we stayed at the royal castle for a few nights and have to say dartmouth is lovely. we werent too lucky with the weather but even that didnt change the fact that dartmouth is such a lovely welcoming town.
On arrival the receptionist was very lovely . we were shown to our room, told what time breakfast was and shown were to have it. as for the room, it was comfortable, bed was comfy enough and overall very clean. although the interior was slightly dated and furnishings faded. there was also a "dampish" smell in the room.
The hotel has 2 bars which are also open for "non-residents" and with the hotel being very central in town it gets very very busy and noisey in them. also there is no priority for residents.
The hotel has its own restaurant which seemed fairly busy although we chose to eat at "the new angel" which is a restauraunt on the river front owned by john burton-race. fantastic meal, and we were suprised that the man himself did the cooking.
Breakfast in the hotel was more than satisfactory, there is a buffet table with plenty of cereal, fruit, pastries etc. although stay clear of the AWFUL yoghurts. there is also a hot food menu. had the castle breakfast and my wife had poached egg on toast.... make that one poached egg on one piece of toast.. a bit stingy i thought!
lovely service in the restaurant though, a special mention to karen and beth who were so informative on the local area and things we could do in the rain. and most importantly they were always willing to help and take the time to talk which is a rarity these days.
we decided on the river trip that beth rcommended us, had a lovely day and the sun came out which made it all the better.
Ate out again at kendricks, again superb food, and it was a pleasure to see children in the restaurant as all too many places dont allow them these days.
in all the hotel was ok, but after my stay i would consider it slightly over priced, the decor is strugglin between being contempary and old fashioned.
If i owned the hotel i would have the place redecorated as the stufed animals on the stair case are just aweful and the paint was peeling off several door frames and walls.
would i stay here again? probably not, the loction is great and staff great but i just didnt feel i was getting my moneys worth.

We loved this hotel! Downstairs and the staircase look a bit quirky, but when we got to see our room, we got really excited. It had a beautiful view over the harbour and the room itself was very cosy, sweet and romantic. It had good facilities (we could make ourselves a fresh coffee - not instant) and was clean. In the evening we had dinner in the hotel's restaurant and the food was good too. The staff was friendly and helpful at all times. It is pricey, but very nice!

Wonderfull views of the river and harbour, two lively bars and a super restaurant.Staff were very helpfull especialy the reception. Decor in the rooms were very stylish, overall a great stay.

Fantastic location! great hotel, and very friendly staff! Will be back for Music Festival!