The Royal & Fortescue

3.0 star property
Hotel with free parking, in the vicinity of Saunton Sands

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for The Royal & Fortescue

Front of property
Point of interest
Lunch and dinner served
Standard Room | In-room safe, desk, laptop workspace, iron/ironing board
Interior

Reviews

8.8 out of 10
Excellent

Popular amenities

  • Bar
  • Room service
  • 24/7 front desk
  • Laundry

Explore the area

View in a map
Boutport Street, Barnstaple, England, EX31 1HG
  • Place, Pannier Market
    ‪3 min walk‬
  • Place, Queen's Theatre
    ‪5 min walk‬
  • Place, Saunton Sands
    ‪17 min drive‬

Room options

Standard Double Room, 1 Bedroom

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(18 reviews)
  • 129 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

Superior Double or Twin Room

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(3 reviews)
  • 189 sq ft
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Double Bed

Standard Single Room, 1 Twin Bed

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
(4 reviews)
  • 100 sq ft
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bed

Deluxe Double Room

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(3 reviews)
  • 205 sq ft
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Double Bed

Standard Twin Room

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
(4 reviews)
  • 129 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Twin Beds

Standard Room

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed OR 2 Twin Beds

Superior Double Room

  • 189 sq ft
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Double Bed OR 2 Twin Beds

Comfort Double Room

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
(15 reviews)
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

Luxury Double or Twin Room

  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed and 1 Twin Bed

About the neighborhood

Barnstaple

The Royal & Fortescue places you 8.7 mi (14.1 km) from Saunton Sands and 10.1 mi (16.2 km) from Croyde Bay Beach. This 49-room, 3-star hotel has a restaurant along with conveniences like free in-room WiFi and free self parking.

What's nearby

  • Pannier Market - 3 min walk - 0.2 miles
  • Queen's Theatre - 5 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • Saunton Sands - 17 min drive - 9.6 miles
  • Exmoor Zoo - 23 min drive - 10.5 miles
  • Woolacombe Beach - 27 min drive - 13.4 miles

Getting around

  • Barnstaple Station - 9 min walk
  • Exeter (EXT-Exeter Intl.) - 58 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Barum Takeaway - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Claytons & the Glasshouse - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪The Water Gate - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Caffè Nero - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Subway - ‬2 min walk

About this property

The Royal & Fortescue

Hotel with free parking, in the vicinity of Saunton Sands
The Royal & Fortescue features free WiFi in public areas, meeting rooms, and coffee in a common area. If you drive, take advantage of free parking. Front-desk staff can answer questions 24/7, and assist with luggage storage, dry cleaning/laundry, and securing valuables. Additional amenities include laundry facilities, a banquet hall, and a porter/bellhop.
Guests can expect to find free WiFi and flat-screen TVs with cable channels. Bathrooms offer free toiletries and slippers. Coffee makers, portable fans, and safes are also standard.
The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.

Similar properties

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Free self parking on site

Food and drink

  • Daily full breakfast available 7:30 AM to 9:30 AM for a fee: GBP 16.50 for adults and GBP 10 for children
  • 2 bars/lounges
  • A coffee shop/cafe
  • A restaurant
  • Coffee and tea in common areas
  • Snack bar/deli

Restaurants on site

  • 62 The Bank
  • RF Bar and Lounge

Family friendly

  • Laundry facilities
  • Snack bar/deli

Conveniences

  • 24-hour front desk
  • Laundry facilities
  • Luggage storage
  • Safe at front desk

Guest services

  • Dry cleaning/laundry service
  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Porter/bellhop

Business services

  • Meeting rooms

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Elevator
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)

More

  • Banquet hall
  • Smoking not allowed

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries
  • Shower/bathtub combination
  • Slippers
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • Flat-screen TV with cable channels

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Electric kettle
  • Limited room service

More

  • Desk
  • Heating
  • Iron/ironing board on request
  • Laptop workspace
  • Portable fan
  • Safe

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 3:00 PM
Contactless check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 11 AM
Contactless check-out available

Special check-in instructions

Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

  • Service animals exempt from fees

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

These fees and deposits will be charged at check-in, check-out, or the time of service.

  • Fee for full breakfast: approximately GBP 16.50 for adults and GBP 10.00 for children

This list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits might not include tax and are subject to change.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards; cash is not accepted
Safety features at this property include a smoke detector
  • Check-in: 3:00 PM
  • Check-out: 11 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 18
The front desk is open 24 hours a day. Driving? This property offers free parking.

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • This property accepts credit cards. Cash is not accepted. 
  • Onsite safety features include a smoke detector.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • No rollaway or extra beds are available.
  • This property welcomes guests of all sexual orientations and gender identities (LGBTQ+ friendly).

