The Royal Hotel on Isle of Wight changes hands

The Royal Hotel in Ventnor, Isle of Wight, has been sold to a new private operator after almost 30 years for an undisclosed amount. 

Originally built in 1832, The Royal Hotel is located on the south coast of the Isle of Wight. The hotel has built a good reputation over the years for its accommodation, food and beverage offerings. 

The hotel features 51 en-suite bedrooms, and a bar and restaurant with panoramic sea views of the English Channel.  

Up until now, the hotel has been independently owned and operated by William Bailey since 1994. He has been credited with substantially upgrading the hotel’s facilities, expanding the range of services on offer to guests and significantly widening the hotel’s customer base. 

As a result, the hotel has picked up numerous accolades, including a four-silver-star 2023 AA hotel accreditation and a 2023 AA two Rosette award for culinary excellence.

Bailey said: “Whilst it is of course sad to have sold a business with which we have been involved for almost 30 years, now is the right time to step back. We wish the new owners every success during their ownership of this great and profitable hotel in a picturesque location on the Isle of Wight. 

“Most importantly we would like to thank the staff, with whom we have#

 shared this memorable journey, for their hard work and dedication over the years.”

Ed Bellfield, regional director at Christie and Co, added: “The sale of The Royal Hotel represents an exceptional opportunity to acquire a phenomenally successful hotel business with significant repeat patronage, largely due to its continued ownership and continuity within the same family since 1994.

“The reputation and success of the business is a testament to the continued re-investment and family stewardship over recent decades combined with its enviable location in the picturesque Isle of Wight. We wish William well on his future and the closing of a long-established chapter.”