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4.0
#4 of 5 hotels in Cowes
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Value
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Albert Cottage Hotel in East Cowes on the Isle of Wight was once part of Queen Victoria’s Osborne Estate. The Grade II listed building - set in two acres of beautiful gardens - is now a stylish ten bedroom boutique hotel, restaurant and bar, with a fine reputation for its affordable à la carte menu serving simple food, locally sourced where possible, with fantastic flavours . At Albert Cottage you can enjoy a relaxing stay, in stylish and elegant surroundings, freshly cooked food and explore the beautiful Isle of Wight. The hotel is also an ideal venue for weddings, celebrations, meetings and conferences. Whether visiting for business or pleasure, you're assured a warm, friendly and professional welcome.
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
HOTEL STYLE
Historic Hotel
Family
Languages Spoken
English, Russian, Polish, Ukrainian
Location
York Avenue, Cowes PO32 6BD England
Albert Cottage - Hotel - Restaurant - Bar
431 reviews
Getting there
Somewhat walkable
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.
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Albert Cottage exudes a charming and comfortable atmosphere, with period restorations adding to its character, although a few guests feel some elements of the decor are worn. While some travelers consider the pricing steep, particularly pet fees, others believe the value deals justify the costs. The cleanliness of the hotel receives high marks, with spotless rooms and sizable bathrooms.
The service stands out for the staff's warmth and professionalism, especially noted in the dining experiences. Amenities, including the beautiful gardens and delectable dining options, are widely praised, despite some areas appearing dated. Rooms are generally admired for their space, comfort, and tastefulness, but are not without criticism on aesthetics.
Atmosphere
Charming
Rooms
Comfortable
Value
Expensive
Cleanliness
Immaculate
Service
Friendly
Amenities
Top-notch
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I loved staying in this hotel. It oozes history and it was amazing to think Queen Victoria's daughter lived here. It is furnished in period Victorian style with many antiques and we found it both elegant and comfortable. The staff were exceptional, well-trained, helpful and friendly. The breakfast was really very good, with fish courses as well as vegetarian/vegan options. Fruit, pastries, cereals. yogurt, and a variety of egg and meat options. Beautifully presented and cooked. There is a bar area and a large restaurant where we ate one evening. The food and service were excellent and I didn't think it expensive considering the quality and setting.It's a small hotel, ten rooms only, and you are made to feel like an individual and a valued guest. The cars are parked right outside the hotel so you feel they are secure. I would love to stay again and have recommended it to many people.
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Date of stay: October 2020
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Room Tip:Look on the website for the different room styles
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.
Response from Annie Horne, Owner at Albert Cottage - Hotel - Restaurant - Bar
Responded 29 Mar 2021
thank you so much for your lovely review. I am so pleased you enjoyed your stay with us and look forward to welcoming you back real soon. We are working hard behind the scenes, refurbishing some areas and a bit of TLC all round to get ready for opening on Friday 16 April for dining and drinking outside, just Friday, Saturday and Sundays until 17 May when we open our doors fully, including all of the hotel. Thank you again for such a lovely review, we really are so very lucky with our heritage and location and are so pleased it's appreciated.
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We have just come back from our dine and stay experience at Albert cottage. We decided to go with another couple as a way of celebrating two birthdays and we were not disappointed. We were greeted upon arrival with a friendly smile, our room was very nice, a thoughtful little touch was the box of shortbread made by the hotel chef which was delicious. The staff were wonderful smiling and helpful wherever we went in the bar, restaurant and at breakfast. The food we had was exceptional thanks to a great head chef and all his support staff. I cannot recommend the hotel and it’s staff highly enough in these difficult times for giving us memorable experience. Thank you well worth a visit
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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.
Response from Annie Horne, Owner at Albert Cottage - Hotel - Restaurant - Bar
Responded 25 Oct 2020
Thank you so much for taking the time to write and post your wonderful review; we really appreciate it. We look forward to welcoming you back real soon.
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Reception staff lovely, Nothing was to much trouble. The room was large and spacious for our needs. But sadly really tired looking Bathroom had shower and bath but both had seen better days, the fixed head on the shower would be perfect for those under 5’8” if you want to wash your hair. The bathroom wash hand basin was set in ceramic tiles most of these are cracked exposing sharp edges. And finally the electric appliances within the room were last inspected 2012 this should be done yearly in this establishment. I reminded the team of this when leaving and got the Covid excuse, I then asked what about the other 7 years. no comment. Overall nice experience but wouldn’t go back.
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Date of stay: October 2020
Rooms
Location
Service
Room Tip:If your under 5’8” stay in room 5 upstairs overlooks the guest car park that serves around 10...
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.
Visited the restaurant for Sunday lunch on a deal £8.95 for main course.
Warm bread rolls were served but with margarine not butter.
