Russell Hotel
Russell Hotel descritpion
This Victorian hotel overlooks the scenic Royal Tunbridge Wells Common and is a 5-minute walk from the historic center of town. Guests can enjoy food and drinks beside an ancient cherry tree on the hotel terrace.
Guests can have a drink in the Russell Hotel’s 24-hour bar or relax in the casual and spacious lounge area. A full English breakfast is served in the hotel’s dining room which boasts views of The Common.
All rooms at the Russell have private bathrooms and TVs. Free tea and coffee is provided and some rooms have free Wi-Fi. Ironing facilities are available upon request.
The historic shopping district of The Pantiles and the floral Calverley Gardens are under a 15 minute walk away. Tunbridge Wells Train Station is a 10-minute walk away.
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Facilities of Russell Hotel
Outdoors ：Terrace
Pets ：Pets are not allowed.
Food & Drink ：Bar
Internet ：Free!WiFi is available in public areas and is free of charge. | Free!WiFi is available in some hotel rooms and is free of charge.
Parking ：Free!Free public parking is available on site (reservation is not possible).
Services ：Car Rental | 24-Hour Front Desk | Baggage Storage | Laundry | Fax/Photocopying
General ：Newspapers | Non-smoking Rooms | Heating | All Spaces Non-Smoking (public and private)
Reviews for Russell Hotel
Review 1：Traffic noise. My room was at the front of the hotel on the main road. Nice big sash windows, no secondary glazing. Heard every passing vehicle from about 5.30am
Review 2：Great breakfast. Central location. Friendly staff. Allowed me to park my car in the car park for the day whilst I was working locally, even though I had checked out.
Review 3：The room was not serviced effectively and the room was too hot. The lack of lift was a problem as I was on 2nd floor but I should have realised when I booked.
Review 4：The situation was good. The staff were charming and breakfast was excellent.
Review 5：The staff were very friendly and accommodating. My room was pleasant and clean. A very enjoyable stay and I would definitely book a room at the Rilussell Hotel when next in the area.
Review 6：One way system made it tricky to get to - check directions carefully TV screen very small Not the best designed room
Review 7：Good location - walkable to centre Comfy bed Good breakfast Pleasant staff
Review 8：Parking is a major difficulty both in the extremely limited hotel car park that is worse than useless to guests and in the vicinity where there are major limitations to parking.
Review 9：Breakfast, clean room, friendly staff, value for money.
Review 10：Narrow stairs, makes it difficult take a case to your room. Very restricted car parking at the hotel, and the road directly next to the hotel is parking by permit. Makes staying very awkward. Dining room is not much better than a transport cafe, I have enjoyed better facilities on an Offshore platform. Tables were dirty
Review 11：The shower, lots of hot water and good sized towels.
Review 12：The décor of the stairs is not at the same level as the room. Have to walk up stairs - obviously - as this is an older property.
Review 13：The room was refurbished in a modern style and very nice. Also has a large desk - very important for me! Cooked breakfast with black pudding to die for - don't miss it!
Review 14：Hotel interior looked shabby in places, bathroom fittings old nd damaged, poor quality flat pillows, odd carpeting throughout. neglected interior. Dismal view of rear car park.
Review 15：Pleasant staff
Review 16：The hotel was a bit old fashioned but it was based near our destination . The staff were very helpful and understanding, you could'nt ask for more. The breakfast was excellent too. The staff made sure that the room was clean and tidy. we are a couple with young children and the stay was very pleasant.
Review 17：the décor was terrible could seriously do with updating and we had to hunt someone down to check in and out. The guy that checked us out had a mouthful of breakfast but I wont hold it against him
Review 18：Location was great and the rooms was very clean We were late getting back but they stayed up to let us in which we appreciated.
Review 19：Breakfast with no cheese is not breakfast,mushroom is canned mushroom not fresh , Telephone in the room not working, The wifi is very weak even there is no mobile service in the room
Review 20：Location
Review 21：The staff extremely helpful. Even though I arrived too early they provided me with a room. They charged my phone and kept my stuff in the fridge. Really amazing.
Review 22：No bad review just the hotel was tired and old fashioned especially the bathroom.
Review 23：Breakfast was freshly cooked and tasted good. Staff were pleasant. Bed was clean and comfortable.
Review 24：Car park is a great bonus but a bit tight. We were in the annex so a bit out of the main hotel.
