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4.0
#7 of 16 hotels in Douglas
Location
Rooms
Value
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
The Empress Hotel offers four star comfort and has 104 refurbished bedrooms of which there are a number of Executive Sea View rooms and a fantastic top floor Penthouse overlooking the whole of Douglas Bay. All of the remaining Classic single, double and twin bedrooms are fully equipped with the comforts of home. For dining, we have The Brasserie Restaurant offering an a la carte selection of carefully prepared dishes by our expert team of chefs and this is located by reception. Alongside the restaurant is the Piano Bar offering bar meals, coffee and drinks which is open from 11am until late with our resident pianist playing up to 4 days a week and Sky/BT Sports also available for Sports fans.
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
HOTEL STYLE
Classic
Ocean View
Languages Spoken
English, Bulgarian, Polish
Location
Central Promenade, Douglas IM2 4RA
The Empress Hotel
1,318 reviews
Getting there
Somewhat walkable
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The Empress Hotel garners mixed reviews for value, with some guests appreciating the reasonable rates and others pointing out overpriced elements. A warm and welcoming atmosphere is frequently highlighted, complete with a popular piano bar and commendable dining options. While the hotel's cleanliness and prime location earn consistent praise, opinions on the rooms are divided; they are either appreciated for their sea views and comfort or criticized for being cramped and not well-kept.
Amenities generally satisfy guests, though parking and room size have been noted as drawbacks. The staff's friendliness is well-regarded, despite occasional lapses in service.
Location
Central
Atmosphere
Welcoming
Rooms
Cramped
Value
Mixed
Cleanliness
Spotless
Service
Friendly
Amenities
Satisfactory
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Lovely week at the Empress Hotel in Douglas. 45 minute flight from Edinburgh then took local bus, £2.70 single ticket, at front airport. A pleasant journey only 20 minutes and dropped of on the Promenade thanks to helpful bus driver. Found a wee cafe called The Alpine just across from M&S from the promenade had delicious home made soup and salad before walking along The Promenade to the hotel as check in 3pm. Very comfortable double room on 4th floor, bathroom, smart TV, hairdryer and usual kettle in room. Super room, black out curtains, as able to catch sun rise over roof top around 6am and make a cup of tea before heading down in the lift for breakfast.Had full English breaky, well stocked buffet, kipper freshly cooked and poached eggs in basement dining room. Weather so good even ate outside a few mornings looking out to see on the front terrace. Set me up for busy day exploring the Island thanks to local waitress attentive service and suggestions on places to visit and daily morning chat, so helpful, especially as travelling alone and first holiday since covid restrictions lifted since March 2019. Evening relaxed listening to piano in piano bar and taking night cap. Perfect place to chill. Reception and bar staff very pleasant able to restock tea coffee, milk, towels on request. Arranged bar tab and early morning wake up call for flight back to Edinburgh. On last morning walked along promenade to bus station for local bus to airport (bus every 15 minutes). Definitely recommend the Empress Hotel. There was a Wedding during my stay on Saturday night, did not hear anything as on forth floor. Beautiful location for weddings. Proms and special events. Did not use the gym as walked a lot and spa etc closed due to covid rules. All very clean and even had my bedroom serviced during my stay. Thanks to all for a super stay,
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Date of stay: August 2021Trip type: Travelled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This was a great hotel that was very clean and had a very good breakfast. We flew from Liverpool airport, checked in online and we were only asked for boarding card and passport at security and gate, very easy process. Only wore mask on flight. Landed at Douglas and was asked to show landing form details which I had on phone but due to wifi I couldn’t open my email but guy just asked for my name and dob and could see my landing approval details so all good :-) We only waited 5mins for the bus ( brilliant bus service across all of the island ) Bus charge was only £2:80 each , taxi wanted £28 ! Bus journey was lovely and we were dropped right outside the Empress Hotel. Only slight concern when we arrived at hotel is the steps, we got to top of stairs but another step wasn’t spotted by our friend and he tripped over and fell to the floor , he was ok but a little shook up and embarrassed. Maybe the steps need to have painted yellow or red stripes so it’s easy for the eyes to spot. Very quick check in and lifts to our 3rd floor room , room small but has everything we needed. No view but that’s ok , rooms also were not cleaned during our 2 day stay due to Covid but we were told to leave towels outside and these were replaced , we also had tea ,coffee milk and biscuits in room and these were easily replenished by just asking at reception. Staff were all lovely, friendly and chatty. Lovely bar and lounge area with a excellent piano player in the evenings after a day of exploring. Breakfast was fabulous and well done to chef who seemed to take pride in his food and was constantly checking products were hot and always replacing if running low, all very tasty , choices of cereals, toast, jams , fruit and yogurt and the full English, you could even order Manx kippers ! We planned our Saturday out on the steam train through the beautiful countryside that took us to Port Erin ( 1hr journey) which was absolutely lovely with a gorgeous Sandy beach in a little sheltered cove , weather was great and it was lovely seeing people and children enjoying themselves. Steam train is up near the bus terminal, bus stops outside hotel across the road and drops you right by the station if you don’t fancy the walk which is about 30mins, you can buy drinks at station to take on the train. We got bus back from Port Erin and we got off in the town center, very good day out. Next day we checked out and caught bus to Castletown and there was a brass band playing so we sat outside listening to them and buying drinks from the local pub , the band were fab ! Then we got bus from here to airport. Be careful with your suitcases if you are bringing hand luggage as some people cases were to big and they were being charged unless your speedy boarding then you are allowed bigger hand luggage, thankfully our hand luggage fitted in the bag checker !! Great weekend and we return:-)
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Date of stay: August 2021Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Being ex residents, we know the island well and stayed in the Empress while visiting friends and family after Covid. We had 2 rooms as my younger daughter came with my wife and I.
