Royal Lodge

Fabulous independently run (not part of an inflexable group) hotel. Wonderful river views from our room which was very clean, comfy and made up every day. Great walks from the doorstep, leave the car alone for a few days! Lovely restuarant over looking the river with an interesting menu all freshly cooked. Our second visit, but not our last.

This was a last minute booking for one night stay on our way to Wales. Bank holiday weekend so was possible we had the only room left. The hotel is in a beautiful location. Our first impression was a musty, "doggy" smell as we went up the quite narrow stairs. Had to wait for two dogs to walk down the stairs before we could go up. We were given room 5. A small double room. Big picture window, but it directly overlooked the veranda of the room at right angles to us, which, being on the same level as us, meant the occupants were able to see right into our room which made us feel like we were on a stage. This meant we felt we had to draw the blinds across for some privacy, which then blocked the view. Also the windows were dirty, which meant when the sun shone on them the view was obscured. Three foot nettles growing up outside the window. The mattress was one of the solid foam kind which had no give at all. We couldn't get the overhead part of the shower to work. Wi-fi connection poor. Booked an evening meal. The restaurant overlooks the river. Despite only four tables being occupied, we were shown to a table for 2 which was placed against the wall between two windows, which meant we couldn't see out at all. I ordered Sea bass for £27. I was expecting the whole fish but it arrived as only one fillet piece. Was slightly dry so had to ask for some extra sauce. Also served with a block of Duchesne potatoes which had a glassy, grey look to them. Not very appetising. Dogs sitting in restaurant. We had continental breakfast the next morning. At checkout we were charged for two continental and two full English breakfasts. I queried this, and on investigation it turns out the charge for the full English breakfast had somehow been left on the computer from the previous Room occupants and had been added to our bill. Charged £7 to park. Overall felt the hotel was a little dated and not what we expected from a four star rated hotel. Although we only ate one meal, we didn't feel it matched the price charged. Overall we felt we were paying for the location and not the facilities. Sadly wouldn't stay again and probably wouldn't recommend.

We recently got married at the Royal Lodge in February 2024. We had such an amazing weekend there with our family and friends. The food, service and drinks were excellent. We chose the Royal Lodge as Symonds Yat is such a special place to us, despite living 2.5 hours away. It is such a stunning location and we wanted our friends and family to see why we spend so much time here. The staff were amazing at the wedding and leading up to the big day too. The wedding co-ordinator Pat was always available on email and phone with any questions that we had, as was the manager Graham. They staff could not do enough for us and looked after all of the guests incredibly well. The food and drinks throughout the wedding were perfect. We had many comments by the guests that they loved the food. They also allowed us to tailor the menu to make it personal to us. This included us choosing the wine and amending the packages. We also used lots of local suppliers we would also recommend including Bridie Thorne (hairdresser based in Coleford, who will come to the venue) and Maria from the Serentity Suite (make up artist, who will also come to the venue). Ashleigh from Satin and Lace transformed the venue with white drapes, lights and chair covers and napkins. Lauren from Foxglove and Moss did an incredible job with our flowers including bouquets, button holes, centre pieces, garlands and arches! Our photographer Matt Draycott from MD13 was great value and also did an amazing job staying much longer than we expected. The Oak Suite (bridal suite) was a great space for me and the bridesmaids to get ready in. It was literally a short walk downstairs to where we had the ceremony. Thank you again for making our day so special. If anyone is thinking about having their wedding here then we would highly recommend it.

We Stayed here for 2 nights using a Buyagift Voucher, the location is stunning, staff lovely and the food is excellent we had both breakfast and dinner. Rooms and hotel decor are dated and the walls a bit thin! But we were comfortable and the room was clean, we would stay here again and recommend to family and friends.

Beautiful location and the staff were very helpful and friendly evening meal was fabulous as was breakfast couldn’t fault the food.Rooms were very clean and comfortable but could do with a bit of updating, No complaints and overall a very nice weekend.

We had a 2 night break as a Chris**as present and the booking process was really good experience. Check in was quick and efficient. We had room 9. Bit of a trek up 2 flights of stairs not for anyone with mobility issues so check 1st. Room was spacious, double slay bed. Duel aspect view of the river. Bathroom was spacious. We tend to agree the decor is a tired but room was clean and cosy. Our only issue was the chimney from the dining room would discharge smoke directly into our open window. The chimney needs an extension to prevent this. We ate 1 night. Food was good if a tad expensive. Overall great value for money 💰

Had a fantastic 2 days. Lovely hotel with freindly and welcoming staff. Went to the resturant on both evening. The menu had all alergens listed and the staff and chef were realy kind and helpfull. I have 5 allergies so usualy I have limited options. My experience here was amazing the food was of hight standatds. I had 2 meals botb of which are way up there with the top meals I have ever eaten out.

Instantly felt relaxed and welcome on arrival. Lovely family hotel with beautiful views and lots to do with my son and his dog. Room was great with comfortable beds. Internet isn't great but this was a bonus in getting my son out and about in the forest and on the river after a fantastic breakfast at the Royal. Will return very soon. Thank you to all the lovely staff.

We stayed one night. All the staff were very friendly and couldn't do enough to help . Our room was clean and spacious with views over the river. The restaurant and bar area were very pleasant to sit in. Evening meals were nice with a good menu choice as was breakfast the following day.. Parking was easy. Received a permit from the hotel to display in our car. £7 for 24hrs plus. The area outside the hotel was great for walks down the river and into the forest. Our terrier loved his stay! We would definitely recommend this hotel.