The Royal Hotel, Ventnor, Isle of Wight

We love taking a daily dawdle to the beach, followed by the heart-pumping walk back up.

Located in the popular town of Ventnor with stunning views of the sea and coastline.
By car: 3 hours 30 mins from London via A3. 3 hours from Brighton via A27. All drivers will need to take the Fishbourne - Portsmouth ferry to get to the hotel. There is free parking at the hotel.
By train: From Portsmouth Harbour, change at Ryde Pier Head for Shanklin station (1-hour journey). Shanklin is a 15-minute drive from the hotel. thetrainline.com

The hotel is perfect for older couples wanting a refined getaway. The bar opens out onto a pretty terrace in the summer that makes you feel like you could be in France.

The friendly bar staff make a point of remembering preferences.

• Outdoor heated swimming pool
• "Royal Rib" for charter
• 24-hour room service
• Free parking
• Bar
• Resaturant

• Family rooms

• Free Wi-Fi

• Pet-friendly

• Family-friendly

We love the old-fashioned elegance of the rooms. Room 20 has a canopy bed, bathroom with free-standing claw-foot bath and French doors opening onto a seaview balcony.

Classic, Deluxe, Premier, Family
Facilities include: ensuite bathroom, flat-screen TV, direct dial phone, tea and coffee-making facilities

We love the care and attention that goes into presenting exquisite-looking plates of food. Whilst the restaurant is grand and formal, the conservatory offers live music and views of the garden.

The Royal Kitchen: 2 AA Rosettes, seasonal food including seafood and meats, fine wines, afternoon tea. Children's menus available. Open for lunch, afternoon tea and dinner. Mains from £18.95.