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Very impressed by the courtesy and service when I phoned to clarify the room availability and prices, so I was confident we¿¿¿d have a good experience here. The location is remote, peaceful and pleasant, although the winding private road to it has some significant pot holes to navigate. The house is substantial, old and the outside terrace very appealing.We were welcomed by our host, who explained out-of-hours service and before showing us to our rooms having offered to carry our bags, showed us the downstairs area of breakfast room (pale blue/grey, contemporary, looked as though it was awaiting set up or had just been cleared down after a function, no warmth or ambiance), guest lounge with honesty bar (a traditional room full of ¿¿¿eclectic¿¿¿ sitting room furniture as though in a second hand showroom; we chose not to have a pre-dinner drink there). The Louis XV bedroom is large, overlooking the woodland gardens to the front. And here¿¿¿s where we experienced the second style discord. The furniture is wonderfully period, with massive mahogany bow-fronted wardrobe, chest of drawers and swag and tail curtains (slightly tired and faded). And then there¿¿¿s the modern leather two-seater sofa. Super-comfy bed, sumptuous Egyptian cotton bedding, fluffy, puffy duvet & pillows (extra bedding in the wardrobe), hospitality tray with generous selection of tea, coffee and hot chocolate yet horrid, steelette tea cups and saucers. The bathroom is good, with white china fittings, heated towel rail, fluffy, large towels, L¿¿¿Occitane toiletries, yet the shower screen seal is peeling away from the bath edge.We were provided with a room and front door key, the bed-side lightbulb changed, and a supply of Earl Grey tea and extra milk pots. The guest room guide advises that fresh milk is available, however I couldn¿¿¿t work out how one would keep it fresh overnight and wouldn¿¿¿t expect it to be delivered in the morning.Breakfast offers a wonderful self-selection selection of cereals, jams, fresh-cooked croissants, cheese and fruits and a wide cooked menu ¿¿¿ the portion sizes are good, the cooking spot-on, toast hot and freshly-cooked, the service friendly and attentive. We overcame the confusion over the bill, and if you can, book the ferry through the hotel as there is an advantageous deal if you do. The web-published brand positioning of ¿¿¿a secluded five star isle of wight hotel¿¿¿ which has B&B prices at ¿¿90 for a standard double and ¿¿110 for a superior double cause me to expect a consistent high standard yet it feels as though this establishment has been recently taken over and furnished on a limited budget. There¿¿¿s a gap between the positioning and offering delivered ¿¿¿ is this a traditional, period place with contemporary twist or is it a mis-match of design and style?However, for all that I¿¿¿ve said, I¿¿¿d recommend you go, and I¿¿¿d probably return.

We had such a lovely break here at the end of April. The walks along the downs with the amazing views are England at its very best. The hotel exceeded our expectations, friendly and so hospitable, breakfasts to set you up for the day, we can't wait to return.

We were delighted with every aspect of this quiet retreat. Wonderfully tricky to find, we really felt like really earned our evening meal! Seriously, make sure you plan this bit carefully as navigational challenges could really take the edge off a romantic break! The hotel is tucked away near the top of a hill, in the midst of woodland. A light stroll to the top before breakfast is well rewarded with a wonderful view, and the footpath continues for the more adventurous. Hotel has a lovely intimate feel. Good sized room and well maintained during our stay. Only having one biscuit on the drinks tray was a little odd - I'm sure it was an oversight!Meals were absolutely superb. Excellent quality and reasonably priced with a selection of quality wines. Service equally good; attentive and friendly without being 'in your face'. Lovely break. Would recommend as one of my best 'secret finds'.

Having been disappointed at our last hotel stay on the Isle of Wight we were so delighted with the Hermitage. The location is beautiful and wonderfully peaceful and the building has been done up well and feels welcoming as well as sumptuous. On arrival we were shown around the dining room, honesty bar and lounge and then to our room that had a fabulous view and was well equipped as well as beautiful. We were asked if we would like anything else and I asked for fresh milk to make a cup of tea which I said we would like to take out to the seating area on the terrace to enjoy the view and mild day. The manager, Ian, then offered to make us tea from the kitchen and bring it out to us, which he duly did along with more of the homemade shortbread as in the room. We fully expected to be charged for this but were delighted to find we were not, a really nice touch that endeared us further to a lovely venue. Breakfast was good, but couldn't say actually great, it would have been nice if it had been local produce. But that would be our only gripe, if you could even call it that, the rest was all good and we would totally recommend anyone looking for a truly peaceful and beautiful getaway to head for the Hermitage.

We stayed at The Hermitage Country House on the Isle of Wight in March, as a birthday gift from my two daughters. Whilst it is not the easiest of places to find, tucked away in a small wooded area well off the beaten track, it is well worth it when you get there! The house and grounds are wonderful and welcoming, and the manager, Ian Bennett, and his staff couldn't be kinder or more friendly, doing everything they can to make the visit enjoyable and comfortable. We stayed two nights, and thoroughly enjoyed the most relaxing of visits, with excellent breakfasts and a superb dinner. The bedrooms and lounge areas are well-decorated, warm, and very comfortable, with good amenities. This is definitely a place to make a point of visiting if you want a relaxing country break, with happy, well-mannered and efficient service from staff who clearly care about their clientele.