The Seaview Hotel, Seaview, Isle of Wight

This is arguably the best place to stay on the Isle of Wight: the seaside village at that time forgot. A grocers, a pub, an art gallery and a clothes shop line the narrow streets from the popular beach. A ghost town in winter, it is filled with Breton-striped second-homers in summer. Make the half-hour walk to the Victorian town of Ryde along the seafront or visit the Isle of Wight distillery, where local Mermaid gin is made.

By car: The hotel is 3 hours 30 mins from London, via the Portsmouth ferry terminal to connect to Fishbourne. From there, it is a 20-minute drive to the hotel, where there is free parking for guests.

By train: Trains run regularly from London Waterloo to Portsmouth Harbour, taking about 1 hour 40 mins. Take the FastCat terminal to Ryde, or the car ferry to Fishbourne, both of which are a short taxi ride from the hotel. Book trains to Portsmouth Harbour.

This isn't cutting-edge design, but you can't argue with the character of this place. It's like staying in the home of a naval uncle. The lounge showcases the dazzle camouflage used by the navy in the two world wars, while the naval mess dining room is strewn with warships and the Pump Bar displays aircraft carriers and pictures of Seaview pilots.

You'll have a jolly holiday with this friendly team. It's a small hotel with limited facilities but there is some parking at the back and the option of hiring an electric bicycle to explore the surrounding area. Staff are full of suggestions to help you get the most out of your stay and can book paddle boarding or sailing.

• Restaurant

• Bar

• Garden

• Pet-friendly

• Beach access

• Family rooms
• Free parking

• Free Wi-Fi

Rooms are stylish and contemporary with seagrass carpets, antique furniture and candy stripe or floral upholstery. Some rooms have nautical wallpaper, while others have Farrow and Ball paint colours. Rooms with partial sea views come with telescopes or binoculars to watch the boats on the Solent.

Room types: Standard, Superior, The Apartment Suite, Myrtle Cottage

Key amenities: ensuite bathroom with bathtub and overhead shower, Acotherm toiletries, TV, hairdryer, tea and coffee facilities, free Wi-Fi

The main restaurant serves local produce prepared in a stylish and interesting way by head chef Bruce Theobald. Expect dishes sizzling with flavour, such as scotch egg with smoked salmon and katsu or Venison with celeriac, blackberries, nasturtium and truffle. Food in the Pump Room and Naval Mess is comforting with proper fish and chips and crab ramekins.

The Aquitania: 2 AA Rosette and Michelin Bib Gourmand dining, local produce, fresh seafood, modern European dishes. Open for dinner Mon-Sat, 6-9pm. Mains from £16.25.