Looking at the nostalgic and stylish front in the photo at the heading you would be forgiven for thinking that this hotel is a classic old English coaching Inn, with the wood panelled bars, well kept ales, fine wines and a first rate pair or more dining rooms, bar food and bonhomie. What we got was a bland half tarted... more

Room on arrival was pokey and stale, windows were open so kind of guessed they were keeping it aired. Woken every morning by the sound of footsteps outside of the room and people talking. Asked at reception if they had Internet accesss for guests but was told it would be £6 for 90mins. Food however was excellent and staff were... more

My wife and I visited this hotel for a short getaway break in September. It is part of the Brend group, and it certainly lived up to their fine reputation for quality, cleanliness and service. The Royal and Fort is an old coaching inn located right in the busy shopping area of Barnstaple. We were given a lovely twin room... more

We were staying for just one night in Barnstaple to break up a long journey. We arrived into Barnstaple at about 10pm and it was a bit like arriving into downtown Magaluf - lots of young people a little worse for wear, crying down their phones or being sick on their shoes! We made our way from the hotel car... more

A pleasant hotel in the middle of Barnstaple. Adequate parking is available in the locked garage or car park. Staff are friendly and helpful. I had a single room which was a bit small. The only problem was the noise generated by the hotel activities such as cleaning or cooking which all seemed to be happening in the lane outside... more

Stayed at this hotel for a few years now, just stayed there and it has a lovely new lift big enough for at least six people and all the bedroom floors have been vastly improved by new decor, lift accesss etc. about time but worth the wait. Their own Bistro next door has had a new boost by a great... more

As we were attending a comedy gig at the Queens Theatre we wanted a central hotel. The Fortesque is the only hotel in central Barnstaple hence our decision. It is 3 stars. Three star hotels tend to be on such a wide spectrum so I always feel a little nervous booking into one! The common areas are very well presented... more

Communication poor, rooms below par, dinner bed and breakfast apparently then needs huge supplements for anything looking edible, and even then it was horrid. Try a different hotel if possible, don't go here! more

Stayed here one night on business with a colleague. My colleague had stayed before and we got a discount on the room which is probably what influenced his choice. The hotel is really nice downstairs, several little bar/lounge areas and friendly, helpful staff. I had a single room which was small, with a tiny dirty window but the room was... more