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.

We had a lovely few days at The Royal, delicious food, comfortable room, pretty gardens and the best hotel staff I have ever encountered in many years of travelling. Highly recommended

We went for lunch for our wedding anniversary and it was such a special treat. The food was one of the best meals we’ve had in a long time. Attention to detail and fantastic flavours. Service was friendly and efficient. Impossible to find fault if you are looking for that special lunch. We look forward to returning and trying their evening menu

We had a lovely stay. All the staff were very friendly and helpful. Lovely gardens and relaxing atmosphere. Lovely position in Ventnor. Food delicious.

Our second visit in 10-years for an impromptu three day break. It’s still a lovely location and property and a free upgrade to a sea view room which was not available at the time of booking was a pleasant surprise. The hotel looked and felt a little tired, grubby and unloved in some of the public spaces, our bedroom and bathroom while the quality of the food at dinner has definitely slipped from being a high point of our last visit. A couple of £m invested would make her great again, especially as the Priory Bay hotel remains closed and with a smart, uber-modern competitor in Freshwater Bay. The reception could do with more than one person at peak times even though she was efficient and courteous and the bar and restaurant staff were extremely good.