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Outdated furnishings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
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
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
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
D
Dorothy • solo_traveller • gb
8
Mixed reaction
Pros:

I liked the friendliness and helpfulness of the staff and the location of the hotel. Obviously, it is at the budget end of the scale, but the staff and location are definitely high-end.

Cons:

The bathroom was not user friendly. There was no room for a toilet roll holder, so the toilet roll was on top of the cistern which meant having to twist around to locate it. The shower is over the bath, with no grab handles to assist with clambering into the bath which has quite high sides.There were 3 power points in total, which means one could choose between watching TV, having a cuppa, drying one's hair and charging the phone, but couldn't do all those things at once.

2026-09-13 • 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
A
alison • couple • gb
9
Pros:

Clean and comfortable. We stayed for a couple of nights to visit Rochester and Chatham Maritime Dockyard. There were not that many hangers if we were staying longer but two nights were fine. Perfectly placed for the gorgeous ancient high Street, castle cathedral and rail station.

2026-09-12 • via Nuitee
H
higgins • couple • gb
10
Our stay was perfect
Pros:

The bathroom was perfect and the bed was very comfortable also staff was very polite and helpful

2026-09-10 • via Nuitee
R
Robert • couple • gb
10
Great Value for Money
2026-09-08 • via Nuitee
J
jim • solo_traveller • gb
10
Pros:

Great value and excellent friendly reception service.
Great location snd plenty of shops and restaurants.
Also nice bars and pubs. The room was very nice, big snd clean. Yes I was happy with our stay, would
Stay at this hotel again.

Cons:

N/a

2026-09-07 • via Nuitee
I
Irene • solo_traveller • gb
9
Pros:

Lovely room

Cons:

No parking available

2026-09-06 • via Nuitee
M
Mark • couple • gb
10
Great Value in a historic building
Pros:

The history, the uniqueness, location and little touches in the room. Staff all very nice

2026-09-05 • via Nuitee
M
Mark • couple • gb
10
2026-09-05 • via Nuitee
M
Mark • couple • gb
10
2026-09-05 • via Nuitee
A
Alexander • couple • gb
8
Overall we enjoyed our stay and would still book again in the future
Pros:

Lovely view of the cathedral, well located within the town centre to other amenities.

Staff during our stay were lovely, welcoming and professional

Cons:

We understood that it’s a historic property but the hotel as a whole could do with some investment, and to make it more disabled friendly.

Bedroom: would benefit from Wardrobes
Bathroom: would benefit from change to a wet room concept

2026-09-04 • via Nuitee
J
José Luis • solo_traveller • gb
5
2026-09-03 • via Nuitee
S
Stiller • couple • gb
6
2026-09-03 • via Nuitee