About

4.0

Very good

272 reviews

#28 of 57 hotels in Sidmouth

Location

Cleanliness

Service

Value

Travellers' Choice

The Royal Glen is situated in its own secluded garden, 500 yards from the seafront esplanade. There is parking for 25 cars, a small gym and indoor heated pool. The restaurant serves a 4 course table d'hote menu with choices using Devon produce. The bar offers a comprehensive wine list & the Drawing room opens out on to a sunny veranda. The grade 1 listed building has accommodation in both traditional and contemporary styles. The family run Royal Glen offers personal service in a friendly atmosphere. It is ideally situated for exploring the county and coast from the beautiful resort of Sidmouth.

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Property amenities

Free parking

Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)

Indoor pool

Bar / lounge

Hiking

Fishing

Highchairs available

Pets Allowed ( Dog / Pet Friendly )

Wifi

Heated pool

Restaurant

Breakfast buffet

Special diet menus

Non-smoking hotel

Outdoor furniture

Shared lounge / TV area

Room features

Room service

Telephone

Flatscreen TV

Complimentary toiletries

Hair dryer

Room types

Non-smoking rooms

Family rooms

Good to know

HOTEL CLASS

HOTEL STYLE

Historic Hotel

Quiet

Languages Spoken

English, French, Spanish

Location

85Good for walkers

Grade: 85 out of 100

28Restaurantswithin 0.3 miles

18Attractionswithin 0.3 miles

Glen Road, Sidmouth EX10 8RW England

Getting there

Exeter Airport9 miSee all flights

Car HireSee all Sidmouth car hire

See all nearby hotels

Nearby restaurants

See all nearby restaurants

Nearby attractions

5 minSpeciality Museums

Sidmouth - Valley, Ridge and Jurassic Coast walk

113 reviews

5 minHiking Trails

See all nearby attractions

272Reviews2Q+A81Room tips

Reviews
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sini d wrote a review Nov 2023

Maidstone, United Kingdom19 contributions3 helpful votes

Delicious breakfast

Such an enjoyable stay, comfortable room, good facilities, huge bathroom. The room was very quiet. Best breakfast ever, delicious bubble and squeak, what a treat and delightful waiting staff, very attentive, saw a neighboring table and their scrambled egg looked perfect, as did my poached eggs. Many thanks to all for a wonderful stay

Date of stay: November 2023

Value

Location

Service

Trip type: Travelled as a couple

Room Tip: parking is small but usually can squeeze in

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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.

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Response from hilary caldwell, Owner at Royal Glen Hotel

Responded 1 week ago

Thank you for making a review, we are pleased that you had a comfortable stay and enjoyed your breakfast.

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Marie1471 wrote a review Nov 2023

39 contributions25 helpful votes

So close to seafront owner managed personal touch

We had a wonderful stay we were upgraded from a downstairs room on ground floor to a suite and I must say it had everything you could want for this had a separate lounge area and a mini kitchen the hotel was toasty the owner who I met on the second day is delightful and staff are only to happy to help if any problems arise this hotel has parking and offers meals eve it is a stones throw from the beach front and has its own pool and gym what’s not told,e would definatley return thank you for a wonderful stay owner managed so you get the extra touch thank you Fred and Marie moore

Date of stay: November 2023

Value

Location

Service

Trip type: Travelled as a couple

Room Tip: Ring direct for best prices don’t forget swimming costume as pool excellant eatery dukes along...

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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.

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Response from hilary caldwell, Owner at Royal Glen Hotel

Responded 1 week ago

Thank you for making a review. We look forward to welcoming you back again in the future as one of the Glen family, a return visitor.

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Sue H and Pete wrote a review Nov 2023

St Austell, United Kingdom3 contributions

Beautiful historic building - but in need of serious upgrading and TLC!

Found this hotel on line and from the outside it looked absolutely stunning and was in the right place for exploring Sidmouth. However, the experience was something different. On a positive note, staff were friendly and en suite facilities were very decently presented, although we were disappointed that there was no soap, robes or basic toiletries included. Before arrival, we upscaled our room from a standard to superior, but couldn't believe the room we were given. It was the Princess Room and we were informed that Queen Victoria, had stayed in this room as a baby. We would suggest that nobody has decorated since! If you are given this room to stay, please be aware that it is adjacent to an internal fire door which slams until around 11pm when guests are passing through. Given the fact that there is no soundproofing within the rooms, it was impossible to sleep until the bar closed. My partner and I, after a fantastic meal in Sidmouth, decided on an early night and were kept awake until around 10pm. Reception kindly moved us to an alternative room upon our request which consisted of a double bed, the size of a shoebox and was extremely hard and uncomfortable, and two camp beds. The room still had ongoing noise issues. In addition, having been kept awake for hours, we decided to use the kettle for a cup of tea, which had exposed wiring to the main part of the kettle and a junction box connected to the main flex then onto the plug top which had to be taken into the bathroom to be filled. As somebody who PAT tests appliances this is totally unacceptable. We ultimately decided to cut our four day stay short, as we couldn't sleep in the alternative room due to the bed being so uncomfortable and after only being in the hotel for under 24 hours, we simply packed our bags and left, which was after 11pm when the staff were off duty. We were then contacted by the hotel, and advised that in addition to our deposit of £150 at the point of booking, that we owed an additional £120 for a two night stay, which we clearly didn't have. Don't be fooled by the beautiful look of this hotel's exterior as it lacks many creature comforts that anybody would reasonably expect.…

Date of stay: November 2023

Value

Location

Service

Trip 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.

