The Royal Victoria & Bull Hotel, Rochester (Kent)

Name: The Royal Victoria & Bull Hotel, Rochester (Kent)
Address: 16-18 High Street, Rochester (Kent), Kent, ME1 1PX
Price range: US$59+
Rating: 7.1

31 photos

The Royal Victoria & Bull Hotel Rochester Exterior photo

The Royal Victoria & Bull Hotel Rochester Interior photo

The Royal Victoria & Bull Hotel Rochester Beds photo

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Key details

About the Hotel

16-18 High Street, Rochester (Kent), ME1 1PX

Close to the historic old town

Very good

7.1

/10

2.2

3.2

Loved by The Royal Victoria & Bull Hotel guests

Spacious room

Comfortable bed

Friendly staff

Excellent location

Nice view

"Character of the building inside and out i have rarely come across - art work, Interior."

Ian from United Kingdom

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"The bathroom has a lovely Victorian high back bath which was a luxury to soak in."

David from United Kingdom

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"Wonderful Historic Building, Wonderful Location, just a few minutes walk from the great sites of Rochester and the train station."

Simon O from United Kingdom

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4-star Charles Dickens Heritage Hotel in Rochester

Historical Significance

The Royal Victoria & Bull Hotel showcases the Royal Coat of Arms over its entrance, a nod to its long-standing heritage. This hotel is connected to Charles Dickens, who stayed here and included it in 'The Pickwick Papers' and 'Great Expectations'. These literary ties make it a distinguished location for guests interested in history and classic literature.

Accommodations

The hotel offers en suite accommodations equipped with satellite television. Guests can enjoy tea and coffee-making facilities in each room, adding convenience to their stay. With comfortable layouts in a central location, the rooms provide a suitable option for all types of travelers.

Prime Location

Situated in the center of Rochester, the hotel is just a five-minute stroll from Rochester Cathedral and Rochester Castle. The bustling historic high street offers an array of shops, cafes, and restaurants right at the doorstep. The Guildhall museum is positioned directly in front of the property, enriching the local experience.

Event Hosting

The Royal Victoria & Bull Hotel provides function rooms available for private hire, including a Grand Ballroom. This space has the capacity to hold up to 150 people, ideal for various gatherings and celebrations. The hotel also has additional private hire options for smaller groups.

Accessibility

The hotel is conveniently located just a three-minute walk from Rochester train station, facilitating travel to and from London and surrounding areas. Free private parking is available on-site for guests with vehicles. This accessibility offers a seamless travel experience for visitors.

Highlights

Heritage: Connection to Charles Dickens

Location: Steps from Rochester Cathedral

Accommodation: En suite rooms with satellite television

Event Space: Grand Ballroom for up to 150 guests

Accessibility: 3-minute walk from train station

“This hotel's main draw is its prime location in Rochester, steeped in history and literary connections, particularly to Charles Dickens. I think it's a solid choice for those prioritizing convenience and proximity to the area's main attractions, including the cathedral and castle. While some aspects show their age, the central location and historical atmosphere make it a practical base.”

Anna BlackEditor-in-Chief at Tohotel

Location: Perfect

9.1/10Review score

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Highlights from guests

Guest ParkingHassle-free parking

There were parking spaces at the back. Free parking is available, making the arrival easy and stress-free.

Ricardo from Spain

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BedroomIncredible bed!

The bed was huge and comfortable, ensuring a restful night's sleep. Bedding was crisp and clean.

Emily from Canada

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BathroomAmazing bathroom

The bathroom was a good size and clean, complete with a big bath. The shower's water flow was really strong.

Hans from Netherlands

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Room FeaturesGreat View!

The room was spacious and had a view of the church. There was also a TV with plenty of English channels.