Review 25：Good location for town centre. Nice stroll to the Pantiles.
Review 26：Comfortable and cheap in a good location and with town centre parking. Old fashioned and in need of refurbishment, so not to everyone's cup of tea. But if you like cups of tea, you'll probably like this.
Review 27：Staff were friendly and very helpful. The location was perfect for us as we were working in the town centre. Good value with a nice breakfast to start the day.
Review 28：Beds uncomfortable and only a small car park - on street parking a nightmare
Review 29：Not the most comfortable of rooms but it was clean and the breakfast was nice
Review 30：Decor was a little bit tired,however clean,3 bulbs were blown in the room ,so if you needed to read anything ,had to hold it under bedside lamp to read...
Review 31：Had to go up two flights of stairs so not ideal for elderly or disabled guests. The broadband problem I had last year has been fixed though I was on the top floor last year. Other than that no problems at all.
Review 32：Nice convenient location, about 10 minutes walk to the Spa Valley Railway. Staff were very friendly and helpful, room was comfortable with a wide screen tv will come again when the Spa Valley has more events on next year.
Review 33：The large posh room with high windows and drapes, Queen-sized bed, and ensuite bathroom. Sofa and desk and TV. Even a small kitchen with MV and Fridg, and dishes, and tea supplies. Breakfast included in very reasonable price. Convenience to town and Wood's Restaurant on the Pantiles, and King Charles the Martyr Church.
Review 34：Parking was a nightmare, there are very few spaces in the car park and the street parking was limited. Room was up 3 flights of stairs, past the bucket collecting brown water and torn wallpaper. Once in room, it was 'tired' and the carpet quite dirty.
Review 35：The bed was clean and comfortable and the breakfast was good. The reception staff were really helpful and friendly.
Review 36：The room was very dirty especially under the bed, with mould and wall paper peeling off the wall. The bed was on breeze blocks. We both a bad case of itchy skin following the stay which we put down to bed bugs.
Review 37：The room was quiet and the breakfast was quite good.
Review 38：Decor was a little dated and the whole hotel looked a little tired but that didn't affect the comfort.
Review 39：It was close to town centre, easy to find & had parking. The room was well laid out & with everything you need.It was quiet, comfortable & cozy.
Review 40：Not too fond of the bog-standard English hotel breakfast but that is what I expected at the price so I can't complain.
Review 41：Combination of price and location - handy for the town without seeming to be in it.
Review 42：Stairs & steps could be a problem for some customers.
Review 43：Pleasant dining room. Hotel good value & occupies a very central position for access to town & tourists places of interest.
Review 44：I asked for parking but when I arrived I could not park on site. Traffic wardens out side. I had to park in the street and carry by bags in. In the morning had to leave my breakfast half way to move my car as traffic warden arrived 7.55 am. Drove around two mile and went back to check out. In my hurry forgot my phone charger. Hotel did not ring me to say some thing found in my room. Would not stay again
Review 45：The hotel was in the right location to meet my requirements.
Review 46：The parking if the hotel car park was full
Review 47：The room was large with a big window with good view. The bathroom was great as it had a bath and an easy to use shower. Excellent location for the places I wanted to go
Review 48：Access to car park abominable. Pranged our rental car through no fault of our own because of others parking on yellow lines.
Review 49：Bedroom located for ease of access. Good breakfasts and friendly staff.
Review 50：Excellent staff, really good breakfast, comfortable bed and beautiful new bathroom. Also I dropped my wallet (cash and cards) in the hotel car park when I left to drive back up to Cheshire; some very honest person handed it in to reception, who phoned me immediately to say they had got it.
Review 51：it was grim, scaffolding on the annex, smell in the hall way, not sure if the bedroom was clean, we did have clean sheets. the breakfast area was like a greasy Joe café for builders and the waiter placed our cutlery with touching the fork end I would be eating with, the only thing that was good was the tea. The receptionist was nice and pleasant
Review 52：Staff at the desk and her willingness to assist guests.
Review 53：Location and the desk fit being very helpful and nice. Breakfast was very slow knowing that some parents were there for their children not be late for their exams.
Review 54：In need of updating, looks very tired inside. Paint work isn't good. Cheap crockery and furniture.
Review 55：The front office fellow was very helpful and welcoming.
Review 56：No bad experience but the bathrooms could be upgraded!
