The Royal Britannia
The Harbour Broad Street, Ilfracombe EX34 9EE England
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Avg. S$90 /night, 12/14 - 12/15
S$124
per night
S$105
per night
S$85
per night
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About
#11 of 12 hotels in Ilfracombe
Location
Rooms
Value
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
The Hotel sits on the Harbourside and we have a waterside seating area two restaurants Carvery on Sundays and two bars open from 8.30am until late.
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Property amenities
Free internet
Public wifi
Bar / lounge
Restaurant
Beach
Pets Allowed ( Dog / Pet Friendly )
Non-smoking hotel
Room features
Flatscreen TV
Room types
Ocean view
Non-smoking rooms
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
HOTEL STYLE
Bay View
Marina View
Languages Spoken
English
Location
The Harbour Broad Street, Ilfracombe EX34 9EE England
Getting there
Great for walkers
Places to stay are graded on a 0-100 scale. The higher the grade, the easier it is for travellers to find restaurants and things to do within walking distance.
Grade: 95 out of 100
95
44 Restaurants
within 0.5 kilometers
Reviews
Traveller rating
- 164
- 123
- 84
- 46
- 84
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Detailed Reviews
We stayed in the lord nelson room, which was lovely, clean and spacious. Had a great view out to the beach/marina/harbour. Massive big poster bed which was comfortable. Room got a bit hot but had a fan in the room which helped. Room had sky tv which you could use to watch films and sports. Our room was also dog friendly and our dog seemed very comfortable there.
Location was very good, right in the centre of town and next to the beach. Despite the location being packed during the day (summer holidays), at night it was very quiet. The front door is locked and requires a key to get in so not many people were coming and going, so was a restful night sleep.
The only problem is there is no official parking for the hotel and you must pay for local council parking nearby which are EXTREMELY busy. It took us a considerable time to find one. Also they are a little walk away from the hotel so might not be good for people with mobility issues.
We didn’t try the food at the hotel but it seemed to be frequented often. It had gluten free options.
The guy at reception was very helpful and didn’t mind us ringing a few times with questions etc. They do require a valid credit or debit card on arrival.
Location was very good, right in the centre of town and next to the beach. Despite the location being packed during the day (summer holidays), at night it was very quiet. The front door is locked and requires a key to get in so not many people were coming and going, so was a restful night sleep.
The only problem is there is no official parking for the hotel and you must pay for local council parking nearby which are EXTREMELY busy. It took us a considerable time to find one. Also they are a little walk away from the hotel so might not be good for people with mobility issues.
We didn’t try the food at the hotel but it seemed to be frequented often. It had gluten free options.
The guy at reception was very helpful and didn’t mind us ringing a few times with questions etc. They do require a valid credit or debit card on arrival.
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Date of stay: August 2021Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip: Parking is difficult.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We were not expecting the Ritz as we hadn’t paid anywhere near that type of money, but reading previous reviews I was concerned about our stay at this hotel ! but a nice surprise awaited us, check in was smooth and clear ! the hotel rooms are the top half of a pub so the noise and atmosphere is that of a pub !! So if you want peace and quiet this isn’t the place for you, with saying that after the pub closes for the night it’s very quiet indeed.
We stopped in the harbour view room
and I have to say it was a pleasant stay, the room was clean and comfy, there is a small terrace below your window so it can get a little noisy but as I said it’s a pub first, so this didn’t bother us, and again once the pub closed, nothing !!!
truthfully for what we paid for two night B&B in this part of the country we felt we got very good value for money.
Breakfast is we’re it’s a little disjointed, you go to a little window to order your breakfast and give your name and room number in and then go make a cup of tea or coffee, you can have cereals, toast, jam, but this is in another little area but you hardly have the time to eat this before your breakfast you ordered is being brought to you. The food is ok and certainly enough to keep you going until dinner time.