Aisha from Nigeria

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Select your room type

The Royal Victoria & Bull Hotel offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals

Double Room Private Bathroom
2 persons
6 sq. feet
1 Double bed
Heating
Shower
room details
Double Room
2 persons
6 sq. feet
1 King-size bed
Heating
Shower
room details
Twin Room
2 persons
6 sq. feet
2 Single beds
Heating
Shower
room details

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Facilities

The Royal Victoria & Bull Hotel offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences

Facilities: Nice

6.9/10Review score

General

No smoking on site
Concierge desk
No pets allowed
Security
Smoke detectors
Fire extinguishers

Guest Parking

Electric kettle

Services

Housekeeping

Bathroom

Free toiletries

Self-catering

Electric kettle

Media

Flat-screen TV

Room decor

Carpeted floor

The Royal Victoria & Bull Hotel Location

16-18 High Street, Rochester (Kent), ME1 1PX

Explore Rochester (Kent)

Rochester Adventures

Rochester Castle

5 minutes' walk

Medieval fortress with stunning views. Guided tours available during weekends for deeper historical insights.

Rochester Cathedral

5 minutes' walk

Historic site dating back to the 11th century, featuring beautiful architecture and peaceful gardens.

Eastgate House

9 minutes' walk

16th-century townhouse with exhibitions. Check for free admission days and guided tours throughout the week.

Diggerland Kent

25 minutes' walk

Family fun park featuring diggers and construction rides. Ideal for thrill-seekers, especially kids!

Walking Tours

5 minutes' walk

Self-guided or organized historical walks through Rochester's charming streets, perfect for solo travelers and families.

Relaxing in Medway Park

33 minutes' walk

Great for a leisurely stroll or a picnic. Facilities include a playground for kids and sports activities for all.

Golf at Gillingham Golf Club

12 minutes' drive

A beautiful 18-hole course with serene surroundings, catering to both beginners and experienced golfers.

Tiny Tim's of Rochester

3 minutes' walk

Charming café with homemade pastries and hearty breakfasts, perfect for families and casual diners.

Deaf Cat Coffee

4 minutes' walk

Cozy atmosphere with specialty coffees and light bites. Great for solo travelers looking to relax.

The Moat House Coffee Shop

7 minutes' walk

Local favorite for lunch with vegetarian options. Casual dining in a friendly environment, reservations not needed.

Theatre Royal Rochester

15 minutes' walk

Hosts a variety of performances from drama to comedy, making it a lively spot for couples and families.

Black Widow Cold War Submarine

10 minutes' walk

Unique visitor attraction showcasing a real Cold War submarine, interesting for history buffs and families alike.

Getting around

City Centre
Rochester (Kent) 6 min · 1700 ft
Airports
London City (LCY) 71 min · 29.2 mi
London Southend (SEN) 98 min · 40.3 mi
Train
Strood Railway Station 9 min · 2300 ft
Strood Kent Train Station 9 min · 2300 ft
Bus
Bus stop 12 min · 3300 ft

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Property information and rules

Check-in

from 14:00-20:00

Check-out

from 05:00-10:00

Guest Parking

No parking available.

Internet

No internet access available.

Children & extra beds

There are no extra beds provided in a room. There are no cots provided in a room.

Pets

Pets are not allowed.

Number of rooms:

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback about The Royal Victoria & Bull Hotel from previous guests about their experience.

Review summary

Based on recent reviews

Guests frequently appreciate the Royal Victoria & Bull Hotel's fantastic location, within easy walking distance of Rochester's historic sites and the train station. Many have found the rooms clean and comfortable, especially the spacious bathrooms, and enjoyed the convenience of included tea and coffee. The free parking is a definite plus, although a few guests have mentioned the car park can feel a bit cramped. Comfortable beds have also been mentioned by many visitors.

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Review score

Based on 691 verified reviews

5.8 /10

Guest rating

47 %

Recommend

Free WiFi

9.4/10

Location

9.1/10

Facilities

6.9/10

Cleanliness

7.5/10

Pros

Friendly staff

Clean rooms

Great location

Cons

Noisy parking

Minimal facilities

Claire from United Kingdom

Couple

Double Room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: December 02, 2025

8.5/10

historic high street hotel, totally thrilled!

ideal location free parking much tea comfortable bed

I liked the location because it was close to the high street, the castle and the cathedral. So many things to see! free parking was included, i got there early and that was nice. i had so much free tea and coffee in my room. the bed was very big and it felt so comfortable.

the car park seemed a bit cramped when i arrived.

