The Royal Victoria & Bull Hotel

6.4
Good
(207 reviews)

16 High St, Rochester ME1 1PX, United Kingdom

+44 1634 819245

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Hotel Description

The Royal Victoria & Bull Hotel, located at 16 High St, Rochester ME1 1PX, United Kingdom, is a charming and historic hotel nestled in the heart of Rochester. Set in a 17th-century former coaching inn, the hotel offers guests a warm and welcoming atmosphere with modern amenities and an ideal location within walking distance to many attractions. Situated just two blocks from the scenic River Medway, the hotel is only a four-minute walk from the famous Rochester Castle and Rochester train station, making it an excellent choice for both leisure and business travelers. With its prime location on a lively high street, guests can easily explore the many shops, restaurants, and local culture surrounding the hotel. The hotel exudes a relaxed and inviting ambiance, with traditional decor that complements its historic roots while providing contemporary comforts. Guests can enjoy a peaceful stay with all the conveniences of modern life, including free Wi-Fi and satellite TV in every room, along with an easygoing atmosphere perfect for a restful getaway.
The rooms at The Royal Victoria & Bull Hotel are designed to provide a comfortable and relaxing experience for all guests. Straightforward in style, the rooms offer a cozy retreat after a day of exploring Rochester. Each room is equipped with complimentary Wi-Fi, satellite TV, and tea and coffee-making facilities. Some rooms feature vibrant and colorful decor, and a few offer the added luxury of a claw-foot tub, adding a touch of old-world charm to the room’s aesthetic. The en-suite bathrooms are designed for convenience, although some guests have noted minor concerns with bathroom facilities. The rooms’ warm and welcoming design, combined with their convenient amenities, ensures that every guest enjoys a relaxing and restful stay.
The hotel offers several standout amenities designed to make your stay as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. Guests can take advantage of free Wi-Fi throughout the property and enjoy a delicious meal at the hotel’s restaurant, which serves classic pub fare in a lively and relaxed setting. There are two bars at the hotel, perfect for a casual drink with friends or a peaceful evening out. While the hotel does not offer a fitness center, spa, or pool, its convenient location and excellent local transportation options make it easy to explore the surrounding area and enjoy a range of activities. Limited free parking is available on-site, and the hotel is smoke-free to ensure a comfortable environment for all guests.
The Royal Victoria & Bull Hotel offers excellent accessibility for guests traveling by public transport. Rochester Train Station is just a six-minute walk away, providing easy access to London and the rest of Kent. For those flying in, the hotel is easily accessible from several major airports, including London Gatwick (59 minutes by taxi), London City Airport (44 minutes by taxi), and Heathrow Airport (1 hour 22 minutes by taxi). The hotel’s central location makes it a great base for exploring the local area, and it is conveniently situated near multiple bus stops, with the closest being just a two-minute walk away.
The hotel is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of its guests, with several health and safety measures in place. The property is smoke-free, and the hotel maintains a clean and hygienic environment. As part of their commitment to guest safety, the hotel follows all local regulations and guidelines regarding COVID-19, ensuring that all guests feel safe and cared for during their stay.
Guests staying at The Royal Victoria & Bull Hotel can enjoy a wide range of activities and experiences. For history enthusiasts, Rochester Castle and Rochester Cathedral are just a short walk away, offering a glimpse into the region’s rich past. The Historic Dockyard Chatham, a unique museum showcasing the Royal Navy’s history, is also nearby. For nature lovers, the nearby Diggerland Kent amusement park is a fun-filled attraction featuring life-sized construction vehicles for children and adults to operate. The area also offers plenty of opportunities for walking, sightseeing, and dining.
Nearby, guests can explore some of the top attractions in the area, including Rochester Castle, where they can marvel at the medieval architecture and enjoy sweeping views over the River Medway. The Rochester Cathedral, with its stunning Norman façade and historic significance, is also within walking distance. The Historic Dockyard Chatham is another must-see site, featuring preserved naval ships and fascinating exhibits. For outdoor activities, visitors can enjoy the beautiful Leeds Castle, complete with its lush gardens, golf courses, and zip line, or take in the natural beauty of the White Cliffs of Dover, just a short drive away.
Guests can also indulge in delicious dining options near the hotel. The Quills Restaurant, located just a minute away by taxi, offers a modern European menu with delicious seasonal dishes. Café Nucleus Rochester, also a minute’s walk from the hotel, offers a relaxing atmosphere and freshly prepared meals. The George Vaults and Fish at 55, both located nearby, are known for their excellent seafood options and local specialties. For a delightful treat, The Cheese Room Botanicals serves a unique menu with a focus on fresh and seasonal ingredients.
The Royal Victoria & Bull Hotel offers an unforgettable stay in Rochester with its prime location, historic charm, and modern amenities. Whether you’re here for business or leisure, the hotel provides the perfect base for exploring the region’s rich history and vibrant culture. The hotel’s friendly and welcoming staff ensure that each guest feels at home, making it an ideal choice for your next stay in Rochester.
We invite you to experience the warmth and comfort of The Royal Victoria & Bull Hotel, where historic charm meets modern hospitality. Whether you’re visiting for a short getaway or an extended stay, we look forward to welcoming you soon.

