The Royal Hop Pole

The hotel is widely praised for its distinctive historic building and its expansive riverside beer garden, which serves as a memorable signature feature. Guests consistently highlight the exceptional value for money and the welcoming atmosphere, often describing it as one of the best of its kind. This establishment is an ideal choice for sightseers and history enthusiasts who appreciate its unique character and central location near local attractions like the Abbey. Couples seeking a charming getaway and families looking for convenient and comfortable accommodations find it particularly well-suited for their needs. The blend of historical charm and modern convenience makes for a compelling stay. To enhance your experience, guests with mobility concerns are advised to request a room on a lower floor due to the absence of lifts, and it is recommended to confirm parking availability upon arrival as the on-site car park can become busy.

Facilities & Amenities
Guests frequently commend the hotel's large beer garden, which extends down to the river, providing a pleasant outdoor space for relaxation and dining, especially on sunny days. The convenience of free on-site parking is a significant advantage for many, though it can occasionally reach full capacity, with an alternative paid car park available nearby. While the hotel offers free Wi-Fi, some guests noted it could be inconsistent, particularly when attempting to use the ordering application. A notable aspect of the historic building is the lack of a lift, meaning guests should be prepared for multiple stairs and potentially complex routes to their rooms, which can be challenging for those with mobility issues. The hotel also features an impressive medieval hall, adding to its unique character and providing an atmospheric space. Most guests appreciate the hotel's general amenities, though some express disappointment regarding the pet policy, which generally restricts dogs from the pub and garden areas.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
The hotel consistently receives high marks for its cleanliness, with many guests describing rooms as spotless and well-maintained. Feedback on bed comfort is generally positive, with many praising the large, comfortable beds that ensure a restful night's sleep, though some found beds to be either too firm or too soft. Room sizes vary, with some guests enjoying spacious rooms while others found theirs to be quite small. In-room amenities typically include tea and coffee making facilities with biscuits, bottled water, a hairdryer, and an iron and ironing board, along with ample power outlets. The bathrooms are generally functional, but some guests noted issues such as low water pressure, the absence of a shower head holder for over-bath showers, or dated fixtures. Noise levels are mixed; while many rooms are surprisingly quiet, some guests reported street noise, traffic noise, or sounds from the kitchen extractor fans or the pub below. The historic nature of the building means rooms often feature uneven floors, low beams, and quirky layouts, which some guests find charming.

Dining & Food Quality
Guests frequently commend the hotel's food quality, often describing meals as good, tasty, and well-cooked, with many highlighting the excellent value for money. The breakfast receives particular praise, often noted as being delicious, served promptly, and hot, though some guests occasionally experienced lukewarm dishes or minor omissions like forgotten bacon. The menu is extensive, offering a wide variety of options, consistent with the brand's standard offerings. Service in the dining areas is consistently described as fast, efficient, and swift, even during busy periods. The atmosphere in the dining areas is generally lively, with ample seating available, including the unique medieval hall which provides an atmospheric setting for meals. The drinks selection is also well-regarded, offering good value and a wide choice of beverages, including various ales. While most experiences are positive, some guests expressed disappointment with the quality of steaks, finding them gristly or fatty, and a few noted that portion sizes could be small.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is a significant advantage, placing guests directly on the high street and within easy walking distance of local attractions such as the Abbey and the Roses Theatre. This prime position makes it an excellent base for exploring the charming town. Parking is a key feature, with free on-site car parking available for guests, although spaces can be limited, especially during peak times, necessitating the use of nearby paid alternatives. The historic nature of the building, while adding character, also impacts accessibility within the hotel. Guests frequently note the absence of a lift, requiring navigation of numerous stairs and sometimes complex, maze-like corridors to reach rooms. Some rooms also feature low beams and uneven floors, which can be challenging for taller guests or those with mobility concerns. Despite these internal challenges, the hotel's external location is consistently praised for its convenience and the pleasant surroundings of Tewkesbury.

Staff & Service
The hotel staff consistently receive high praise for their friendliness and helpfulness, with many guests highlighting their warm and welcoming demeanor. Reviewers frequently commend the staff for going above and beyond, offering assistance with luggage, accommodating requests, and providing attentive service throughout the stay. The check-in process is generally described as quick and efficient, with staff members being knowledgeable and accommodating, even for early arrivals or late check-out requests. The efficiency extends to the dining areas, where swift service is a common theme, ensuring meals and drinks are delivered promptly. Guests appreciate the overall dedication of the team, from reception to housekeeping, in maintaining a positive and comfortable environment. While isolated incidents of less-than-ideal service were mentioned, the overwhelming majority of feedback points to a highly professional and customer-focused team that significantly enhances the guest experience.

Additional Information
The hotel is housed within a truly historic building, with many guests captivated by its unique character, original features, and the impressive restoration work that has preserved its charm. This includes a notable medieval hall and rooms with Tudor architecture, offering a distinctive stay. The building's age contributes to its quirky layout, featuring uneven floors, low beams, and a maze-like arrangement of corridors and stairs, which guests find adds to its charm. While the hotel generally maintains a welcoming atmosphere, its pet policy is a point of contention for some, as dogs are typically not permitted in the pub or garden areas, disappointing pet owners. Guests also noted ongoing building works or renovations, which occasionally involved scaffolding, indicating continuous efforts to maintain the historic property. The hotel also offers the convenience of ordering food and drinks via an app, though some guests experienced minor issues with Wi-Fi connectivity when using it.