THE ROYAL VICTORIA & BULL HOTEL | Cheap Hotel in Rochester (Kent) | Book & Save

24 photos

Book through our site

—up to 10% cheaper

than Booking.com

Key details

About the Hotel

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

Next to the Guildhall Museum

Nice

6.7

/10

2.3

3.2

Loved by The Royal Victoria & Bull Hotel guests

Central location
Clean room
Comfortable bed
Friendly staff

"We were in Room 35, which has one of the best bathrooms."

Sian from United Kingdom

read full review

"There was a superb view overlooking both the castle and the cathedral."

Mike P from United Kingdom

read full review

"The location, parking facilities and friendliness of staff is very good and to be recommended."

Nicholas from United Kingdom

read full review

Location

The Royal Victoria & Bull Hotel is located in the center of Rochester, providing easy access to local attractions. Rochester Cathedral and Rochester Castle are only five minutes away on foot. The hotel is adjacent to The Guildhall museum and just a three-minute walk from Rochester train station.

Historical Significance

The hotel displays the Royal Coat of Arms above its entrance, reflecting its historical importance. Charles Dickens stayed at this hotel on multiple occasions, notably showcasing it in 'The Pickwick Papers' and 'Great Expectations'. Its connections to Dickens enhance its cultural appeal, drawing literary enthusiasts.

Accommodation

Each room at The Royal Victoria & Bull Hotel includes en suite facilities and satellite television. Guest rooms are equipped with tea and coffee-making facilities, ensuring convenience during stays. Private parking is also available on the premises.

Function Rooms

The Grand Ballroom can accommodate up to 150 people for various events and is available for private hire. Currently under refurbishment, the space is designed for both daytime and nighttime use. A smaller function room capacity of 60 guests is also offered.

Nearby Attractions

The hotel is positioned at the end of the historic high street, which features a range of shops, cafes, and restaurants. It serves as a hub for the annual Charles Dickens Festival events, enhancing the experience for guests. Visitors will find the area bustling with nightlife and local culture right at their doorstep.

Highlights

Location: Center of Rochester, close to attractions

Historical Significance: Featured in Dickens' works

Accommodation: En suite facilities with satellite TV

Function Rooms: Grand Ballroom for 150 guests

“Staying here immerses you in Rochester's history, with a central location that places you steps from the cathedral and castle. I noted the well-worn charm, and rooms can offer a pleasant city view. The on-site bar adds a social touch, perfect after a day exploring the literary connections to Charles Dickens.”

James DavidEditor-in-Chief at Cheaphotels

Location: Great

8.9/10Review score

View hotel on map

Highlights from guests

Guest ParkingHassle-Free Parking

Finding a parking spot was surprisingly easy. There were always spaces available behind the building.

David from Wales

Review on

BedroomDreamy Comfort

The beds were incredibly comfortable. Clean bedsheets and four pillows made sleeping a dream.

Emily from Canada

Review on

BathroomSpacious and Clean

The bathroom was huge with double sinks and a beautiful bath. The shower had great water flow.

Jessica from Australia

Review on

Media & EntertainmentChannel Surfing

The TV had lots of English channels. This made relaxing in the room enjoyable after a long day.

Rajesh from India

Review on

View all

Select your room type

The hotel provides a selection of rooms—doubles, family rooms, and suites—with perks like free cancellation, breakfast options, and great value deals

Double Room Private Bathroom

2 persons

65 sq. feet

1 Double bed

Shower

Heating

room details

Double Room

2 persons

65 sq. feet

1 King-size bed

Shower

Heating

room details

Twin Room

2 persons

65 sq. feet

2 Single beds

Shower

Heating

room details

Deluxe King Suite

2 persons

65 sq. feet

1 King-size bed

Shower

Heating

room details

Click button to see more rooms

Show all rooms

Show all roomsLess

Room rates & availability calendar

See the best prices and book your dates today!

Amenities & services

Real traveler stories and honest reviews—no glossy ads, just authentic feedback to guide your booking

