Royal Esplanade Hotel Ryde , Ryde (Isle of Wight)
About the Hotel
Royal Esplanade Hotel is a Grade II listed Victorian building located in the heart of Ryde, Isle of Wight, overlooking the Solent. The hotel features 70 rooms, providing a unique character compared to budget chain options. Recently refurbished, it boasts a restaurant and several public amenities. Guests can enjoy proximity to local attractions as well as the lively seaside environment.
Location
Situated directly across from the bus and train stations, Royal Esplanade Hotel offers convenient access to the hovercraft port and ferry services to Portsmouth and Southampton. Extensive public car parking is available on the seafront immediately opposite the hotel. Nearby attractions include Ryde Beach, the Minster Church of St Thomas, and Sandown Pier.
Rooms
Each room at the Royal Esplanade Hotel includes en-suite facilities with either a walk-in shower or a bath with shower. Rooms are equipped with a flat-screen TV, tea/coffee making facilities, and hairdryers. Superior rooms offer additional sea views over the Solent, along with bathrobes and slippers. A cot can be added to certain configurations, making accommodations suitable for families.
Eat & Drink
The hotel's restaurant offers a three-course set menu, available for half-board bookings or à la carte. Breakfast features a small buffet supplemented by hot food cooked to order, including a full English breakfast. The brasserie has a colonial ambiance, complemented by locally sourced ingredients for home-cooked meals. Guests can also enjoy refreshments at the on-site coffee shop, which serves hot drinks and cakes from Bembridge Bakery.
Leisure & Business
Guests can unwind on the quiet terrace, provide an inviting space to read or relax. Two bars/lounges are available, where guests can enjoy a refreshing drink or play a game of pool in the snug bar. Meeting facilities and luggage storage further accommodate business travelers. The welcoming staff provide bright and friendly service throughout the hotel.
Select your room type
Price and Room Availability Calendar
Getting around
A list of all available modes of transport
Facilities
General
- No smoking on site
- Free Wi-Fi in public areas
- No parking
- 24-hour reception
- No pets allowed
- Elevator
- Coffee shop
- Smoke detectors
- Fire extinguishers
- Key access
Guest Parking
- Electric kettle
Services
- Housekeeping
- Welcome drink
Dining
- Restaurant
- Bar/ Lounge area
- Packed lunches
- Special diet menus
Business
- Meeting/ Banquet facilities
- Fax/Photocopying
Children
- Cribs
- Board games
- Children's menu
Spa & Leisure
- Beach access
- Live entertainment
- Sun terrace
- Leisure/ TV room
Room features
- Heating
- Terrace
- Garden furniture
Bathroom
- Free toiletries
Self-catering
- Electric kettle
Media
- Flat-screen TV
- AM/FM alarm clock
Room decor
- Carpeted floor
Location
Reviews and Ratings
Arriving at the hotel, I found the room to be a bit cold initially, but it was spacious and had a new shower which was a nice touch. It was comfortable enough for the price paid, though not exceptional. The service was efficient and friendly, with a minor backlog, but they were apologetic and even offered a refund for an issue. The location was excellent, especially for travelers by bus or ferry. On the downside, there was limited sound insulation due to its main road location. The dining experience was overall great with a clean and comfortable room, although some details were missed in the service. The facilities were good, and the value for money was decent.
The hotel is centrally located on the promenade making it ideal for exploring the island, but the noise levels can be bothersome. Despite these issues, the hotel offers friendly service and a superb location for weekend getaways.
I had a mixed experience at the hotel. The front spot location was convenient, but the rooms were clean yet showed signs of age. The service was efficient and friendly, with some delightful touches, but the dining experience had its ups and downs. The proximity to travel options made everything easy, though there were some inconsistencies in the dining service.