The Isle of Man lies in the Irish Sea, off England’s northwest coast. The birthplace of the Gibbs brothers (of Bee Gees fame), it’s also home to a breathtaking landscape. From the rugged, windswept coastline to medieval castles to secluded waterfalls, it offers incredible sights day in and day out. And by choosing to stay in one of the best hotels in Isle of Man, you’ll have a fantastic place to come home to after a day of exploring the island’s natural and man-made wonders.
Did you know that although Isle of Man residents is British citizens, the island itself isn’t part of the United Kingdom? Instead, it’s a self-governing British Crown Dependency that has its own laws, parliament, and government. In fact, the Isle of Man‘s Tynwald, which dates from 979, claims to be the oldest continuous parliamentary body on the planet.
The island is also a great jumping-off point to several UK destinations. A ferry ride of roughly 3.5 hours will bring you to the English city of Liverpool, the birthplace of the Beatles. Similarly, you can also take the ferry to Ireland’s capital, Dublin.
Where To Stay In Isle Of Man
Douglas, the capital, is a great place to stay since it’s home to some of the top things to do in Isle of Man. These include visiting the Manx Museum, hiking along Summerhill Glen, and viewing Douglas Bay and harbor from Douglas Head. Shopaholics will love the awesome retail therapy options here, while foodies will delight in the abundance of restaurants and bars. On top of all that, there’s a wide selection of accommodation to fit a variety of budgets. So, whether you’re looking for a wallet-friendly room or luxurious digs, you’ll find it in Douglas.
Castletown also has a good inventory of hotels to choose from. Book a room here and you’ll be within easy reach of Castle Rushen, a huge medieval castle that was originally built for a Viking king.
If golfing is part of your itinerary, head for a hotel in Port St. Mary. Set near the island’s southwest tip, this village holds the Isle of Man’s only 9-hole golf course. And if you visit in the summer, you can bask in the sun at Chapel Bay’s sandy beach.
Best Western Palace Hotel & Casino
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If it’s entertainment you’re after, you can hardly do better than staying at the Best Western Palace Hotel & Casino. Here, you can dally with Lady Luck in the island’s sole licensed casino. On top of that, the hotel also features a slots lounge and a bingo lounge.
The Palace Health Club is another popular feature, one that cements this property’s reputation as one of the best hotels in Isle of Man. Besides a state-of-the-art gym, the club also boasts an indoor heated swimming pool, sauna, and steam room.
This 4-star hotel has dining options aplenty. Indulge in decadent carvery at the Paragon bar and restaurant or go for tasty Asian cuisine at the Majestic Chinese restaurant. And if you’re in the mood for a late bite and drink, head to the lively Whispers bar.
Afterward, head to your well-appointed room where you’ll spend the night in comfort. The heating will keep you warm in cold weather and free Wi-Fi means you can update your social media anytime. In the morning, fix a cup of tea or coffee and sip it on the balcony in front of the Irish Sea. Later, stroll along the Victorian Promenade or go beachcombing nearby.
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Shore Hotel
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The Isle of Man has quite a few wonderful hotels by the sea, and the 4-star Shore Hotel is one of them. Located on Gansey Bay in Port St Mary, it’s a superb place to stay in the southern part of the island. Here, you can choose from refurbished suites. Some offer views of the water while some boast views of both Gansey Bay and the hills. The property also offers a 2-bedroom holiday cottage, which can sleep four guests. Here, you can sit on the balcony and relax in the cool sea breeze.
At the hotel restaurant, you can gorge on seafood and steak, among others. Meanwhile, the bar is the ideal spot for relaxing. Sample a craft beer on tap in a charming room furnished with wood and leather.
If you’re a cyclist, you can park your bicycle in a dry and secure shelter for free. And if you fancy a round of golf, grab one of the hotel’s golf clubs to use at the nearby courses.
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The Rutland Hotel
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A seaside holiday awaits you at The Rutland Hotel in Douglas. Set on the Queens Promenade, it offers 64 beautiful rooms, some with scenic views across Douglas Bay. Each comes with an en suite bathroom having a shower, bath, and hairdryer. And with satellite TV and free Wi-Fi, you’ll have no trouble keeping up with what’s happening in the world.
Start your day with a full breakfast at Restaurant 21, which also serves lunch and dinner. Also, the 3-star Rutland features a laid-back bar and lounge where you can unwind with a drink.