We would use this hotel again when we are next in this area as it’s good value for money accommodation in a nice place
Tip: NOT the hotels fault at all but if you’re travelling by car please factor in a £9.50 fee for 24hr parking 🅿️ as I said nothing to do with the hotel but if your on a budget it need factoring in
We stopped in the harbour view room
and I have to say it was a pleasant stay, the room was clean and comfy, there is a small terrace below your window so it can get a little noisy but as I said it’s a pub first, so this didn’t bother us, and again once the pub closed, nothing !!!
truthfully for what we paid for two night B&B in this part of the country we felt we got very good value for money.
Breakfast is we’re it’s a little disjointed, you go to a little window to order your breakfast and give your name and room number in and then go make a cup of tea or coffee, you can have cereals, toast, jam, but this is in another little area but you hardly have the time to eat this before your breakfast you ordered is being brought to you. The food is ok and certainly enough to keep you going until dinner time.
We would use this hotel again when we are next in this area as it’s good value for money accommodation in a nice place
Tip: NOT the hotels fault at all but if you’re travelling by car please factor in a £9.50 fee for 24hr parking 🅿️ as I said nothing to do with the hotel but if your on a budget it need factoring in
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Date of stay: May 2024Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We have a sea view room which was very spacious and clean with a big 4 poster bed. The bathroom on the other hand was in need of a really good clean. The hotel is obviously very old and full of character but it really could do with a bit of tlc to clean it up a bit. Many ares are grubby.
The staff were all lovely and friendly and the breakfasts were good.
If you take a drink onto the terrace you have to have it in a plastic glass.
All in all, a good weekend break. You definitely pay for the view.
The staff were all lovely and friendly and the breakfasts were good.
If you take a drink onto the terrace you have to have it in a plastic glass.
All in all, a good weekend break. You definitely pay for the view.
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Date of stay: July 2022Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We stayed in Ilfracombe for 4 nights & visited this hotel on the 7th September, the meals were ok, but that was all. Most restaurants bring the meals to your table, her you have to fetch them yourself which means mingling with all other visitors & in Covid days that can.t be good. After the meal we went outside to take in the harbour view & finish our drinks, big big mistake. The metal tables were filthy with drinks spilled on them, plastic drinking glasses left here, there & everywhere, by the way, all drinks are served in plastic beakers. Not a great place to dine, just give it a miss and used the Dolphin just along the road, We don;t want others to suffer the same fate as we did, the place should be shut down till it is Covid clean & not the tip it was on our visit
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Date of stay: September 2020
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip: We cant comment on the rooms as we only dined there
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Where do I start lol. I'd rather stay at faulty towers. Extortionate prices for a below average b&b. For an extra tenner you could stay up the road in a picturesque hotel with a pool with breakfast included. Instead you have to pay an extra £7.50 for breakfast per person on top of the extra £100 per night on the room because of the season even though it's still cheaper on the we'll known app rather than ringing them directly, we feel completely conned. Fantastic view looking into the building next door but luckily the toilet window looks onto the harbour. The mattress feels like it's been used and abused for as long as the hotel has been here topped off with a mattress toper that doesn't work.
My opinion is to avoid at all cost.
My opinion is to avoid at all cost.
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Date of stay: August 2021Trip type: Travelled with family
Room Tip: Find somewhere else or sleep in your car
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The one point given is for the breakfast staff who worked extremely hard at breakfast and afterwards.
The rest of our stay can only be described as being in a grotty, grubby dive.
We travelled with friends across the Lake District and Telford staying in beautiful hotels for b &b for half the price and then we hit this one!
It is filthy and in need of a. Massive overhaul- no effort has been made during its closure due to the pandemic to clean or update! Lots of minor misfunctions, no housekeeping, rooms and communal areas are filthy and yet it’s photographs and adverts through booking. Com etc make it look and sound pristine! It is so disgracefully mis-sold! In a hotel with more than 30 rooms, there is no fire precaution sheet which is a legal requirement.....and windows were obviously painted shut years ago! Our bedroom window didn’t open due to having wood screwed above it to stop it opening and a lump of wood wedged in to stop it shutting! The resident in the room next door to us said she had sewage coming up into the shower tray every time she used the sink! The whole place was in a shocking state and yet the most expensive one we stayed in! We did expect it to be clean and safe and it was neither! We are very disappointed and when we tried to complain to the manager before we left to give him the right to reply the office was locked and nobody was there. We then contacted them on our journey home and hit a blank wall- so many excuses! Do not stay there! It doesn’t even reach hostel standards!
