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The Royal Hotel

Ventnor, Isle of Wight

Victorian era (built 1832) 4-star (Victorian seaside hotel) 51 Rooms 1 Ghost

The Resident Spirits

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The Royal Hotel is renowned for its most famous resident spirit, the Green Lady, who has been witnessed by both guests and staff for decades. This mysterious female apparition is most commonly encountered on the staircase between the first and second floors, where she appears as an elegant woman dressed in green period clothing. Witnesses describe her as having a solid, clear appearance that allows observers to make out her facial features and clothing details, though she typically appears briefly before vanishing. The Green Lady's presence is often accompanied by a distinct drop in temperature and the creation of cold spots throughout the hotel. Her footsteps are frequently heard echoing through the corridors during the quiet hours of the night and early morning. Staff members and guests have reported feeling an invisible presence walking alongside them on the stairs, and some have experienced the unsettling sensation of being gently touched or having their clothes tugged. The spirit appears to be benevolent, showing no signs of malevolence or aggressive behaviour, leading many to believe she may be a former guest or resident who remains attached to the hotel.

Known Ghosts:

The Green Lady

The Green Lady's manifestations have been consistently reported for several decades, with multiple independent witnesses describing remarkably similar encounters. Hotel staff have reported seeing her gliding up the main staircase in the early morning hours, often between 2 and 4 AM, appearing as a well-dressed Victorian woman in green attire. Her clothing is described as elegant period dress, suggesting she may have been a guest of some social standing during the hotel's Victorian era. Guests staying in rooms on the first and second floors have reported waking to the sound of footsteps in the corridors, only to investigate and find the hallways empty. Some have glimpsed her reflection in mirrors before turning to find no one present. The cold spots associated with her presence are particularly notable on the staircase, where temperature drops of several degrees have been recorded by paranormal investigators. Witnesses consistently describe a feeling of melancholy or wistfulness accompanying her appearances, leading many to speculate that she may be searching for someone or something from her past life. The Green Lady has never been reported to interact directly with witnesses, maintaining the characteristics of what paranormal researchers classify as a residual haunting.

Meet Each Spirit

The Green Lady

Residual Haunting Victorian era

An elegant Victorian woman in green who appears on the main staircase, accompanied by cold spots and footsteps

Most Active Areas:

Main staircase ... First floor cor... Upper floor gue...
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Historical Background

Building Age

Victorian era (built 1832)

Original Purpose

Coaching inn and seaside hotel

Historical Significance

The Royal Hotel has a distinguished two-hundred-year history, originally built in 1832 as an inn on what was then a new road from St Lawrence leading to the newly forming seaside town of Ventnor. Initially established as Fishers Hotel, it became known as The Royal Hotel after receiving Queen Victoria's royal patronage. The hotel gained immense prestige when Queen Victoria visited in 1844 during her journey to Steephill Castle and famously popularised afternoon tea here in 1845. Sir James Clark, Queen Victoria's surgeon, had recommended Ventnor's unique microclimate and fresh English Channel air as beneficial for those suffering from ill health, establishing the town as a fashionable Victorian health resort. The Royal Hotel became a favoured destination for the crowned heads of Europe and notable guests including Charles Dickens, who stayed between 1837 and 1838, declaring it 'the prettiest place I ever saw, in my life, either at home or abroad.' The hotel has maintained its prestigious status throughout its history, earning the rare privilege of being listed in every Michelin Guide since 1911 and becoming the first hotel on the Isle of Wight to receive a four-star rating.

Architecture

Victorian seaside architecture with four-storey facade, ornate wrought iron veranda overlooking the Esplanade and English Channel

What Guests Experience

Reported Activity

Apparitional sightings, disembodied footsteps, cold spots, feelings of being watched, gentle touching sensations

Most Active Areas

Main staircase between first and second floors, first floor corridors, guest room areas on upper floors

Witness Accounts

Multiple staff members and guests have independently reported encounters spanning several decades, with consistent descriptions of the Green Lady's appearance and behaviour

Paranormal Investigations

The hotel's haunting has attracted attention from paranormal researchers and is documented in various supernatural databases and Isle of Wight ghost guides

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Check Availability & Rates

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Price Range: Mid-range to luxury (£100-£300 per night depending on season)
Rooms: 51
Spirits: 1 Ghost

📅 Sample dates:2025-08-30 to 2025-09-01 • 2 adults
Dates and guest count can be changed on booking sites

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Paranormal Tip: Book rooms near main staircase between first and second floors for the best chance of supernatural encounters!

Contact Details

Address:
Belgrave Road, Ventnor, Isle of Wight, PO38 1JJ

Phone: +44 1983 852186

Status: Operating

Special Packages

Historic heritage packages, afternoon tea experiences, Isle of Wight exploration breaks

Accessibility

Victorian building with some period features, parking available, contact hotel for specific accessibility requirements

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5 haunted sites and 0 attractions within 10-15 miles

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Location Details

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The Royal Hotel & Surroundings Legend

Hotel
Poltergeist
Apparition

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