The Royal Hotel

Excellent service. Lots of friendly, helpful staff. Choice of menu options for both breakfast and dinner extensive and a la carte. Evening entertainment was a piano soloist and really lovely. Classic bedroom choice was very comfortable. The classic choice of room decor is slightly worn and facilities outdated but non the less charming.

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.

A lovely hotel with wonderful service and food made our short break to the Isle of Wight a delight. Would definitely recommend and we will be going back.

Room 60 has two radiators. Only the smaller one works. The larger one does not work so needs to be fixed. I did report this problem to reception, I hope maintenance team have been informed.

A traditional English stay, polite exemplary service rarely found elsewhere, great value for money considering

Had a three day visit with friends. Charming hotel with first class service. Excellent location. Would recommend.