The kindness and warmth to two elderly gentlemen who were staying at Royal Lodge so that we could attend a special event of the Friends of Friendless Churches at Llangua and visit other very special places including Tintern Abbey and Llanthony Priory. We loved the magic of the setting of Royal Lodge in its landscape setting; we enjoyed one of the walks; and on our second evening we sat out in the garden late with a drink and enjoyed the tranquillity and beauty of the place.

We enjoyed dinner on the first evening. The meal was served with thoughtfulness and panache but we thought the menu could have benefited from a stronger emphasis on locally sourced and preferably organic food - salmon and trout, venison, local fruits in season.

Location and facilities. Very nice evening meal on the Friday. Very nice packed lunch option that we took advantage of for a days canoeing from Ross back to the Royal Lodge.

When we booked understood breakfast times to be from 8am, so when found it was 8.30 that put us under time pressure for being at our canoe hire for 8.45 (even though only a 2 minute walk) There were quite a few other folk at breakfast before 8.30, but the earlier buffet option was all we had time for, when a cooked breakfast would be been much better for a full days canoeing. Whilst the staff came in early to help us get breakfast in time, I'd always expect that at any hotel, especially in a location where folk might be heading off early to take advantage of the River Wye.

The location The hotel is situated on the banks of the river Wye, at the end of a no-through road, which meant it was quite quiet, although there was a large public car park out front. Our room Was surprisingly large for the price, as was our bed. It was on the second floor with a great view of the river from our large window. Staff All the staff were very friendly and very attentive. Food The restaurant was delightful and the food exceptional, with the prices normal for a 4-star hotel.

There was nothing we didn't like

Lovely hotel that I’d recommend. First little trip away as a family with our little one. Location is amazing. Especially if you want to go for walks around the Forest of Dean. Nice little beer garden out the front overlooking the river and the scenery is great. The food in the restaurant is out of this world. Highly recommended. Although a little pricey but you’re in a prime spot. The bedroom, we had the large family room, it’s a little bit dated but it’s an old building with its old character so you have to expect a little bit of that. You can feel every spring in the bed so a bit of a con. Overall a highly enjoyable stay which I wouldn’t think twice about booking again.

The location was superb! Right next to the river where we booked to go canoeing for my husbands 50th Birthday. We got there earlier than expected and breakfast had finished, but the Staff said we could have continental breakfast, toast, coffee, if it suited us. We were all hungry, so this was perfect. They were very friendly and accommodating, the service at the hotel was exceptional. After canoeing, we got back to the hotel and changed for dinner. The menu was plentiful and the food was delicious and again the service and staff were brilliant.

Nothing, everything was perfect.

A Relaxing Stay with Outstanding Service! Royal Lodge is the perfect spot for a peaceful getaway, especially for long scenic walks—great for dog owners too! The food was 5-star, and the room and facilities were lovely, considering the historic charm of the building. What truly made our stay special was the exceptional service. Sally went above and beyond, handling everything from start to finish—Royal Lodge is so lucky to have her! She made our trip unforgettable. Highly recommend for great food, beautiful walks, and top-tier hospitality. We’ll definitely be back!

The property does not have a lift, and our room was located up two and a half flights of stairs.

Incredible location right on the river Wye and below the Yat Rock view point. The staff were so kind and friendly, accommodating and went out of their way to ensure we had a wonderful stay. The bed was exceptional and the breakfast was probably the best full English I’ve ever had. Thank you to the manager especially for helping with our last min booking.

The hotel was perfect. Whilst I appreciate more hotels and pubs are becoming dog friendly it’s important the retain a high standard by not allowing the obsession with dog ownership and the entitlement to take them absolutely everywhere. Some humans have health problems and the risk they can bring can mean hospitalisation.

We have been going to The Royal Lodge for over 20 years now. The accommodation is always comfortable and clean, the bar is cosy, and the food is always excellent! Furthermore, Symonds Yat is such a beautiful place to stay. The owner and staff have always been very welcoming, too. Recently, we spent our 20th anniversary there. The owner, knowing this, helped make this trip an extra special one. See you again soon, and thank you!

Everything was perfect!

The breakfast not good value for money. Ordered two poached eggs and that was all on the plate, no garnishing or toast came with it!! Grapefruit was the only choice of fruit to go with cereal …no other fruit was offered. Lovely location… parking provided was good.

Access to the upstairs bedrooms is difficult for older guests, help with luggage up and down would have been appreciated. Also getting into and out of the bath with a slippery surface can feel dangerous.

It's a beautiful location but the roads are single file for the final couple of miles which can be a little tricky in the dark. The car park is large.

The rooms are a little tired, the sink in the room itself with a very small pace for a toilet and shower, it is a little tight. It is not too easy with a dog when your room is a fair distance from the reception (despite letting them know my dog is elderly and we would have preferred a room as close to the outside door as is possible)