My parents moved to Ventnor in 1966 and purchased St Maur where they ran the business for 22 years. I then took over the business in 1989 with my wife and have been trading ever since. My main aim in the early days was to build up the business and concentrate on the short break market whilst still looking after the longer staying guests. My second objective was to upgrade all the bedrooms which has now been completed. We started with 15 bedrooms we now have 8. But these 8 bedrooms are probably larger than most you will find generally with good size bathrooms, we just have 2 standard rooms which are smaller than the other rooms. I went to catering college here on the Island, the rest I have learnt through experience as I am the Chef. I really enjoy growing my own fruit and vegetables to serve to my guests, you can't beat freshly picked produce! We have a great relationship with our staff many who have been with us almost since we started and returning guests like the fact that they see familiar faces when they come back. My interests involve gardening and local history, especially steam trains on the Island and have many pictures on show.

St Maur is situated to the west of Ventnor town centre in a quiet location and set in it's own sub-tropical gardens enjoying its own micro climate. The bedrooms have all recently been upgraded to today's standards with well appointed en-suite bathooms with either electric or power showers over the bath or separate shower cubicles. The bedrooms all have duvets, all centrally heated in the colder months, choices of tea and coffee making facilities. Freeview 32" Screen TV's, Refrigerators. Many guests return as they feel part of the St Maur family as most staff members have worked here for many years. The atmosphere is a homely, friendly, cheerful one. Being a Victorian Villa the public rooms are large and airy, there is a Licensed honesty bar where you can help yourselves to a drink and pay later. Here you will find a piano and if you are lucky someone may play a few tunes during the evening! The general lounge is an area to sit and relax after a day out exploring. In the evening you can enjoy tea or coffee in the lounge. The dining room faces due south and looks out onto the tropical garden. Many have remarked that you could indeed be in the Mediterranean. The gardens at the back of the building are laid out to grow fruit and at certain times of the year we are able to supply the restaurant with our own produce for breakfast. One of the best things about the location is the closeness of the many walks that are in and around Ventnor, these being the coastal footpaths to Ventnor and beyond or to St Lawrence and the Undercliff. We are also about a 15 minute walk to the Botanical Gardens.

The hotel is located in a quiet residential area, within ten to fifteen minutes walk of the town centre. Close to Ventnor park and the Botanical Gardens.