The Rutland is among the best hotels in Isle of Man for sightseeing. From the hotel, it’s an easy walk to the 19th-century Manx Electric Railway. In fact, you can join the Electric Trams, Mountain Railway and Victorian Marvels in the Isle of Man tour. This adventure will take you to destinations such as Laxey village, King Orry’s grave, and Viking crosses in Maughold village.
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Claremont Hotel
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The 4-star Claremont Hotel offers uncompromising luxury for both business and leisure travelers. Each of its rooms and suites, designed in the Art Deco style, offers the necessities for a comfortable stay. You can spend your downtime watching satellite sports and news channels on the flat-screen TV. Meanwhile, with a mini-fridge and 24-hour room service, you’ll never lack for something to eat and drink. But, for a more luxurious stay, book a Business Club Executive room or suite. If you do, you’ll sleep on a Tempur mattress and Hungarian goose-down pillows. What’s more, the bathroom comes stocked with designer toiletries.
The award-winning Coast Bar & Brasserie offers exceptional dining day and night. From breakfast, lunch, and dinner, to high tea and cocktails, it features local and international fare. Here, Friday evenings are dedicated to jazz while Sundays offer an all-day roast.
Situated on the promenade in Douglas, the hotel is close to some must-see destinations. The Gaiety Theatre and the Manx Museum, for instance, are within walking distance.
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The Sefton
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A combination of a beautifully restored Victorian property and a modern extension, The Sefton is a superb place to stay. Like many other luxury hotels in Isle of Man, it offers excellent dining. You can enjoy sumptuous meals, including breakfast, at the Harbour Lights restaurant, and a gastropub menu at Sir Norman’s bar. The indoor pool is another fabulous amenity. Surrounded by brick walls, statues, and greenery, it’s a serene place to complete a few laps. Likewise, the indoor atrium water garden offers a soothing place to relax.
The rooms and suites feature a contemporary design and each comes with an en suite bathroom. Some offer views of Douglas Bay while others have balconies overlooking the atrium water garden. The luxury suites are particularly enticing, with their lounge areas and four-poster beds.
Like many of the best hotels in Isle of Man, the 4-star Sefton is in the heart of Douglas. Positioned on the Harris Promenade, it’s a short walk from Douglas Beach, the Tynwald, and the Tower of Refuge.
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Welbeck Hotel & Restaurant
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The 3-star Welbeck Hotel & Restaurant is in a lovely Victorian building just behind the Douglas Promenade in the capital. It offers well-appointed en suite rooms, some with a choice of twin or double beds. Several rooms provide sea views; however, if you’re looking for a quiet space, choose one located in the rear of the hotel.
The hotel also offers self-catering apartments with one or two bedrooms. Each comes with a kitchen, so you can whip up a meal if you love to cook. On top of that, they also have separate living and dining areas. But no matter what type of accommodation you choose, you’ll enjoy modern conveniences like high-speed Wi-Fi and digital TV.
In the morning, head to the Conservatory Restaurant for a hearty breakfast. Here, you can also enjoy lunch and dinner, with meals made from fresh local ingredients. Later, you can head to the bar for a refreshing drink in a laid-back atmosphere.
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Ellan Vannin Hotel
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Yet again, one of the best hotels in Isle of Man is in an eye-catching historic building. The Ellan Vannin Hotel is a stately Victorian townhouse in the heart of Douglas. Situated on the seafront, it’s mere steps from Douglas Beach. Also, it’s a short walk from attractions like the Manx Museum and the Gaiety Theatre. And if you’d like to explore further afield, you can head to the Douglas ferry terminal. From the hotel, it’s a 10-minute walk.
The 3-star Ellan Vannin boasts close to 30 rooms and suites. If you’re visiting during the cold months, in-room heating will keep you snug as a bug. Some rooms can sleep three people and offer gorgeous water views. And if you’re a stickler for space, book one of the suites. They have a separate sitting area where you can catch a show on Netflix on the flat-screen TV.
The hotel offers an authentic Manx breakfast, an awesome way to start the day. Try the Manx kippers with a slice of Manx Bonnag on the side. The homemade jam and marmalade are must-haves, too.
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The George Hotel
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For a mid-range property, The George Hotel offers some pretty sweet perks. Each of the 11 rooms, for example, features tasteful decor and various facilities for a relaxing break. Large windows offer beautiful views of Castle Rushen. You can catch your favorite show on the Freeview TV and browse the Web courtesy of free Wi-Fi. What’s more, you can indulge in the luxurious Gilchrist and Soames toiletries in the en suite bathroom.