The rest of our stay can only be described as being in a grotty, grubby dive.
We travelled with friends across the Lake District and Telford staying in beautiful hotels for b &b for half the price and then we hit this one!
It is filthy and in need of a. Massive overhaul- no effort has been made during its closure due to the pandemic to clean or update! Lots of minor misfunctions, no housekeeping, rooms and communal areas are filthy and yet it’s photographs and adverts through booking. Com etc make it look and sound pristine! It is so disgracefully mis-sold! In a hotel with more than 30 rooms, there is no fire precaution sheet which is a legal requirement.....and windows were obviously painted shut years ago! Our bedroom window didn’t open due to having wood screwed above it to stop it opening and a lump of wood wedged in to stop it shutting! The resident in the room next door to us said she had sewage coming up into the shower tray every time she used the sink! The whole place was in a shocking state and yet the most expensive one we stayed in! We did expect it to be clean and safe and it was neither! We are very disappointed and when we tried to complain to the manager before we left to give him the right to reply the office was locked and nobody was there. We then contacted them on our journey home and hit a blank wall- so many excuses! Do not stay there! It doesn’t even reach hostel standards!
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Date of stay: August 2021
Location
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ended up in here to order food as everywhere else was booked up and we were so hungry. Well, we stayed hungry! Ordered the steak chilli and chicken burger and chips.
I have very very rarely asked for a full refund on food in my entire life but this was abysmal. The chips were so overdone, they looked like they had been sat in the bottom of the fryer for a week, the burger was not fully cooked and it’s clear it was from frozen. No other ingredients on it, just dry - not even butter on the bun. Basic, sorry salad, unwashed. The chilli was supposed to be steak mince but was as gristly as you can get, watery sauce and awful flavour. I tried originally to ignore the thick black hair on the side of the plate and removed it as I was so bloody hungry but I couldn’t ignore the rest.
On the plus, the guy at the bar swiftly granted my refund, including the drinks and apologised, taking the food away, agreeing it looked awful. Caught a glimpse of the ‘chef.’ Looked like a school kid with no authority to be in a kitchen! Just glad we didn’t sleep there as well.
I have very very rarely asked for a full refund on food in my entire life but this was abysmal. The chips were so overdone, they looked like they had been sat in the bottom of the fryer for a week, the burger was not fully cooked and it’s clear it was from frozen. No other ingredients on it, just dry - not even butter on the bun. Basic, sorry salad, unwashed. The chilli was supposed to be steak mince but was as gristly as you can get, watery sauce and awful flavour. I tried originally to ignore the thick black hair on the side of the plate and removed it as I was so bloody hungry but I couldn’t ignore the rest.
On the plus, the guy at the bar swiftly granted my refund, including the drinks and apologised, taking the food away, agreeing it looked awful. Caught a glimpse of the ‘chef.’ Looked like a school kid with no authority to be in a kitchen! Just glad we didn’t sleep there as well.
