The reconstruction of the historic Royal Clarence Hotel, located in the heart of Exeter, England, has officially begun. Originally built in 1769, this iconic hotel was the first in England to be called a “hotel”, distinguishing it from traditional inns and taverns. However, it suffered extensive damage in a devastating fire in 2016. After years of planning, investors and local authorities have finally started the restoration process, aiming to preserve its historic charm while integrating modern comforts.
📍 History of the Royal Clarence Hotel
The Royal Clarence Hotel holds a special place in British history. It was England’s first officially named “hotel”, setting a new standard for hospitality in the 18th century. Over the centuries, it hosted aristocrats, writers, artists, and politicians, becoming a key cultural landmark in Exeter.
However, in October 2016, a fire broke out in an adjacent building, quickly spreading to the hotel. The blaze destroyed much of the structure, leaving only its façade standing. For years, the future of the building remained uncertain, but now a full-scale restoration is underway.
🏗 Reconstruction Plan and Budget
The restoration of Royal Clarence involves several key stages:
- Reinforcing and restoring the façade – preserving the historic exterior.
- Completely redesigning the interior – creating modern guest rooms and facilities.
- Incorporating sustainable technologies – installing energy-efficient systems.
- Rebuilding historic architectural details – recreating original features.
💰 Project Budget
The total budget for the project is estimated at £17 million (approximately €20 million). Funding comes from private investors and grants from heritage conservation organizations.
- Façade restoration – £3 million.
- Interior reconstruction – £9 million.
- Modern technology and safety upgrades – £3 million.
- Landscaping and surrounding area improvements – £2 million.
🏨 What Will the New Royal Clarence Hotel Offer?
After completion, the Royal Clarence will reopen as a luxurious 5-star hotel, blending historic elegance with modern amenities.
🔹 Key Features of the New Hotel:
✔️ Number of rooms – 74 luxury rooms with contemporary design.
✔️ Restaurant and bar – offering traditional English cuisine.
✔️ Conference rooms – spaces for business meetings and events.
✔️ Fitness & spa area – new guest wellness facilities.
✔️ Smart technology – intelligent lighting, heating, and security systems.
The hotel is expected to attract tourists, business travelers, and history enthusiasts, offering a unique blend of tradition and modern hospitality standards.
💰 Room Prices
Once reopened, the room rates will vary depending on the season and category:
- Classic Room – from £250 (€290) per night.
- Deluxe Room – from £400 (€460) per night.
- Royal Suite – from £800 (€920) per night.
For comparison, before the fire, room prices ranged from £150 to £300, meaning a significant price increase after the reconstruction.
🚀 Economic Impact of the Project
The reopening of the Royal Clarence is expected to have a positive impact on Exeter’s economy, including:
✔️ Job creation – around 200 new jobs in the hospitality sector.
✔️ Increased tourism – boosting visitor numbers to the city.
✔️ Higher property values – improving the investment climate in the city center.
✔️ Growth in local businesses – benefiting restaurants, shops, and tourism-related enterprises.
📅 Project Timeline
🔹 2024-2025 – primary construction and restoration work.
🔹 2025 – completion of interior fittings and technological installations.
🔹 Early 2026 – official grand reopening of the hotel.
The project is being carried out under the supervision of architectural conservation experts to ensure that the historic integrity of the building is preserved.
📌 Conclusion
The reconstruction of the Royal Clarence Hotel marks an important step in restoring one of Exeter’s most iconic landmarks.
📌 With an investment of £17 million, the hotel will regain its historical charm while transforming into a state-of-the-art 5-star establishment.
📌 The higher room rates and luxury offerings will attract business travelers, history lovers, and high-end tourists.
📌 The project will significantly boost Exeter’s economy, creating jobs and strengthening the city’s appeal as a tourist destination.
Upon its reopening in 2026, the Royal Clarence Hotel will once again stand as one of Britain’s most prestigious and historically significant hotels. 🏨✨
