The Pilot Boat Inn, Isle of Wight

We arrived about 2 hours before we could check in which we weren't worried about as we were just wanting to grab a drink and enjoy the sunshine. My partner wanted a lager shandy....but it was off....so opted for a cider....which they didn't have.....so ended up with a soft drink. Asked for Cheese and onion crisps and again nothing, only cider vinegar and lightly salted...I opted for one of their porters on offer and we hit the fresh air. After a couple of pints we walked up to the local village and another local pub which had good food. Can't vouch for food here although there is a menu on the wall showing many options available, all info points to just pizza so it left us a bit confused, but like I said we didn't ask, so can't confirm. We were in the Captains cabin which access is via a key safe on the wall and first impressions were clean, airy and well equipped. However everything in the cupboards leant toward just couples staying. I.e. 2 plates, 2 cups, 2 bowls, etc etc...whether that's based on the amount of people staying at that time I don't know...the extra charge of a foldable z bed that's already in the living room seemed a bit steep. The wooden flooring is nice and rustic but not forgiving in the acoustic department. More noticeable when in bed, as the wall backs onto the main bar which is the same flooring...so you really hear it when chairs are being moved. The bathroom is lovely and clean and the shower has decent room to wash in. The shower is easy to use. Bed is very comfy indeed and we both slept really well. Note that red sofa in the living room reclines so that's nice when watching telly. Signal came and went on our phones so although there is WiFi, if your phone provider isn't connecting it's a bit naff, but plenty of books in the room to read. The information folder in the room refers a lot to covid restrictions which have long been lifted so perhaps could do with updating, as well as a Captains Log for visitors to leave any comments. Upon which part of the info folder advises that breakfast includes crossiants as part of the continental offerings which was simply Corn Flakes, Crunchy Nut, Muesli, yoghurt, tinned sliced peaches and bread for toast. George is very friendly and very knowledgeable so feel free to ask whatever questions you may have, and he will happily keep you stocked up with tea and coffee. In general a nice relaxing stay in a great part right by the harbour, but not sure it was worth the money we paid. Would liked to have seen more variety in the bar and a little more on offer at breakfast (cold meats, cheeses with crossiants would have been lovely) And a pair of mens black jeans had been left behind by previous guests in the chest of drawers which we alerted George to, should anyone claim them but missed by the cleaning staff.

We were lucky enough to get the plum room, in my opinion. This quirky 1930's inn has the accommodation on the "top deck", with Bridge having the forward view and probably being the largest. The bed was huge and very comfortable and the bathroom bright, new and spotless. TV and mini-fridge are provided along with a kettle and makings for hot drinks. Breakfast is served downstairs in the taproom belonging to the Wight Knuckle microbrewery and has a good choice of cereals and spreads. Owner George was in charge of breakfast coffees, of which I was especially fond. The coffees, that is. The location close to Bembridge harbour allows for walks along the water's edge and you're within easy reach of shops, cafes, restaurants and pubs. Glad we found the Pilot Boat and would be happy to return.

Captains Cabin: Noise of the restaurant comes through the bedroom wall which was annoying, but once it closed the room was very quiet. TV is in the living room with wicker chairs, but needed a sofa instead. Apartment was spacious and kitchenette was a brilliant addition. Bed was very comfortable. Staff and owner very friendly and helpful. Breakfast was just continental but a good choice of options.

The rooms and bathroom were very clean, communication from the hosts via text before book in was very clear. Did not manage to log into the Wi-Fi unfortunately it wouldn’t recognise the password. We ate in the pub, amazing pizza and lovely atmosphere. Very close to the sea and marina at Bembridge.

Lovely from the outside, very small and not much variety, met a very nice chap called Norman who was very well informed. Lack of options for beer and food, blonde bar lady unfriendly and stood on phone while serving. Used to be a great pub, if they were prepared to serve a couple of different beers (maybe peroni or moretti?) and not just pizzas and chips maybe it would be more busy. When I visited there were only 2 other people in the building for the entire 2 hours of my visit. Pizzas did look good but really fancied a burger with my beer (faux lager was nice, tried a few others but was not very keen)

Easily deserving of 5*. Just what we hoped our stay would be, in our room “Midships” on the port side of this boat-shaped B&B, with a tap room at ground level and the delightful Wight Knuckle microbrewery in the garden. Very “micro” - we thought it was just the garden shed. There is outside seating in the back garden and at the front of the building. Rooms, all upstairs, are accessed by a code, which is messaged to guests once the room is available. That’s a really good idea, doing away with keys or cards. There is no lift. Our room was clean and comfortable with a chest of drawers, coat hangers and wall hooks, plus a TV (which presumably worked, but we never switched it on) bedside tables and a comfy chair. The bed was very, very comfortable. En-suite is a clean and smart shower room - great shower! - and large bath towels, as opposed to some of the tiny towels we’ve found elsewhere. Plenty of hot drink supplies on the chest of drawers and plenty more available on request. Breakfast was a buffet comprising juice, cereals, instant porridge, bread/toast, fruit, preserves, yogurts, hot drinks of choice, taken in the tap room. Honestly, nothing was too much trouble for George, the Proprietor and excellent Host. The location is great, both for walking and travelling round. A walk across the road takes you to a small pebble beach. There’s a bus stop just across the road. There’s parking right outside. We’d stay there again in a heartbeat.

We stayed here for one night, choosing the Pilot Boat because it was a bit different from the usual hotels and B&B's. The position by the sea in Bembridge is lovely - and the bus stops nearby which was handy for us. Our room (Starboard) was clean and comfortable, and access was made very easy thanks to detailed instructions from owner George. We were disappointed with "Continental" breakfast, which was very basic and a bit meagre. Little sachets of jam for toast, poor selection of fruit, no croissants (frozen can be perfectly adequate!). It wouldn't have taken much to make it a bit special. Having said that, it was a nice place to stay and we would definitely come here again.

2 nights stay in closed season...winter. Good communication with owners.

Great place to stay George the host is quite a character and very much customer focused. The micro brewery offers some cracking beer and is well worth a visit, not to mention there artisan Pizzas which are great . We look forward to returning later this year , highly recommended