Name: The Royal & Fortescue Hotel
Address: Boutport Street, Barnstaple, England, United Kingdom, Barnstaple, Devon, GB
Price range: $87–$293 per night
Rating: 8.6

What guests think

The Royal & Fortescue Hotel earns strong praise for its friendly, accommodating staff, clean and comfortable rooms, and a central Barnstaple location, with many guests also enjoying the quality breakfast and restaurant in charming, traditional surroundings.

Several reviews highlight limited or awkward parking and rooms that run hot, with absent or noisy air conditioning in some cases. Courtyard and mews rooms can be prone to early noise, and a few guests mention dated features or minor maintenance issues. A handful also felt the immediate area looks tired. Overall, it suits travellers seeking central convenience and character, accepting a few practical compromises.

Facilities

Cleanliness

Rooms

Service

Location

Dining

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Facilities

Bar and lounge areas are well liked, but parking is limited or awkward and the layout involves stairs even with a lift. Several guests reported hot rooms with absent or noisy air conditioning.

Related guest reviews

10

John

May 12, 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

Redecorated since last stay. Great, like colours and flooring. Staff very good, rendly and nothing too much trouble. Wife had an accident, staff very good. Own hotel Parking still which is great.

10

Anna

Oct 29, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Parking conviniently close to the entrance but quite small and quickly gets full with service/maintanance vans taking majority of the spaces.

10

Neil

Jul 10, 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

Really friendly and helpful staff. Perfect location and great buildings. The breakfast room is amazing and there’s a nice selection to eat. Portable air conditioner was in our room, which was very welcome in the summer heat.

8

edward

Sep 25, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Large room and good bathroom but TV dated Nice bar and friendly staff and handy car park Would recommend

8

Neelika

Sep 21, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

The hotel was well located to shopping in the historical area. Our rooms were adequate, and nicely appointed. Unfortunately we were allocated rooms that required transporting our luggage up several flights of steep stars. We only booked the hotel because the website indicated a lift. We had dinner in the restaurant and enjoyed our meal. We didn’t stay for breakfast. Although very small, our ensuites were well appointed and plenty of hot water. The hotel is obviously a popular venue and has undertaken recent refurbishment. Parking was off site but not too far to walk back to hotel with our luggage.

4

Catherine

Apr 9, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Convenient for the town, but parking and access is tricky - carrying bags from the car is quite a distance. Higgledy stair cases even after the lifts take you to the correct floor. Corridors in particular are in need of updating. No fridge in the room. No air conditioning - needed window open all night and felt like a security risk as there was relatively easy access from the flat roof outside. Unappealing view. Comfortable, sizable bed.

8

Andrew

Feb 26, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Hotel and staff where very nice, unfortunately we where blocked in the car park which made us 1.5 hrs late for our meeting/work which was very embarrassing

8

Richard

Mar 29, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Bar closing times early.

6

Jacquelyn

Jul 14, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Our stay was during the heatwave and without air conditioning. We were eventually moved. The front desk staff was unprofessional and definitely could use customer care training. Otherwise the food and the restaurant staff were exceptional. We would highly recommend and did let the manager know that there was a problem.

10

Peter

Sep 14, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Check in simple, very pleasant receptionist. Mews room so not inside hotel, room was cold on arrival, no heating in bathroom/ toilet only warm (just) towel rail. Occupants im room above noisy. Pleasant surroundings. Not cheap in the lounge bar. Breakfast was good, served plated but typical continental type offering as well. Would have liked advice before arriving on parking. Not easy to find, there are two car parks but we didn't see the second (and bigger) car park until we were leaving. Very central so would consider going there again (now we know where to park).

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Cleanliness

Rooms and public areas are generally very clean and well kept. Occasional issues included odours or bathroom maintenance lapses that were sometimes resolved after reporting.

Related guest reviews

6

Eileen

Oct 8, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Staff lovely and friendly - excellent. Had bar food which was ok. Bedroom in courtyard was nice but bathroom was disgusting- mould and hair in shower stall, brown marks on sink. I did tell the receptionist on checkout and suggested they close the room and gut the bathroom!

10

Grant

Feb 4, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

The cleaner's done a fantastic job as the room was spotless . staff were really helpful at the reception . Had an amazing sleep as bed was very comfy we will stay again ..

10

J.Davey

Nov 19, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Room was very clean & staff very polite & welcoming. Breakfast was a good size & locally sourced.

8

Malcolm

Mar 12, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

A word of thanks to people who rarely get any.The standard of housekeeping in the room was outstanding. All staff very helpful and polite. Would we stay thete again....without doubt if we were in that area

8

Gerard

Nov 17, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Hotel was excellent very clean and comfortable. Room was cleaned to a very high standard every day. Hotel staff were exceptional friendly and helpful. Food was excellent. Had sandwiches in bar on our arrival very well presented and very tasty. Had meal in restaurant on Sunday night. Steaks were fabulous and cooked with perfection to our liking. Plenty of chips onion rings and salad. Sauces were beautiful. Really enjoyed our stay will definitely be back.