We had room 353. The room was small and the radiator needed bleeding as it was hot at the bottom and cold at the top. Had I known the room was so small I would have booked a larger one.
The hotel was very quiet which was representative of January on the island and Covid.
The staff were fantastic.
The bathroom could have been slightly cleaner with some hairs by the toilet, but I know how hard it is to get staff in these times.
The buffet breakfast was great and very filling.
Great location and being that little bit further down the prom, parking is much easier than, for example at The Sefton.
Friends who live on the island in Port Erin joined us on the Saturday night and also stayed in the hotel. It was a great evening to sit in the lounge listening to the live pianist, while we chatted after not seeing each other for 2.5 years due to Covid.
I had to ask for an iron which I would have expected to come with the room, but our room was so small, there wasn;t really anywhere it could have been stored.
Will I stay again? Yes
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Date of stay: January 2022
Rooms
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The Empress Hotel is situated half way along Douglas Promenade and is convenient for public transport, bus, horse tram, electric railway & steam train. (At the time of my stay there were major roadworks on the Promenade reducing the number of bus stops in operation and reduced kerb side parking. The roadworks, I understand will be completed at the end of 2020). I received a warm welcome at reception and very quickly checked in. My room was compact but comfortable with an ensuite bathroom with shower. Both were well decorated and clean. The facilities in the room were as expected included a TV, complementary tea & coffee. My only reservation with the room that it was too hot but due to the quiet environment I was able to have the windows open without my sleep being disturbed. Breakfast was plentiful and a good range of choice including cereal and fruit, Continental & full English. Most options were served as a buffet and specialised items were cooked to order. The food was generally of a very good standard but I was disappointed with the sausage which I would describe as being from a budget range. The breakfast set me up for the day!
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Date of stay: February 2020Trip type: Travelled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
In all the chaos of the ongoing roadworks on Douglas promenade, the Empress shines like a beacon of calm in the very center of it all quietly going about it's business and seemingly untroubled by the mayhem outside which must have affected their, and indeed every other business in Douglas. Even during our stay, when the rules on Covid changed yet again, the staff were still smiling behind their masks and keeping things ticking over, albeit there did seem to be more staff than guests at times!! Breakfast was included in our deal and was excellent, with the usual cereals and cooked buffet on offer, but you could also order manx kippers, poached or boiled eggs off the menu freshly prepared. The hotel lobby & bar is light and airy with a regular pianist playing at the weekends, and a reasonably priced bar, meals are also available in the evenings but I can't comment on those as we ate out. I noticed that there was ramps and lifts in place for those with mobility problems, even though the main entrance is served by 2 flights of steps under a covered walkway. All in all a really enjoyable week spent in pleasant surroundings in a quality hotel with staff who obviously care.
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Date of stay: July 2021
Location
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Our second stay this year taking advantage of their excellent value winter staycation offer of two nights B&B with dinner on the first night plus a bottle of the house red, we opted for the sea view suite which has a separate lounge with full sea views, settee, arm chairs, sky TV and a coffee maker. The bedroom has a king bed, it's own TV and full bathroom (hairdryer on wall but not suitable for styling), only criticisms are no fridge and a rather hard mattress. General housekeeping is very good as is the staff professionalism and friendliness also the décor and ambience is pleasant and relaxing with a pianist with a nice voice on the Friday night, more often in the summer I believe. We eat both nights, first in the Brasserie Restaurant then in the adjoining Piano bar, different menus and both good with the tapas in the Piano Bar especially good value. I was disappointed when wanting a glass of red with the meal to be offered only (Merlot), fortunately there was a bottle in the room also choice of beers at the bar is a bit limited, plenty of gins though. In conclusion I would put the Empress in the top five island hotels well located on the sea front with good public transport connections, on the minus side there is no parking and public parking could be an issue also there are quite a few steps to negotiate at the entrance and public areas, lifts are available all floors.
