The Bay Colwell offers a genuinely warm atmosphere where travelers can relax on the sunny terrace or grab something fresh from the deli. The indoor pool provides a place to swim regardless of weather, while coffee and tea await in the lobby whenever guests need a pick-me-up.
Located in Freshwater, The Bay Colwell is near the beach. Hurst Castle and The Needles Battery are local landmarks, and some of the area's attractions include The Needles Landmark Attraction and Lymington Sea Water Baths. Quay Arts and Island Clay Breaks are also worth visiting. Visit our Freshwater travel guide
Fort Warden Rd, Freshwater, Freshwater, England, PO39 0DA
What's nearby
Isle of Wight Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
4 min drive - 2.4 km
Colwell Bay Beach
5 min walk - 0.4 km
Totland Bay Beach
10 min walk - 0.9 km
Golden Hill Fort Country Park
12 min walk - 1.1 km
The Needles Battery
3 min drive - 2.0 km
Getting around
Yarmouth Station
13 min drive
Bournemouth (BOH-Bournemouth Intl.)
92 min drive
Restaurants
Saltwater Cafe
54 min drive
Smugglers Inn
54 min drive
The Piano Cafe
4 min drive
End Of The Line Cafe
3 min drive
Needles Eye Café
54 min drive
About this property
The Bay Colwell
Property highlights
The Bay Colwell provides a snack bar/deli and more.
Other perks at this hotel include:
An indoor pool
Free self parking
Smoke-free premises
Room features
All 50 rooms boast comforts such as separate dining areas.
Other conveniences in all rooms include:
Bathrooms with tubs or showers
Separate dining areas, kitchens, and refrigerators
Check-in start time: 4:00 PM; Check-in end time: 6:00 PM
Minimum check-in age: 18
Check-out
Check-out before 10:00 AM
Special check-in instructions
The front desk is open Monday - Saturday (9:00 AM - 5:00 PM) and Saturday - Sunday (9:00 AM - 4:00 PM)
Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
Renovations and closures
The following facilities are closed seasonally each year. They will be closed from December 11 to February 10:
Swimming pool
Access methods
Staffed front desk
Pets
Pets allowed for an extra charge of GBP 60.00 per accommodation (varies based on length of stay)
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
Welcoming dogs only
2 total pets
Specific rooms only; pet-friendly rooms can be requested by contacting the property at the number on the booking confirmation
Children and extra beds
Children are welcome
Property payment types
Important information
Optional extras
Pet fee: GBP 60.00 per accommodation (varies based on length of stay)
Service animals are exempt from fees
The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards, debit cards, and cash
Safety features at this property include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a security system, and a first aid kit
We should mention
This property does not have elevators
Property is also known as
The Bay Colwell
The Bay Colwell Hotel
The Bay Colwell Freshwater
The Bay Colwell Hotel Freshwater
Frequently asked questions
Does The Bay Colwell have a pool?
Yes, this property has an indoor pool. The pool is closed seasonally each year from December 11 to February 10.
Is The Bay Colwell pet-friendly?
Yes, this hotel allows dogs (limit 2 total). There's a fee of GBP 60.00 per accommodation, per week. Service animals are exempt from fees.
How much is parking?
Self parking is free at this property.
What time is check-in at The Bay Colwell?
Check-in start time: 4:00 PM; Check-in end time: 6:00 PM.
What time is check-out at The Bay Colwell?
Check-out is at 10:00 AM.
Where is The Bay Colwell located?
Situated near the beach, this hotel is within a 15-minute walk of Colwell Bay Beach, Totland Bay Beach, and Golden Hill Fort Country Park. Fort Victoria Country Park and The Needles Battery are also within 2 mi (3 km).
Can I cancel my reservation for free and receive a full refund?
Yes, this property offers free cancellation on select room rates, because flexibility matters! Please refer to the property cancellation policy on our site for more details about any exclusions or requirements.
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Reviews
The Bay Colwell Reviews
9.0
Wonderful
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travelers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.More informationOpens in a new window
Came to the island for a wedding with 2 other friends. The location was perfect and the hot tub was a great addition. Would definitely recommend and 100% would stay here again in the future!
Our cottage was very clean and the dinner table laid out for four ,bed was a little on the hard side but didn't stop me sleeping, everything was spotless very helpful check in staff, not far to the beach with private gated entrance ,overall a good place to stay ,our second visit and probably not our last
The stay on the whole was excellent. The staff were very friendly and helpful. We had a slight issue with the back door in regard to the locking but this was only a minor inconvenience. We will be back again.
The cottage was beautiful, much better than i expected being dog friendly you very often get the lower end of the quality but this was exceptional. Cant wait for next December when we come back.