Review 57：It was clean,the receptionist Who checked us in was most helpful and it was excellent value for what we paid!
Review 58：Furniture and bathroom dated but clean and functioning. Approach to annex a bit run down.
Review 59：Stayed in the annex with kitchen facilities and seating area. Useful to have microwave, fridge etc and seating area. Clean. Close to town and station without being noisy. Staff pleasant. Fresh cooked breakfast, cereals, juice, toast, jam and marmalade. Reasonable price for area. Car park. I would stay again.
Review 60：Partner was on a course so I enjoyed wandering around tunbridge wells and revisiting places I went as a child.had a lovely time and relaxed in the pleasant room.
Review 61：Friendly staff, great breakfast and in the middle of central Royal Tunbridge Wells. Interior was a bit dated but charming and very clean. Super comfy bed and lots of tv channels.
Review 62：The hotel is very dated and tired.
Review 63：Nice friendly staff , a good location and very clean in the rooms. Ideal as a base for a night or two but no more for a leisure break.
Review 64：Room 54 which I was given was 3 floors up in a Victorian House, not pleasant dragging your bags up 3 floors after travelling and no help on hand. The en suite bathroom / toilet was functioning but there was a very unpleasant smell all the time and as such I had to keep the extract fan on and door closed. The shower was ok but very low pressure so a pump would be a simple fix. Shower curtain was old and some of the rings were off the rail. The bathroom sink was in the main bedroom area which was a bit strange especially as this room could sleep 3, no privacy? Immediately you leave the small bathroom/toilet you step onto the bedroom carpet by the sink, not vey hygienic, my imagination runs wild as to what is lurking in the carpet pile! A small area of wood or vinyl flooring would help in this area and could be cleaned daily.The location was ok but as there was no air conditioning the window had to be left open as the towel rail in the bathroom was constantly on and could not be turned off (broken valve), so with window open it was very noisy with traffic and public returning from clubs and pubs late at night. The TV was probably the smallest I have ever seen in a hotel (currently). Beds were old and so was the carpet which was poor fitting and very stained, especially around sink area. Lights on in the hallway meant your room was lit all night from the light creeping through the poorly fitted doors. All light fittings had some lamps blown so you had to have all lights switched on to gain sufficient lighting to read by.This hotel just about caters for your needs but is expensive, it is old and tired looking with a very dated colour scheme throughout, clearly very little investment has been put into this establishment. Not sure about maintenance but clearly there is plenty of room for improvement.
Review 65：Reception staff were nice.
Review 66：The hotel is in need of a make over. A redecorating of the public areas and some of the rooms I saw would not go amiss. Re carpeting or a cleaning of the ones in use would help also. The decor and standard needs to be raised to reflect the tariff.
Review 67：The location, staff and breakfast were all positive points for this hotel. Sitting outside of the main enterance having a beer on the late evening was very relaxing also.
Review 68：Tired and old fashioned. Internal bathroom extractor didn't work, neither did hairdryer. Shabby 70s decor needs attention. Bathroom antiquated. Cleaning not very thorough.
Review 69：Our room and bathroom although clean, were very dated, wallpaper coming off walls, the bathroom was a hideous, dated pink suite. A make over is definitely required.
Review 70：Beds were uncomfortable, we had one mattress replaced as it was impossible to sleep with. I would recommend this as a property you should not have on your list . Backpackers may like but the price would need to be adjusted.
Review 71：Nothing much...the place is in urgent need of a refurbishment.
Review 72：Some modernisation of bedroom, bathroom and redecoration of landings required to give a better impression.The bar area also looks rather dull.
Review 73：All of the above comments in its favour.
Review 74：Although a lot of reviews were negative about the Russell Hotel we found it not to be as bad as was stated. Yes the décor is dated and the bathroom could have looked better but our room in the annexe was clean, comfortable and quiet. The staff were friendly and couldn't do enough to help us. The breakfast was lovely. I have stayed in hotels that have cost a lot more money that may look fantastic but they have not been anywhere near as comfortable or with staff so helpful.
Review 75：Decor is a bit dated, could do with a lick of paint in places. Worst thing was the parking, small overcrowded car park. If you park in the street watch out for the wardens, very zealous.
Review 76：Great location for the town, staff friendly and room very clean. Excellent shower.
