John Sterling and visited by writers such as Thackeray and Dickens.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

Prior to its closure, Hillside Ventnor consistently received exceptional reviews, often scoring highly for cleanliness, location, and staff & service. Guests frequently described it as a "lovely, quiet hotel" and an "outstanding" establishment. It was even voted the second-best hotel in the UK by TripAdvisor critics in the past. The general sentiment was overwhelmingly positive, highlighting a unique and high-quality experience.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently lauded Hillside Ventnor for several standout features:

• Design & Ambiance: The hotel boasted striking interiors characterized by pristine white minimalism punctuated with numerous splashes of modern art, primarily contemporary Scandinavian paintings and sculptures, along with pieces by local artists. Elegant Danish furnishings and natural wood floorboards contributed to a clean and sophisticated aesthetic.
• Location & Views: Its hillside position offered superb sea views from most rooms and access to lovely, peaceful gardens.
• Dining: The on-site restaurant and breakfast were frequently praised for their exceptional quality and use of fresh, local ingredients.
• Service & Attention to Detail: The attentive service and friendly, welcoming ambiance were recurring themes in guest feedback.

3. Room Quality

The 12 individually decorated bedrooms at Hillside Ventnor extended the hotel's white minimalist interior design, featuring woolen carpets, elegant Danish lighting, and colorful contemporary artworks. Comfort was a priority, with particularly comfy bedding, including Vi-Spring mattresses, crisp white linen, and goose-down pillows and duvets. Bathrooms were well-maintained and spotless, offering under-floor heating, heated towel rails, and good quality toiletries. Free Wi-Fi was available in all rooms, and most windows overlooked the pretty gardens with distant sea views. However, some guests noted that beds might feel a little small, and there were strict rules against having drinks in the rooms, with no in-room tea/coffee facilities or minibars.

4. Dining Experience

The dining experience at Hillside Ventnor was a significant highlight. The hotel offered an excellent continental or full cooked breakfast each morning, which was included in the rate and could be enjoyed overlooking the garden. Many breakfast items were homemade, praised for their quality and breadth of provision.

The on-site restaurant was known for its innovative, daily changing menu, offering three carefully planned choices: meat, fish, or vegetarian. This approach ensured fresh, high-quality ingredients, often locally sourced. Past examples of the sophisticated menu included Ventnor Bay lobster bisque and fresh avocado, apple, and shallot tian. Guests often had to arrive at 6:30 PM to gather in the drawing rooms before dinner was served at 7 PM for everyone.

5. Service & Staff

Guest feedback consistently highlighted the welcoming, friendly ambiance and attentive service provided by the staff. The English and Danish owners were noted for maintaining the immaculate minimalist interiors and for their dedication to quality. While the service was considered high-end, some guests found the hotel's rigid rules and timetables, particularly concerning breakfast and dinner service times, to be a little trying.

6. Location & Accessibility

Hillside Ventnor was situated at 151 Mitchell Avenue in Ventnor, United Kingdom, on a hillside overlooking the English Channel. Its location offered a peaceful retreat just outside the quaint Victorian resort of Ventnor. Nearby attractions within a 15-minute walk included Oceanblue Sea Charters, the English Channel, and Ventnor Beach. Ventnor Park and Putting Green (1.1 km) and St Boniface Down (1.9 km) were also easily accessible. Free self-parking was available at the property. However, the hotel did not have an elevator, and specific accessibility needs would require contacting the property.

7. Value & Pricing

While the property offered a special experience, rates were considered high by some standards. However, given the exceptional quality of rooms, dining, and service, many guests considered it to offer great value. For instance, a three-course meal at the restaurant was noted as offering good value in a 2010 review. Typical season deals for a 5-star rating hotel could start from £229 per night.

8. Common Complaints

While generally highly praised, some recurring issues or criticisms included:

• Rigid Rules and Timetables: The hotel's strict rules, particularly regarding dining times and the prohibition of drinks in rooms, were occasionally a point of contention for some guests.
• Bed Size: Some guests felt that the beds could be a little small.
• Lack of In-Room Beverages: The absence of in-room tea/coffee facilities or minibars was noted.
• No Elevator: The lack of an elevator could be an issue for guests with mobility challenges.

Sources

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11. isle-of-wight-uk.com
12. top-hotels-uk.com