10

Sarah

Nov 8, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Very clean and welcoming. Breakfast and its surroundings were 2nd to none, it all felt rather plush. Staff very helpful. Would definitely stay again if in the area.

10

Julie

Nov 19, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Lovely looking old hotel, well maintained in the public rooms. My room was very comfortable, clean , and good quality furniture and bathroom suite .

8

Simone

Nov 9, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

The room was very clean but there was a most unpleasant smell - room 103 - it was like stale and embedded body odour but I was delighted when I was offered a different room which was an upgrade too

10

ANTHONY

May 31, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Very comfortable and clean.

10

linda

Nov 3, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Comfortable, clean room . Bed amazingly comfy. Great value

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Rooms

Many guests found rooms comfortable, with some spacious options, but others are small or dated and several report heat, limited ventilation or noisy portable AC. Courtyard or mews rooms can be noisy early, and some views face flat roofs.

Related guest reviews

4

Chanté

Sep 29, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Be mindful when booking this property, rooms located in the Courtyard are NOT per the images. Far smaller and very outdated. Also, the rooms are INCREDIBLY noisy. We were awaken on our first night at 5:42am by a hotel worker taking a phone call in front of our room window. Second night was not much better, awoken before 8am by team emptying bins.

10

duane

Sep 27, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Room was too hot the heating was on .windows open only a little

8

Catherine

Feb 20, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Friendly staff and attractive room. The room was cold on arrival and took quite a bit of heating up with extra radiator. It was very noisy outside during the night and some guests were very loud, in the early hours returning to rooms.

10

Christopher Michael

Sep 1, 2024

·

Stayed 3 nights

The Mews flats are lovely but you get woken VERY early by noisy STAFF as the courtyard contains the hotel store

4

Pete

Nov 22, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Room was small, stuffy and very noisy late into and then again at 5:50 with people stomping about outside. Shower head was loose and floppy, walls so thin I could hear neighbours pee. Breakfast was £26 so didn't even consider it. Wouldn't use again.

4

Catherine

Apr 9, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Convenient for the town, but parking and access is tricky - carrying bags from the car is quite a distance. Higgledy stair cases even after the lifts take you to the correct floor. Corridors in particular are in need of updating. No fridge in the room. No air conditioning - needed window open all night and felt like a security risk as there was relatively easy access from the flat roof outside. Unappealing view. Comfortable, sizable bed.

8

Angela

Sep 23, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Excellent customer service. Unable to open bedroom window so a bit warm. Large comfy bed. Excellent breakfast.

8

Robert

Oct 7, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Air Con was noisy and room was too hot but everything else was amazing

10

COLIN

Jun 19, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

We were allocated a very small room that looked out over the flat roof of the building and fire exits The room was very small and would not be great for along stay, we were there two nights and it was okay Book parking if you need it as spaces can be tight, there is another parking plot further down the same road and it far from hotel

10

Phil

Nov 27, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Lovely hotel, Rooms comfortable, staff very nice. Bar very pleasant.

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Service

Service is a strong point, with friendly, attentive staff who resolve issues and offer helpful touches. A few reports cite an unprofessional front desk interaction or a billing mistake.

Related guest reviews

10

Richard

Aug 10, 2023

·

Stayed 5 nights

The first night wasn’t great but after telling the deputy manager about it we have a free upgrade and the room was outstanding and really made our stay

10

Eric

Nov 23, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Excellent service, beautiful hotel

10

Christine

Sep 30, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Food in restaurant very good with varied menu. Staff very attentive and polite. Very close to shopping.

10

J.Davey

Nov 19, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Room was very clean & staff very polite & welcoming. Breakfast was a good size & locally sourced.

10

Teresa

Jan 14, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

I stayed here with my sister under very difficult circumstances. The hotel were very accommodating when we were coming and going at all times of day and night. They couldn't have been more helpful and we really appreciated it.

10

Christopher Michael

Apr 1, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

when we raised concern over a loud noise coming from a room above ours the staff dealt with the problem quickly and efficiently.

10

Nicola

Mar 7, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Excellent hotel. Staff very friendly.

10

Hope Zinnia

Nov 30, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

The staff were very friendly and check in was smooth. The room was very spacious, well equipped and clean. The hotel is very central and easy walking distance to everything, including the station.

6

Jacquelyn

Jul 14, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Our stay was during the heatwave and without air conditioning. We were eventually moved. The front desk staff was unprofessional and definitely could use customer care training. Otherwise the food and the restaurant staff were exceptional. We would highly recommend and did let the manager know that there was a problem.

10

John

Nov 5, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Staff were very welcoming and helpful. Great location.

