Royal Clarence Hotel
| The Royal Clarence | |
|---|---|
The hotel in 2015 | |
| Former names |
|
| General information | |
| Status | Damaged (building reconstruction and restoration due for completion in 2027) |
| Type | Hotel |
| Address | Cathedral Yard |
| Town or city | Exeter |
| Country | England |
| Coordinates | 50°43′24″N 3°31′49″W / 50.72333°N 3.53028°W |
| Named for | Adelaide, Duchess of Clarence |
| Construction started | 1785 1855 1899 2019 1 April 2025 |
| Completed | 1787 1855 1900 2027 |
| Opened | 1769 April 2027 |
| Renovated | 1 April 2025 –1 April 2027 |
| Closed | 28 October 2016 |
| Demolished | November 2016 |
| Owner | Andrew Brownsword Hotels |
| Designations | Grade II listed |
| Other information | |
| Number of rooms | 53 bedrooms |
| Website | |
| nooko | |
The Royal Clarence Hotel is a former hotel in Cathedral Yard, Exeter, Devon, England. It is often described as the first property in England to be called a hotel; however, The German Hotel, London, was described in this way in 1710, so it is probably the second. Since 2005 the 53-bedroom hotel was branded as ABode Exeter.
The former hotel, soon to be renamed The Royal Clarence, along with the two other currently damaged buildings including; Exeter Bank and The Well House Tavern were all severely damaged by a fire in October 2016. Since 1 April 2025, the three damaged buildings are currently undergoing a major restoration. The complete restoration works are due to be completed in 2027.
On 25 July 2017 restoration plans were unveiled by the hotelier Andrew Brownsword. The restoration work was being undertaken by construction consultants Thomasons, in partnership with Manchester architects Buttress, Historic England and Exeter City Council. On 6 August 2019, it was announced that Andrew Brownsword Hotels had put the site up for sale, The reopening date is currently unknown. and the site was sold in August 2020 to James Brent of South West Lifestyle Brands Ltd.
The façades were originally planned to be reconstructed as a 74 bedroom hotel. However, in October 2021 it was announced that the hotel scheme was "unviable". An alternative plan was announced in December 2021, by the Akkeron Group, to repair and retain the original facade and exterior, and to construct twenty-three luxury apartments with a fully accessible restaurant, bar and two function rooms on the ground floor The proposals were approved in October 2022. The two-year building restoration commenced on 1 April 2025, which is due to be completed by April 2027.