The Isle of Man is famed for its blend of beautiful picturesque backdrops, delicious dishes, and ease of access from each of the home nations of the British Isles. It’s no surprise then that an estimated 329,613 people visited this idyllic spot in 2024 – a figure which was 11,000 up on the numbers from 2023.
With such a large influx of visitors, the island has had to adapt when it comes to accommodating these tourists. The result? A bevy of amazing 4 and 5-star hotels now found all across this gem in the Irish Sea. In this guide, we’re going to look at 10 of the best of these locations, providing you with a handful of high-quality options for your next visit.
Discover 10 luxury Hotels on the Isle of Man for an unforgettable trip
It’s always nice to treat yourself when you’re on holiday. One of the easiest and most effective ways to do that is by booking you and your travelling party into a luxury hotel. Having a home base on your travels which allows you to fully relax and unwind at the end of a long day of exploring can be a gamechanger. Here are 10 of the best to consider when you take a trip to the Isle of Man.
1. The Comis Hotel & Golf Resort
If you or someone you’re travelling with are looking to get in a quick round of golf during your stay, a trip to the Comis Hotel & Golf Resort is your best option. This luxury accommodation comes with everything you’d need on a holiday, including a picturesque garden, sun terrace, kitted out spa and wellness centre, a year-round indoor pool, and two restaurants to choose between – The Snaefell and the Le Brûlot Bar & Grill.
For those wondering, the course itself is a par 71 off both the men’s and ladies’ tees, stretching out across 6,361 yards in total for the gents and 5,242 yards for women. There are a number of pet-friendly and family-orientated rooms available, with each feeling more like a home away from home than a hotel. The resort can be found 6km from the Steam Packet Company port.
2. The Empress Hotel
As regal as the name suggests, the Empress is an opulent destination with awe-inspiring views out over the seaside. Elegance and class are at the forefront of everything this spot offers, with the hotel used year-round to host events like weddings, proms, baby showers and business conferences.
Grab a bite to eat at the Brasserie (with amazing views out over Douglas Bay), or grab a drink and a light bite from the atmospheric Piano Bar and Lounge. Those wanting to splash out on something decadent should give the bar’s deluxe afternoon tea menu a try. The proximity to the local promenade also means that guests are never more than a 10-minute stroll from exploring the local amenities and attractions.
3. The Halvard Hotel
Found in the capital city of Douglas, the Halvard places a focus on ensuring guests are pampered at every moment of their stay. Their modern rooms are teeming with character, while the menu of the Halvard Restaurant has been designed with luxury in mind. Found right on the beachfront, with views out over the crisp blue sea, guests are also just a stone’s throw away from key landmarks like Douglas Beach, TT Grandstand, and the Manx Museum.
4. Inglewood
Inglewood has proven to be an increasingly popular option for those wanting to balance fun and comfort during their stay on the Isle of Man. Just 30 metres away from Queens Promenade, the location of this property also means you’re right on the doorstep of the Isle of Man Coastal Path. Nobles Park is also just a 10-minute walk away if you’re looking for a chance to get to grips with the local flora and fauna of the island. All rooms come with a television and a coffee-making station, plus ensuite shower rooms are also available.
5. The Sefton Hotel
The striking exterior of the Sefton is matched by the elegance you’ll find once you walk through its doors. An indoor water garden, olympic-size swimming pool, and choice of two fantastic restaurants make any stay at this locale a must for those wanting to refine their trip to the Isle of Man. Choose between grabbing dinner at Sir Norman’s (a bar that serves traditional British cuisine) or Bonzai (who specialise in Pan Asian food from Lao, Thai, Filipino, Japanese to Malaysian).
Another highlight of any stay are trips to The Fountain. This health club is home to the hotel’s pool, as well as a gym and wellness centre. If you’re after a quiet moment to yourself, you can also check out the library. The only issue for guests of the Sefton is it may be hard to drag yourself away from this amazing accommodation and actually explore the island.
6. The Claremont Hotel
Found on the popular Queens Promenade, the Claremont is a brilliant option for those wanting to elevate the quality of their stay during their holiday. A chic interior is coupled with an amazing team of hotel staff, while guests can relax and unwind in the hotel bar and lounge – which is stocked with a number of cocktails and drinks from all corners of the globe.