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), United Kingdom, ME1 1PX

Map view

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

City landmarks

Landmark

Eastgate House

2300 ft

Church

St Peter with St Margaret

2300 ft

Landmark

Temple Manor

3000 ft

Castle

Upnor Castle

1.5 mi

Landmark

The Historic Dockyard Chatham

2.5 mi

Landmark

Sun Pier House Gallery

4800 ft

Landmark

Nucleus Arts Rochester

4900 ft

Landmark

Francis Iles Galleries

5200 ft

Landmark

Nucleus Arts Creative Riverside Hub

1.1 mi

Landmark

Black Widow Russian Cold War Submarine

2700 ft

Synagogue

Chatham Memorial Synagogue

4100 ft

Museum

Royal Engineers Museum

1.5 mi

Landmark

Broomhill Park

1.0 mi

Theme Park

Diggerland Kent

1.2 mi

Shopping Area

Pentagon Shopping Centre

1.1 mi

Cemetery

Chatham Naval Memorial

1.4 mi

Landmark

Nucleus Arts

1.3 mi

Landmark

St Francis' Church

1.2 mi

Landmark

Great Lines Heritage Park

1.6 mi

Castle

Fort Amherst

1.9 mi

Landmark

HMS Cavalier

1.9 mi

Theme Park

Diggerland

2.1 mi

Nearby

Castle

Rochester Castle

1200 ft

Church

Rochester Cathedral

1200 ft

Museum

Guildhall Museum

1200 ft

97 High Street

Six Poor Travellers House

1200 ft

17-19 Crow Lane Opposite The Vines park

Restoration House

1200 ft

Bridge

Rochester Bridge

1200 ft

Museum

Huguenot Museum

1200 ft

Park

The Vines Park

1200 ft

Restaurants

Tiny Tim's of Rochester

700 ft

5 Northgate The Precinct

Deaf Cat Coffee

900 ft

83 High Street

Peggotty's Parlour

800 ft

81A High Street Town Centre

Subway

1200 ft

100 High Street

The Moat House Coffee Shop

1800 ft

8 Crow Lane

Cathedral Pie House

1700 ft

146 Eastgate

The Golden Lion

2000 ft

147-149 High Street

Chuck And Blade Burgers

1800 ft

137 High Street

Top Munch Cafe

2200 ft

3 Station Road

Rest A While

2200 ft

67 High Street

Ramo's Cafe & Restaurant

2300 ft

70 High Street

Explore Rochester (Kent)

Local Highlights

Rochester Castle

5 minutes' walk

A historic landmark offering stunning views. Explore the castle's impressive towers and inner bailey.

Rochester Cathedral

5 minutes' walk

One of England's oldest cathedrals, known for its remarkable architecture and tranquil atmosphere.

Guildhall Museum

5 minutes' walk

A fascinating museum showcasing the history of Rochester and the Medway Towns. Families will enjoy interactive exhibits.

Eastgate House

9 minutes' walk

An iconic building from the 16th century featuring beautiful gardens, perfect for a leisurely stroll and photos.

Diggerland Kent

25 minutes' drive

An amusement park where thrill-seekers can drive real construction machinery. Pre-booking is recommended to avoid queues.

Ranscombe Farm Nature Reserve

30 minutes' drive

A peaceful nature reserve ideal for walking and birdwatching. Suitable for leisurely afternoons with scenic views.

Tiny Tim's of Rochester

3 minutes' walk

Charming café with a cozy atmosphere, famous for its classic British breakfast and delightful cake selection.

Peggotty's Parlour

3 minutes' walk

Quaint café known for its homemade pastries and artisan coffee. Vegan options available; reservations recommended.

The Moat House Coffee Shop

7 minutes' walk

A relaxed dining experience offering lunch specials and hearty coffee. Perfect for a casual meal or break.

The Royal Engineers Museum

30 minutes' drive

A museum showcasing military history and engineering marvels. It's a must-visit for history enthusiasts.

Sun Pier House Gallery

20 minutes' walk

A vibrant art gallery featuring local artists. Regular exhibitions and workshops make it a cultural hub.

Getting around town

City Centre

Rochester (Kent)6 min · 1700 ft

Airports

London City Airport (LCY)71 min · 29.2 mi

London Southend Airport (SEN)98 min · 40.3 mi

Train

Strood Railway Station9 min · 2300 ft

Strood Kent Train Station9 min · 2300 ft

Bus

Bus stop12 min · 3300 ft

Looking for early-bird discounts?

Get special discounted rates today!

Check Rates

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

What past guests shared about their stay

Review score

Based on 644 verified reviews

5.9/10

Guest rating

48%

Recommend

Breakfast

7.5/10

Cleanliness

7.0/10

Comfort

7.1/10

Facilities

6.4/10

Free Wi-Fi

9.0/10

Location

8.9/10

Paid Wi-Fi

4.2/10

Staff

8.4/10

Value for money

7.7/10

Pros

Friendly staff

Clean rooms

Comfortable bed

Great location

Cons

Noisy parking

Limited facilities

No hot water

No reviews yet on our siteUnfortunately, our guests have not yet left any reviews for this hotel, but you can read reviews from Booking.com.

Open reviews

FAQs

About The Royal Victoria & Bull Hotel

What are the check-in and check-out times at The Royal Victoria & Bull Hotel?

Check-in is at 14:00 and check-out is by 10:00.

How far is The Royal Victoria & Bull Hotel from London Southend Airport?

The hotel is 24 km from London Southend Airport.

Which attractions are within walking distance of The Royal Victoria & Bull Hotel?

Rochester Cathedral and Rochester Castle are both just a 5-minute walk away.

Is parking available at The Royal Victoria & Bull Hotel?

Limited free private parking is available on-site on a first-come, first-served basis.

What are the dining options near The Royal Victoria & Bull Hotel?

Nearby dining options include The Quills, Latino Joes, Cafe Nucleus Rochester, The George Vaults Brasserie, The Crown, Tiny Tim's of Rochester, La Torretta, and Pizza Express, all within 0.5 km.

What amenities are available in the rooms at The Royal Victoria & Bull Hotel?

Rooms feature a flat-screen satellite TV, tea/coffee making facilities, and an en suite bathroom.

Does The Royal Victoria & Bull Hotel have an on-site bar?

The hotel features an on-site bar for guest enjoyment.

Which languages can staff at The Royal Victoria & Bull Hotel speak?

The staff speaks English.