Dear Guest
Thank you for choosing to stay at The Empress Hotel, Douglas. I hope your room is to your satisfaction and that you enjoy your time with us.
We have some great options for dining, a lovely Piano bar and hope you have time during your stay to enjoy our hospitality as below.
The Piano Bar & Lounge, located near reception, offers morning coffee as well as a light bites, lunch and dinner menu and a range of soft drinks, beers, wines and spirits. Open daily from 11.00 am to late (food service ends at 9.30pm). There is also a large screen television that shows most major sporting events including Premiership & Champions League football from Sky & BT Sports.
The Brasserie Restaurant is located by reception and is open from 6pm – 9.30pm Monday to Sunday. The à la carte menu and wine list provide a great selection of dishes at reasonable prices with many tables overlooking Douglas Bay, and we suggest reservations are made with reception in advance as space can sometimes be limited.
Breakfast is served in the lower ground floor Restaurant from 6.45 – 10.00 am Mon-Sat & 7.15 – 10am on Sunday. This is a self service buffet restaurant and can be accessed via the lift to the basement level or via the spiral staircase near reception.
Should you need information about local attractions or a street map, please speak to Reception who will try to help as best they can to make your stay more memorable. Please note that the hotel is totally non-smoking, but you may smoke at the front of the building near the entrance.
Finally, should you wish to speak to a Duty Manager or myself at any time during your stay, please dial ‘0’ or ask at Reception. We do hope you enjoy your stay.
Best Regards
David Mason General Manager
ACCOUNTS: Your account is readily available upon request at Reception. The following methods of payment are accepted: cash, debit card, Mastercard, Visa and American Express.
ALARM CALLS: Please contact Reception by dialling ‘0’ who will set an alarm for you.
ASSISTANCE (Reception available 24 hours): Reception is staffed 24 hours from 8.00am -11.00 pm with the Night Manager covering from 11.00 pm – 8.00 am. The Duty Manager is available at all times throughout the day and night. Should you require assistance please dial ‘0’.
ATTRACTIONS: A leaflet rack with details on most major local attractions is based in the lobby, and also there is some transport information on our website with links to popular sites. Please ask at Reception if you need further information.
BEDROOM FACILITIES: 1. Telephone – dial ‘9’ then dial the code and number required (there is no dial tone). When dialling room to room (no charge), just dial ‘8’ in front of the room number you are calling, or ‘0’ so reception can connect you if you do not know the other room number. Call charges vary – see the Telephone section in this folder.
2. Television – most rooms offer digital Freeview LED television and radio with remote control, and the Seaview rooms, Suites & Penthouse also now offering all Sky Entertainment Channels & Sky/BT Sport.
3. Hairdryer – found on the wall in the bathroom. The bathroom light also needs to be on for the hairdryer to work.
4. Tea and coffee making facilities, with limited additional supplies and milk are available from Reception (further supplies may be charged for if excessive).
5. Please contact Reception if you need help in working the shower controls (lift the flow knob on the tap up fully to stop the water pressure noise) or if additional towels are required.
6. Extra pillows are stored in the wardrobe, please call Reception if you need any more.
CHECK IN AND CHECK OUT: Rooms are normally available from 3.00 pm on the day of arrival, and should be vacated by 11.00 am on your day of departure. A late departure charge may be made if you wish to keep the room later than 11.00 am, please ask Reception if this is possible. Please call Reception if you require help with luggage at any time.
CHURCH SERVICES: Please contact Reception who will advise on services and locations.
CONFERENCE AND BANQUETING: The Hotel has two conference and event rooms which are ideal for functions of all kinds up to 180 guests. Please ask for the Duty Manager who will be delighted to show you round. A Banqueting or Wedding information brochure can also be obtained from Reception.
DINING FACILITIES: The Brasserie Restaurant Dinner: Monday – Sunday 6.00 – 9.30 pm
As the restaurant is frequently busy during the day in order to avoid disappointment please book your table in advance by contacting Reception on ‘0’.
The Piano Bar, Lounge & Conservatory Morning coffee, light bites, lunch and dinner daily 11.00 am – 9.30 pm. Bar available until late with a live Pianist playing on Saturday evening and up to 4 nights a week in the summer. We also have a children’s menu available – please ask your server.
Afternoon Tea Our superb Deluxe Afternoon Tea is available everyday from 12.30 – 4.30pm but needs booking the day prior please. Please view the menu here and book online or at reception.