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Location

Prime central location in Barnstaple, an easy walk to shops, theatres, bus and train stations. Some guests felt the immediate area looks run down.

Related guest reviews

10

DENISE

Aug 3, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Excellent location in the middle of Barnstaple. Beautiful hotel and amenities, excellent service by all the staff. Would certainly stay again,

8

Jane

Aug 27, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Lovely overnight stay, convenient location with parking in the centre of Barnstaple

10

Debra

May 28, 2025

·

Stayed 4 nights

Right in the center of town and an easy walk from the train station in Barnstaple. Everything is right there in walking distance and it's all just as funky and charming and welcoming as can be! The hotel's foundation has sunken a bit (or more in some places) which is charming but a little disconcerting if you're thinking you might fall out of bed!

10

Michael

Sep 24, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Stayed here to attend show at the Queens Theatre. Location could not have been better. Did not book inclusive breakfast rate as there are many excellent cafes very close the the hotel where you can get a superb full English breakfast for half the price the hotel charges. Booked a standard room which was clean, quiet and comfortable.

10

Gina

Sep 21, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Wonderful place, easy walking, bus station around the corner and train station a few minutes walk. Great dining options. Will be back.

6

Joanne

Aug 5, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Staff are fantastic and so friendly, but the accommodation feels very dated and sadly the town is quite run down. Spotlessly clean, amazingly friendly staff. They have kept the outside looking as good as possible but the area around them lets it down.

10

Craig

Dec 22, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Nice central location. Short walkable distance from train station. Close to shops and places to eat and drink. Room was good size and comfortable. Didn't use the on site restaurants or bars but they did look very good and maybe next time as im sure I'd stay again in tbe future .

10

Brian

May 20, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Lovely hotel in the heart of Barnstaple

8

Laurence

Aug 8, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Lovely hotel. And staff. Area around was a bit grotty.

10

John

Nov 5, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Staff were very welcoming and helpful. Great location.

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Dining

Breakfast and restaurant meals receive frequent praise for quality and choice, and staff are attentive; gluten free options noted. Some found breakfast pricey or occasionally lukewarm, and bar hours or prices can disappoint.

Related guest reviews

10

Michael

Jun 27, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

One night stay. Lovely room, beautiful hotel,great breakfast and evening meal. Would recommend this hotel.

10

Philip

Mar 19, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Lovely hotel in a great location excellent spacious well appointed room, restaurant very good.

10

Christine

Sep 30, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Food in restaurant very good with varied menu. Staff very attentive and polite. Very close to shopping.

8

Margaret

May 30, 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

Very welcoming and polite staff. A walk in shower for ease rather than a shower in the bath. The head of the shower needs to be replaced so it flows effectively. The breakfast on Thursday morning was warm. (8.30) My preference is for my food to be hot. Maybe check the heating trays. Overall a wonderful venue and welcoming staff. Thank you

10

Yvonne

Jun 29, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Nicely situation in the town with excellent parking. Staff are absolutely lovey and the food was some of the best we've had in a Hotel. Hight recommend the restaurant!!

10

Brian

Dec 31, 2024

·

Stayed 4 nights

Great service, excellent breakfast, and very central

10

Amanda -Sue

Dec 8, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Super comfortable bed. Clean room and bathroom. Polite, helpful and friendly staff. Amazing breakfast including beautiful, period restaurant. Excellent location. Would definitely recommend.

8

Richard

Mar 29, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Bar closing times early.

10

Roberta

Jul 11, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

This was such a pleasant surprise. The staff are excellent, and even though it is an old building they have done really well on modernising the rooms. The only this i could say negative was there is a damp, musty smell in tbe hall. This would not put me off coming back. Plus the food was exceptional and even though I only ordered a chicken burger to my room. It was the best I'd ever had. Breakfast was fab also!

10

Kevin

Feb 19, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Short walk to shops / restaurants The onsite restaurant was very nice and catered for gluten free ( a bit pricey)

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Month	Average price
January	$98
February	$102
March	$97
April	$104
May	$119
June	$123
July	$114
August	$117
September	$142
October	$112
November	$91
December	$107

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
		1	2	3	4 $109	5 $105
6 $88	7 $126	8 $175	9 $138	10	11 $119	12 $226
13 $95	14 $122	15 $120	16 $120	17 $123	18 $135	19
20 $103	21 $108	22 $100	23 $110	24 $98	25 $120	26 $293
27 $100	28 $118	29 $136	30 $139

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
				1 $99	2 $96	3 $99
4 $99	5 $98	6 $93	7 $104	8 $93	9 $99	10 $99
11 $93	12 $97	13 $94	14 $93	15 $88	16 $90	17 $92
18 $87	19 $95	20 $96	21 $95	22 $90	23 $93	24 $92
25 $87	26 $94	27 $96	28 $96	29 $88	30 $93	31 $94

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Monthly average prices

About this property

Location

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What guests think

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