We had a lovely stay on the Isle of Wight! The location of the hotel is perfect – right on the beachfront and just a short walk to pubs, restaurants, Rocket Ronnie’s (an indoor pool and darts center) , and plenty of other attractions like bowling and arcades. It made everything so easy and fun. We travelled by car and ferry, and it was very straightforward to get to. Just a heads-up: you do have to pay for parking near the hotel, so we found a nearby street with free parking and walked down – a handy tip for saving a bit of money. The room was clean and cozy, and having a bath was a real treat since I don’t have one at home – definitely a bonus! Breakfast was another highlight, with a great selection on the menu to suit all tastes. We also visited the Wildheart Animal Sanctuary and spent a great few hours exploring and seeing all the animals – a brilliant outing and well worth a visit, and easy to get to by bus! One evening, we went for a lovely Italian dinner at Ristorante Michelangelo, just a 5-minute walk away. The food was fantastic, and although it's a small and popular restaurant, it’s well worth booking ahead to make sure you get a table. Would definitely recommend and return!

The only small downsides were that the Wi-Fi was a bit slow in the rooms, and it could get quite hot at times. But honestly, these didn’t take away from what was otherwise a great stay.

The bed was comfortable and the pillows were good quality. Breakfasts and our evening meal were very good. All the staff were excellent. The afternoon tea was a nice option, although we ran out of time for this, and you need to give them 48 hours notice. Parking is available on the street outside the hotel, but you can reserve a space in their own car park at the rear. Book this in advance. The mint chocolates at reception were a nice touch!

Our room needed a bit of an update. The carpet was very stained. The wooden knob on the right side of the wardrobe needed some super glue to hold it in place. A knob on the inside of the shower cubicle is needed so that it can be opened without the need for long finger nails. And a shelf inside the cubicle would have been very useful for our shower products. We were in room number 67.

Have stayed in this hotel before and it was the same again, location perfect, breakfast good, staff lovely and everything you need to hand. Will definitely stay again next year.

On arrival a not very helpful male receptionist was adamant there was no booking made. Wife made the booking and we had the booking reference on a print out, it was prepaid but he was negative and not reassuring at all, repeatedly telling us we're not booked in. After 10 minutes of searching he said he found it!!! 2 rooms, booking reference as per the print out and in our names. Luckily the other staff made up for his lack of customer service.

When we arrived we were greeted by friendly staff. Our room was a family room on the top floor, there is a lift. Room is very spacious and a big bathroom with a bath with shower over head. The beds are very comfortable. In the room is tea and coffee facilities and they give you plenty of tea, coffee, milk, hot chocolate and sugar and cups for everyone and if you wanted there is bottled water. We came on one of the hottest weeks so the room was warm, on outer first night we were able to open the windows quite wide and there are safety bars on the window, unfortunately this wasn't to last ( not the hotels fault but health and safety) the second night the windows barpeynopened and the room was stifling hot. There was a fan in the room but unfortunately it didn't work properly but I went down to the reception and explained, and they managed to find us the last fan. The staff really went above and beyond. The breakfast is really nice with cooked options to choose from, cereals and croissants. Tea and coffee is served to you and they come round topping up also. I didnt realised that on the first morning as I helped myself to top up, the breakfast staff were also so friendly and nice. It can get very busy at breakfast time, hut fhe breakfasts came out quickly. There is also a bar and cafe at the hotel really did have it all. Really friendly place lovely staff

Only a few points, unfortunately the wifi doesn't reach the rooms which is a shame, it is a little bit tired in places but its a hotel of its time. The price is a little bit more expensive than what I normally would pay for.

This is a Victorian era hotel with all the preserved charm one might expect. Our room was basic, remodeled and very clean. Located in Ryder driectly across the street from the ferry, train, and bus station gives you access to the entire island at a very reasonable price. Nice beach on the Promenade. Bus passes were around 15 GBP for 24 hours and covered all busses, public and hop on hop off. Very good breakfast served by pleasant staff.

Lock on our door was basic and likely original. An extra dead bolt or other mechanism with give a greater sense of security. Noise of the Hovercraft which comes in across the street.

What a delightful Hotel the Royal is, fantastic location, lovely Victorian features, bar and coffee bar, great breakfast with friendly staff and would recommend the restaurant in the evening for a 3 course meal. Our sea view double room was large with beautiful furniture in it and original features. Not noisy at night, Hovercraft’s opposite don’t make a lot of noise and booking parking with the Hotel near the Hotel saves you looking around for a space so definitely call and book parking for only £5 a day.

In hot weather the Hotel could be cooler but they do provide a fan which really helps

The staff were lovely, the girls serving breakfast which was excellent were fabulous, efficient, helpful and friendly. The hotel is in a great location, the room was fine and the small shower room was perfect with plenty of hot water and easy to use facilities.

Generally very little to dislike. The room furniture was quite tired and the keys to the door was just an old fashioned key, not electronic etc. The worst thing was the dreadful internet which I understand is being changed but as it stands is hopeless! I was only there one night but if I'd been there a week or so, that would have driven me mad as to me the internet these days is as important as hot water or clean rooms etc.

I really can't recommend this place enough. Beautiful Victorian hotel, but doesn't have an outdated look at all. They upgraded us for free as it was our 5 year anniversary, which was so nice of them! The room was very comfortable and spacious, clean and beautifully furnished, with a sea view. I loved the ditsy chandelier! The staff were all amazing, super nice and helpful! We're two metalheads so we felt a bit out of place, but no one treated us any differently! The breakfast was truly a highlight. All fresh ingredients, and looked cooked on the spot. The full English had some of the best bacon I've ever tasted, and the kippers were such a nice touch. Also, poached eggs for everyone! We also tried the brasserie, and, let me tell you, that was one of the most value for money meals in my life. Make sure you're going there hungry! Finally, I'm absolutely amazed at the quality of the accommodation and service for the price we paid. It was one of the cheapest options when we were looking for a hotel, and, on top of all of it, the breakfast was included in the price. Convenient for all transport links, the town centre, and the beach. Honestly, the best holiday accommodation experience I've ever had.

My only problem was the duvet, which was quite heavy/wintery. This one's on me, though, as I could have asked for a lighter one and didn't. Just a heads up - the bar right next to the hotel plays loud music outside, so best to bring earplugs with you.

First time visitors to the Isle of Wight and the welcome received at the Royal Esplanade was outstanding. I use a wheelchair and there are seven steps up to the front door but it was not a problem as the staff immediately came out and lifted my chair in to the hotel for me, letting me leave the chair in the reception area to charge its batteries. The breakfast was great with a continental selection plus a full hot menu including Porridge and Kippers alongside the Full English. I wont name names for fear of missing somebody out as all the staff went above and beyond to make our stay so enjoyable. Being opposite the Hoverport I expected to be disturbed by noise but you wouldnt know it was there and it certainly provided an unusual view of the Hovercraft coming and going as you ate breakfast. It was a pleasure to stay in such a well maintained Victorian hotel which is obviously being well looked after by the owners and we hope to return again later in the year

Excellent location Stood out amongst other buildings facing the promenade a character Victorian building Good breakfast and friendly and accommodating staff,dinner was not bad too. Andrew at restaurant ,Carla at reception were great. There was another on night duty (didn't get his name) was friendly and helpful. Buses to all places to visit on the island was just a stone throw away. Including rail and pier to ferry terminal. Extremely convenient.

The walls were thin and noise from pub downstairs (next to hotel) but would what to be expected on a weekend night