Lower Ground Floor Restaurant Located at the front of the building from the Promenade on the lower ground floor plus accessible via the spiral stairs near reception. Breakfast Mon – Sat 6.45am – 10am & Sun 7.15am – 10am
Should you be leaving before breakfast starts at 6.45am, we can provide a limited selection of continental items that you need to order with reception before 11pm. There is no charge for this breakfast tray and it is normally served in the Piano Lounge near reception, but a delivery charge of £2.50 is made if you wish to have it served in your bedroom.
Packed Lunch Given advance notice the evening before, we are pleased to arrange this for £11.95 each. Includes sandwiches, crisps, fresh fruit, cake or pastry and bottle of water.
Room Service – (available 11am to 9.30pm) Please scan the QR code with your mobile phone or tablet on the in room tent card to view the menu, and then order and pay online to place your order for items from the menu in the room and bar drinks. After finishing your meal, please call Reception and your tray will be collected from outside your room. Please note an additional delivery charge of £2.50 per order will apply on top of the price of the food or drinks ordered.
Functions, Weddings and Private Events We operate Tribute Nights, Christmas Parties and other special events throughout the year and also offer private dining for functions, events and weddings. Please ask at reception for a brochure or further details.
DISABLED FACILITIES: The Hotel does not have any purpose designed rooms for disabled guests. However, we do offer direct access to the building via the lower ground floor restaurant entrance ramp suitable for wheelchair users. The new entrance has an automatic sliding door to allow access into a small lobby to get you out of the weather, and then hotel residents should touch their keycard on the touch pad to open the inner door, or non residents should press the video call button on the wall next to the inner door to contact reception who will remotely open the doors. Guests are then directed to the small lift via illuminated ceiling signs, which gives access to all public areas and bedroom floors. There is an accessible toilet near reception on the main floor.
DOCTOR, DENTIST AND CHEMIST: Should you need medical assistance, please inform Reception or call the local Doctors Surgery helpline on 01624 675490. The nearest minor injury unit is at Nobles Hospital, just 15 minutes away by car/taxi. The nearest chemists, Clear Pharmacy or Boots, can be found at the start of Strand Street, and are normally open 9.00 am – 5.30 pm. For more details and information on local Dentists, please dial ‘0’ for advice from Reception.
DRY CLEANING AND LAUNDRY SERVICES: Available Monday to Friday, except public holidays, and must be handed into reception using the laundry bag provided in the desk drawer, before 8.30 am to ensure same day return. The list of charges is contained in the drawer.
EMERGENCY SERVICES: Dial 9 for an outside line, then 999 for the police, fire brigade or an ambulance. Please also inform Reception of the incident so further assistance can be offered.
PHOTOCOPYING SERVICES (available 24 hours): Photocopying, printing one sided £0.20 per sheet
FEEDBACK: We hope you have enjoyed your stay with us and would appreciate your feedback by visiting www.tripadvisor.co.uk or google reviews and adding your comments to our official page.
FIRE PROCEDURES: It is imperative that guests read the Fire Notice on the back of their bedroom door and familiarise themselves with the fire evacuation procedure and fire exits. In the event of fire or emergency: 1. Break the nearest break glass point to sound alarm or call Reception. 2. Close doors and windows. 3. Proceed to the nearest exit. Leave your personal possessions behind. 4. Make your way to the assembly point at the front of the Hotel. A fire alarm test is carried out every Monday at 11.00 am. If the fire bells ring at any other time, you must quickly evacuate the Hotel.
FLOWERS: If you wish to send flowers or have them delivered to your room, we can arrange this for you with our local florist. Please contact Reception.
HEATING AND COOLING: The heating in your room may be adjusted by the thermostat dial on the side of the radiator during winter months. A limited number of fans are also available – please ask Reception for availability.
KEY CARDS: For your personal security we insist that guests produce Key Cards when signing accounts in any of the Hotel’s facilities.
LEISURE FACILITIES These are now permanently closed from 1st August 2022 unfortunately.
LUGGAGE ASSISTANCE (available 24 hours): Please ask Reception for help with luggage or luggage storage at any time. Luggage may also be stored at the hotel if you are catching a late ferry or flight for up to six hours after departure without charge.
MAINTENANCE: Should you find anything not in working order, please report it to Reception and we will endeavour to repair it as quickly as possible.
NEWSPAPERS: Sorry we no longer order newspapers, but the Spar shop is a 5 minutes walk from the hotel and they do sell them daily.