The Most Outstanding Trait

1. Walking distance to Rochester Guildhall and Rochester Cathedral

2. 6 min walk to nearest train station

3. Some guests complained about the bathrooms

4. One of the few hotels in the area with a restaurant

5. Guests mentioned showers 18 times

6. Complimentary Wi-Fi available in all rooms

7. Historic 17th-century coaching inn building

8. Located just a short walk from Rochester Castle

9. Smoke-free property for a comfortable stay

10. Limited free parking available on-site


8.6 Excellent

Location rating

Top sights

Rochester Castle
5 min
The Historic Dockyard Chatham
11 min
Rochester Cathedral
4 min
Leeds Castle
23 min
Diggerland Kent
8 min

Nearest locations

The Quills Restaurant
1 min
Café Nucleus Rochester
1 min
The George Vaults
1 min
Mamma Mia
1 min
Royal Crown Rochester
1 min
Fish at 55
2 min
The Cheese Room Botanicals
2 min
Olé Rochester
2 min
See more Interesting locations

Good to know

Check-in14:00
Check-out10:00
Location rating8.6
Nearest airportLondon City Airport
Travel time to airport44 min

Nightly price (Only for reference price for sample day)

Check-in: Sat, Dec 07
Check-out: Sun, Dec 08
    Official Hotel

    $71

    LateRooms.com

    $70

    Booking.com

    $71

    Agoda

    $71

    Reserving

    $71

    Vio.com

    $70


Location

16 High St, Rochester ME1 1PX, United Kingdom

Airports:

Heathrow Airport

Taxi: 1 hr 22 min

Transit: 1 hr 59 min

London City Airport

Taxi: 44 min

Transit: 1 hr 5 min

London Luton Airport

Taxi: 1 hr 27 min

Transit: 1 hr 44 min

London Stansted Airport

Taxi: 1 hr 2 min

Transit: 2 hr 7 min

London Gatwick Airport

Taxi: 59 min

Transit: 1 hr 51 min

London Southend Airport

Taxi: 58 min

Transit: 1 hr 41 min

Transit:

Railway Station (Stop O)

Walking: 4 min

Rochester Guildhall Museum (Stop A)

Walking: 2 min

Rochester

Walking: 6 min

Rochester Guildhall Museum (Stop P)

Walking: 2 min

Strood

Walking: 11 min


Nearby locations

8.6

Excellent Location

On a main street with shops and dining, this relaxed hotel in a 17th-century former coaching inn is 2 blocks from the River Medway, and 4 minutes’ walk from both Rochester Castle and Rochester train station.

Top Attractions

Top Restaurants


Amenities and Facilities

Pets

No pets

Parking & transportation

Parking

Policies & payments

Smoke-free property

Food & drink

Restaurant

Wellness

No fitness center

No spa

Internet

Wi-Fi

Pools

No pools

No hot tub

Rooms

No air conditioning


Reviews

100% reviews from partners and customers booking on Dinogo

5.3

9 reviews

Wonderful
3
Excellent
1
Good
0
Below Average
0
Not Good
5
Cover Image for Carina Cave

Carina Cave

1/5
We booked this hotel as we are going to our granddaughter wedding on looking at the pictures shown decided to book I have never in my adult life experienced what happened last night not only was the music so loud from the bars outside there was running around shouting swearing obscenities around the hotel we slept 3hours at the most its totally ruined our day and certainly won't be staying for the second night I'm disgusted for the room well the whole place is disgusting and what hotel doesn't have anyone on the premises we was told if we go out the receptionist said she leaves at 8 was given a set of keys when we arrived back the gates were shut and had to climb over a 2ft step I suffer with osteoarthritis so this was very uncomfortable at my age of 66

Cover Image for Kerry-Lee Esterhuyzen

Kerry-Lee Esterhuyzen

1/5
My partner and myself stayed at the royal bull and Victoria Rochester on Saturday night as most places were full. from the time I walked into the reception area to go upstairs to the bedrooms I wanted to go home. It is so run down with a awful smell of smoke and damp. The place needs a major revamp. When entering the bedroom I was so not impressed. The mould and furniture so old and the bathroom was terrible. The tap did not switch off running water continuously and loud noises from the pipes. The water was Luke warm but the conditions of the bathroom and bedroom absolutely terrible. The hotel is in the high street with lots of bars and clubs therefore noise is loud. Honestly the place is in need of a huge renovation and inspection.

Cover Image for Latifa

Latifa

1/5
The rooms are dirty, the water is warm, the beds are also stained. The toilet paper is worn out, the inside of the kettle is dirty. There was no hairdryer in the room. Everything under the bed is dirty.

Cover Image for Clive Burnham

Clive Burnham

4/5
The room (21) was adequate enough. Please note the word adequate.Lovely comfortable stay in rochester Town centre with a great night life, I'd come back.May be they might paint the window frames and some woodwork in the room when I come back ??If not its ok, doesn't really affect my stayDOES NEED BETTER SECURITY AT NIGHT ON THE DOOR, PEOPLE LEAVE IT UNLOCKED !

Cover Image for PETER KILBANE

PETER KILBANE

5/5
A lovely old fashioned hotel, rooms are spacious and comfortable, situated in Rochester high street and would recommend to all if visiting historic Rochester

Room 5

Service 5

Location5

JV

Julia V

1/5
If I could give this place zero stars I would. It’s probably the worst hotel I have ever been in. It started at check in, the staff couldn’t have cared less. The room was just about clean, shabby is the best I can say.  …

Cover Image for Bev Lowry

Bev Lowry

5/5
A beautiful building, quirky inside to get to room. Loved the grand staircase. Does, however, need a full makeover. Shower water was only Luke warm and low pressure. Carpet had a big frayed area under the desk, which could do with cutting back. Was on the high street side, music from the pub was very loud although that didn't bother me, I was asleep before it finished around midnight. It was cheap and a handy place for the 1 night. Would stay again though as a base just to lay head for the night.

Cover Image for K. László

K. László

5/5
far from luxury but great location and a good place to stay overall

Room 4

Service 4

Location5

MW

Michael W

1/5
The first room they gave us was disgusting, filthy shower and filth every where.|I refused that room, I paid an extra £31 for a so called luxury room which was recently refurbished. …