The Royal Hotel

Hotels
9 (1549 reviews)
Barnstaple Street , Bideford , gb

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Free
Children allowed
Pets allowed

Facilities

Offsite parking discounted rates available
Parking
Non-smoking rooms
Restaurant
Room service
Family rooms
Pets allowed
Lift / Elevator
Luggage storage
Safety deposit box
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 1549 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
R
Russell • solo_traveller • gb
9
2026-05-16 • via Nuitee
A
Annette • couple • nl
8
Heerlijk traditioneel hotel.
Pros:

Een heerlijk oud en traditioneel hotel. Goed verzorgd en schoon. Zeer vriendelijk personeel met een persoonlijke benadering. De kamer was ruim. Klassiek ingericht en lag rustig aan de achterzijde.
Diner was uitstekend. Wel een hele grote portie. Er is een prive parkeerplaats tegenover het hotel.

Cons:

Jammer dat er geen groen om het hotel is.

2026-05-16 • via Nuitee
A
Andrew • couple • gb
9
Enjoyable comfy stay but onnthe pricey side
Pros:

Lovely clean large room on arrival, overlooking the river.
Staff very happy and helpful.
Food both evening lunch and breakfast was tasty and great quality.

Cons:

Not the hotels fault but lots of work being done across the road at front of hotel.
Also a busy road , room noisy with windows open but too hot with them shut.
Off the Booking.com images initially looks like it has a drinks garden and it does but its actually across the busy road from the hotel.
Also feel rooms a little pricey we often go for short breaks and feel its over priced for a May break.

2026-05-16 • via Nuitee
T
Theresa • solo_traveller • ie
8
Comfortable good quality accommodation
Pros:

Hotel very central for the town. Comfortable old style residence. Polite staff and good breakfast.

2026-05-14 • via Nuitee
J
John • couple • gb
9
2026-05-12 • via Nuitee
P
Paprocka • solo_traveller • gb
7
2026-05-10 • via Nuitee
T
Thomas Huw • solo_traveller • gb
10
Pros:

Professional, classy

Cons:

Nothing

2026-05-09 • via Nuitee
S
Sarah • solo_traveller • gb
8
Lovely Hotel for accessing Bideford and Lundy Island
Pros:

The room itself was lovely. Really liked the design choices, and had good facilities. When I booked I hadn't necessarily expected to be facing the river but it was a nice bonus when I checked in.

I also appreciated the little tea/coffees station + extras as I did a lot of writing as part of my stay. I also liked the addition of the robes, and having a window seat to look out on the river, particularly at sunset

It was the perfect location for going to Lundy island. I could roll out of bed, and in 5-10 mins I was queuing to board MS Oldenburg.

Parking included was also a great benefit

Cons:

It's unfortunate there's an active building site opposite the hotel. I appreciate this is out of the hotel's control, and I still really enjoyed my view regardless. It did mean sometimes, however, there was a lot of noise from the construction site

Additionally I wasn't too bothered by the traffic outside, as for me traffic is like white noise, but it was a particularly busy junction at times. There's no crossings available outside the hotel directly, so sometimes crossing the road was awkward. Once again, out of the hotel's control but just something to note

2026-05-08 • via Nuitee
S
Sandra • couple • gb
10
2026-05-08 • via Nuitee
T
Tom • solo_traveller • gb
10
Pros:

Location is perfect very close to town but not in it so less late night noise.

2026-05-07 • via Nuitee
L
Linda • extended_group • fr
8
2026-05-06 • via Nuitee
J
Jarmain • family_with_children • gb
8
A good comfortable hotel.
Pros:

Excellent breakfast.

Cons:

Room was rather small and no where to put anything in the bathroom. Cushions everywhere that took up any seating as there was nowhere to put them all!space.

2026-05-04 • via Nuitee
G
Geoffrey • couple • gb
7
Adequate but room for improvement.Alex Polizzi would have had a few things to say.
Pros:

Our first room was good but noisy being on the bridge road and the second one was small,noisy (being next door to the first) and no wardrobe just a rail to hang clothes on and not even a toilet roll holder in the bathroom,just loose on the toilet brush! But the towels were very good.No grab rails in the shower or bath in both both bathrooms which to my mind leaves them open to being sued by an elderly person slipping getting out.
Staff were very nice though and food good but not outstanding.

Cons:

The chefs attempt with a pork noodles dish. As an ex restaurateur he needs guidance on presentation to avoid it looking like dogs mess.

2026-05-02 • via Nuitee
J
Joanne • extended_group • gb
8
2026-04-29 • via Nuitee
A
Antonia • solo_traveller • gb
10
2026-04-29 • via Nuitee
R
Roger • solo_traveller • gb
8
2026-04-28 • via Nuitee
R
Rachel Tomlinson • couple • gb
9
Pros:

A very stylish hotel with ornate high ceilings, panoramic view and very comfortable bed. We were impressed by the attentive staff and the location was perfect for catching the Lundy ferry early in the morning.

2026-04-26 • via Nuitee
F
Fiona • couple • gb
10
Superb
Pros:

Superb room, very comfortable beds, wonderful view across bridge, helpful staff, very clean

2026-04-23 • via Nuitee
H
Harriet • solo_traveller • gb
8
Interesting and enjoyable.
Pros:

Delightful historic hotel with excellent food and service.

Cons:

Nothing

2026-04-19 • via Nuitee
N
Nicky • couple • gb
8
Great hotel stay very comfy & good value for money
Pros:

Central to were we were eating

Cons:

Nothing it was very nice & comfy

2026-04-19 • via Nuitee