The Royal Victoria & Bull Hotel

Hotels
6.6 (2054 reviews)
16-18 High Street , Rochester , GB

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Facilities

Non-smoking 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
Physical distancing rules followed
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Outdated furnishings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

Location

Guest Reviews

6.6
Based on 2054 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
D
DANIEL • solo_traveller • gb
8
2026-10-16 • via Nuitee
A
alan • solo_traveller • gb
8
Great location and comfortable room
Pros:

Huge comfy bed.
Quiet hotel.
View of cathedral and castle from my room
Good shower

Cons:

No breakfast on offer
Badly frayed carpet in my room.
Front gate closed when i arrived at 8.40pm. I had to phone reception to come and let me in

2026-10-16 • via Nuitee
D
DANIEL • couple • gb
10
2026-10-16 • via Nuitee
C
Colin • solo_traveller • gb
9
Pros:

Good central old style building. Staff were very friendly.

Cons:

Some of the fittings were a bit dated.

2026-10-14 • via Nuitee
B
Brian • couple • gb
9
Cons:

None

2026-10-13 • via Nuitee
B
Broughton • solo_traveller • gb
3
2026-10-11 • via Nuitee
J
jon • couple • gb
4
Cheap and easy but sort hot water and door lock
Pros:

Outside look and location

Cons:

Hotel is very tired and needs some tlc

2026-10-11 • via Nuitee
J
Jonas • solo_traveller • gb
1
2026-10-10 • via Nuitee
N
Nikki • couple • gb
10
2026-10-10 • via Nuitee
H
HFH • solo_traveller • gb
6
need some renovation
Pros:

The staff were friendly. The room was spacious and a nice big bed.

Cons:

. The deco over all was old and neglected had a sad feel about it, no fridge in the room. But again paint work poor curtains fall in off rail, last guests towels still in the room.

2026-10-09 • via Nuitee
L
Lillian • solo_traveller • gb
9
Pros:

We were given a whole flat which Charles Dickens stayed in before! It was a huge flat with a kitchen and a big bathroom.
The building is over 400 years old, there is wear and tear in some places, that shows it's history! A very special place to stay!

Cons:

A few pots and pans provided would be perfect!

2026-10-09 • via Nuitee
D
Diane • couple • gb
9
Pros:

Location. Historic association. Clean, spacious bedroom with good quality mattress and bed linen together with a kettle & beverages. I liked the clearly stated no nonsense policy regarding terms & conditions and expected behaviour of guests.

Cons:

Nothing was unacceptable and I’d choose the hotel again when I’m next in Rochester

2026-10-07 • via Nuitee
J
John • couple • gb
8
2026-09-18 • via Nuitee
C
coops • solo_traveller • gb
7
2026-09-17 • via Nuitee
T
thomas • solo_traveller • gb
7
Pros:

Nice Staff...comfortable room at good price

2026-09-16 • via Nuitee
T
Tina • couple • gb
8
Good value
Pros:

We were given the Ballroom! It was huge. Comfortable bed. Located right on the main shopping street and near to the castle. Good value for money.

Cons:

The window had some frosting but needs curtains for privacy.

2026-09-15 • via Nuitee
J
John • couple • es
9
Pros:

Amazing location right on the high street and free, secure parking (limited number of spaces but we always found space). Fascinating history of the building. Staff were welcoming and friendly. Great price.

Cons:

It's true that the hotel is a bit tired (flaking wallpaper etc .. ) but the beds were clean and comfortable and everything worked.

2026-09-14 • via Nuitee
P
Paul • solo_traveller • gb
8
A 17th Century historic hotel that has been renovated with no thought whatsoever
Pros:

The position. The receptionists. Parking was great too. The potential of the place. It was genuine.

Cons:

I just think with a little bit if effort it would be ok. The work on the place - for instance the bathroom in room 26 - could have been executed better. The owner used a really terrible bunch to fit out the bathroom. Just chucked in and the bathroom units just clash with the hotel. It is just cheap stuff. I guess they are doing this on the cheap, but cheap doesn't mean bad. The work is very very poor. Look, I WAS happy in the hotel but I just wonder who owns it because they have a gem and don't realise that. The room and the hotel was smelly too. Not sure what they could do about that. But....I liked the place. Don't be put off: there are photos of Edward Heath and the like up the staircases...it just needs TLC and new management. Imagination. Thats whats lacking. Its being run-down into the ground now, yes. But in 20 years time it will be a classic place.

2026-09-14 • via Nuitee
M
mark • couple • gb
4
It’s a shame that a lovely building has gone into a poor state of disrepair
Pros:

Location

Cons:

Very tired and the decoration is in need of a good overhaul

2026-09-14 • via Nuitee
S
Steve • solo_traveller • gb
4
Exorcism would help but I fear nothing can help
Pros:

Super location and nice girl at check in

Cons:

It’s a bit grim. Place needs burning to the ground and rebuilding

2026-09-13 • via Nuitee