Penta Hotel

We have visited the Penta hotel during TT practice week ( probably why it was a bit pricey) So...generally hotel is very clean - cleaning ladies do a great job. Unfortunately, carpet in our room was just disgusting - stained badly & sticky. Everything else was spotless clean. Beds & pillows were very uncomfortable, we kept waking up with a bad back. Breakfast was too basic - just some bread, jam, butter, cereals,coffee or juice. Staff was very helpful & polite. Location was great.

Ok, let's look at the good points: The location is excellent in the middle of the promenade at Douglas, an easy walk from the sea port if you don't want to bring the car. Within a short easy walking distance is the Electric Railway Terminus where you can catch the tram to Ramsey (75 mins) Laxey (30 mins, change for the Snaefell summit tram 40 mins) don't forget the horse drawn tram ride. Local bus services are great. Just behind the sea port is the railway station where you catch the idyllic steam train to Port Erin (90 mins) if you are going to try them all, buy a 'Go Explore' ticket which covers every mode of transport for 1-3-5-7 days The rooms are fairly basic but Very Clean, don't know where the heating comes from but it sure is warm in the rooms, water is Scalding hot ! Beds are 3/4 not double. Bedding is clean & crisp Tea/coffee tray, iron, hairdryer, spare pillows, toiletries Small claustrophobic lift The not so good points: The hotel is NOT disabled friendly, large steps from the street level to the entrance. It is not staffed at night, but there is a free telephone to its sister hotel, The Regency, further along the promenade. There is no parking at the hotel...local parking is limited and chargeable, there is a council car park behind the Best Western hotel 500 yards along the prom ( Blue Badge holders FREE) The "continental breakfast" is not continental...its rubbish ! Choice of 3 stale breakfast cereals, cheap bread for toast, tea/coffee/apple juice/orange juice/milk/value yoghurt...ok, it's a 'breakfast' for some, but a proper selection would so improve the experience and rating. Overall though it's an acceptable hotel to use as a tourist base. Don't be put off by the Best Western Casino unfriendly frontage, it does a great carvery...non residents welcome.