NIGHT PORTER: Please dial ‘0’ for the Night Porter who is on duty from 11.00 pm to 8.00 am daily.
NO SMOKING: Please be aware that the entire building (including ALL bedrooms) is non-smoking. The front entrance area is available for smoking. If guests are found to have smoked inside bedrooms, a minimum charge of £120.00 will be made to cover further cleaning and freshening of the room. Each corridor/room is fitted with a smoke detector, which is very sensitive and will involve evacuating the building should it be set off. Further charges may be made to guests’ accounts should this be found to happen due to smoking in the room.
PETS: Sorry pets are not allowed anywhere within the hotel except service dogs.
POSTAGE: Postage to the UK can be arranged via Reception with Manx stamps. UK stamps are not valid for use in the Isle of Man.
SAFETY DEPOSIT BOXES: Please leave all valuables in a safety deposit box (no charge) in reception as the Hotel cannot be responsible for losses from guest bedrooms as per the Hotel Proprietors Act 1956 as displayed behind reception. You will be given a key for the safety deposit box and will be asked to sign every time you access the box. If you lose the key, then a fee will be charged to gain access to the box.
SECURITY: Please ensure your bedroom windows and door are closed when you leave the room. We would like to draw your attention to the Hotel Proprietors Act displayed in Reception and regret that the Hotel cannot be held responsible for the loss or damage to any guests’ property not handed in for safekeeping. Valuables should be deposited in the safe deposit boxes in reception (no charge).
SHOE CLEANING: Complimentary shoe shining wipes are available in the desk drawer in each bedroom.
SHOPS: Reception sells a few cans of soft drinks, water and chocolate bars 24 hours a day. The nearest Spar shop is less than 5 minutes walk away and sells toiletries, cigarettes and a whole selection of food and drinks. Please ask at reception for directions.
SPECIAL OFFERS: We often run promotions and special deals throughout the year and our best offers and accommodation deals are only available on our website www.theempresshotel.net or on the new hotel app. Please click on our Facebook site from our website www.theempresshotel.net and click the ‘Like’ button to stay in touch and receive advance privileged notice of offers.
TAXI SERVICE: Please contact Reception who will be pleased to book a taxi for you or pick up the Telecabs phone direct to them on the front desk.
TELEPHONE SERVICES AND FREE HIGH SPEED INTERNET ACCESS: Direct dial telephone – dial ‘9’ then dial the code and number required (no dialling tone). When dialling room to room (no charge), please call ‘0’ to connect you. Some free phone (toll free) numbers cost 25p for connection, then the call is free. The first 10 units of each call are charged at 25p, and then 12p a unit. The length of a unit depends on where you are calling and the time of day (approximate examples below, June 2024). ** Please note that some countries are charged at much higher rates – ask Reception if you need further pricing information.
High Speed Internet Access is available in all bedrooms and all public areas, via our wireless system (no charge). Simply log onto your web browser and connect to: ‘The Empress Hotel Guest’ for free access and use the password as: empress99. Please ask at Reception if you need any assistance.
TELEVISIONS: To turn on the television, press the TV power button. Either enter your channel number on the keypad or press GUIDE for the channel guide for available services. The channels offered vary on our freeview reception with radio channels also available on all TV’s. Some televisions also offer subtitles. Seaview rooms also offer Sky & BT Sports on large LED televisions along with all Sky Entertainment channels. Channel information is available separately in those rooms. Should you require any assistance, please call Reception on ‘0’.
TOILETRIES: A limited supply of common items are available from reception 24 hours a day, and are charged per item (ie toothpaste, toothbrush, shaving foam & razor, deodorant, and sanitary towels). Alternatively, the Spar shop is less than 200m from the hotel where you can also buy supplies.
VOLTAGE: The Isle of Man uses a 240v supply with 3 pin plugs – please ask at Reception if you need an adaptor. A £5 deposit may be requested which is refunded when the adaptor is returned.
WI-FI: High Speed Internet Access is available in all bedrooms and all public areas, via our wireless system (no charge). Simply log onto your web browser and connect to: ‘The Empress Hotel’ for free access and use the password as: empress99. Please ask at Reception if you need any assistance.
We hope this information has been useful, but please contact Reception for further help should you require it. Enjoy your stay!
USEFUL NUMBERS: Isle of Man Steam Packet Company: 01624 661661 Isle of Man Airport: 01624 821600
Send us a message and we will do what we can to help!