Bideford
The Royal Hotel
Krystina Rees
Deal Expert
Why We Love It
- The hotel is part of the Brend Hotels group, which won the AA Hotel Group of the Year award in 2015
- Parts of the hotel date back to the 17th century -- it was once a courthouse and its old prison cells are still intact
- You can walk the Tarka Trail, which is right on the hotel's doorstep, or take a ferry to Lundy Island, a walker's paradise
Map & Directions
Rooms & Rates
Overview
The Royal Hotel is close to the river in the town of Bideford in Devon. The building was once a courthouse and prison -- you can see the old cells behind the ballroom -- and parts of it date from the 17th century. It is part of the Brend Hotels group, the AA Hotel Group of the Year 2015.
The hotel is a "short and extremely scenic" (The Daily Telegraph) stroll from the harbour and town centre. The historic Pannier Market trades Tuesdays-Saturdays, and there are antique shops dotted along the alleyways -- known locally as drangs -- that lead up from the bustling quay and river; boat trips to Lundy Island, a haven for rare wildlife in the Bristol Channel, run from March-October (see timetable).
The Tarka Trail, a network of paths and cycle tracks inspired by Tarka the Otter by Henry Williamson, runs through the town. Deal Expert Michelle Brister recommends walking the Hartland Heritage Coast path from Instow towards Clovelly to see an array of hanging valleys, tumbling waterfalls and ancient woodland.
Hartland Abbey, a former monastery with stunning interiors where the BBC's adaption of "The Night Manager" by John le Carré was filmed, is 30 minutes' drive away.
The opulent Regency Restaurant serves traditional and contemporary dishes made from West Country produce. The Regency Suite serves light bites and cream teas.
Guests get free use of the leisure facilities at the hotel's sister property, The Barnstaple, which is around 15 minutes' drive away. It has heated indoor and outdoor pools (outdoor pool open April-October), two saunas, hot stone beds and a fitness suite.
Press:
- "A quiet and relaxing hotel, the Royal is set near the river within a five-minute walk of the busy town centre and the quay" -- The AA Hotel Guide 2017
Amenities
Policies
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Customer Service available Mon-Sun, 9am-12 midnight ET
Rates may vary by date, are subject to availability and are not guaranteed until your purchase is complete.
The room rates listed are for double occupancy per room unless otherwise stated and exclude tax recovery charges and service fees.
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*Unless otherwise stated, Travelzoo-exclusive extras are valid once per stay (based on two adults sharing). Value is an estimate based on double occupancy. Extras are only included with Member Rates and may not be available on all dates. Extras are non-transferable and have no cash value. Total value may vary depending on time of booking and availability. When included, breakfast may be limited to 2 guests per stay subject to hotel’s discretion. Other restrictions may apply; see our T&Cs for details.
Enjoyed This
(35 Member Ratings)
(35 Member Ratings)
Enjoyed Most
The large , high -ceilinged room !
Julie
Aug 20, 2017
Teddington, United Kingdom
Enjoyed Most
The room was fabulous, windows on three sides with a view of the river and the old bridge.
Other Comments
Friendly staff good food and drink
tony
Aug 11, 2017
Langport, United Kingdom
Enjoyed Most
Excellent food and courteous staff
David
Aug 05, 2017
Saint Ives, United Kingdom
Enjoyed Most
We had a lovely room on the 2nd floor with a good view over the river. The reception staff were friendly and helpful. The food was also good, however the restaurant at night was very gloomy. I don't know who thought having lilac lighting was a good idea but all it achieved was eating in an area similar to the "Twilight zone" !! It needs at least some form of lighting on individual tables at least a candle. Better still get rid of the lilac because as the space has no windows it makes for a not very pleasant ambiance. There were only a couple of other diners in and the food was fine so that is not the problem. We decided on our 2nd night to et elsewhere because of it. The staff in the restaurant could try smiling once in a while as well.
Other Comments
Sort out the restaurant atmosphere!
Sandra
Jul 24, 2017
Looe, United Kingdom
Enjoyed Most
The friendly welcome, the fine food and the lovely, spacious room.
Dorothy
Jul 17, 2017
Plymouth, United Kingdom
Enjoyed Most
It's position in Bideford.
The lovely room
The polite and helpful staff
Other Comments
The very slight negative was the quality of the evening meal. We were a group of four adults and we all agreed that the food was very average. However it did not spoile our enjoyment.
David
Jul 10, 2017
Weston super mare, United Kingdom
Enjoyed Most
Excellent room
Other Comments
We had an cheerful welcome at reception the room was superb very comfortable bed excellent evening meal dinning room staff very attentive
David
Jul 05, 2017
Martock, United Kingdom
Enjoyed Most
Location was good and the meal we had was excellent although they mistakenly tried to charge us for two meals not realising we did not take the included meal offer on the first day.
Other Comments
The room (220) was as far as you could get from the lift even though the hotel was not fully booked when we arrived (reserved for Travelzoo offer customers perhaps?). The room and the entrance corridor was in the upper part of the hotel with sloping walls under the roof where it was easy to hit your head. The room and bathroom facilities were otherwise fine. If we return we will avoid this room or others like it.
David
Jul 03, 2017
Chelmsford, United Kingdom
Enjoyed Most
The staff were friendly and courteous and the food was good. Parking very handy.
Other Comments
Room size was good but the bathroom needed an update - we haven't seen a pampas suite since the 70's! Also there was an overflowing gutter outside our window which poured very noisily all night!
Avril
Jul 01, 2017
Dorchester, United Kingdom
Enjoyed Most
friendly staff
Sarah
Jun 27, 2017
Saint Cleer, United Kingdom