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Date of stay: March 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
My husband and I booked a hotel package deal, for this occasion, and included an overnight stay, and breakfast. This night should have originally taken place on February 13th, for Valentine's, but due to lockdown, was rearranged for 20th March, which was cancelled, this time for a circuit breaker lockdown! So the new date, Friday, 7th May, was third time lucky! Our friends joined us, 14 of us, and helped celebrate my 60th Birthday, (which was 6thMay). They had flowers and champagne arranged in our room, and also brought balloons, a tiara, and sash, and Birthday cake! The Hotel staff were superb, throughout our stay, and the service was second to none. The rooms were immaculate, Food was excellent, and entertainment was well organised. A brilliant night all around. ...... p.s. we have booked for another themed night, Elvis tribute, and disco afterwards, for October 16th! Another package, which we think is exceptional value. Well done to this wonderful hotel.
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Date of stay: May 2021
Value
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
From the outside, The Empress is a traditional seafront hotel built in the 1900s and typical of the genre.
The same is true of the inside although presentation, décor and furnishing is above average, courtesy of a recent refurb.
What made our three-night stay unexpectedly entertaining were the people – staff and guests alike.
Begin with breakfast – a traditional ‘English’ buffet breakfast but well served and well maintained by efficient and attentive staff. And the guests? We arrived to find two whole coach parties in ahead of us. Oh dear? – not at all. Instead a beautifully polite atmosphere, lots of talking and laughter, no pushing and shoving, no real wait for anything and not a smart phone in sight.
Keep the same attitude going throughout the day and you have a happy, bustling hotel.
A relic of a bygone era? – it’s getting that way.
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Date of stay: October 2021
Value
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stayed 3 nights recently and the location on the centre of the promenade is perfect for accessing restaurants/bars and getting out for a walk along the promenade. Check In was so easy and we stayed on two rooms on the second floor, the rooms are very small but functional in that the bed is comfortable, clean sheets /towels and coffee/tea available in rooms along with decent storage and a TV. Bathroom is again small but clean & the shower in the bath is good. Bar in hotel closes most nights at 12 midnight but on a Sunday, it's 11pm and has good choices of beers/wines. Breakfast is self service with continental and cooked options and the food was tasty and plentiful. Pleasant staff throughout the hotel makes it feel welcoming - this is a nice hotel but keep in mind the rooms are small but even that issue, wouldn't stop me from recommending this hotel to stay in.
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Date of stay: April 2024
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The Empress is in an excellent location with panoramic views of the bay. You enter through a covered stairway into the conservatory, with spacious seating and bar on the right, brasserie restaurant on the left, and reception straight ahead. We ate in both the restaurant and bar, and on both occasions the food and service were very good. Reception staff not particularly personable or helpful, but elsewhere all the staff were great. We had a spacious king room overlooking the sea, and it was excellent. This room had a large tv with all the UK Sky channels, although a bit fiddly to operate. Note, there are no room safes. We did notice that some of the standard rooms are quite small, so worth paying a bit extra for the larger ones. Breakfast is buffet style, served in the promenade restaurant on the lower floor. Good buffet choice, regularly topped up, and you can order Manx kippers. Like many hotels in Douglas, the Empress occupies a series of Victorian houses joined together, with interesting changes in floor levels as you transcend it. It has a lift, but no car park. However, free parking is available along the seafront running North from the hotel, for up to 16 hours per session/ space, and free all day Sundays. We never had a problem finding a space, usually directly opposite the hotel. Well appointed, clean, and comfortable. Tip - all prices are significantly less expensive if you book direct through the hotel website.
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Date of stay: September 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Isle of Man, United Kingdom152 contributions32 helpful votes
Bus stops within 20yards on both sides, regular services, every 20 minutes, routes serves Promenade, sea terminal and airport, search bus vannin for timetables and fares also a useful findmybus.im website showing location of all routes plus heritage railways.
London, United Kingdom82 contributions55 helpful votes
Hi you can park right outside for free on the road if there is space or just in the side roads further up. You can normally park on the prom but it's being refurbed at the moment
There are more places to choose from in the Douglas area.
PRICE RANGE
€91 - €113 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
empress hotel douglas, empress hotel isle of man
LOCATION
United KingdomIsle of ManDouglas
NUMBER OF ROOMS
104
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