We got moved from freshwater to Rookley lakes prior to our stay due to a required repair, Rookley lakes was Superb !! Clean , modern and convenient very friendly staff.
Was given a free night and bottle of Prosecco!
Sarah
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023
8/10 Good
David
2025/3/7
Liked: Amenities
Although the resort was clean and had excellent activities for children. Gate was missing from patio area of the lodge leading out onto the road, with hard gavel standings on the lodge outside area so not suitable for young children.
The bungalow was very well equipped and modern. The doggie welcome pack was a very nice touch. We liked the convenience of access to the beach and the little garden made looking after our pet very convenient. We were easy driving distance to the places we wanted to visit on the island.
David
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2023
6/10 Okay
Verified traveler
2024/10/21
Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness
Some areas in 3 rooms had mould also the toilet brush was absolutely disgusting so cleaning standards need improving Staff at reception were great and rectified the toilet brush issue also no shop or bar/restaurant onsite
It’s a really lovely chalet arrangement. Staff are friendly and welcoming. There was no Wi-Fi in the chalet and the cleanliness average but not as well equipped as we are use to. Just a few extra wouldn’t go unnoticed such as a couple of blankets a couple of extra glasses and cutlery maybe. But to finish on a positive the Hot tub was well maintained as well as the pool an overall nice place to stay close to the beach and many other attractions.
Loved the appartments and hot tub! Amazing location too. On the downside there was water leaking on the floor when you stepped on a certain panel. Also the checkout is very early and checkin very late. I sent a question about the late checkin but didn’t receive a response.
The property was very spacious with two good size bedrooms and a good amount of storage space for clothes etc. The kitchen is well appointed with oven, microwave and a large fridge/freezer. There are 4 sets of plates, bowls, glasses and cutlery. The living room was spacious but the seating is limited with a small sofa and one separate chair other than the 4 dining chairs. We also had a hot tub which was checked twice daily by the site staff and was set at a good temperature. Overall this is a great property in a great location near to the bay and a short drive from the Needles.
Nice accommodation fairly close to the beach. However, it was not suitable for a family of 5. Good double and twin rooms, but the fifth bed was in the kitchen / lounge on a sofa “bed” that was really not fit for purpose. Very, very uncomfortable. Asked at reception for a spare mattress and didn’t get anything. In the end after two nights on the other actual sofa (which was preferable to the sofa bed) went out and bought a blow up air bed!
Lovely accommodation, very spacious with a deck and garden furniture to enjoy if you go during decent weather-we unfortunately went during the monsoon season apparently!
Reception very efficient, everything explained; there is a small indoor swimming pool, a bar/coffee shop and a path to the beach off the site.
In the kitchen there was an eco friendly welcome kit containing a j cloth, scouring pad, tea towel, dishwasher tablet and a tube of washing up liquid. There was a dishwasher and a washing machine.
The only fault was that there was no frying pan, so no bacon butties, but we survived somehow.
Colwell Bay and Totland Bay short drives away, or there is a coastal path if you are feeling energetic.
MRS E M
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2023
6/10 Okay
Hannah
2024/10/21
Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness
We’ve stayed at The Bay before and had a great time. Unfortunately, this stay was not as nice. The floors were incredibly dirty - not ideal with an 8 month old who wanted to crawl around. The blinds in the bathroom were thick with dust. Some of the furniture was stained. Additionally, there was no hand soap provided which you’d assume was an essential item! Whilst it is a great location and has some great amenities (pool, soft play etc), cleanliness let it down massively and this is not something that can be overlooked, especially with a baby.
The cottage had was lovely although broken shower head and leaking hose. Without a car this place is a long bus ride to get to the middle and east side of the island. At least an hour each way. The place is dog friendly and each morning we were woken up by yapping dogs that never seemed to stop. My partner made use of the pool which he loved. There is a path to the beach via a coded gate but we were given the wrong code at check-in. Overall it was a nice place to stay and the cottage was kitted out with everything you'd need.
We just arrived home after a four night stay here and couldn’t say a bad word about the place! From the greeting at guest services, to locating our cottage and sadly having to check out; the whole stay was excellent. We had cottage 8 with a hot tub, it was incredibly quiet despite other cottages seemingly occupied around us. The place was immaculate and although we have a dog and booked this due to being dog friendly, others have also had their dogs there but there was no evidence of this.
It is in a great location with some really good eateries around; especially The Cow! Warren Farm towards the needles is also excellent, with incredible cakes and expertly made coffee.
If I had to find a negative, it would be the mosquitoes, but the venue cannot legislate for this and is no fault of theirs.
Be sure to pack washing up liquid/dishwasher tabs, hand wash and toilet rolls.. Everything else is on hand!