Roast beef was our choice of main. Was very nice indeed but only one slice of roast beef which was barely 100g despite it being quite a thick slice. I’d have expected 3 slices that size for a main Sunday lunch, especially if paying full price of £14.95. Veg was nice and cooked to my taste although could have been hotter. I don’t eat potatoes or Yorkshire pudding generally but has a small taste and they were ok. Large Yorkshire if you eat them. Potato quite salty though. Needed more gravy but we got some on request.
Desert was rather over complicated and disappointing. We had one between 3 of us but none of us enjoyed it. Was supposed to be white chocolate mousse with spiced fruits and caramelised pecans. Plus it had oats and then a blackcurrant ice cream on top. Was far too much going on. Mousse was too sweet and none of us detected any white chocolate just sugar. The oats were nice but the nuts and spiced fruit just added too much and is was just overcomplicated. The ice cream was nice. Just the oats and that would have been enough. Far too big a serving for one and quite expensive for a desert. I probably wouldn’t have a desert there again. A mini desert and coffee would be a nice option on the menu.
Ambience was lovely. Nice table cloths. Decent sized round tables. Service was very good. It was quiet and very pleasant. Staff were pleasant and obliging.
Would recommend on a deal. Would return on another deal but would request more meat next time.
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Date of stay: January 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.
Without Prejudice: My wife and I tried to book afternoon tea on a day that was convenient only to be told that none of the dates were available due to weddings taking place. We were told that there was one Saturday where we could have tea in the small dining room so we booked this. We attended a little early, there was one other couple in the the dining room so we were surprised to be placed next to them and nearest to the door when numerous other tables were available. (No concerns about safe distances and covid?) Ordered the afternoon tea. Thirty five minutes later, we received an apology as apparently the kitchen was preferencing that days' wedding. Afternoon tea arrived - average but acceptable. We settled in to enjoy it only to have a cleaner come in, open a bottle of brasso, put it on a shelf next to where my wife was sitting and clean both the other and inner parts of the door. The over powering smell of brasso ruined the food and drink. Well, at least we could relax and chat, well we could until first a member of staff dropped their tray behind my wife and then the staff decided to turn on the industrial dishwasher next door. If one wanted to create a training video on how not to treat guests they need only to have filmed our experience. On leaving went to reception to complain but no one was there so decided to phone today. No reply for sometime and then the line was disconnected. There are numerous other venues on the island that would appreciate visitors custom so that may be a better choice.
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Date of stay: September 2021
Cleanliness
Service
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.
Came to Albert Cottage for dinner to celebrate our anniversary 3 weeks ago and repeated the experience yesterday evening with friends. On both occasions, quiet midweek, the other on a busy Saturday night, we were greeted by friendly, professional staff members, happy to serve and assist in making the evening one that we will definitely repeat. A wine spill at our table was dealt with speedily and without fuss. Fabian goes above and beyond in his service...a very special and, we hope, valued employee in charge of the dining room on both visits. The historic buildings, well kept grounds and recent re-furb make the time spent here quite unique.
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Date of stay: August 2020
Cleanliness
Service
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.
Response from Annie Horne, Owner at Albert Cottage - Hotel - Restaurant - Bar
Responded 24 Aug 2020
Thank you so much for your lovely review; customer feedback is really important to us. I am so pleased that you had a great experience on both your visits to Albert Cottage. Also, I can assure you Fabian is a valued member of staff and helps to make the whole team amazing. It is always especially nice for them though when a member of staff is recognised for their efforts by guests, so thank you again. We look forward to welcoming you back to Albert Cottage again real soon. Annie
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Visited the hotel's restaurant for an afternoon cream tea for two which had been purchased as a Christmas gift experience. Lovely historic hotel set within attractice landscaped garden. Restaurant warm, cosy and comfortable to relax in with family or friends and tables set with crisp white linen. The cream tea was lovely, egg mayo and cucumber sandwiches followed by plenty of dainty cakes and scones with jam and cream. More than enough for two plus a huge teapot which you could have topped up if you wanted more. Very pleasant service. My only criticism would be the choice of background music played. It wasn't an intrusion at all but was very modern and not really in keeping with afternoon teas in a grand hotel. Perhaps something a little more relaxing and gentle, like some nice piano or light classical music would be more appropiate?
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Date of stay: March 2020
Service
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 family down and decided to try Albert Cottage as we were told it is a lovely evening meal. I can honestly say that this was the worst meal that was served to us all. My husbands steak was over cooked it was served with about 8 chips one mushroom with a tomatoe on top definitely not worth £21.95. My daughter in law chose the lamb and asked for a portion of potatoes to go with it. She was served the lamb And had to eat it without the potatoes as they never arrived until much later and also my daughters dinner which they forgot and when it did eventually arrive it was disgusting just onion and cheese and not cooked in pastry. Granddaughters had salads which was put in half a cereal bowl. Two chefs in our party said they would never dish up these awful dinners.
