The Terrace Rooms and Wine

The Terrace Rooms and Wine, Ventnor, United Kingdom: A Michelin Key Selected Escape

The Terrace Rooms and Wine in Ventnor stands out as a "boutique wine hotel" and a "Michelin Key Selected property," consistently earning high praise for its exceptional focus on wine, stunning sea views, and personalized hospitality. Guests frequently describe it as a luxurious and intimate escape, a far cry from a traditional hotel, offering an experience akin to staying with stylish friends who possess an exquisite taste in wine and local produce. Since its opening in August 2021 after a year-long restoration, it has quickly garnered accolades, including being named Best B&B in the UK by the Good Hotel Guide and a place in the Top 50 Boutique Hotels.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for The Terrace Rooms and Wine is overwhelmingly positive, with guests consistently rating it exceptionally high. Reviewers frequently use terms like "superb," "divine," and "luxurious" to describe their stays. It holds a 4.9 out of 5 rating on Google based on numerous reviews, with 31 out of 34 reviews giving it 5 stars. The property is celebrated for its impeccable attention to detail and creating special memories for its visitors.

2. Key Highlights

Guests are particularly enamored with several aspects of The Terrace Rooms and Wine:

• Wine Focus: The "wine with rooms" concept is a significant draw, featuring a 900 to 1,200-bottle wine cellar, daily complimentary wine tastings, and knowledgeable owners passionate about wine. The wine room itself is a highlight, offering both educational and enjoyable tasting sessions.
• Stunning Sea Views: All six luxury bedrooms boast heavenly sea views, as do the large orangery, glass-fronted dining terrace, and outdoor terraces. The south-facing location ensures sunshine throughout the day (weather permitting).
• Exceptional Dining: The four-course breakfast is consistently described as an "extravaganza" or "divine," setting guests up perfectly for the day. Friday night banquets and innovative set tasting menus (during colder months) focusing on Isle of Wight produce are also highly praised. Cheese and charcuterie boards are available daily to complement the wine.
• Elegant Design & Ambiance: Housed in the iconic St. Augustine Villa, a restored 19th-century mansion, the interiors are elegant, mixing original features with modern furniture and art. The ambiance is described as sophisticated, relaxed, and intimate.
• Personalized Service: The owners, Ashley and Tom Fahey, are frequently mentioned for their wonderful hospitality, friendliness, and attentive service.

3. Room Quality

The six luxury rooms are described as comfortable, beautifully decorated, and designed with impeccable attention to detail. They feature muted, relaxing colors, elegant interiors, and all offer sea views. Key features include:

• Handcrafted Hypnos superking-sized beds with White Company linen for ultimate comfort.
• Boutique hotel-style design with custom-made wood paneling, vibrant artwork, and woven rugs.
• In-room bar fridges, often stocked with wines from their cellar.
• Thoughtful touches such as USB ports by the bed.
• Specific room features highlighted include large window seats, headboard partitions separating bedroom from bathroom, and in-room roll-top baths in some rooms. Room 1 is noted for having a bathroom with beautiful Victorian arched windows offering a dual aspect.
• While stylish, some rooms opt for hangars on the wall instead of traditional wardrobes and provide beach towels rather than robes and slippers.

4. Dining Experience

The dining experience at The Terrace Rooms and Wine is a significant draw, revolving around exceptional food and an extensive wine program.

• Breakfast: A standout is the "four-course extravaganza" breakfast served in the sunroom, often including a sausage roll (meat or veggie option) and a minimalist take on the full English.
• Wine Room Dinners/Banquets: On Friday nights (and seasonally from November to March), Tom, one of the owners and a chef, prepares no-choice tasting menus for communal feasts in the wine room, using only locally sourced Isle of Wight produce. These dinners are intimate and highly anticipated.
• Wine Tastings: Complimentary daily wine tastings led by the owner, Ashley or Tom, are a core part of the experience, offering insights into their extensive 900-1200 bottle cellar.
• Cheese & Charcuterie: Available during the day, these boards are perfect for pairing with wine and enjoying the sea views from the conservatory or terrace.
• Local Partnerships: The Terrace partners with local restaurants like Smoking Lobster, Stripped Brasserie, and RT Cafe Grill for lunch or dinner packages, and their wines are supplied to nearby establishments.

5. Service & Staff

The service at The Terrace Rooms and Wine receives "platinum" ratings from guests, with owners Ashley and Tom consistently highlighted for their exceptional hospitality, friendliness, and meticulous attention to detail. They are described as wonderful hosts who go above and beyond to create special memories for their guests. The wine manager, Ali, is also praised for her passion and friendly approach during wine tastings. The overall atmosphere created by the staff is welcoming and accommodating.

6. Location & Accessibility

The Terrace Rooms and Wine is ideally situated in Ventnor, on the south coast of the Isle of Wight, housed in the iconic St. Augustine Villa.

• Neighborhood: It sits on the edge of Ventnor Bay, just above the historic esplanade, offering breathtaking views of the sea. Ventnor is known for its unique microclimate, steeply inclined town, Victorian villas, and shingle beach. Charles Dickens once described it as "the prettiest place I ever saw in my life, at home or abroad."
• Attractions: The hotel is within walking distance to the beach and local restaurants, including the award-winning Smoking Lobster. Steephill Cove, a charming village accessible only by foot, with colorful beach huts and clear waters, is a recommended day trip. Ventnor Botanic Garden is also a 10-minute drive or 25-minute walk away.
• Transport: The Isle of Wight is accessible by ferry from Southampton, Portsmouth, and Lymington. The Lymington-Yarmouth route is often recommended for its scenic drive to Ventnor. The property offers allocated parking spaces.

7. Value & Pricing

Stays at The Terrace Rooms and Wine are considered a worthwhile luxury experience. Prices for a double room with breakfast and a wine tasting start from approximately £200-£220 per night. Friday dinners typically cost around £80 per person, with an additional £50 for wine pairing. Given the personalized service, the unique wine program, the four-course breakfasts, the quality of the rooms, and the stunning location, guests generally perceive the cost as justified for the high-end experience offered. The commitment to local produce and the owners' passion for wine further enhance the perceived value.

8. Common Complaints

While overwhelmingly positive, some minor points or considerations for guests have been noted:

• The property's "wine with rooms" focus means dinner is not offered every night, and guests may need to venture out for evening meals on certain days. However, the owners partner with local restaurants and offer private dining for groups on request.
• Staff typically finish around 8 pm, so guests planning to dine in the evenings at the hotel's wine bar should select their wines before this time.
• While stylish, some rooms have hangars on the wall instead of full wardrobes and provide beach towels rather than robes and slippers.
• The property is generally designed for adults, with a sophisticated vibe, making it less ideal for families with young children, though a sixth room in the annex can accommodate children with a sofabed.
• Ventnor itself is described as having "steeply inclined" roads, which may be a consideration for those with mobility issues, although the views are consistently noted as being worth the effort.

Sources

1. theterraceventnor.co.uk
2. i-escape.com
3. michelin.com
4. tablethotels.com
5. wanderlog.com
6. moneyweek.com
7. goodhotelguide.com
8. top50boutiquehotels.com
9. theterraceiow.co.uk
10. wightlink.co.uk
11. thedrinksbusiness.com
12. thedrinksbusiness.com