The Clarendon Royal Community - Gravesend

Richard N.

Unfortunately, our experience at the Clarendon Royal Community Hotel was extremely disappointing. The photos online did not reflect the reality of the room we were given. Upon arrival, we found dirty cups, no shower gel, and only one hand towel provided for a double room. The decoration was very poor, and the furniture was old, worn, and dirty.

The design of the shower meant that after use, the entire bathroom became wet and slippery, adding further discomfort to our stay.

However, the most alarming issue was the door: we were unable to unlock it from inside the room. We had to call reception to be let out. This was incredibly concerning, as it posed a serious safety risk in the event of a fire. While the staff were helpful and apologetic, it does not excuse such a dangerous fault.

Even more worrying was learning that this was not the first time guests had been trapped inside their rooms. It is deeply troubling that such a critical safety issue has not been properly addressed.

Regrettably, we cannot recommend this hotel based on our experience.

Helen F.

Good location. Have stayed here before but the hotel has gone down hill - a lot. My room had no mirror and was quite grubby. The bed sheets were clean but the furniture in the room was tired and damaged. Some wood in the bathroom had broken off the wall and it felt and looked grubby. It's a shame as I had stayed previously and had a much better experience. (Some new carpet and a bathroom upgrade would make it much better). Customer service wasn't great but I didn't mind so much.

Z3592FDhelenf

Rooms need refurbishing! I had stayed here previously and had a good experience. I think the hotel is now a community hub/accommodation etc for elderly residents but also offers 'hotel rooms' The room I had was dirty - the carpet was grubby and dust everywhere. The bathroom had broken parts which covered pipework. There was no mirror in the bedroom and I've seen better furniture in charity shops. However, the towels were clean and it was a quiet hotel. I'm sorry to give a poor review - it's a shame as I know how good it could be... (new carpet and curtains would improve things)...

Paul S.

Tv in rooms do not work, rooms are cleaned to a minimum standard ie used cups not washed used towels left on floor dirty bedside tables, mattress in most rooms are old and thin to the point you can feel the bed frame, in summer the rooms are so hot with cheap fans that need reseting every hour should you have to leave early morning you will find the night porter person asleep behind the desk on the floor

Rupert M.

A lovely team greeted us at the Clarendon, we only stayed for one night. But will be back to use a hub to visit the surrounding areas.

The rooms were fine and decent, one of the strongest showers too.

They have a bar here, which is brilliant priced.

A car park and garden area by the river were also a nice point.

David W.

We really enjoyed our night's stay at the hotel. Lovely welcoming staff, comfortable bed and stunning estuary views. Very handy for town centre too. We would definitely stay again.

Diana

Really enjoyed a nice healthy lunch at Clarendon Hotel recently and it was perfect, wonderful summer vibes throughout, outside seating area available right by the river and lots of drinks to choose from at the bar, welcomed by very friendly staff and quick service. Thank you for lovely experience!
☆☆☆☆☆

Richard M.

We visited here for lunch; a family meal with 3 young kids and my grandmother, who handpicked the restaurant based on suitability for 3 kids.

The food was good with generous portions, though the price (almost £90 for 3 adult and 3 kids meals and soft drinks).

However, we arrived at 12:20, had our drinks ordered and then food ordered (slightly slowly, by 12:40-12:50 maybe), and went straight for mains. It took a while but eventually we got them, maybe by 13:20. We ate, really enjoying the food, but it was almost an hour later that we got someone to start clearing our table and taking our dessert order - well after 2pm. At 2:30pm we started asking where our desserts were and were told eventually that they had a miscommunication (implied to be related to new ownership), the chef did not know a table of 20 and a table of 11 were booked in until they arrived and that they were busy serving them (seemingly starters). Our desserts would be up to 15 more minutes.

We were surprised as several bar staff were only intermittently occupied for the time we were there - our waitress was often popping out elsewhere but it did not feel like everyone was overloaded. It was a surprise that no one warned us. With young children to occupy, it had been difficult. The staff were a bit apologetic that we had had a bad experience and after asking a couple of times I got someone to process the bill (minus desserts).

We decided to leave and get pudding on the Prom nearby for 1/3 of the price and to allow the kids to get out.

It seems like it was an unfortunate series of events that ruined an otherwise nice meal, but the only redeeming features were nice (if expensive) food and clean bathrooms.