The pub is also something that the hotel takes immense pride in. From authentic ales to a well-curated wine list to bespoke spirits, there’s something good to wet your whistle. Of course, you can feast on quality food here, too! Check out the menu for local dishes including seasonal vegetables and Manx lamb, fish, and beef.
The 3-star George is in Castletown in the south of the Isle of Man. This town was the Manx capital until 1869 and is home to attractions such as the Nautical Museum. It’s also one of the stops in the Castles of the Isle of Man tour, a wonderful opportunity to see the island’s ancient fortresses.
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The Empress Hotel
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Set on the Central Promenade in Douglas, The Empress Hotel offers budget-friendly yet high-quality accommodation. So, it isn’t any surprise that it’s one of the best hotels in Isle of Man. In each of its 104 elegant rooms, for example, you’ll find luxurious beds with crisp linen and soft duvets. The classic family rooms sleep up to three. And if you’re on a romantic getaway, the Penthouse Sea View Suite is a fabulous option. Here, the bedroom as well as a private balcony with outdoor seating offer wonderful views of Douglas Bay.
Begin your day by heading to the breakfast room, where you can take your pick from the cold and hot buffets. Later, have lunch, afternoon tea, or dinner at the Brasserie Restaurant. Finally, end the day with a nightcap at the Piano Bar & Lounge.
You can also mingle with other guests and have coffee or tea in a common area. And if you get the munchies in the wee morning hours, don’t hesitate to take advantage of this 3-star hotel’s 24-hour room service.
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Sea Cliff, The Miniature Boutique Hotel (CU)
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When it comes to luxury B&Bs, Sea Cliff The Miniature Boutique Hotel is tough to beat. The property welcomes a maximum of six guests at any one time, so it’s ideal if you’re looking for a quiet and intimate getaway. Choose from one of three luxury suites, all featuring an open-plan dining/kitchen area, a lounge, and a large terrace. Step out of the floor-to-ceiling glass patio doors and find yourself gazing out at the emerald Irish Sea. And if you book the Onchan Head Suite, you’ll enjoy your own private hot tub.
The Bay Kitchen is the B&B’s restaurant, where you can savor traditional and modern meals. Don’t worry if you have special dietary needs. You’ll find that the restaurant caters to vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and dairy-free diners, too. And if you have some downtime during the day, you can spend it in the scenic garden or in the steam room.
Sea Cliff sits along Sea Cliff Road, a 5-minute drive from Douglas. You can rent a bike from the property and explore nearby attractions. Within a radius of 3 km (1.87 mi), for example, are the Manx Museum and the TT Grandstand.
Halvard Hotel
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Opened in 2018, Halvard Hotel is one of the newest luxury properties in Douglas. This 4-star property is an imposing presence on the beachfront, where magnificent views of Douglas Bay and the Irish Sea can be had aplenty. From the hotel, it’s a short walk to the Villa Marina complex, where you’ll find the Colonnade Gardens, Broadway Cinema, and the Royal Hall. Thus, it’s one of the best hotels in Isle of Man for its proximity to entertainment.
With only 20 guestrooms and suites, the hotel offers an intimate and quiet atmosphere. The rooms boast amenities standard in a luxury hotel: think private bathroom, flat-screen TV, and minibar. But for extra luxury, book one of the suites. Besides the larger floor area, they also have separate sitting and dining areas.
If you need to get some work done, head to the Halvard business center. Here, you can make use of computer terminals and free document printing. It also has space for meetings. When it’s time to eat, you can choose from dazzling drinking and dining options at the hotel restaurant. And if you’d like to de-stress and pamper yourself, you can indulge in massages and other treatments at the hotel spa.
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Recommended Restaurants / Bars In Isle Of Man:
- Ocean Restaurant – Savor not only the freshest seafood but also farm-fresh meat and poultry. Located in Douglas, it’s within easy reach of some of the best hotels in Isle of Man
- The Thirsty Pigeon – Situated in the financial district of Douglas, this pub offers a wide selection of ales, beer, fine wine, and spirits. It’s also the first pub on the island to accept Bitcoin!
Recommended Activities In Isle Of Man:
- Photography Tours Around The Isle Of Man, South Western Coastline – Spend half a day on a private luxury tour with the island’s most experienced photographer! Capture images of gorgeous seascapes and landscapes to keep as mementos of your vacation.
- Isle of Man TT – Visit the island in May or June and you might just be in time for the annual Tourist Trophy races. Watch as some of the world’s best motorcyclists take part in what’s been called one of the world’s most dangerous racing events.
