The Empress Hotel

We went to the Empress Hotel for Sunday lunch yesterday, 1st March, and the food and service were outstanding from the moment we arrived until we left. There’s a menu with dishes to suit everyone. Our favourite starters were the Peri Peri King Prawns and the Manx Queenies. For mains, we liked the Roast Manx Beef and Lamb Shank, all served with a selection of fresh vegetables. If you need somewhere for a special occasion, I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it. Give it a try, you won’t be disappointed.

We were unhappy with the room we were first given, but the reception staff and manager sorted it quickly and moved us to a delightful room overlooking the bay. That first experience was handled really well, and we enjoyed our stay. The promenade location is excellent and close to all amenities. There’s a welcoming lounge bar and reception, and every staff member we met was friendly, polite and professional. Breakfast was buffet style with plenty to choose from, including a full English, cereals, croissants, pastries and fruit. You could also order Manx kippers or poached or boiled eggs. We’d definitely stay again when visiting the island.

The check-in could have been more helpful. We weren’t told how to access the Wi-Fi or the breakfast we’d already paid for, and had to work those things out ourselves later. Reception could have explained these details on arrival, when guests are already filling in forms, showing ID and getting keys. For first-time visitors, that would make a better first impression. The hotel is on the seafront in a central spot, with local sights and nearby Onchan within walking distance. The dining was excellent, and it seems to be Douglas’s number one hotel. I was a little surprised there was no pool, sauna or spa, and we didn’t see a gym. You can’t swim at the beach because it’s too rough and cold, and there are no lifeguards. That check-in issue is the only reason I’m giving four stars instead of five.

My dad and I have stayed here for TT Practice week for the past three years, and we’ll definitely book again next year. The rooms are a good size and very clean, the service is friendly, and the bar and meals are excellent. Everything was great.