Guests would also be smart to try out the amazing Coast Restaurant. This fine dining establishment serves fresh produce from the region, with a hearty and elevated Sunday roast available every weekend.
7. The Mannin Hotel
The Mannin prides itself on offering “traditional Manx hospitality in modern surroundings”. That mantra bleeds through into everything you’ll find here, with a stylish modern design teeming with a number of home comforts. The Liberties Restaurant & Lounge is itself named after Archibald Knox, the man who designed the legendary Art Nouveau style you’ll find here.
Keeping with the local theme, all produce in the restaurant is Manx-sourced, while the Manx Museum and the Grandstand for the annual Manx TT are both within a short walk of the hotel. There are also a number of walking and cycling routes nearby if you’re looking to get active.
8. The Town House Hotel
This apartment hotel offers astounding views of Douglas harbour, with guests able to choose from one of 15 luxury suites located throughout this historic Victorian building. Each apartment offers guests the chance to prepare their own meals each evening, or pop down to the Coast Restaurant found in the middle of the complex.
9. The Best Western Palace Hotel & Casino
You’ll find the only licensed casino on the Isle of Man attached to the elevated Best Western Palace Hotel. Found right in the heart of the Victorian Promenade, guests can enjoy a meal at the brilliant Paragon Bar and Restaurant, after taking advantage of all of the amenities at The Palace Health Club. Guests can make the most of an indoor heated swimming pool, cardiovascular gym, weights gym, sauna, steam room, spa bath and a pool-side lounge area.
At the casino itself you’ll find an independent Chinese restaurant. Make sure to give this exciting location at least one visit, even if it’s just for the atmosphere alone.
10. Mereside
This family-run location offers a number of ensuite rooms, each coming with a television, alongside a coffee and tea station. This is a great place to stay if you want quick and easy access to the Douglas Steam Railway, Douglas Ferry Port, or the Manx Museum. Staying at this guesthouse means you’ll get free access to the Livingwell Health Club, while visitors can grab a bite to eat morning, noon and night at the HQ Bar & Restaurant.
Hotel & Accommodation FAQs
If you’re set on the idea of taking a relaxing break on the Isle of Man, there might be more that you want to find out. We always advise reaching out to your specific destination if you have a question about your stay.
Do hotels offer parking on the Isle of Man?
Whether or not a hotel has parking options will depend on where it’s located. Those found directly on promenades may struggle to offer a lot of space for vehicles – although some have cheaper rates for guests at local parking lots. This is something you will need to speak to your specific hotel about before you decide to hire a car.
Is accommodation family-friendly on the Isle of Man?
Almost all hotels on the island offer some kind of family-friendly room for guests. The Isle of Man is a warm and welcoming place for everyone, and lots of families visit every year to enjoy a range of activities.
Are accessibility requirements taken into account on the Isle of Man?
While a lot of buildings on the island are quite old, modern adaptations have been made in a lot of cases to accommodate the needs of holidaymakers with accessibility requirements. This is another factor that you should check before you book. A lot of hotels now have accessibly friendly rooms, but not all do.
Are there different types of accommodation on the Isle of Man?
Yes, there are plenty of options to choose from during your stay. Whether you’re looking for a traditional hotel, a B&B, guesthouses, self-catered accommodation, apartment hotels, or even camping and glamping options, there’s something for everyone.
When is the best time to visit the Isle of Man?
In reality, there’s no “bad time” to visit the Isle of Man. That said, many consider the summer months (June to August) to be the best time to explore the natural environment which the island has to offer. Temperatures usually sit at between 18-20°C (64-68°F) during this time. If you’re planning your visit around the world famous Isle of Man TT, be aware that this takes place between late May and early June.
How to get to the Isle of Man
Getting to the Isle of Man isn’t the struggle it once was. A number of ports now charter ferries regularly between them and the island. Ferries travel out of Liverpool, Birkenhead, and Heysham from mainland UK, or Belfast and Dublin for those in Ireland.
Explore low fares with Steam Packet ferries to and from the Isle of Man
Travelling to the Isle of Man is enjoyable and stress-free with the help of Steam Packet’s elite ferry services. We offer journeys out of Heysham, Liverpool, Belfast and Dublin, with tourists from all over the UK able to plot their journey to and from the island quickly and affordably. Make sure to turn to us for a smooth and seamless trip across the beautiful Irish Sea.