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Date of stay: September 2021Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Booked into Harbour Lights B&B last November however, The Royal Britannia took over their booking as Harbour Lights have closed due to fire risk. I was not informed of this and found this info from another hiker in our group. We have all booked for August bank holiday week. I called the Britannia to be told they have my booking and deposit and all is ok. Ten minutes later I received another call to say they have made a mistake (no apology), they are fully booked and I can have a refund. So now I am supposed to find an alternate hotel/B&B at short notice over a bank holiday and have to pay through the nose, that is why I organised this last November! I asked to speak to a manager and again very dismissive and the phone was put down on me. I called back and gave them a piece of my mind. Again I received a call back and hurrah..they suddenly found a room for me but as I found out at the cost of a fellow hiker who's room was suddenly cancelled. This place is an absolute shambles and the reception staff need a course in customer service. I have stayed in hundreds of hotels and B&B's but have never experience anything like this awful place. My final call to them was to ask for a booking reference and confirmation of my booking and was told I sounded very angry and if I really wanted to stay at the Britannia...are you kidding me. No one can complain to managers but if you Google you will find their names, please place your concerns in writing to them as is obvious they are unaware of this shambolic place or just couldn't care less, either way they should not get a away with this terribly bad service and treating customers in such a bad way. If there was minus stars I would give -10
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Date of stay: August 2021
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Room Tip: Terrible place
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
It's a lovely place amazing location over looking harbour staff are friendly and food and drink a good price will be back again soon book the rooms overlooking harbour when you can see the tide coming and going .the jungle currey is home made the best I have tasted. It a family run business an every one is so friendly 10/10
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Date of stay: June 2021
Rooms
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip: Harbour view
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
What a great place to eat and drink . Right on the harbour with a fantastic view of all the boats, the harbour beach and everyone walking past. All the staff are extremely helpful and happy to advise with local info. Food and drinks are really well priced for a holiday town especially with its prime location . We brought all our dogs who were happily welcomed. Great attention to Covid hygiene needs as well. If we needed a place to stay we would definitely stay here! Thanks to all at the Britannia. Richard and Kathy
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Date of stay: July 2021Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
No, there aren't any parking spaces at the hotel. Even pulling over to get all your things out would cause a lot of problems. X
Hi we went out of season, 24 hr car park is 100 yards away but we was told you can park on single yellow opposite hotel
Yes the hotel is next door to the only Asian restaurant in the harbour and the hotel has a dragons nest sign on the other end of the building but no smell from the sign
the hotel is a 300 years old lady who was ready to be demolished and converted to expensive flats however £1.5m was spent on her to keep her as a listed grade 2 hotel therefore lots of oak used and not the modern match-box rooms.
two type of people come here the ones who love matchbox hotel and eat at weatherspoons and hate old buildings and old towns and the ones who love this old lady and chat with the locals and love the harbour views and keep history live.
short answer is no, lots of stairs and no car park
"Perfect location can't recommend highly enough. Although we have only been our of season its Perfect for a peaceful getaways. Great walks "Read full review
"Area was nice but quiet, tide was out so no nice view of the harbour from the beer garden for us just boats in sand. "Read full review
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PRICE RANGE
S$92 - S$112 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
the royal britannia hotel ilfracombe
LOCATION
United KingdomEnglandDevonIlfracombe
NUMBER OF ROOMS
22
Prices are the average nightly price provided by our partners and may not include all taxes and fees. Taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only. Please see our partners for more details.
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Frequently Asked Questions about The Royal Britannia
Which popular attractions are close to The Royal Britannia?
Nearby attractions include South West Coast Path Walk - Ilfracombe and the Torrs (0.05 km), St Nicholas Chapel (0.2 km), and Ilfracombe Harbour (0.2 km).
What are some of the property amenities at The Royal Britannia?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include an on-site restaurant, a lounge, and free internet access.
What food & drink options are available at The Royal Britannia?
Guests can enjoy an on-site restaurant and a lounge during their stay.
What are some restaurants close to The Royal Britannia?
Conveniently located restaurants include Antidote, Giovanni's & Luca's, and The Terrace Tapas & Wine Bar.
Is The Royal Britannia located near the city centre?
Yes, it is 0.5 km away from the centre of Ilfracombe.
Are pets allowed at The Royal Britannia?
Yes, pets are typically allowed, but it's always best to call ahead to confirm.
Are there any historical sites close to The Royal Britannia?
Many travellers enjoy visiting Hele Corn Mill & Tea Room (1.2 km), Chambercombe Manor (1.4 km), and St Nicholas Chapel (0.2 km).
Does The Royal Britannia have any great views?
Yes, guests often enjoy the harbour view available here.