Foresters Hall
Full view
View all photos(177)177
Room & Suite (46)
Dining (22)
View prices for your travel dates
Contact accommodation for availability.
There are similar hotels available.
View allDid you already book this hotel?
About
4.5
#2 of 5 hotels in CowesLocation
Cleanliness
Service
Value
Foresters Hall (formerly known as North House) is a stylish boutique hotel situated in the heart of Cowes old town just five minutes walk from the Royal Yacht Squadron. The hotel has fourteen bedrooms, with Old Town, garden or captivating sea views. The hotel features an elegant bar serving cocktails and an award winning restaurant and wine list, library, terrace, garden and a residents heated outdoor swimming pool (May-September). The new owners rebranded the hotel “Foresters Hall” in October 2022 to reflect the Grade II listed buildings original name and heritage as a meeting place for people “as they walked through the forests of life”.
Read more
Suggest edits to improve what we show.Improve this listing
Property amenities
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Heated pool
Bar / lounge
Bicycles available
Patio
Highchairs available
Baggage storage
Newspaper
Restaurant
Breakfast available
Complimentary tea
Kids' meals
Outdoor dining area
Special diet menus
Wine / champagne
Board games / puzzles
Non-smoking hotel
Outdoor furniture
Sun deck
Sun terrace
Umbrella
Private check-in / check-out
Room features
Bathrobes
Coffee / tea maker
Minibar
Electric kettle
Flatscreen TV
Hair dryer
Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Suites
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to TheAA: The Automobile Association.
HOTEL STYLE
Trendy
Romantic
Languages Spoken
French, Spanish
Location
30 Sun Hill, Cowes PO31 7HY England
Getting there
Great for walkers
Places to stay are graded on a 0-100 scale. The higher the grade, the easier it is for travellers to find restaurants and things to do within walking distance.
Grade: 92 out of 100
92
56 Restaurants
within 0.5 kilometers
278Reviews5Q+A51Room tips
Reviews
Traveller rating
- 207
- 43
- 13
- 13
- 2
Time of year
Traveller type
Language
Selected filters
- Filter
- English
Popular mentions
Sort by:
Detailed Reviews
I’m so glad we went to Cowes. Even in the mid September sunshine some of the other towns on the island were looking a little tired’ and unloved but perhaps not that surprising the way things are right now.
The North House certainly warrants it’s hidden gem status (if it doesn’t have it then it should).
We were lucky to have on of their big rooms which was accompanied by a massive bathroom. Attention to detail was superb throughout including the daily replenishment of the superb chocolate cookies and the great choice of pods for the coffee machine.
A very slight downside was the loud closing of doors one morning many times within a short space of time. Not sure why and it didn’t happen again. Slightly odd nonetheless.
Breakfast in the room arrived on time in a picnic basket. Hot and fresh, great selection - amazing how they do that.
The bar area is very pleasant with a good range of cocktails. The restaurant was very popular which is hardly surprising given the quality of food and friendly service. We had dinner here twice in our four night stay. If the weather had stayed good more glasses of Pinot Grigio blush on the very pleasant terrace would have also been enjoyed.
Sadly, I guess a mention needs to be made about COVID precautions. The North House have gone to great lengths to protect their guests with sanitiser, screens, and awareness of social distancing.
We will certainly be back.
The North House certainly warrants it’s hidden gem status (if it doesn’t have it then it should).
We were lucky to have on of their big rooms which was accompanied by a massive bathroom. Attention to detail was superb throughout including the daily replenishment of the superb chocolate cookies and the great choice of pods for the coffee machine.
A very slight downside was the loud closing of doors one morning many times within a short space of time. Not sure why and it didn’t happen again. Slightly odd nonetheless.
Breakfast in the room arrived on time in a picnic basket. Hot and fresh, great selection - amazing how they do that.
The bar area is very pleasant with a good range of cocktails. The restaurant was very popular which is hardly surprising given the quality of food and friendly service. We had dinner here twice in our four night stay. If the weather had stayed good more glasses of Pinot Grigio blush on the very pleasant terrace would have also been enjoyed.
Sadly, I guess a mention needs to be made about COVID precautions. The North House have gone to great lengths to protect their guests with sanitiser, screens, and awareness of social distancing.
We will certainly be back.
