I dined at The Royal a couple of weeks ago with some friends and I have to say it really did live up to its reputation. We were met in the conservatory where our coats were quietly taken from us, and were directed to the Hambrough Bar where we were greeted by a smart and friendly barman. He took our drinks order, showed us to a nearby table, and informed us that he would bring our drinks over to us. The manageress introduced herself to us just before we were due to go through to the restaurant and offered to show us to our table. From there on the service was impeccable; just the right amount of personal attention, without being 'in your face' (which I detest). The way I would describe the ambience was warm and relaxed, with service being professional but not stuffy. Our wine was delivered at just the right temperature and our glasses were kept topped up without us having to ask, or pour it ourselves. We were offered a choice of home made bread rolls at the beginning of the meal (and again after our starter). For the meal I chose the pan seared scallops with pork belly, followed by venison for my main course and passion fruit souffle for my dessert. The food is truly worth the two rosettes (actually I think more like 3) and I left the table feeling nicely full, but not overly so. There was just enough room for some coffee back in the bar, and a little plate of home made petit fours. Overall a fantastic experience. read more

My wife and I took advantage of the March half-price offer & stayed for a couple of nghts in mid March 2011. We hadn't visited the hotel in the last nine years but remembered it as being a very attractive place in a lovely location offering good food and comfort. What we found this time, though, was a truly exceptional hotel, elegantly refurbished, and offering some of the finest food we have tasted in any restaurant. The fish dishes were terrific - succulent and inventive without pretension. Fabulous! As other customers have said, the service was very attentive but relaxed and friendly. There were no 'airs and graces'. All staff were very helpful. The room was attractively decorated and the bed was very comfortable. Ventnor is a lovely town in a stunning location. In the nine years we have been away there has been a lot of work done to restore its former glory. I cannot recommend this hotel or its location too highly. The half price offer which includes free car ferry ticket is an amazing deal. read more

My room for my overnight stay with dinner hit just the right note for me. It was luxurious but also homely, I relaxed immediately, flopping on to my cushion laden bed whilst waitng for my scented bath to fill. It was my little piece off heaven for a day, no phones ringing and no-one shouting Mum ! Dinner was such a joy, being a vegetarian i am used to being an annoying afterthought, but at the Royal the chefs embraced my diet with creativity and delicious tastes...I cannot fault my meal. Breakfast was more than ample, fresh and served by a sunny window on a table laden with white linen and yummy preserves. Only the taste of the coffee marred this morning meal. Go to the Royal for a treat and some respite from the mad world we seem to inhabit ! read more

Our recent 4-night stay at the Royal Hotel was a wonderful experience. After a long journey by plane, train & ferry, it was such a pleasure to arrive in Ventor and discover such a charming corner of Britain. The hotel itself was excellent - great food, a lovely room & attentive, friendly service. It was also extremely good value for money. We especially appreciated the focus on local ingredients on the menu & the relaxing, candle-lit atmosphere in the bar & conservatory. Despite not having a car, it was easy to get out & see the island on the local bus network. Hoping to go back soon to try the afternoon tea which looked spectacular! read more

I stayed at The Royal for a three day break with my Father, he had often invited me to go there with him but I had declined in the past. So pleased I took up the offer this time around, from start to finish our stay at The Royal was impeccable and truely deliightful. The staff were warm, friendly and extremely helpful and the food was of very high standard and tasted devine. I loved every minute of it and will never forget my stay, the hotel itself was charming and I thought very reasonably priced for the attentive service and fabulous food that is on offer. Top marks from me. read more

Birthday Dinner at The beautiful Royal Hotel in Ventnor. What a find. My beloved and I had dinner in the Appuldurcombe Room and feasted on local cod, onion bhaji, puy lentils and carrot puree. How inventive and different frm the usual run of the mill fish supper beside the sea. The fish was wonderfully fresh, and we loved the sommelier's recommendation of a light and delicate Riesling to accompany the meal. A chocolate pudding of extraordinary invention and sheer beauty ended our pefect gourmet evening. Can't wait for a return visit. Ali and Alex Crum Ewing, London. read more

We live in Ventnor and having had the chance to go to The Royal a few times over the years, we feel that we're qualified to say that the food in the resturant is, without doubt, consistantly the highest-quality that we've had in Ventnor (against quite some competition) - if not the whole of the Island. We never hesitate in recommend dinner, lunch or afternoon tea at The Royal to even the most picky of our foodie friends, knowing that it'll be quality, every time. read more

This idyllic hotel set in beautiful surroundings impressed me with its first class and professional service. Not only was the food exceptionally well prepared the presentation and service surpassed all my expectations. I would recommend this hotel to anyone visiting the Isle of Wight or indeed anyone on the Island wanting to have a first class meal with first class service. Thank you Royal Hotel I didn't know that customer service of this level existed any more. read more

Went to The Royal on resident dine and stay package and it was really well worth it. The rooms are comfortable, quite conservative - sort of Country Homes style - would have preferred duvets to blankets. We had a great view across the garden. Service was a complete delight - the staff were just so professional, kind and welcoming. The evening food in the grand restaurant was delicious - home made bread, amuse bouches, local fish and the dessert was sublime. read more

In one word - Luxury! This was one of the most relaxing weekend breaks that we have enjoyed, totally able to switch off and just enjoy the surroundings. We liked the look of the Royal and booked up, but were blown away by the dining. Fine dining at it's best. I'm trying to convince the missus to take me back for my birthday! read more

I would like to thank all the members of staff at The Royal Hotel for making our stay last weekend so relaxing and enjoyable. The room was great, the food superb and the atmosphere amazing. A truly memorable break for our busy schedules. i highly recommend this hotel. Thank you all. read more