Review 77：Scaffolding outside but no one working on it when we stayed Friday night Poor internal decoration - in need of replacing and modernising
Review 78：Modernised comfortable double bedroom at top of property tasty breakfast pleasant staff convenient location
Review 79：Consistency as I'm a repeat guest. Would stay again as it meets my needs for an affordable way to stay over in Tunbridge Wells to meet up and stay in touch with friends.
Review 80：Taps on the bath didn't work, I informed reception on my first day but this wasn't fixed during my stay
Review 81：Friendly staff, central location, good selection for breakfast and rapid service. Good central location. Staff were happy to let me leave my luggage in storage for an extra day
Review 82：The breakfast service, whilst friendly, was very disorganised. Although having a vegetarian breakfast, I didn't get my breakfast until my husband and son were already a third of the way through their full breakfast!
Review 83：The beds were very comfortable and the breakfast portions good value.
Review 84：shower in first room offered had celing caving in. 2nd room an improvement. But the whole place needs smartening up. It Is a convenient hotel for both shops and railway station. I did cancel our last day there, stayed at another hotel.
Review 85：The staff were very nice, cheerful and helpful. Couldn't ask for anything better. Out of the 3 hotels we stayed at during our holiday, Russell staff were the tops.
Review 86：Shower had black mold in it and shower door was rotten at the bottom. Room wasn't cleaned properly. Bed was held up by a box with piece of bed sticking out causing a hazard, my boyfriend tripped over it three times.
Review 87：Room was big with spacious bathroom.
Review 88：The decor is a little dated but it's clean and comfortable.
Review 89：Although I booked a twin room, upon arrival I was given a double room in the annexe with a private car parking space! When I got up to the room, it was actually a massive suite with a kitchenette! I was very impressed. The whole room was clean and comfortable!! The staff were more than helpful and very friendly! I would definitely recommend the hotel to my friends
Review 90：Ceiling in shower room was falling in - literally . Room up loads of steps so difficult with suitcases. Parking difficult
Review 91：Staff really helpful and nice location
Review 92：our room was very tired,the bathroom was substandard, towels had holes in them. compared to other places where we have stayed for the same price, it did not compare.
Review 93：staff were very good. nothing was to much trouble.
Review 94：I've been trying hard but I really can't think of anything negative about this hotel or its staff.
Review 95：The staff are all very efficient, courteous and welcoming. The room was spacious and comfortable. Breakfast included, wifi included, a great little kitchenette. Great value for money for a central location.
Review 96：nothing to complain about. As a matter of interest street parking is free between 8am and 8pm. The parking attendant is sharp on 8am. Otherwise permit needed or limited hours.
Review 97：Helpful, efficient staff. Relaxed atmosphere
Review 98：Hotel very dated, felt like I had gone back in time to the 80's. The bathroom was in poor condition with a mustard bathroom suite and the hair dryer was so old fashioned and sounded liked plane was taking off on the room. I had to go out and buy shower gel as the tiny bar of soap was not big enough to wash from the knees down. Breakfast poor, hard boiled poached egg, tinned mushrooms, cold beans.
Review 99：Location was convenient, price was reasonable.
Review 100：Car park was full of vans so unable to find a space. Receptionist was less than helpful or simpathetic. My room was at the very top of the hotel - in the covered attic. Very warm and unable to open windows due to the scaffold outside.
Review 101：Location was great
Review 102：The bathroom windows could have frosted windows as we had to put blinds down every time we used it which made it quite dark. If there had been a fan in room windows would not have needed to be open. Making noise from road quite bad
Review 103：The room in the annex was very roomy the bed was very comfortable and although noisy from the road was not noisy from other occupants. The breakfast was good too
Review 104：As previous reviews have identified, the decor is sad and dated, but it is clearly in the process of being updated and is as clean as it could possibly be.
Review 105：Without a doubt, this hotel is redeemed by its staff. Nothing is too much trouble and they do their very best to provide what you want, with a smile.
Review 106：On arrival staff were not particularly welcoming. The bathroom was also fairly dirty/dusty. I prefer healthier breakfast eg fresh fruit, which was not catered for. As a vegan, I couldn't have most things which were available.
Review 107：The location was perfect, situated just outside of town. Perfect sized bed and the bathroom was great with both a bath and a shower.
