Regency Hotel

The Regency holds a commanding place in the seafront terrace on Queens Promenade, its name cut into the stone above a columned entrance and flags flying from the first floor. A horse tram passes along the front outside.

Behind the cream facade and its tiers of bay windows the building keeps its Victorian bones. Through the arched doors the hall is dark oak panelling, coloured glass, deep blue carpet and a longcase clock, with the reception desk set into the woodwork.

Panelled lounges and lit fires

The public rooms are the best of it. One lounge is panelled to the ceiling with a fire in the grate, armchairs pulled round low tables and stained glass filling the bay. The dining room repeats the trick under a chandelier, with another fireplace and more coloured glass, and tables laid properly with linen and glassware.

The rooms upstairs

Bedrooms are traditional and calm, in creams, soft pinks and burgundy, with dark wood headboards, wall lights and a writing desk. Doubles, twins, suites and sea-view rooms are all offered. The front rooms take the bay window and look out to the water, and one has armchairs set into the bay to use it properly. Bathrooms are tiled and bright, some with a bath, some with a shower. A lift serves the upper floors, and each room has a kettle, a fridge and a flat-screen television.

The promenade at the door

Douglas Beach runs the length of the front outside, so a walk before breakfast needs no planning. The shops, the ferry terminal and the evening restaurants of Douglas all follow the same promenade round the bay.

Best suited to

Travellers who would take panelling, a fire and a sea-facing bay over a modern room, and who want to stay on the promenade itself rather than behind it.