10 of the best places to stay in Cowes

Cowes is awash with property for rent – mostly self catering rented accommodation but there are also a handful of decent hotels and several bed and breakfasts.

Prices tend to skyrocket during Cowes Week when the town becomes the centre of the yachting world and sales of deck shoes and red trousers go into a frenzy.
Cowes harbour
Cowes hosts the world's largest yachting regatta
Outside of Cowes Week it is generally a quieter town but it is picturesque with some interesting old buildings and a pleasant esplanade.

​Prices checked 2017.

1. Mimosa Lodge (B&B)

Mimosa Lodge is not the cheapest option in Cowes but it is good value for the quality of the accommodation. Its location just outside of the main town means that it offers guests much more space and greener surroundings - as well as sea views for the top floor accommodation. The decor is classy - certainly not your stereotypical British Bed and Breakfast with tasteless floral wallpaper.

Reviews: spectacular, hard to find a bad word said about it.

Cost: Typically around £80 - £100 for a double room with breakfast. During Cowes Week the price is higher. Click here to check availability.

2. Best Western New Holmwood (Hotel)

There aren't many hotels in Cowes but the Best Western tends to come out as the best in the town itself in the reviews (there are more hotels if you travel further afield). Its best selling point is probably its location on the esplanade with unobstructed views of the Solent. The decor is fairly typical of this type of hotel (which won't suit everyone) but the reviews are generally very positive.
Reviews: the vast majority were very positive. A handful of people felt it was a bit dated.

Cost: Generally you'll pay about £75 - £100 for a room for two with breakfast or a bit more including dinner. Click here to check availability.
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3. Fountain Inn (Hotel)

The Fountain Inn is practically in the car park of the Red Jet ferry from Southampton, so it's not far to drag your cases if you're arriving as a foot passenger. That also means that it has nice seaviews from some rooms. The decor is modern and it is slap bang in the middle of the town centre. It's not so good for parking because it is so central, but ideal if you are on foot.
Fountain Hotel
The Fountain Hotel is very central
Reviews: Generally it gets about 4 out of 5 on different sites.

Cost: Varies from about £50 to £100 per room per night. Click here to check availability.

4. One Fifty Cowes (B&B)

This bed and breakfast only has four rooms so you can expect more attention to detail than you'd get from a bigger hotel or guest house. The attractive decor is probably best described as chic, with a bit more of the owner's own personal tastes being on display. Some people like to be anonymous on holiday but if you want friendly advice and a warm welcome then this is a great choice.

Reviews: Remarkably good. Guests praise the attention to detail and the personal touch which the host offers.

Cost: £80 - £100 for a double room depending on the time of year
Not sure which Isle of Wight town to stay in? Check out our guide

5. Thorness Bay Holiday Resort (Campsite and Caravans)

I've included this one for those looking for a low-cost option near to Cowes, as the costs in the town during August can be enough to make even a yacht owner's eyes water. Thorness Bay is not within Cowes, but it's only about four miles away. These sort of sites are great for kids, as they can generally run/cycle around screaming without you feeling you are ruining everyone else's holiday. There's also plenty of entertainment laid on for you.

Reviews: Pretty mixed with some saying it is excellent and others having specific gripes about missing TV remotes, no sugar with the tea and lumpy beds. 

Cost: Varies greatly according to the time of year. Camping starts from only a few pounds per night. A week in a caravan during mid August is about £700 - £800 for 6 people (about £16 per person per night).

6. The Caledon (B&B) 

The Caledon has a dozen guest rooms and is only about five minutes walk from the town centre. The decor is modern but has more of a guest house feel to it than a hotel. It also has all important car-parking on site - although do be aware that the car ferry arrives in East Cowes so you'll need to get the short floating bridge which links the two towns.

Reviews: Stonking! Loads of reviews, overwhelmingly positive. Lots of people comment on the cleanliness.

Cost: around £90 for a double
Fancy staying near the Isle of Wight Festival? See our guide to rooms in Newport.

7. 42a (self catering apartment - sleeps 4)

We've included this one for those who want to feel like they are really in the thick of it during Cowes Week. The flat is above a shop in the high street and is tastefully decorated with polished floorboards and the kind of little trinkets that my wife keeps trying to buy for our house. Be warned though, it will not be quiet on the streets below during the summer so don't expect tranquillity.

Reviews: 5/5. One person was upset about the lack of eggcups, but the owners have promised to put that right. Quite right too.

Cost: From £90ish a night (for 4 people)

8. Annies' B&B

As you might expect from the name, Annie's B&B offers a more personal welcome than you might get from a bog standard Premier Lodge or a Travel Inn. It is actually in East Cowes rather than 'Cowes' but the 5 minute chain ferry is £1 for foot passengers (at the time of writing in 2016 - though this may change). That also means that it is better for the Red Funnel car ferry.

Reviews: Glowing. 5 out of 5 from 95% of visitors.

Cost: around £75 for a double

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