Review 108：Room was really grubby, the common partsd of the hotel are really in need of a coat of paint but the lovely lady who checked me out knows this! They are decorating the outside of the hotel at the moment, it is going to look spectacular. Hopefully they will get to the inside after that, unless they have time to vacuum properly in the meantime. In the bathroom there was absolutely no where to put a towel, no rail, no ring, no hook, only the floor, but I suspect that this will improve now that the hotel know about it. What hotelier does not know that there are no towel rails or shelves in their bathrooms?
Review 109：Nice coffee at breakfast
Review 110：Hotel is on a rather noisy road with revellers. But shut the window and wear earplugs and you will not feel a thing! We didn't like the plastic mattress covers so took them off.
Review 111：Excellent location, with map provided by friendly Jay and restaurants highlighted. Room large and comfortable.
Review 112：The staff were not very friendly, we had an ok welcome but our check out poor. We were hardly spoken to, not asked if we had enjoyed our stay or if everything had been alright and the receptionist did not even say goodbye.
Review 113：The room was clean & comfortable and the breakfast was very good but a shame the waiter couldn't cope.
Review 114：Breakfast room felt like a transport cafe. No tablecloths and no clean tables on our first morning. Food not very appetising either. Would not recommend this hotel. No beer in bar only lager.
Review 115：Room and bathroom clean and comfortable.
Review 116：We were in the annexe. Not sure that cleanliness was all that good and the neighbours were enjoying a party that seemed to go on all night! Slept well nonetheless.
Review 117：The bed was really comfortable. The staff were caring and professional
Review 118：This lovely guest house has a lot of character. I had an attic room with an unusual shape that felt very homely. The furniture in the room was old and the room needs decorating but I didn't mind that. If you're the sort of person who likes the predictability of a chain hotel then this isn't the hotel for you, but if you want something a bit different then give the Russell Hotel a go. :)
Review 119：Did not like the en-suite shower room - it was tiny and very cramped, and so small that there was no room for the wash-basin which was therefore out in the bedroom, which was not at all convenient. Also, our room was on second floor, actually up 3 or 4 separate staircases - we were offered some help with luggage on arrival but still had to struggle with other bags, and no help on bringing it all back down again.
Review 120：Hotel felt very warm and cosy on arrival, and room was also really warm despite being quite spacious.
Review 121：Although we had requested parking, only one space in carpark available when we arrived. We left to visit a hospital and on return no parking space. Limited parking on total length of road, some permit holders only other 1 hour between 8am and 5pm with no return within 4 hours. Nearest carpar about quarter mile away.
Review 122：Proximity to town centre. Breakfast
Review 123：Staff friendly. Good location. Free wifi and parking. Clean, comfy, value for money. Great breakie!!! Don't expect 5* of a 2* hotel but for price it was good value.
Review 124：The breakfast was a bit of a let down. The fried eggs had hard yolks and I actually did not eat much of mine as I did not like the taste of the sausage etc.
Review 125：The room was spacious and very comfortable.
Review 126：Staff poor unkempt very poor presentation and service Building run down and outdated Bedroom beyond poor Breakfast microwaved English resulting in bad stomach within 30 mins. A place to avoid !
Review 127：Nothing
Review 128：Parking. We had requested a space in the car park. There wasn't one. On street parking made it very difficult to turn out of the car park.
Review 129：Checking in late
Review 130：The room (in the annexe) was like stepping back in time. At least there was a flat-screen tv and a fairly comfortable bed, but some of the furniture looked older than I am, and I'm over 50. The kitchenette - the reason we chose this hotel - didn't have any kind of hob, just a microwave, so we had to eat out anyway. The Wi-fi didn't reach the annex, but new broadband is currently being installed.
Review 131：Great location, very welcoming receptionist, spacious room and really nicely cooked breakfast
Review 132：Dining on plastic tables. Bacon and tomato s cooked in old fat/oil. Should have been grilled. Felt like we were at a truck stop. Will not be going again.
Review 133：Just the location
The Fine Print
Due to the historic nature of the building, neither the main building nor the annexe have lifts. The hotel does not serve lunch or dinner, however there are many different restaurants within 2-10 minutes’ walk.Guide dogs are allowed.Please note that parking spaces are limited and are on a first-come, first-served basis. Further parking can be found in nearby locations and charges may apply.From 1 June 2015 the exterior of the hotel will be undergoing decoration/painting. This is expected to last 6 or 8 weeks, and any disturbance to guests will be minimal.