The Royal Victoria & Bull Hotel

Hotels
6.6 (1999 reviews)
16-18 High Street , Rochester , gb

Facilities

Non-smoking rooms
Family rooms
Non-smoking throughout
Daily housekeeping
Designated smoking area
Concierge service
Staff adhere to local safety protocols
Laundry washed per local authority guidelines
Guest rooms disinfected between stays
Cleaning standards that are effective against Coronavirus
See all facilities

Review Highlights

Pros:
Great location
Friendly staff
Affordable
Cons:
Noisy
Outdated furnishings
Lack of basic amenities

Categories

Cleanliness
5.85
Several reviews mention tired furnishings and cleanliness issues.
Service
7.85
Staff were friendly and accommodating in various reviews.
Location
8.35
The location is frequently noted as excellent and convenient.
Room Quality
6.35
Rooms are described as large and comfortable, but dated.
Amenities
5.85
Lacking in amenities like a bar or hairdryer.
Value for Money
6.85
Generally considered affordable for the location, despite some shortcomings.
Food and Beverage
5.35
No bar and limited food facilities, with no breakfast offered.
Overall Experience
6.35
Mixed reviews leading to an average experience overall.
* This sentiment is summarized by AI based on user reviews.
Updated at: 2026-01-09 20:27

Property Description

City-Center Charm

Central Location: Conveniently situated in the heart of Rochester, The Royal Victoria & Bull Hotel offers stunning city views and complimentary private parking for guests.

Cozy Accommodation: Each room is equipped with a satellite TV and tea/coffee making facilities, ensuring a comfortable stay for every guest.

Historic Surroundings: Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the famous Charles Dickens Festival events, located at the end of the bustling High Street. Explore the nearby shops, cafes, and restaurants just a short walk away.

Experience the rich history of Rochester with attractions like Rochester Cathedral, Rochester Castle, and the Guildhall Museum all within easy reach. Book your stay now at The Royal Victoria & Bull Hotel for a memorable Rochester experience.

Important information:

Guests are required to show a photo ID and credit card upon check-in. Please note that all Special Requests are subject to availability and additional charges may apply.
Please inform of your expected arrival time in advance. You can use the Special Requests box when booking, or contact the property directly using the contact details in your confirmation.
Parking is subject to availability due to limited spaces.
Guests under the age of 18 can only check in with a parent or official guardian.
A deposit may be required at the property.

Check-in and check-out hours:
Check-out: 10:00 AM

Property Policies

  • Parking

    No parking available.

  • Internet

    No internet access available.

  • Children and extra bed policy

    Children are not allowed.
    You haven't added any cots.
    You haven't added any extra beds.

  • Pets

    Pets are not allowed.

Location

Guest Reviews

6.6
Based on 1999 reviews
Cleanliness: 5.85
Service: 7.85
Location: 8.35
Room Quality: 6.35
Amenities: 5.85
Value for Money: 6.85
Food and Beverage: 5.35
Overall Experience: 6.35
S
Stella solo_traveller gb
5
Good location, friendly staff, cheap no frills stay, no good if the weather is very hot
Pros:

Friendly reception staff, comfortable bed.

Cons:

I was there during very hot weather. The hotel had made no plans to deal with that. My room was baking hot. The cold water came out of the pipes hot. There was zero acknowledgement or warning of this on arrival even though the hot weather had been known about. Honestly some forward planning or warning would have been the least that could be done.

2026-07-04 via Nuitee
P
Patrick couple gb
10
2026-07-02 via Nuitee
K
Kamil solo_traveller gb
9
2026-06-30 via Nuitee
R
Robert couple gb
10
2026-06-29 via Nuitee
C
Clair couple gb
8
Great location, great price. Could do with an date but perfect for what we re looking for
Pros:

The location was perfect to access restaurants, bars and views over Rochester

Cons:

The bedrooms are all at an angle and felt unsteady when moving around

2026-06-28 via Nuitee
C
Christopher couple gb
6
2026-06-28 via Nuitee
A
Alexandros solo_traveller gb
4
2026-06-27 via Nuitee
P
pace couple gb
6
Pros:

Had a nice stay here the room was dated in a great location

Cons:

Bathroom needs updating but not essential

2026-06-27 via Nuitee
J
John solo_traveller gb
2
I stayed there 26 years ago. It seems to have gone downhill bit since then.
Pros:

Not so much

Cons:

No checkin after eight unless you pay £20; Nobody cleaned the room in the three days I was there. The level of service is not concomitant with the name 'Hotel'.

2026-06-26 via Nuitee
J
Jamie solo_traveller gb
10
Lovely place to stay, at a very fair price
Pros:

Stayed several times now and it's always been a lovely stay

Cons:

Couldn't get WiFi in my room, but isn't really a big issue going without it

2026-06-26 via Nuitee
J
Janet solo_traveller gb
1
Never got to stay as you stole my money
Pros:

It was a rip off and was not there to let me in even tho i was there before 8pm would not refund my money hotel was tired looking and imposdible to gain entrance

Cons:

Someone to have been there to let me in at 8pm and answer phone

2026-06-25 via Nuitee
M
Maurice solo_traveller gb
7
Pros:

The staff were lovely.
The bed was massive!!
The room clean.

Cons:

WiFi was not the best.

2026-06-25 via Nuitee
M
mcnicholas couple gb
5
Although wouldn’t go there again but must admit was value for money £54 for a double room
Pros:

The location
Reception staff friendly & helpful
Room clean apart from the floor
Fan was supplied as there was a heatwave

Cons:

My friend had to change her room as she was unable to lock herself in so the reception staff were helpful in changing it
We had a key for the main gate as that was locked after reception staff had gone home but when we got back at 23.00 it was open, so anyone could’ve walked in

2026-06-24 via Nuitee
C
Christopher solo_traveller gb
8
2026-06-23 via Nuitee
T
thomas solo_traveller gb
9
2026-06-22 via Nuitee
L
Lucy solo_traveller gb
8
2026-06-22 via Nuitee
T
Tina solo_traveller gb
8
Pros:

Very central on the high street comfortable beds.

Cons:

Décor was a little tired.

2026-06-21 via Nuitee
P
Paul solo_traveller gb
6
Overall happy with the hotel especially considering the price
Pros:

The location close to the town

Cons:

The parking could be organised better

2026-06-20 via Nuitee
S
Steve solo_traveller gb
10
2026-06-18 via Nuitee
S
Simon Read solo_traveller gb
8
Great place with a very real sense of history. Could do with a bit of TLC here and there.
Pros:

The room certainly was homely and had a nice lived in feel. The location was absolutely perfect and the bed was exquisitely comfortable. The double locking to get in makes it very secure and the Dickensian feel made it very memorable.

Cons:

Breakfast would have been great, but I did book knowing that it wasn't part of the deal. Although the room had obviously been decorated recently and all the fittings and equipment were absolutely fine. It was a little beaten up, which does have its own charm!

2026-06-18 via Nuitee