The Royal Castle

The hotel offers a distinctive experience, celebrated for its historic charm and prime waterfront location overlooking the River Dart. Guests are consistently impressed by the exceptional staff service, delicious food offerings, and the hotel's unique, quirky character. This establishment is particularly well-suited for couples seeking a romantic escape, families enjoying a getaway, and especially dog owners due to its outstanding pet-friendly amenities. Its central position makes it an excellent base for sightseers and explorers eager to discover the local area. For a more comfortable stay, guests with mobility concerns should inquire about room location, as the historic building features numerous stairs and no lift. Additionally, be mindful of parking, which can be challenging, though a convenient park and ride service is available.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel, housed in a historic building with quirky features and an impressive central atrium, offers a range of amenities that enhance the guest experience. While there is no lift, guests appreciate the unique charm of the staircases and the overall character. Rooms are generally well-equipped, with many featuring a coffee machine, kettle, and ample power points. Some rooms boast a luxurious jacuzzi bath, adding to the comfort. The hotel provides a welcoming atmosphere with its warm and friendly bar areas on the ground floor, popular with both guests and locals. A standout feature is the exceptional dog-friendly provision, including dog bowls, a dog bed, drying towel, and a welcome bag with treats and poo bags, making it a true home away from home for pets.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests generally find the rooms to be clean and comfortable, with many praising the very comfortable beds and high-quality linens that ensure a restful sleep. Rooms are often described as spacious and well-appointed, offering a blend of historic charm and modern conveniences. However, some reviews indicate that certain areas, particularly bathrooms, are dated and in need of updating, with occasional mentions of peeling wallpaper or minor cleanliness issues like dust or mold in older sections. While many rooms are noted for being quiet, some guests experienced noise disturbances from external sources such as kitchen fans, generator/pump sounds, or street noise. Additionally, creaking floorboards and noise from adjacent rooms due to limited sound insulation were noted by a few, particularly in older parts of the building.

Dining & Food Quality
Breakfast at the hotel receives widespread praise, with most guests highlighting the excellent quality and wide variety of options available, including a freshly cooked full English breakfast and a comprehensive continental buffet with cereals, pastries, and fruit. The coffee is also frequently commended. While some guests experienced occasional slow service or found certain items to be cold, the overall sentiment is highly positive. The hotel's restaurant and bar areas offer a delicious selection for evening meals, with many guests enjoying the generous portion sizes and high-quality dishes, including popular choices like Sunday roast and fresh seafood. The atmosphere in the dining areas is consistently described as warm, cosy, and welcoming. The hotel is also noted for its excellent handling of dietary restrictions and allergies, providing thoughtful and accommodating options.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts an excellent central location, placing guests directly on the harbour with stunning views over the River Dart. Its position is ideal for exploring Dartmouth, with many attractions, shops, and restaurants within easy walking distance. Guests appreciate the convenience of being close to the ferry jetty and bus stops, providing accessibility to wider areas. However, parking is a significant and frequently mentioned challenge. The hotel does not offer its own parking facilities, and street parking in the area is often limited, especially during peak seasons, with time restrictions. Many guests recommend utilizing the park and ride service, which offers a convenient solution, though some found free street parking nearby.

Staff & Service
The staff at the hotel consistently receive overwhelming praise for their exceptional friendliness, attentiveness, and professionalism. Guests frequently highlight their willingness to go above and beyond, from providing a warm welcome and efficient check-in to assisting with luggage, offering local advice, and even providing thoughtful gestures for special occasions. The service is described as unrivalled, creating a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere for all. The hotel's pet-friendly service is particularly commended, with staff ensuring dogs are as well-cared for as their owners. While a few isolated instances of informal service or abruptness were noted, these are rare exceptions to the generally outstanding and helpful staff who contribute significantly to a positive guest experience.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware that the hotel is a historic building with a unique character, which includes uneven floors, creaking floorboards, and a notable absence of a lift, requiring guests to navigate multiple staircases to access rooms, particularly those on higher floors. This can be a consideration for those with mobility issues. The hotel is undergoing a planned refurbishment, which many guests anticipate will address some of the dated aspects while hoping to preserve its distinctive charm. For guests traveling with pets, the hotel offers an exceptionally dog-friendly experience, providing not just a welcome but also amenities like dog beds, bowls, and treats. Some rooms, especially those on lower levels or near service areas, may experience intermittent noise from kitchen fans or building systems.