The Royal Victoria & Bull Hotel

Hotels
6.6 (1966 reviews)
16-18 High Street , Rochester , gb

Facilities

Non-smoking rooms
Family rooms
Non-smoking throughout
Concierge service
Staff adhere to local safety protocols
Guest rooms disinfected between stays
Cleaning standards that are effective against Coronavirus
Physical distancing rules followed
Hand sanitizer in guest room and key areas
Fire extinguishers
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Outdated furnishings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 1966 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
C
chris solo_traveller gb
8
Had a great stay here
Pros:

Great location in Rochester. Friendly helpful staff

Cons:

I had no dislikes

2026-06-12 via Nuitee
P
Peter solo_traveller gb
10
2026-06-12 via Nuitee
S
Stuart solo_traveller gb
8
Cons:

Friendly greating by most staff

2026-06-11 via Nuitee
S
Stephen couple gb
6
Central location let down by tired , filthy interior.
Pros:

Central location and friendly reception staff.Free limited parking and convenient to all Rochester has to offer.

Cons:

Run down dirty looking carpets and decor.This is an historic building in the centre of a beautiful town which is steeped in history and deserves to be preserved and restored to its former glory.Most towns/cities have a historic landmark building converted into a outstanding go to destination and this should be one of them.

2026-06-11 via Nuitee
C
Crumpton solo_traveller gb
7
2026-06-10 via Nuitee
K
Kelsey couple gb
10
Very enjoyable, the staff were lovely
Pros:

I liked the theme of the hotel, and the way everything was set out.

Cons:

There wasn’t anything I didn’t like!

2026-06-10 via Nuitee
P
Paul solo_traveller gb
7
Great location
Pros:

Location. Room facing guildhall. Room bright.

Cons:

Shower temperamental.

2026-06-08 via Nuitee
S
Samantha solo_traveller gb
7
2026-06-07 via Nuitee
J
John couple gb
8
Pros:

Location

Cons:

Slightly tired

2026-06-07 via Nuitee
L
Laurie solo_traveller us
9
Super helpful and friendly staff
Pros:

The staff were super friendly and helpful. They let us store our bags both before check in time and after check out, which was a tremendous help .... we were able to go have a Sunday roast luggage free while we waited for our train 😋. We stayed in a room with a king bed and ensuite. The location couldnt be better, with Rochester castle and cathedral literally in the backyard and right on the high street with easy access to shopping, pubs, restaurants and museums. It is just a few minutes walk from the train station. The hotel is VERY old. Like 400+ yrs old. It definitely shows it's age, but we were comfortable and happy with our stay. The only disappointment ....the ghost dog didn't visit us and curl up at the end of the bed. Maybe next time.

Cons:

If you are picky about decor this isn't for you. It's definitely dated. Some room choices are shared hall bath. This isn't an issue for us but for some it might be.

2026-06-07 via Nuitee
R
Robert solo_traveller gb
7
Great value for money, stay midweek / elsewhere if you want quiet
Pros:

Value for money - perfect for staying beyond a day in Rochester and the local area
Location - on Rochester High Street
History - particularly Dickens connection
Staff - very friendly and efficient - reception and house maid

Cons:

Noise - Bar next door, inconsiderate other guests

2026-06-07 via Nuitee
M
Martyn couple gb
9
Absolutely 💯 awesome
Pros:

Absolutely 💯 a great stay the receptionist on desk Thursday afternoon was super great 😊

Cons:

No breakfast lol

2026-06-05 via Nuitee
A
Andrew couple gb
7
2026-06-05 via Nuitee
D
Doug solo_traveller gb
8
Pros:

Price

Cons:

No breakfast

2026-06-03 via Nuitee
D
Doug solo_traveller gb
8
Pros:

Price

Cons:

No breakfast

2026-06-03 via Nuitee
M
Matthew solo_traveller gb
4
Pros:

Nothing

Cons:

Everything about the stay

2026-06-02 via Nuitee
K
Kate Weinberger solo_traveller gb
5
Pros:

Location

Cons:

Outdated, scruffy and no parking available

2026-06-01 via Nuitee
P
Paul solo_traveller gb
6
Pros:

Location good. Lack of air con, curtains to thin

Cons:

No lift.

2026-05-31 via Nuitee
M
Michelle solo_traveller gb
2
Awful *except the receptionist
Pros:

The lady at reception was really lovely

Cons:

The room had a broken window, the windows were caked in dirt (thick cobwebs had collected the filth), the shower did not appear to be connected, a cracked sink, the shelves / towel rails had clearly been there at some point (fixtures on the wall, but no shelf or towel rail, literally just broken fittings). The wall paper was hanging off, the carpet had come up and the light fitting was coming away from the ceiling. Towels were tiny and there was a random condom in the drawer, which all meant the place was FAR from delightful. The pillows and bed seemed clean (ish), but I was scared to take a proper look. Barely slept as could not get comfortable.
Please see pics.... unfortunately I didn't take pics of the wallpaper or carpet - but it was room 14

2026-05-31 via Nuitee
K
kristina solo_traveller gb
7
Pros:

You get what you pay for, it was clean, comfy bed, just abit dated and noisey at night on the weekend but that was to be expected as it was so central to everything

Cons:

No mirror in the main room, toilet didnt flush great, couldn't open one of the windows was abit hot in the room at times, but fan was supplied

2026-05-31 via Nuitee