Read more
Date of stay: September 2020Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The hotel, itself, is full of character, tastefully and sensitively decorated to ensure you have a balance of ambience and style and comfort. Nothing is too much trouble for the staff, who are friendly and attentive and sensitive, and ensure that you have a memorable stay. The food is superb, and the chef will happily cater to your individual dietary needs and requirements. The hotel is well appointed to enable you to explore the island and all it has on offer. The staff have ensured that guests’ protection is paramount by ensuring the layout promotes social distancing and facilities are booked for short periods, to provide the opportunity to sanitizer them between each guest’s booking. The hotel is immaculately clean. There is no air con (listed building), however there is a fan in each room to ensure your comfort and it is well ventilated. The only thing that may be an issue is if you have mobility issues as the car park is a public one, located a few minutes’ walk from the actual building, but I have no doubt that the hotel would support you with a work-around if this is something you would need.
If you’re looking for comfort and luxury, this is “the place” to stay on the Island. Thank you to the entire staff team for your efforts to ensure a good time was had by all. 🤗
If you’re looking for comfort and luxury, this is “the place” to stay on the Island. Thank you to the entire staff team for your efforts to ensure a good time was had by all. 🤗
Read more
Date of stay: August 2020Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Looking for the best Sunday Lunch experience in the IOW we were recommended North House.
What a great choice!
Very pleasant relaxing internal decor with several small rooms / alcoves to explore and a warm welcome on arrival. The tables have been well spaced during this pandemic and stylish screens erected to provide an element of privacy too -- recommend this as a permanent feature as we felt we had privacy and not overlooked. My wife remarked that singles would find this comforting.
Table was covered with linen table cloth, small vase of flowers, and lamp illumination. Lighting was natural from the terrace windows and that terrace looked an attractive al fresco dining option for sunnier days.
Service was efficient, warm and unobtrusive. We took three courses and the choices were well balanced and perfectly executed. Main coarse was roast beef for both with tender beef and excellent vegetable. The Yorkshire pud was a trifle brittle for my personal taste but, then, I'm a perfectionist.
This was a lunch to saviour and we look forward to an excuse to visit the IOW and North House again,
What a great choice!
Very pleasant relaxing internal decor with several small rooms / alcoves to explore and a warm welcome on arrival. The tables have been well spaced during this pandemic and stylish screens erected to provide an element of privacy too -- recommend this as a permanent feature as we felt we had privacy and not overlooked. My wife remarked that singles would find this comforting.
Table was covered with linen table cloth, small vase of flowers, and lamp illumination. Lighting was natural from the terrace windows and that terrace looked an attractive al fresco dining option for sunnier days.
Service was efficient, warm and unobtrusive. We took three courses and the choices were well balanced and perfectly executed. Main coarse was roast beef for both with tender beef and excellent vegetable. The Yorkshire pud was a trifle brittle for my personal taste but, then, I'm a perfectionist.
This was a lunch to saviour and we look forward to an excuse to visit the IOW and North House again,
Read more
Date of stay: October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
As locals we heard great things about North House.Decided to visit the restaurant with some friends.Booking for 6 pm. First impressions it was a beautiful setting. Seated at our table and 15 mins went by whilst staff were consumed by a problem on the booking /seating screens. Eventually I asked if we could have drinks . So at 6.45 we received them. Asked for bread and olives to start. Bread came olives 10 mins later. Dinner was average. With a 2 hour booking window we were just disappointed with the lack of care we were shown. Dessert menu brought to us at 7.40 as we had to leave our table at 8 pm we decided we wouldn’t be rushed so declined. Literally not enough time for the slow service provided !
Read more
Date of stay: December 2020Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We had a lovely time at the North House. I haven’t given 5 stars as one member of staff was really unpleasant. We requested a table outside for lunch on Wednesday 2 Sept and we were bluntly told there were none available even though it wasn’t busy and weren’t even offered seating elsewhere. It wasn’t until I mentioned we were staying there that she changed her mind. It was the girl with her hair tied back who regularly wore a dark green top. She should have known we were staying there as we’d spoken to her on several occasions. We were dressed smartly so I’m not sure what her problem was. The next morning at breakfast she was fawning over us. She appeared extremely fake and very snobby. Guests who are staying there should be given priority for tables. It made us feel very unwelcome.
Read more
Date of stay: September 2020Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We went here for lunch after hearing excellent reviews and they weren't wrong! We had truffle arancini as light bites to start with which were 'light' and absolutely delicious. This was followed by the sirloin steak and wild mushroom with Isle of Wight blue cheese risotto.Both mains were full of flavour and our plates were clean! For pudding we shared a choc delice with hazelnut ice cream which complemented it well.
Excellent service all round and left extremely satisfied. We will be back.
Excellent service all round and left extremely satisfied. We will be back.
Read more
Date of stay: October 2020Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
How this could be classed Ny any guest as less than 5 eludes me
It is
A
Solid, perfect 5
First Michelin chef of the new age. humble, thoughtful, customer oriented, talented,
Grand hotels in London should be so lucky!