Location

9/10

The hotel is right on the main high street. I think this is really convenient. the castle and cathedral are also only a few minutes away. the train station is close. This makes getting around super easy.

Facilities

8/10

i found free parking a great perk of staying here. tea and coffee are provided free in the room, i always think this is a great touch. overall, the facilities suited my travel needs perfectly.

0 Helpful

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Jade from United Kingdom

Single

Twin Room

3 nights in August 2025

Reviewed: November 16, 2025

9/10

good bathroom good location

The hotel is in a good spot. It is close to many bars, restaurants, and shops. The room had a bath and a good bathroom.

The shower temperature was difficult to adjust. It was either too hot or freezing cold. I also thought it could have been cleaner.

0 Helpful

Harper from United States

Single

Double Room

3 nights in June 2025

Reviewed: August 15, 2025

9.3/10

Historic Charm and Convenient Location!

central location helpful staff easy access limited parking

The location was central. It gave me easy access to the shops, restaurants, and the historic cathedral. The staff were helpful. They ensured I had parking despite the limited spaces.

The building shows its age with some wear and tear.

Service

10/10

The staff were friendly and provided really good service. They were always ready to assist with directions and recommendations, ,. The reception was staffed 24/7. IT added a sense of security.

Dining

9/10

While the hotel lacks its own restaurant, I found a lovely cafe opposite the building. I booked the Nucleus in advance and had a Good breakfast. It was a convenient and tasty option. I really LOVED IT!!!

Rooms

9/10

The room was surprisingly quiet despite facing the main road. The bed was comfortable and I slept soundly. The room provided all the necessary amenities and was clean. It suited my needs PERFECTLY.

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Questions of the users

About The Royal Victoria & Bull Hotel

Are there any rooms on the ground floor or an elevator available at the hotel?

12 November 2024

All rooms require access via stairs, and there is no lift in the property.

Is there a safe location available to store my bicycle during my stay?

23 December 2024

There isn't a secure bike storage room, but guests often choose to keep their bikes in their rooms. There is also a car park where bikes can be locked.

Can a works van be parked at the hotel?

10 January 2025

There is parking available for vehicles, including works vans.

How strong is the WiFi service in the hotel, especially in the rooms?

5 February 2025

WiFi is accessible throughout the hotel, although connectivity may vary in some areas.

If I book a room for my daughter's birthday celebration, what time can we come back after a night out?

22 March 2025

The hotel locks the doors at 20:00; however, guests receive keys upon check-in for 24-hour access.

Is it possible to have a late check-out option?

14 April 2025

Late check-out can often be arranged based on the next day's schedule.

Are towels provided in the hotel rooms?

30 May 2025

All rooms come equipped with towels for guest use.

Do the rooms have private bathrooms, and are there any bar facilities at the hotel?

7 June 2025

Every room features an en-suite bathroom. The hotel bar is open only on Fridays and Saturdays, but there are numerous bars and restaurants within walking distance.

Which types of baths or showers are available in the guest rooms?

18 July 2025

Standard double and twin rooms have regular baths and showers, while the roll-top baths are exclusively in deluxe rooms.

Can I book two rooms for single occupancy, or should I just select two separate rooms?

11 August 2025

There are no single occupancy rooms available; however, twin rooms with two single beds can be booked.

I'm interested in the difference in pricing for two deluxe rooms. Can you explain?

20 September 2025

The deluxe rooms priced at £60 and £66 are essentially the same, but the price difference typically reflects the payment option-pre-paying is cheaper than paying on arrival.

Is it true that the hotel has historical significance related to Charles Dickens?

3 October 2025

Yes, the Royal Victoria & Bull Hotel is historically significant as Charles Dickens stayed here multiple times and referenced it in his works, such as 'The Pickwick Papers' and 'Great Expectations'.