Property is also known as

Fortescue Hotel
Royal & Fortescue Hotel
Royal & Fortescue Hotel Barnstaple
Royal Fortescue
Royal Fortescue Barnstaple
Royal Fortescue Hotel
Royal And Fortescue Barnstaple
Royal And Fortescue Hotel Barnstaple, Devon
Royal Fortescue Hotel Barnstaple
The Royal & Fortescue Hotel
The Royal & Fortescue Barnstaple
The Royal & Fortescue Hotel Barnstaple

Frequently asked questions

Is a free cancellation option available at The Royal & Fortescue?

The Royal & Fortescue provides free cancellation on some room rates. To learn more, take a look at the cancellation policy on Orbitz.

What's there to see close to The Royal & Fortescue?

This hotel is located in Barnstaple, just steps from Queen's Theatre and St Anne's Arts & Community Centre, and within a short walk of Pannier Market. You'll also find Marwood Hill Gardens and Funder Zone within a short drive.

Is there parking available at The Royal & Fortescue?

Yes, self parking is offered for free at the hotel.

Does The Royal & Fortescue feature a casino at the property?

No, The Royal & Fortescue doesn't have a casino.

Is there an indoor pool at The Royal & Fortescue?

No, there is no indoor pool at this hotel.

What will couples enjoy most about a stay at The Royal & Fortescue?

Couples staying at this hotel will appreciate amenities like slippers as well as 2 bars and a restaurant.

Are there hot tubs at The Royal & Fortescue?

No, there isn't a spa tub at this hotel.

Does The Royal & Fortescue have a restaurant with a breakfast menu?

Yes, The Royal & Fortescue serves a full breakfast for a surcharge each morning at RF Bar and Lounge.

Does The Royal & Fortescue allow pets to stay for free?

No, pets aren't allowed at The Royal & Fortescue though service animals are welcome.

Are there connecting rooms at The Royal & Fortescue?

No, this hotel doesn't feature connecting guestrooms.

Are there rooms with balconies at The Royal & Fortescue?

No, at The Royal & Fortescue, there aren't any guestrooms that list a balcony.

The Royal & Fortescue Reviews

Reviews

8.8

Excellent

Rating 10 - Excellent. 338 out of 623 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 202 out of 623 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 53 out of 623 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 21 out of 623 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 9 out of 623 reviews

9.2/10

Cleanliness

9.2/10

Staff & service

8.6/10

Amenities

8.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.6/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

julia

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Very conveniently placed hotel in the town centre

I found The Royal & Fortescue to be a lovely comfortable place to stay in the centre of Barnstaple very close to all amenities including the bus station which was so handy for getting to other near by attractions. The hotel is very clean and welcoming. We had a really nice relaxing stay and if in Barnstaple again would be more than happy to stay again.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jess

Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lee

Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Debra, Seattle

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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!
Stayed 4 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Brian

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Lovely hotel in the heart of Barnstaple
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
A very pleasant stay
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

christine

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Lovely place to stay with very helpful staff
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

8/10 Good

Eric

Stayed 1 night in May 2025

8/10 Good

Cara

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Good

Rooms clean with nice decor
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

2/10 Terrible

Verified traveler

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Damp smelling rooms

We stayed there one night, found it on the internet, photos looked lovely, they wrote they are pets friendly. We had with us our dog and when a person at reception saw a dog she changed our room to a horrible, damp stinking one, I saw dark patches next to radiator on the wall, once touched it they were wet! We asked for another room and they changed it to one next door to that terrible one. The only difference was it didn’t have wet walls, stank really bad too, heating was not working when we ask about it, we were told that there is no need for heating as it was warm for last days. In the end they brought us a little portable heater. Conclusion: maybe rooms in main section of this hotel are nice but if you travel with a dog you land up in a very old, not renovated for ages, very damp smelling part of the hotel still being charged as for nice rooms.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Stuart

Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

4/10 Poor

Catherine

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
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.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

8/10 Good

Darran

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

8/10 Good

anne

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Christopher Michael

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
when we raised concern over a loud noise coming from a room above ours the staff dealt with the problem quickly and efficiently.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

Ben

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Central Barnstaple

Lovely weekend stay at the Fortescue Hotel very central for town. The room was of good size and facilities very clean and comfortable bed.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

Richard

Traveled with group
Bar closing times early.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

Martin

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
A great independent hotel, with friendly staff in the heart of the town. It was Valentine’s Day so restaurant was fully booked
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ray

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Good break

Friendly staff and refreshments readily available. Car park a bit hit and miss but plenty others nearby. Nice break
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Hilda

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great place to stay.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Andrew

Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

Stewart

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Lovely hotel

This was a nice hotel/ location to stay in, would stay again
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

Malcolm

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
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
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

James

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

Marllyn

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Lovely hotel and very helpful staff, good location and parking ok
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025