And he came to North House because of the new owners
New to hospitality, never have we found people with more of a
Love for
Their hotel and their customers
The staff care, go out of their way and really want guests to be happy
The food is too inexpensive for the quality and sheer joy it gives an evening
The wine list is exceptional . They produce great , quite unknown and yet absolutely first class wines to complement dinner
Rooms are
Finished to excellent detail all well presented , fresh, interesting coffee and teas .Good bed and bathroom linens
This is the best place to stay on I of W if you cannot stay with friends. It is one
Of the best places to stay in the south
West and
Worth a special trip to the Isle just to enjoy the new
Owners love of the new
Profession they chose
It is
A
Solid, perfect 5
First Michelin chef of the new age. humble, thoughtful, customer oriented, talented,
Grand hotels in London should be so lucky!
And he came to North House because of the new owners
New to hospitality, never have we found people with more of a
Love for
Their hotel and their customers
The staff care, go out of their way and really want guests to be happy
The food is too inexpensive for the quality and sheer joy it gives an evening
The wine list is exceptional . They produce great , quite unknown and yet absolutely first class wines to complement dinner
Rooms are
Finished to excellent detail all well presented , fresh, interesting coffee and teas .Good bed and bathroom linens
This is the best place to stay on I of W if you cannot stay with friends. It is one
Of the best places to stay in the south
West and
Worth a special trip to the Isle just to enjoy the new
Owners love of the new
Profession they chose
Read more
Date of stay: June 2022Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip: Plan a day longer and really enjoy the place
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We had a wonderful meal, starting with the booking, it was very easy and clean confirmation message. We called during the day to see if we could push it a little later and they were happy to oblige.
When we arrived we got a pleasant welcome and were promptly showed through to our table.
We ordered a really delicious bottle of Picpoul de Pinet - highly recommend.
We then were served some really lovely bread whilst we waited.
Starters we had 2 of the Gallybagger soufflés, a whitebait and the fish cakes which we all thought were delicious and another bottle of the wine was required.
For mains we had 2 steaks both cooked differently and to our liking. The cod which was really lovely flavours and the plaice which was the fish of the day which usually comes with capers but they we happy to provide it without for my father as per his request.
Puddings we tried the chocolate Pave, the lemon Panna Cotta and 2 apple crumbles. Again it was all delicious and really tasty.
The service was really friendly and attentive and nothing was too much trouble. The staff we’re chatty and confident and knew details about the dishes when we enquired.
The decor and atmosphere was lovely. Overall we had a really lovely evening and considering we had two bottles of wine and 3 courses each was only £55 per head which we thought was very reasonable for what we had.
Another bonus was service was not included, we certainly wouldn’t have begrudged them it but it was nice to be able to add it ourselves.
We can’t wait to come back!
When we arrived we got a pleasant welcome and were promptly showed through to our table.
We ordered a really delicious bottle of Picpoul de Pinet - highly recommend.
We then were served some really lovely bread whilst we waited.
Starters we had 2 of the Gallybagger soufflés, a whitebait and the fish cakes which we all thought were delicious and another bottle of the wine was required.
For mains we had 2 steaks both cooked differently and to our liking. The cod which was really lovely flavours and the plaice which was the fish of the day which usually comes with capers but they we happy to provide it without for my father as per his request.
Puddings we tried the chocolate Pave, the lemon Panna Cotta and 2 apple crumbles. Again it was all delicious and really tasty.
The service was really friendly and attentive and nothing was too much trouble. The staff we’re chatty and confident and knew details about the dishes when we enquired.
The decor and atmosphere was lovely. Overall we had a really lovely evening and considering we had two bottles of wine and 3 courses each was only £55 per head which we thought was very reasonable for what we had.
Another bonus was service was not included, we certainly wouldn’t have begrudged them it but it was nice to be able to add it ourselves.
We can’t wait to come back!
Read more
Date of stay: July 2021Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We stayed for one night in room 3 (spacious room with an extra bed for our daughter). The room is fabulous - it is very spacious and well appointed with large bath in the bedroom and en-suite shower room. It is very airy too with big widows onto a quiet residential street. We liked the mini bottle of fresh milk to make tea and the cookies. The hotel cooked breakfast was delicious - a really nice amount of food washed down with coffee and pastries. The pool was great for our daughter to have some nice swims (if management are reading this however please please get the tree over the pool cut back so it gets more sun on the loungers in the afternoon! It was sunny for our morning swim which made up for it). The staff are very friendly and helpful. The bar and restaurant are lovely we didn’t eat dinner there though as we’d booked in the Coast restaurant in town. We will definitely go back to this hotel and recommend it to friends. It was great being able to swim and sit outside for breakfast but I suspect it’s cosy and warm in winter too.
