The Royal Victoria & Bull Hotel

This historic hotel, an old coaching inn, stands out for its prime central location on the High Street, offering immediate access to local attractions and nightlife. It appeals particularly to budget travelers and history enthusiasts who appreciate its character and affordability despite its age. Guests frequently highlight the friendly staff and the hotel's convenient position near the castle and cathedral. While many find the hotel a good value for a short stay, its dated appearance and significant noise levels from nearby establishments are recurring themes. To ensure a more peaceful experience, guests might consider requesting a room away from the main street or nightclub, and be prepared for potential noise, especially on weekends.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel's general facilities are often described as basic and in need of significant refurbishment. Many guests reported issues with the Wi-Fi connectivity, noting it was frequently broken or unavailable, which impacted their ability to use in-room televisions effectively. There is no lift available, which can be a challenge for guests with heavy luggage or mobility concerns, as rooms are accessed via stairs. The communal areas throughout the hotel, including corridors and staircases, are consistently mentioned as being tired, grubby, and in need of a thorough refresh, with stained carpets and peeling wallpaper. While basic amenities like kettles for tea and coffee are provided in rooms, the overall impression of the hotel's general facilities is that they are very dated and lack modern conveniences.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Feedback on room cleanliness and comfort is notably mixed, though many reviews point to significant issues. While some guests found their rooms to be clean and comfortable, a substantial number reported concerns about grubby stained carpets, filthy bathrooms, and general dustiness, with some even mentioning mold or bird droppings. Bed comfort also varied; many praised the comfortable beds and cosy bedding, but others found mattresses old, springy, or uncomfortable, with flat pillows. Noise levels are a major concern, with thin windows allowing significant sound from the street, adjacent nightclubs, and other guests, particularly on weekends. In-room amenities are often sparse, with guests noting a lack of chairs, bedside lamps, and sufficient plug sockets. Issues with heating (rooms being too warm or cold, or bathrooms lacking heating) and inconsistent hot water were also reported.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location on the High Street is overwhelmingly praised as its strongest asset. Guests appreciate being within easy walking distance of major attractions such as Rochester Castle and Rochester Cathedral, as well as numerous shops, restaurants, and vibrant nightlife options. Its proximity to the train station also makes it convenient for arrivals and departures. While the hotel offers some free parking, reviews indicate it is very limited, often full, and can be difficult to access, especially on weekends due to pedestrianization. Many guests found themselves needing to use alternative, paid multi-story car parks nearby. Despite some concerns about the immediate surrounding area's liveliness, the hotel's position is ideal for exploring the historic town on foot.

Staff & Service
The hotel staff consistently receive high praise from guests, often being highlighted as a significant positive aspect of the stay. Reviewers frequently describe the staff as friendly, helpful, and attentive, contributing positively to the guest experience. The check-in process is generally reported as smooth, with staff willing to accommodate requests and provide assistance. Guests appreciate the staff's efforts to address issues, such as moving rooms due to noise or hot water problems. However, it is noted that reception hours are limited, typically closing by 8 PM, which means there are no staff on-site overnight. This requires guests to be given their own keys for late entry, and some found themselves letting other guests in, highlighting a unique aspect of the hotel's service model after hours.

Additional Information
The hotel is housed in a historic building with a rich past, having connections to notable figures like Charles Dickens and Queen Victoria, which appeals to guests interested in its heritage. A key operational detail is the strict check-in policy, with specific hours and a fee often applied for early or late check-ins, which some guests found inconvenient. After reception closes, guests are provided with their own front door keys, allowing for independent access to the hotel. This self-service arrangement means there are no staff available on-site during late evening or early morning hours. Some guests also noted a general lack of phone signal within the building and occasional issues with basic in-room supplies like toilet roll.