The George Hotel

Hotel

The George Hotel stands on the quay at Yarmouth, directly overlooking the harbour and the Solent. The building dates from the seventeenth century and was originally the home of the governor of the island. It became a hotel in the eighteenth century and has been welcoming guests ever since, making it one of the oldest continuously operating hotels on the Isle of Wight. The location is exceptional, with the Wightlink ferry terminal, the harbour, and the castle all within a few minutes' walk. The hotel has been refurbished in recent years and offers well-appointed rooms, several with harbour views, a restaurant with an emphasis on local seafood and island produce, and a brasserie for more casual dining. The garden terrace is a fine place to sit on a summer evening, watching boats come and go in the harbour while the light fades over the Solent. Yarmouth is the smallest town on the island and one of the most appealing, with a castle built by Henry VIII, a restored Victorian pier, and a compact centre of independent shops and cafes that cater well to visitors without losing their character. The George suits visitors arriving on the Lymington ferry who want a comfortable, characterful base in the quieter western half of the island, with easy access to the Needles, Freshwater, and the western downs.