Read more
Date of stay: August 2021Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Myself, my husband and our two young daughters enjoyed 4 magical nights at North House and it was the absolute highlight of our trip! We had travelled from Australia for a friends wedding in Surrey and this was our final stop before we flew home.
We stayed in Rooms 14 and 15 for the duration of our stay and both rooms exceeded our expectations. The gorgeous complimentary shower and hair products in the bathroom, the GHD hair straightener and the comfiest bath robes and towels made it a very luxurious experience. The beds were so comfortable and we slept so soundly each night.
From the moment we entered this gorgeous boutique hotel we were so impressed with the amazing service and warm welcome from all the clearly very happy staff and new owners , they made sure we had everything we needed and went above and beyond at every stage.
Our kids loved the pool and swam a couple of times each day, followed by a quick walk into Cowes to get some lunch or a snack, everything is on your door step!
Eating at North House is an experience all to itself with exceptional food courtesy of Robert Thompson and his team, the Tapas menu is something we will be discussing for a long time to come, absolutely stunning food.
The most beautiful boutique hotel with an equally beautiful restaurant- I’m not sure what more you could ask for in a holiday!
Thank you North House, see the again soon!
We stayed in Rooms 14 and 15 for the duration of our stay and both rooms exceeded our expectations. The gorgeous complimentary shower and hair products in the bathroom, the GHD hair straightener and the comfiest bath robes and towels made it a very luxurious experience. The beds were so comfortable and we slept so soundly each night.
From the moment we entered this gorgeous boutique hotel we were so impressed with the amazing service and warm welcome from all the clearly very happy staff and new owners , they made sure we had everything we needed and went above and beyond at every stage.
Our kids loved the pool and swam a couple of times each day, followed by a quick walk into Cowes to get some lunch or a snack, everything is on your door step!
Eating at North House is an experience all to itself with exceptional food courtesy of Robert Thompson and his team, the Tapas menu is something we will be discussing for a long time to come, absolutely stunning food.
The most beautiful boutique hotel with an equally beautiful restaurant- I’m not sure what more you could ask for in a holiday!
Thank you North House, see the again soon!
Read more
Date of stay: July 2022Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Apologies for the delay! I am not sure to be honest, but they are very happy to help, so perhaps it would be best to contact them directly (as you may have already done by now! Sorry)
Yes, the pool was really warm :-)
There were dogs staying there when we were there. I suggest you email and check on the size of dogs they let stay there.
The hotel does not have a car park and there is no parking on the road outside the hotel. There is a large open air paying public car park about 5 minutes away. We also found some free street parking next to the car park but it is on a main road.
Yes very! There is a pool and they even supply little dressing gowns for children.
"The Garden is a lovely pace to dine, if the weather is good. If not, the Hotel is beautiful, inside - to eat or to drink."Read full review
"Book a reservation at the restaurant if you plan to eat there. They'll fit you in, but easier if you have a booking."Read full review
"We found it pleasantly uncrowded on a Friday lunchtime. There’s a carpark nearby - ask reception when you phone to book."Read full review
…
LOCATION
United KingdomEnglandIsle of WightCowes
NUMBER OF ROOMS
14
Prices are the average nightly price provided by our partners and may not include all taxes and fees. Taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only. Please see our partners for more details.
Is This Your Tripadvisor Listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim Your ListingFORESTERS HALL
Frequently Asked Questions about Foresters Hall
Which popular attractions are close to Foresters Hall?
Nearby attractions include Sir Max Aitken Museum (0.2 km), Cowes Ale House (0.3 km), and Sounds And Grounds (0.4 km).
What are some of the property amenities at Foresters Hall?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, an on-site restaurant, and a lounge.
What food & drink options are available at Foresters Hall?
Guests can enjoy an on-site restaurant, a lounge, and breakfast during their stay.
What are some restaurants close to Foresters Hall?
Conveniently located restaurants include Call It What You Want, Number 3, and Harbour Kitchen.
Are there opportunities to exercise at Foresters Hall?
Yes, guests have access to a heated pool during their stay.
Which languages are spoken by the staff at Foresters Hall?
The staff speaks multiple languages, including Spanish and French.
Are there any historical sites close to Foresters Hall?
Many travellers enjoy visiting Osborne House (2.5 km), Osborne House (2.5 km), and Newport Roman Villa (7.6 km).