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Date of stay: August 2020
Value
Location
Service
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.
Response from Annie Horne, Owner at Albert Cottage - Hotel - Restaurant - Bar
Responded 28 Aug 2020
How disappointing that you didn't complain on the evening in question and allow us the opportunity to attempt to put things right for you and that you feel it necessary to put two poor reviews up for the one table. I can assure you we do everything we can to ensure our customers enjoy their visit to Albert Cottage and in particular their food; we can of course always make mistakes, but without any notification of the problem at the time it's difficult to comment further or do anything for you to rectify any problem. With regard to the bowl comment, all our crockery is new and selected specifically for our dishes on the menu; no evening meals are served in cereal bowls. Sometimes contemporary crockery and dish presentation isn't to everyone's taste. With all of the above said, I am disappointed you didn't enjoy your visit to Albert Cottage and would of course like to welcome you back real soon.
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Don't really know where to start with this , we were given our key and directed to our room .
Upon entering everything looks very grand , but it doesn't take lond to see that the hotel is beginning to show the signs of ageing.
The windows were so draughty that I thought they were open , on one of the Windiest days on the island not a good start . The decoration in the room had seen better days as well , scuff marks on walls and furniture that needs some TLC .
The tea tray had , tea , coffee , but only 3 sachets of sugar , a bottle of water was supplied.
The bed was not the most comfortable but I slept quite well .
We went down for dinner we both had the Fish cakes which were nice although slightly under seasoned , and did not taste much of fish .
For the mains I plumped for the Burger which was huge , the only way to eat this is to deconstruct it , on top of the Burger was a belly of pork , the chips were crispy with a fluffy centre , this was very good indeed .
My wife had the lamb which she said was very nice , she said it was all cooked very well .
Dessert was a mixed bag , my wife had the brownie with ice cream , as you can see from the pictures that looked very nice , but the cheese board left a lot to be desired , 4 tiny bits of cheese , no butter , no grapes , no celery , in fact not a bit of green in site .
This stay , Dinner , bed and breakfast , was on a Groupon deal and overall was good value for money .
Maybe now thing's are getting back to normal the hotel can get the decorators in.
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Date of stay: May 2021Trip 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 were really looking forward to going as a family. On a positive note the hotel and grounds are beautiful and the waiting staff were friendly.
We ordered 5 starters and 8 main meals. The starters came quickly and were really nice, i would definitely recommend the triple cooked chips.
After that it went down hill. We started our meal at 6.30pm and didnt get our mains till 8pm. Bearing in mind two of them meals were salads. Although it was busy as the evening went on, we were near enough one of the first tables there.
When my meal came it wasnt nice at all, i thought tart tatin would come in a pastry,but no it was just onions and cheese on top of lettuce. Not sure if this was correct or rushed to be put together as my meal had been forgotten and had to wait 15 minutes for it to arrive. My sister in law also ordered a side dish of new potatoes with her meal and again these were forgotten and arrived 15 minutes after she got her dinner.
The other meals we ediable, but not the wow factor we were hoping with an al a carte menu. It is definitely overpriced. The menu choice is not big and thats fine as we thought its done so the kitchen does not get overwhelmed with orders and can cope.
We didnt complain as it was getting late and we just wanted to go home. Unfortunately it was not an enjoyable evening food wise we had hoped and we wouldnt return again.
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Date of stay: August 2020Trip 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.
Response from Annie Horne, Owner at Albert Cottage - Hotel - Restaurant - Bar
Responded 28 Aug 2020
Firstly, as you would expect, I am disappointed you didn't have a good experience when visiting Albert Cottage but I am also very disappointed you chose to put a poor review on here but not even mentioned it to staff on the night. This has given us no opportunity to try and put things right, investigate what may have gone wrong at the time or indeed ensure you left happy, which is such a shame. As you know we were exceptionally busy that night, no excuses though, if something is not right we will always do our best to ensure customers leave happy; we acknowledge we are human and sometimes can make mistakes and things get missed, which seems to be the case on the evening in question. Everything is freshly prepared by our talented kitchen team and they too are disappointed when something like this happens. I can only apologise that you didn't enjoy your visit but would encourage you to return. I am pleased you recognised the professional and friendly efforts of the staff and enjoyed the grounds.
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Isle of Wight, United Kingdom1 contribution2 helpful votes
Absolutely suitable. All the rooms are spacious and you can fit a travel cot in or take a family suite. The rooms overlooking the garden are quiet too. There is a delightful bar and restaurant and garden terrace to sit out when the weather is lovely.
There are more places to choose from in the Cowes area.
PRICE RANGE
HK$1,552 - HK$1,692 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
LOCATION
United KingdomEnglandIsle of WightCowes
NUMBER OF ROOMS
10
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.
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