In the 1830s, visitors flocked from England to Ventnor for its almost Madeira-like micro-climate. A small sleepy fishing village on the southern coast of the Isle of Wight suddenly became a bustling pioneer of health tourism. Land prices shot up from £100 to £1,000 per acre. Ventnor filled with crinolines, penny farthings and mutton-chop sideburns.

Fishers, a grand four storey hotel complete with lacy wrought-iron veranda, was built in 1832. The architecture reflected the Georgians’ love affair with the classical symmetry of Ancient Rome.

On her visits to the Isle of Wight, a young Victoria, enjoying the freedom of the years before becoming Queen, loved calling in to that hotel for afternoon tea. In honour of her patronage, the hotel became The Royal.

Two needle-thin cypress trees frame The Royal’s entrance, embracing the Mediterranean tradition of a symbolic welcome. Immaculately coiffured bay and olive trees, along with spiky succulents, add to the Med ambience.

The welcome

Parking can be challenging in vertiginous Ventnor but The Royal has two car parks. Ample, flat parking is available.

As we have checked-in online, we are immediately given our very traditional and hefty brass-fobbed key. Again quaintly ignoring the arrival of digital technology, we are offered a wake-up call and a paper newspaper. A porter takes our luggage.

The room

Our classic sea-view room with an ornate and floral mini-chandelier, dripping pendant crystals, recalls the hotel’s regal history.
The wide bed has royal dimensions and faces towards both a flatscreen television and the view.

Decor features a simple seascape palette of summer blues with restrained Regency stripe curtains. A tall in-built wardrobe has ample hanging space…

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