The Royal Hotel

Hotels
9 (1477 reviews)
Barnstaple Street , Bideford , gb

Free
Children allowed
Pets allowed

Facilities

Offsite parking discounted rates available
Non-smoking rooms
Restaurant
Room service
Family rooms
Pets allowed
Lift / Elevator
Luggage storage
Safety deposit box
Fax/photocopying
See all facilities

Review Highlights

Pros:
Friendly staff
Clean and modern rooms
Great location
Good food quality
Cons:
High breakfast prices
Noise during events
Issues with service timing

Categories

Cleanliness
9.08
Guests mentioned it as immaculate and very clean.
Service
9.05
Staff were described as friendly and helpful across multiple reviews.
Location
9.09
Perfect location in Bideford with easy access to the town center and car park.
Room Quality
9.04
Rooms were noted as roomy, beautifully decorated, and modern.
Amenities
9.07
Facilities mentioned included free parking and dog-friendly areas.
Value for Money
8.53
Some complaints about the high breakfast prices.
Food and Beverage
9.08
Compliments on the food quality and service during meals.
Overall Experience
9.05
General sentiment was highly positive, despite minor complaints.
* This sentiment is summarized by AI based on user reviews.
Updated at: 2026-01-06 12:44

Property Description

Historic Charm and Convenient Location
Experience first-class food, friendly service, and a prime location to explore North Devon's gems like Clovelly village and the scenic Tarka Trail.

Rich History and Cultural Significance
Immerse yourself in the heritage of the 17th-century Court of Assize and the literary legacy of Sir Charles Kingsley, adding a touch of literary charm to your stay.

Elegant Rooms and Unique Features
Relax in clean, comfortable rooms with 24-hour room service and marvel at the exquisite oak-panelled Kingsley Room, boasting a stunning sculpted ceiling.

Book your stay at The Royal Hotel to indulge in a blend of history, comfort, and exceptional service.

Important information:

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.
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.
Guests under the age of 18 can only check in with a parent or official guardian.

Check-in and check-out hours:
Check-out: 11:00 AM
Airport code: EXT

Property Policies

  • Groups

    When booking more than 4 rooms, different policies and additional supplements may apply.

  • Parking

    Free public parking is possible on site (reservation is not needed).

  • Pets

    Pets are allowed on request. Charges may be applicable.

  • Internet

    WiFi is available in the hotel rooms and is free of charge.

  • Children and extra bed policy

    Children of any age are allowed.
    Children up to and including 2 years old stay for £5 per person per night when using an existing bed.
    Children from 3 years old to 12 years old stay for £15 per person per night when using an existing bed.
    Children from 13 years old to 17 years old stay for £25 per person per night when using an existing bed.
    Children up to and including 12 years old stay for £12.50 per person per night when using an available extra bed.
    You haven't added any cots.
    You haven't added any extra beds.
    Supplements are not calculated automatically in the total costs and will have to be paid for separately during your stay.

Location

Guest Reviews

9
Based on 1477 reviews
Cleanliness: 9.08
Service: 9.05
Location: 9.09
Room Quality: 9.04
Amenities: 9.07
Value for Money: 8.53
Food and Beverage: 9.08
Overall Experience: 9.05
C
Coyle couple gb
8
2026-03-13 via Nuitee
D
darren extended_group gb
8
2026-03-10 via Nuitee
A
AlexRHardy family_with_children gb
7
Third visit and it was disappointing.
Pros:

It has a fabulous location overlooking the river although construction on a new riverside development has began, so it is likely to be noisy during the day and I would imagine the wonderful view will be affected.

Cons:

Arrived in the middle of 2 sittings of a Bottomless Brunch to pounding music. The visit was a birthday treat for my daughter who hates crowds and loves tranquility. I'd said how fabulous and friendly the hotel had been on our previous visits and how wonderful and comfortable the residents lounge was. Arrived to pounding music and raucous women, visited the bar early evening to have a drink, prior to going out for a meal- the bar staff were frazzled from the afternoon and were, at best, business-like, gusting abrupt.
Having returned from the meal, went to the residents lounge- not only had the configuration changed - it now had a large table in the middle- as if set for a board meeting, the comfy sofas had been removed and the edges of the room had been set as if for dining. Not comfortable or welcoming in the slightest.
This had been a favourite place to stay- will plan any future visit more carefully......