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Adventurer620688 wrote a review Oct 2023

1 contribution1 helpful vote

Girls weekend away

Hotel in a good position near the sea front and shops. Bedroom was ok had to ask for the other bed to be made as was sharing with my friend didn’t really want to share a double! Had asked for twin room. Hotel was clean but food was very poor in the restaurant most of the things not available on the menu, not worth the cost. Breakfast was average. This place has a prime position and could be amazing if just a bit of money invested into it!

Date of stay: October 2023

Value

Location

Service

Trip type: Travelled with friends

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.

1 Helpful vote

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Response from Royal Glen, Owner at Royal Glen Hotel

Responded 28 Oct 2023

Thank you for making a review. we are sorry that your request if booked direct for a twin room was not made up as such for which i apologise and the error we made; we are fortunate to have both doubles and some zip link that can be either. We are independently owned and have invested straight back in year after year for many many years, unfortunately the listing and age of some of the building is challenging. We have Guests who return and return and any priorities in improvements that are suggested are really taken into consideration. We are just working on the winter budget for works at the moment.

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Joanne V wrote a review Oct 2023

3 contributions2 helpful votes

Beautiful,comfortable,quirky hotel.

After reading the previous reviews we were apprehensive about staying at the royal glen.On checking in we were really made to feel welcome and the staff were amazing. Lilly that showed us to our room and also gave us a little tour of the hotel when we asked was delightful and polite and a real asset to the hotel.The reception team were also lovely and happy to help with anything needed. Our room number 30 was also beautiful and was comfortable. (The bed was a little hard for my husband so he had the sofa bed and slept well)Breakfast was also lovely with hot choices and the dining room staff were attentive and fab.We are looking at rebooking and hoping to book one of the beautiful suites the hotel have.Thankyou so much guys for making our weekend x ps The walk to the beach is definitely less than 10 minutes. …

Date of stay: October 2023

Value

Location

Service

Trip type: Travelled as a couple

Room Tip: The pool was a little cold when we used it but bearable.The town and beach walkable in 10 minutes.

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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.

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Response from Royal Glen, Owner at Royal Glen Hotel

Responded 5 weeks ago

We look forward to welcoming you at another time, thank you for making a review.

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Jayne D wrote a review Oct 2023

1 contribution2 helpful votes

Disappointed

Disappointed at the lack of welcome upon arrival. Not even a smile! Room very dark, wallpaper coming off the wall in places, window painted closed and sliding toilet seat. Checked out early as felt very oppressed & claustrophobic. When checking out the same receptionist just said ‘oh ok’ no comment asking why. Certainly not a hotel I would recommend.

Date of stay: October 2023Trip type: Travelled with friends

Room Tip: Arrive early in order to park. Car park very small and not made for SUV’s.

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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.

2 Helpful votes

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Response from Royal Glen, Owner at Royal Glen Hotel

Responded 14 Oct 2023

Thank you for making a review. Your comments are important to us. We are sorry that you felt the atmosphere as described which is very disappointing to hear. The windows are difficult to maintain being grade 1 listed they have to be single case, but every room has an opening window. One of the team tried to offer a change of room but unfortunately nothing was available for the 2 nights.

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

JANICE N wrote a review Oct 2023

Sherborne, United Kingdom48 contributions47 helpful votes

Lovely hotel building, but poor room!

This lovely, listed hotel is in a brilliant location, with nice views of the sea from the pretty Guest Lounge (on 1st floor). It was just a shame I was given (possibly?)the smallest, worse room in the hotel, which was over the kitchen, with the smell of fat and whirring fan immediately outside the window! I know I booked through booking.com, but that shouldn't mean that I get a poor room (as I still paid quite a high price!). On the plus side, the small single bed was actually comfortable, also, the shower was hot and efficient. The evening meal was very disappointing and over-priced. Breakfast was acceptable, but bacon hard and inedible. The Dining Room also lacked any atmosphere as ALL the lights were left on, so it was really bright (not sure why?). I would poss consider returning here, but only if I could be guaranteed a decent (larger!)room in a nicer location in the pretty building. The Reception and restaurant staff were both very friendly, polite and accommodating. …

Date of stay: October 2023Trip type: Travelled solo

Room Tip: I arrived early (1245), so didn't have any problems with parking my car (as other reviews have...

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Response from Royal Glen, Owner at Royal Glen Hotel

Responded 13 Oct 2023

Thank you for making a review. Your comments are important to us. We hope we will have the opportunity to welcome you back and if making a reservation through reception we will always discuss rooms and allocate accordingly. Unfortunately online and through OTA this is not possible and is auto allocated.

