Safety inspection closes Shanklin's Melbourne Ardenlea hotel

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A note on the door of the Melbourne Ardenlea hotel, on Queens Road, says the closure is 'due to unexpected maintenance.'

The Council says inspections have been carried out and prohibition orders have been issued.

In recent weeks, the Melbourne Ardenlea has been slammed on Trip Advisor, accused of failing to honour bookings.

Earlier today (Monday), the hotel told the County Press it would issue a statement.

"Unsafe and unhygienic"

An Isle of Wight Council spokesperson said: “The Regulatory Services team were informed of concerns regarding the condition of the Melbourne Ardenlea Hotel, 4-6 Queen Road, Shanklin.

"The hotel was planning to open following the period of lockdown and it was alleged that since the premises had been closed conditions had deteriorated to an extent that it was unsafe and unhygienic.

"Investigations into these allegations have resulted in the service of prohibition notices served under The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 as there was reason to believe that the gas and electrical installation and appliances were unsafe and use of which could result in a risk of serious personal injury.

"In addition, a number of other areas of improvement and remedial works have been required to ensure that the premises complied with relevant legal requirements.

"The police were called by officers when they attended the hotel on Friday evening to provide assistance to officers in order to undertake their statutory duties.”

According to its Trip Advisor profile, the Melbourne Ardenlea hotel provides 'an ideal mix of value, comfort and convenience' and 'offers an array of amenities designed for travellers.'

It has a pool and offers free parking.

However, a note on its front door reads: "This hotel is closed due to unexpected maintenance.

"Please contact your booking agent who will assist you in relocating."

Reviews written Trip Advisor over the last two months include those from guests who claim they arrived on the Isle of Wight to discover the hotel was closed, or whose bookings were cancelled at the last minute.

One review said: "This hotel is closed. Don't book this hotel. Be careful."

Another wrote: "I was with my family and a little kid.

"We were about to board the ferry when the hotel rang me and said the room is not ready, due to renovation.

"You could imagine how we felt at the last minute knowing that we don't have anywhere to stay."

In May, guests also said bookings had been cancelled.