2026-03-09 via Nuitee
A
Alun solo_traveller gb
8
Great place to stay
Pros:

Ideal location for the SW Coastpath. Comfy rooms, tasteful decor and lovely, friendly staff. Great breakfast and superb dinner. Good value too. Recommended!

2026-03-08 via Nuitee
E
Eleanor solo_traveller gb
7
This hotel meant I could walk everywhere in Bideford. I liked the free parking. The staff bent over backwards to help.
Pros:

Service. The room provided everything I needed. The was a lounge to relax in overlooking the river. It was a beautiful location.

Cons:

I was kept awake by drunk guests coming back late at night, and noise from the road outside.

2026-03-07 via Nuitee
R
Ryan couple gb
10
2026-03-07 via Nuitee
H
Heather couple gb
10
Pros:

Arrived around 7pm the car park is across the street from the hotel. Went into the hotel to check in and recieved a warm welcome. Asked if there was availablilty in the restaurant for dinner and breakfast and they kindly arranged this for me. Went up to the room to put my bags in before heading down to dinner I ordered the Caesar salad, the chicken was excellent, it's a simply dish but can be hit or miss the croutons were light and seasoned well. A hit in my opinion. Headed back the room which was large and spacious and had lovely furnishings. Tea and coffee selection was great, coffee bags which I think is a great touch for a good quality drink in the morning. A bottle of water would have been a good addition in the room. Breakfast was cooked to order, I opted for scrambled eggs, avocado and smoked salmon which I enjoyed. Would I stay here again absolutely!

2026-03-06 via Nuitee
C
Caroline couple gb
8
2026-03-05 via Nuitee
K
Kayleigh couple gb
10
Comfortable, clean and breakfast is amazing
2026-03-04 via Nuitee
G
Geoff couple gb
8
Bideford break.
Pros:

I originally thought this was on the other side of the river but it wasn't a problem.
Staff were lovely, breakfast was good.

Cons:

Just niggles really but the bin wasn't emptied when we checked in. There was also a huge party on Saturday afternoon which was a bit loud.

2026-02-26 via Nuitee
C
Chris couple gb
9
Friendly, helpful staff, lovely room, great VFM. Highly recommended.
Pros:

Used the hotel as a base for meeting friends in Bideford. They had recommended the hotel and it did not disappoint. We had an upgrade on arrival to a room overlooking the river. Our room was superb.

Cons:

Nothing tho we did not use the restaurant or bar whilst visiting.

2026-02-22 via Nuitee
G
Geoff solo_traveller ie
8
Very comfortable and convenient
Pros:

Excellent

Cons:

Staff in late night bar could have been better

2026-02-22 via Nuitee
D
David couple gb
10
Very comfortable well looked after stay
Pros:

Fantastic staff beautiful building the room was outstanding

Cons:

There was nothing we didn’t like

2026-02-13 via Nuitee
J
James solo_traveller gb
9
2026-02-13 via Nuitee
G
Glenn couple gb
10
Fabulous darling!
Pros:

The entire experience exceeded our expectations

2026-02-11 via Nuitee
V
Vickie extended_group gb
7
Lovely hotel
Pros:

The decor was lovely in the Bar and lounge

Cons:

The staff could have been a little more friendly and professional. Bedrooms are a little tired and need a few improvements. Breakfast was ok but it was a little disappointing.

2026-02-09 via Nuitee
J
Jill couple gb
10
Perfect
Pros:

Great location fantastic food

Cons:

Room quite small and traffic noise but nothing the hotel can do about that

2026-02-09 via Nuitee
I
Isabel couple de
7
Good accomodation just across the river and near the town center
Pros:

Big room

Cons:

Room was quite chilly at night

2026-01-31 via Nuitee
T
Tom solo_traveller gb
10
2026-01-30 via Nuitee
M
Martin extended_group gb
10
Lovely
2026-01-28 via Nuitee