Over the past few months the hotel, which stands on Queens Road, Egypt Point, has undergone an extensive upgrading programme. The three lounges, dining area and reception, along with all the bedrooms, have been redecorated and fully complement the spectacular views of The Solent that the New Holmwood enjoys.
Hotel business director David Titley moved to the Island from the Midlands to take charge of the hotel nearly 20 years ago, and he now runs the establishment with his partner Kathy Soteriou, the restaurant manager, and Cheryl Hickey, the Front of House manager.
David said: “We have 26 bedrooms, including three which we describe as deluxe with magnificent views on The Solent, and another suite which we use as the bridal suite. There is also a family suite, and of course all our rooms are en suite. Each room has been decorated and upgraded over the last three years, with many of them only just completed in time for this summer season.”
The hotel has an expansive conference room, along with a smaller conference room which was built only last year. That room has now been licensed for civil weddings, and is proving extremely popular.
“Before the small conference room was built we didn’t really have sufficient space, but now we have ample room for a wedding reception in the day, followed by the evening reception,” said David. “There are 40 covers in the small conference room, and together with the large room can accommodate up to 120. We cater for about 25 weddings each year, but avoid three weekends in August, primarily because of Cowes Week.
“Only recently we had a couple come in who were married here 19 years ago and were making enquiries about holding their daughter’s wedding here.”
The New Holmwood and its stunning location provide a big attraction to corporate and business trade, and the flexible meal times are ideal for those who may be arriving at the hotel after travelling over from the mainland.
The New Holmwood is open for lunches and evening meals for non-residents and embraces a la carte to bar snacks. Many local associations and clubs are taking advantage of the extensive menu on offer for regular functions, with lunches served from 12 until 2pm, and dinner from 7pm until 9.30pm. And there is no ‘breakfast rush’ for residents, who can dine between 7.30am and 9.30am. There is also a cosy bar area for those wishing to relax with a drink before or after a meal.
The hotel is steeped in history, having been originally built in 1872 as a private house, for a family which is believed to have included 19 children. Later it was known for many years as the Holmwood Hotel, and was then changed to Patton House in 1984 before re-opening as the Best Western New Holmwood in the early 1990s. Now it is firmly established as one of Cowes’ most popular hotels.