The Marine, Ryde

Good little bar/pub. Well priced and fair choice in drinks. Seemed to have a little bit local atmosphere to it and prices were ok. Outside seating could have done with umbrellas, but overall recommendable.

There is a difference between economic and cheap. This place is economic as in it doesn't cost a lot but it's not cheap as in the quality is not low. You get value for your money here and while things maybe small or basic, they are all functional and fit for purpose. We took two rooms here one single, one double, the difference in the price was reflected in what you got for your money, but both the rooms were perfectly habitable and comfortable. I took the smaller room and had no problem staying for a day. One big advantage you get here is something I have not seen even in bigger hotels and that was access to a dining room and kitchen. It was a big shared kitchen, very well-equipped with even some consumables already provided. In the kitchen, each room had its own locker containing plates and glasses. When the staff member gave us a tour of the kitchen and dining room during check-in I just nodded and listened to be polite with no intention to use it. But then when we came back from wandering around at 10PM and didn't find any acceptable food solution, we ended up buying stuff from the supermarket and using that kitchen. It was a lifesaver! I was able to sleep at night as the noise from outside was minimal. Checkout was as simple as dropping the key in a lockbox. Tip: When you get to the location that Google maps takes you, go to the bar and ask for the rooms, there is no dedicated reception for the hotel. But they found our reservation quickly enough and there was no issue in checking in. Warning: The hotel is right across the road from transport links including the hovercraft service which is great if you want to go somewhere but not great when you are in your room. The hovercrafts don't run at night so you don't get that noise when you sleep at night. The weather was warm so it was quite a problem to keep the window open because of the noise from the road as well as the hovercrafts. An additional tidbit. It was a very hot weekend when we visited and like a dope I left my jacket in the room while checking out. I remembered it only after getting back home at night. I got a quick response from the hotel that they had it and they sent it back to me by post. I was so relieved as it was my favourite jacket. I would recommend this place to anyone travelling on a budget, just take earplugs with you. I am torn between giving it 4 or 5 stars. Taking one star off because of the road noise and the fact that you have to carry your luggage up small staircases. It's an excellent value for money and we liked that it was very clean and tidy. In these times that gives you confidence to stay in a new place. I have given location 5-stars because even though it's noisy, the beach is right there as well as many eating and drinking places.

Now renamed THE VETERAN, run by ex service personnel. Truly a brilliant experience made to feel very welcome from the outset. Terry and his mate (can't remember his name) are true characters who could be ambassadors for the UK. We are planning a future trip very soon. 100% top drawer.

We visited, with our dog, on a cold and windy day, just before Christmas. We weren't quite the only customers having a drink, but it was very quiet. The raised seating area at the end allowed us to do plenty of people-watching as we enjoyed our drinks. We would definitely be back next time we visit the area.