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

jenny t wrote a review Oct 2023

3 contributions1 helpful vote

Please stay somewhere else...

This hotel is extremely dated. I'm aware this hotel is listed as an historic building in England, perhaps some of the interior cannot be changed. Signage is poor to enter the facility. We ended up walking up industrial steel walkways into the back door as their was no signage for reception until you got in. There are numerous staircases to maneuver which would be horrible for anyone with disabilities. My room was the size of a breadbox with just enough room to get around the bed. The sitting chairs were stained and old. The door hardware was new, but chisel marks were still present in the doorway - looked like someone just left the job incomplete. My room was above the kitchen (?). Arrived in time for Fish & Chips. How lovely to have the window open and smell the scent of Fish and Chips your entire stay. I didn't sleep for three nights as the bed was horrible. Felt like sleeping on a slab of 2 x 4. The cost to cancel our room would have been a charge for one night, so we opted to stay. Should have just thrown that money away and gone elsewhere.…

Date of stay: September 2023Trip type: Travelled with family

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.

1 Helpful vote

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Response from Royal Glen, Owner at Royal Glen Hotel

Responded 3 Oct 2023

Thank you for making a review, every ones impressions are important. From the front of the Hotel it is apparent which door is the front door from the large porch. There are many different levels, being built against the hillside in the 1600s, as advertised. When making a reservation by telephone we are very careful to give full descriptions of accessibility to rooms and Guests often have favourite rooms which they ask for. All online reservations and OTA are completely impersonal and not guaranteed. Unfortunately the updated locks were done en masse by specialist and yes the company have not completed the job as specified and we are still waiting for back plates. We are very disappointed that your expectations were not met.

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

John W wrote a review Sept 2023

Lymington, United Kingdom290 contributions218 helpful votes

Will probably be better in future

A beautiful period hotel literally about 100M from the beach followed by another 200M to the centre of town. No need to take the car in (unless disabled). The public rooms are kitted out with beautiful furnishings and mirrors of a bygone era. The food is of a high order although the evening menu (table dote) is rather limited in choice. The staff are great, friendly and helpful at all times. My wife and I eat there both nights and I would say that portion sizes were adequate rather than generous, fine for people of our advancing years, but for the younger generation perhaps a little small. A three course meal was 35 pounds. The house wines were good if a little expensive. Our bedroom (No15) was on the ground floor with a small public (ie: used by other hotel guests) outside terrace to sit out on. Again the furnishings inside were of period origin, the beds were comfortable and the decor restful. The two pictures on the wall however, were very small, which left a slight feeling of austerity. So why not 5 pips. The bathroom....It was tiny and dominated by a large glass lined corner shower too big for the room. Worse still, black mould was everywhere and very off putting. To add insult, the wash basin plughole was rusty and the plug chain was in similar condition. The shaving light had a mind of its own and would not stop flashing. This was reported to reception. Now, in fairness to the management, I suspect that the hotel was in the middle of an upgrade, so I would expect things like this to be rectified in the near future. Car parking is limited and very tight for space. ( Big car? hope you are a good driver) Part of a grassy area to the left of the hotel has been put aside as an overflow, but it is very small and possibly a bit boggy in wet weather. Would I recommend this hotel? You bet. Despite its rectifiable flaws, I would certainly return …

Date of stay: September 2023

Value

Location

Service

Trip type: Travelled as a couple

Room Tip: Check in is 3pm. A place in the carpark is a lottery at the best of times, but you stand a better...

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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.

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Response from Royal Glen, Owner at Royal Glen Hotel

Responded 5 weeks ago

Thank you for your comprehensive and constructive review. We hope that we will be able to welcome you again in the future.

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Alison M wrote a review Sept 2023

Bristol, United Kingdom1 contribution

Hidden gem in Sidmouth, a stone’s throw from the seafront

A lovely stay at the Royal Glen for our 20th wedding anniversary. We are frequent visitors to Sidmouth, usually with our children, so it was a real treat to stay in a hotel. We stayed in one of the suites - a spacious room with private outdoor sitting area. We did find the bed and pillows too firm for our liking but within a few minutes of asking, staff arrived with a mattress topper and softer pillows - nothing was too much trouble. We stayed on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis which we found very good value especially as the food is very good. Several choices for starter and main with a daily-changing menu. The only slightly negative feedback is the sweets did not vary very much over the four nights we were there. Most guests ate breakfast at the hotel and it was very busy but the food was cooked to order and came out very quickly - again plenty of choice. We were very surprised that more guests didn’t have dinner at the hotel as the choice of places to eat in Sidmouth in the evening is fairly limited. We definitely recommend eating at the hotel after a day out.…

Date of stay: August 2023

Value

Location

Service

Trip type: Travelled as a couple

Room Tip: Dinner is very good value. Recommend the superior or suite rooms

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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.

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Response from hilary caldwell, Owner at Royal Glen Hotel

Responded 21 Sept 2023

Thank you for making a review . We are pleased you had an enjoyable stay and love returning to Sidmouth. We hope to have the pleasure of welcoming you again to the Glen.

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

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