The Royal Hotel

Afternoon tea was lovely. Lovely hotel and staff were polite and service was really good. The afternoon tea was nice although the sandwiches could do with a little more filling in as it is expensive. Cakes and warm scones with jam and cream were delicious. We ordered lattes and they were lovely. Hotel itself is nice, grounds are beautiful. The only downside was the parking was difficult for disabled family member and there were no spaces left so had to park a little walk away.

Having got your attention, if you are one of those travellers that like to look for defects and failings in a hotel, then you will be disappointed at the Royal! What makes this place so good is the staff. Everyone I encountered was welcoming, knowledgeable and friendly. More specifically, the landscapes were a credit to the gardener. It is an old building but little sign of maintenance problems. Everything worked, and at least our room and the public areas were smartly painted. Well done to the chambermaids, (if you call them that now), as our room was spotless. Reception staff welcomed everyone with a ready smile and offered advice and assistance. Special mention for the restaurant. Every dish from breakfast to dinner was really excellent. No wonder the chef has so many accolades, and, no doubt, a great kitchen support team. The serving staff were not only efficient but knowledgeable, especially Molly who was able to reel off the details of every course, just like those waitresses in high class American restaurants. She and Janice were watchful that one of our party, who was dairy allergic, was properly protected and catered for and ensured their colleagues knew this. Good to see the manageress (Sadir?) mucking in where required as well as chatting with guests to ensure their enjoyment and comfort. They all asked, without any sign of boredom, how we had enjoyed our day. I don't normally write such glittering reviews, few hotels deserve them and I must admit, by the end of our short stay, I was looking for shortcomings as I thought The Royal couldn't be that good, but it was! Just hope the new owner will allow and support his staff so that the tradition can continue. And no, I have no connection to the hotel, just enjoyed the stay and this review is a public thank you to them.

Staff make this hotel worth revisiting again and again. The corridors upstairs are a bit dismal but some paint and new carpets will fix it - no doubt the new owners will address this in time.

This was our 2nd visit to IoW, but the first to this hotel. Very much enjoyed the whole experience and will (with any luck) go again. Thank you to the staff and chef for a memorable stay. Four dinners, four empty plates..... that speaks all for the food.

Beautiful hotel in Ventnor with amazing garden and views! We enjoyed staying here for the location but were also enchanted by the views, friendly staff and fantastic food in the restaurant! We will definitely be back!

Lovely Staff, Hotel in need of TLC but good clean and friendly. Beds very comfortable. Bit tight on coffee in the room so had to ask for more.