Winchester Royal Hotel

This hotel is elegant and historic, a bit faded, but very comfortable. The location is amazing-- close to everything-- and it has a lovely, peaceful garden where we took breakfast each morning, and where we were also served a delicious tea. Our room was very clean, and had lots of space and a good shower.

We were there during the height of the "heat wave" and the hotel had absolutely no air conditioning. They put an oscillating fan in our room, but it was still on towards 32 C there. I would suggest they buy a few portable air conditioners, and at the very least install air conditioning in a couple of the public rooms. I don't imagine in this era of climate change that this is our last heat wave.

Spent a couple of nights. The hotel is very clean and I surprisingly found no faults with the cleanliness of the bathroom. The room was comfortable and cozy. I had the most amazing sleep. The staff was friendly, efficient, and resourceful. The food was delicious. The garden is beautiful and the hotel itself has lovely charm. If I'm back in Winchester again this would be my first consideration. I highly recommend this hotel.

Stayed in this charming hotel for one night without breakfast. Excellent location just a stone-throw from high street, albeit very quiet. On-site parking (£12 overnight) first come first served. Very friendly and welcoming staff. Nice and clean. Beds super comfy. What more could you want.

Close to town centre

£12 for breakfast, I thought a little expensive. OK for full English but if, like myself, you only want yoghurt or cereal, too much money. Also the £12 for parking was over the top. We spent money in the hotel so why should I have to pay to park there?

The majority of the staff were very helpful. The room was spacious. Our bathroom had a bath and separate shower cubicle. The hotel location was very close to the cathedral and shops.

The only thing that spoilt our stay was the Manager's reaction to a complaint we made on the second day of our stay. We returned to find people in our room. Obviously we were very upset that others had mistakenly been given keys to our room. All staff were very helpful apart from the Manager who said that we wouldn't get compensation because we had been given a great price for the room. When we said that the price we had paid was irrelevant she said she wasn't going to argue with us even though that was exactly what she was already doing, We were on our way to a celebration meal and it really spoilt our evening. When we checked out 2 days later, we were given acceptable compensation by the receptionist so I would definitely recommend the hotel despite the one weird occurrence.

After I tried to check out and there was no-one on reception plus the member of staff passing didn't try to help (See what I didn't like section). I spoke to the young man on the breakfast desk. He tried to help (even though he said he didn't know what to do). He contacted his supervisor to come and try help. Unfortunately when she arrived she could not access the reception desk. Both apologised for not being able to help. The supervisor kindly took my room number and said she would inform the receptionist so I could check out. I left my key pass on the reception desk, as I could not wait, as I needed to get to the car park, as my car parking ticket was about to run out. Both these 2 members of staff are an asset to the hotel. Sorry I didn't get there names.

When we came to book out, the receptionist wasn't there. I spoke to a person walking past reception and he said he didn't know where the receptionist was, she was supposed to be on her way. He said he couldn't help me, as he didn't know what to do. He never stopped his stride to even try and help.

Difficult to find a better location, and the staff were friendly and accommodating. For such a central location the hotel was wonderfully quiet. The breakfast was a "true" English one with plenty of choice.

The most frustrating aspect of our stay was parking, which is always a challenge in Winchester. As it turned out we were able to find a place in the hotel car parks, however at the expense of always being back early and not leaving again. I would prefer a more certain access to a spot in at least one of the car parks. I also found the need to pre-book a breakfast time irritating, as (like the parking) we found ourselves arranging our plans around the hotel..not really what we intended. The room was comfortable, though the beds somewhat "tired". For a 4 * hotel, it met the requirements but did not exceed.

Location is perfect and I was lucky to get a parking space in the car park so didn't need to move the car once parked. Staff are very helpful and friendly and as a solo traveller I felt extremely safe. I picked a room with a garden view and with the lovely weather it was nice each morning to open a window and sit with a cuppa. Despite the bathroom not being fantastic I would stay again.

My only complaint would be that my bathroom was a little tired and made it look dirty even though it wasn't. It had lots of water damage, and the wood looks rotten with rust on bath handles. It's nothing the cleaners can do. It would need replacing.

Location is perfect. We stayed for 5 days at the beginning of March. The hotel has a perfect location. The room was lovely although the view of the room was on the parking. It doesn't matter though, because despite of the city centre, it is very quiet. We have been told it used to be a nun monastery. It is a shame there are no more information of this. Also, there was a sign on the entrance door "Don't let the cat in". We never seen that cat. We wanted to.... :)

When we arrived there was a Nespresso machine with pods and we used it. It was never replaced with fresh pods.

My room was wonderfully quiet, located at the back of the hotel, facing the garden. The room itself was spacious, with plenty of lamps, a huge bed, a desk and chair and a separate armchair and small table. The bathroom had a bath and shower.

It's always disappointing when breakfast is not included. For those of us who do not eat a cooked breakfast or numerous croissants, the cost is not worth paying. A small charge for cereal and toast would be appreciated.