"On the Isle of Wight the Royal Hotel has been providing accommodation, afternoon teas and hearty dinners since the days when young Queen Victoria used to visit. Nowadays it also offers a discreet modern bar to the right of the main lobby (just behind the baby grand piano). Given the grandeur of the early Victorian dining room, it’s a surprise to find this streamlined drinking lounge that seats just 30 people.

Dan Reynolds, the head barman has been at the Royal for five years and he has been responsible for introducing the espresso martini (vodka, Kahlua and freshly brewed espresso) and a negroni made with HMS Victory Gin. This unique distillation is a recent creation by the Isle of Wight Distillery who partnered with the National Maritime Museum to produce a unique Navy Strength Gin. A percentage of the profits from this thumpingly powerful spirit goes to support the ongoing restoration of Nelson’s flagship.

The bar also serves wines from Adgestone, one of Britain’s oldest working vineyards, which is located on the highest point of the Isle of Wight. Using grape varieties like Gewurztraminer, Pinot Noir and Seyval Blanc, Adgestone recently took Silver at the Wessex Wine awards."

"Ventnor on the Isle of Wight is a pretty little town with a small beach and a Smugglers’ Inn sitting on the English Channel. It was of no significance at all until 1866 when the railways arrived and it became possible to cross Britain’s second largest island from the ferry port at Ryde in just 25 minutes. Suddenly Ventnor with its warm, fresh microclimate took off as a tourist destination, especially for those were recovering from consumption and couldn’t afford the mountain air of Switzerland. Charles Dickens – himself in rude health - took a holiday nearby when writing David Copperfield and claimed the views were “ only equalled by shores found in the Mediterranean.”

Even before the resort came to national prominence, there was a hotel at the top of the cliffs above Ventnor. The Royal was founded in 1832, and its name is supposedly derived from Queen Victoria, grand daughter of the famous sea-bathing king calling in to take tea. In the 1840s the Queen and her Prince Consort Albert built a family home on the island. Osbourne House remained her favourite home even after the prince’s death in 1861. Its presence gave tourism to the Isle of Wight an indirect royal endorsement.

The Royal was constructed from two solid three-storey townhouses with an archway for carriages running between them. That passageway has now been glassed over, making a conservatory entrance with the words “Royal” and “Hotel” on either side what looks like the coat of arms of St George. Inside, the hotel has 51 bedrooms, an understated modern bar and an overstated dining room with blue stripes and gold leaf that recalls the neoclassical 1830s.

Guests can walk down to the beach, take it easy in the hotel gardens or try something a little more exciting on a modern rib that the hotel has just bought. If you haven’t tried bounding round the British coastline in a rib then you do not know what it is to be truly wet but this high speed dinghy bouncing by at 45 knots is a perfect way to see the coastline of the Isle of Wight. The hotel even throws in champagne and salmon sandwiches to make your afternoon truly memorable."

"The architecture, design, setting and romantic ambience of The Royal creates a magical backdrop to step back in time. The pretty subtropical, lush gardens and the geranium terrace are perfect for pre-reception drinks and provide a wonderful backdrop for photographs. Whether you choose the elegant and stylish grandeur of the dining room or the Riveria Terrace for an alfresco wedding breakfast experienced The Royal will create your very own dream menu."

"The Ventnor Hotel was built in 1832 when its most famous future resident was not yet queen. It was Victoria’s surgeon Sir James Clarke who recommended the air on the Isle of Wight for the royal personage. Suddenly this hotel in a sleepy fishing village found itself not only fashionable but able to rename itself The Royal. Today the hotel is one of only 30 in the UK to have been listed in every Michelin Guide since 1911."

"England’s largest island, almost kissing the coast of Hampshire, has been a favourite holiday destination for centuries. Blessed with wonderful beaches, grand Victorian architecture, and a world-renowned music festival, there’s something here for everyone. The Royal Hotel in Ventnor is much the same - a 150 year-old historic jewel offering fifty-three individually furnished rooms, along with old-fashioned service, splendid period décor, an award-winning restaurant, lush sub-tropical gardens and a terrific sea views."