Drake Hotel Plymouth: History, Reviews & Chicago Comparison

The Drake Hotel in Plymouth is a small, family-run hotel on the Hoe, not to be confused with the Chicago hotel of the same name that once hosted Princess Diana for afternoon tea. With 19 rooms over four floors (official site), this Devon property offers free parking and a central location that puts the waterfront two minutes away. This article separates the facts from the confusion, covering the hotel’s history, guest reviews, and local alternatives.

Last checked: 2026-08-06

Room count: 19 · Floors: 4 · Walk to Plymouth Hoe: 2 minutes · Drive to ferry terminal: 5 minutes

Did Princess Diana stay at the Drake Hotel?

No — the well-known story of Princess Diana having afternoon tea at a Drake Hotel refers to the Drake Hotel in Chicago, not Plymouth. In 1996, Diana visited the Chicago landmark during a fundraising trip (Wikipedia). The Drake Hotel Plymouth, by contrast, has no recorded royal connection. This mix‑up is why many searchers end up looking at the Plymouth property, a wholly separate, family‑run hotel with a much smaller scale and a different history.

Key Details

Drake Hotel Plymouth history

The building that houses the Drake Hotel Plymouth dates back to the 1830s and was originally the private residence of a high‑ranking Naval officer (Trivago). It retains original architectural features such as an ornate dining‑room ceiling. Today, the hotel is family‑run and positioned on the Hoe, the large waterfront public space that is central to Plymouth’s identity.

The city centre, Theatre Royal, and Plymouth Barbican are all within a five‑minute walk (TripAdvisor India). The National Marine Aquarium is also nearby. For guests arriving by car, free on‑site parking is provided — a notable advantage in a city where central parking can be expensive.

The official site describes the hotel as “accessed by traditional staircases” and notes that all rooms have been refurbished to a high standard with quality beds, contemporary furniture, and en‑suite facilities. The property has 19 rooms over four floors, no lift, and no pool.

Drake Hotel Plymouth reviews

Guest feedback across multiple platforms highlights three consistent strengths: the location, the staff, and the breakfast. On Booking.com, the hotel earns an aggregate score of 8.6 from 1,733 reviews, with sub‑scores of 9.6 for staff, 9.5 for location, and 9.2 for cleanliness (Booking.com). KAYAK users give it 8.8, praising location, staff, cleanliness, breakfast, and parking (KAYAK).

Expedia’s listing summarises guest sentiment as “great things about the breakfast, helpful staff, and location” (Expedia). TripAdvisor gives the property a 4.8 rating and notes that rooms include flat‑screen TVs, tea and coffee facilities, and en‑suite showers.

“The city centre, the Theatre Royal and the Plymouth Barbican are within 5 minutes’ walk of the Drake.”

— TripAdvisor listing description

Several reviewers note that guest rooms are accessed by stairs only, which could be a limitation for travellers with mobility concerns. However, KAYAK’s accessibility listing mentions ground‑floor units and wheelchair‑accessible parking as available options. The hotel also offers a bar/lounge, luggage storage, and 24‑hour security.

The bottom line: the most consistent praise is for staff friendliness and the unbeatable location near the Hoe.

Copthorne Hotel Plymouth

When comparing the Drake Hotel Plymouth to the nearby Copthorne Hotel Plymouth, the differences are mainly scale and atmosphere. The Copthorne is a larger chain hotel (part of the Millennium & Copthorne group) located close to the city centre, offering more rooms, a restaurant, and a fitness centre. The Drake, by contrast, is an intimate 19‑room property with a homely, family‑run feel.

If you prioritise central charm, free parking, and a short walk to the waterfront, the Drake Hotel Plymouth is the stronger choice. For those wanting a full‑service hotel with a gym and on‑site restaurant, the Copthorne may be a better fit.

Our Recommendation

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources

• Drake Hotel Plymouth official site
• Booking.com reviews – The Drake Hotel
• Booking.com property page
• Expedia listing
• TripAdvisor (UK)
• TripAdvisor (India)
• KAYAK – The Drake Hotel Plymouth
• Trivago listing
• PlymouthHotels.net – The Drake
• Hotels.com – The Drake Hotel Plymouth
• Wikipedia – The Drake Hotel (Chicago)