Warners Sinah Warren on Hayling Island
by Alan Fairfax
As the years pass by the desire for holidays never recedes, but the thought of negotiating airport check-ins, security screening procedures, crowded departure lounges, then at the destination waiting for cases, exiting the airport to find your transfer coach and then the journey to your hotel or ship become less appealing so what’s the answer, read on, I think I have found it.
Late morning, sun high in the sky, mercury in the mid 20c’s I’m heading south on the A3 to Hampshire, Sinah Warren on Hayling Island to be exact, one of Warners adult leisure hotels by the sea. Entering the drive way to reception you are presented with beautifully manicured gardens supporting palms and firs, large sunflowers line the drive borders, this is not what I had expected, it’s far better. Reception were so helpful arranging for my luggage to be taken from the car. Taking my car to the allotted car park area a member of staff met me and unloaded my mobility scooter, yes, I am disabled.
Having checked in, time to find my room, 238, a Signature room on the first floor of the main building overlooking a garden area. Very spacious, large double bed, table, chairs, tv, fridge and lots of wardrobe space, even room for Sammy the Scooter. The bathroom apart from the toilet sports a large walk in shower with dispensers of shampoo, shower gel and conditioner, hand wash basin has its own dispenser, and the towels are soft giving off a luxurious feel. A nice touch in the main bedroom are computer cable sockets so no need to pack a phone or tablet charger. Tea/coffee making facilities are standard, but I was not expecting the packets of ‘Nibbles’, water and soft drinks.
Unpacking completed it’s off to the front terrace where comfortable chairs hide beneath large parasols enabling guests to relax in the warm air, admire the beauty of the huge gardens, in my case, with a large glass of Pino Grigio Blush whilst reflecting on how easy it had been to get here, no queuing, no hassle and so far, such helpful staff.
Shower time, powerful jets of water relax the body before sampling those large soft towels. Dried, changed and now back on Sammy to indulge in my first evening meal in the Market Kitchen Restaurant. Parking Sammy was a little difficult as it seemed so many guests had scooters, perhaps they should start a Warners Scooter Club, there’s an idea. Table 159 is allocated to me for my stay so if I arrive early one day it makes no difference. The system is the waiter, or waitress provides a menu from which you select your starter and dessert which they serve to you but for your main course you go to the buffet and select it. There was always a choice of 2 roasts each evening including Lamb, Chicken, Pork, Ham, Turkey etc with vegetables to match. There is ‘Catch of the Day’ or an area aptly named ‘A World of Flavours’ and that is just what it is, dishes from around the world. For something lighter there was always a good choice of salads. Little surprised that coffee was not served at the end.
Warners have a good reputation for the quality of their entertainment, and it was now time to see if it was deserved, I can say it certainly is. The resident show group of musicians ‘The Sailaways’ and the Warner Theatre Company dancers/singers were excellent providing various shows that compared well with those on cruise ships. The Sailaways are also the backing group to the celebrity acts when needed, Andrew Bourn being one. A singer in the style of the ‘Rat Pack’ who had just returned from starring on MSC Euribia on its cruise of Norway. Bob Taylor a very funny comedian as well as being a good singer and guitarist. However the star show for me was titled ‘Movicals’, a show by the Warner Theatre Company featuring songs from the famous musicals, Cabaret, Mary Poppins, Grease and several others, however, the highlight was their finishing sequence, yes, you’ve guessed it, songs from Les Misérables earning huge applause and cheers from the occupants of the 500+ seat theatre.
As if that’s not enough, follow the small road leading from the little roundabout near reception, it takes you past the tennis courts, golf chipping range, shooting range and archery area to the magnificent outdoor swimming pool by the sea. A large enclosed grassed area enhanced with rock gardens where sun loungers with sun shades, wooden tables and seat units, changing rooms, toilets, a kiosk selling drinks and sandwiches are available. The pool is vast, divided into two parts and overlooked by a lifeguard, a slope leads into the shallow end for those that cannot manage the steps into the water, everyone is catered for. On past the pool to more expanses of grass and gardens leading down to the water’s edge with views out across Langstone Harbour towards Portsmouth. Trees affording shade from the hot sun or breeze that comes off the sea, the area scattered with wooden table chair units, deckchairs to recline in whilst topping up the tan or just wanting to relax. From here, gazing out over the harbour, you are looking west and thus as the sun goes down at the end of a hot day you experience the most amazing sunsets.
Too soon my stay was over, so how would I sum it up, that’s easy, beautiful location set in stunning gardens, comfortable bedroom, good food, friendly service, excellent entertainment and very disabled friendly. Would I return, the answer is a resounding YES.
Alan Fairfax July 2026 Picture Credits: Alan Fairfax
For more information visit: https://www.warnerhotels.co.uk/hotels/sinah-warren-hotel
Please mention Your Holiday and Cruise Magazine