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Summary of reviewsHoliday Inn Express - Exeter - City Centre by IHG, is highly commended for its prime location. Nestled near the city center, it provides easy access to major attractions, transport hubs, shopping, dining and historical sites. Despite its centrality, the area remains tranquil, making it a convenient yet peaceful base for personal and business travelers.
The breakfast service earns positive feedback with a varied and ample buffet, featuring both hot and continental options. Freshness and quality are frequently mentioned and while more variety and dietary-specific choices would be beneficial, the friendly and efficient staff enhance the dining experience.
Dinner experiences are mixed. The late-night pizza is generally well-received, yet the limited menu and occasional long wait times are points of contention. Some improvements in quality and variety, along with better service availability, are suggested.
The rooms stand out for their cleanliness, modern amenities and comfort. Although some may find rooms slightly compact, the overall sentiment is positive due to stylish decor, excellent facilities and a quiet environment conducive to rest.
Cleanliness is a hallmark of the hotel with guests consistently praising the spotless conditions of rooms and public areas. This, coupled with a friendly and efficient staff, contributes significantly to a positive guest experience.
Wi-Fi is generally reliable and fast, adding to the convenience for travelers needing internet access, although some occasional connectivity issues are noted.
Parking arrangements receive mixed feedback. While the convenience of onsite parking is appreciated, the cost is seen as high and the limited spaces can be problematic. The availability of a nearby public car park provides an alternative despite additional charges.
Families find the hotel accommodating with family rooms and kid-friendly services. Helpful staff and organized accommodations, though sometimes a bit tight, are appreciated, making it a favorable choice for family stays.
Overall, the beds at the hotel are noted for their comfort, though firmness preferences vary among guests. Main beds receive high praise, but the sofa beds are often deemed uncomfortable, especially for adults.
As a three-star establishment, the hotel offers good value for money. It's frequently described as "cheap and cheerful," providing functional and pleasant services that cater well to budget-conscious travelers seeking affordable accommodations in a central location. Show more
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Dog Friendly Hotel
Holiday Inn Express - Exeter - City Centre by IHG allows pets of any size for an additional fee of £30 per pet, per stay. Both dogs and cats are welcome, but pets cannot be left in the room unattended.
Cheap Hotel
Offers a prime city centre location, making it convenient for exploring Exeter's attractions. Known for providing comfortable and modern accommodations at a reasonable price. Includes complimentary breakfast, adding extra value for budget-conscious travelers.
3-Star Hotel
Located in the city centre, this Holiday Inn Express offers convenience for exploring Exeter. It provides essential amenities such as free Wi-Fi and is suitable for both leisure and business travelers looking for a reliable and comfortable stay.
Hotel Taking Steps Towards Sustainability
Family Friendly Hotel
Hotel with Free Wi-Fi
Hotel with Parking
Room Types
Standard Twin Room with Free Hot BreakfastRoom features two single beds, a wall mounted TV, movable laptop table, free WiFi, bedside USB ports and an en-suite with a power shower.
Double Room with Free Hot Breakfast - AccessibleA wheelchair accessible double room including a double bed, a wall mounted TV, movable laptop table, free WiFi, bedside USB ports and an en-suite with a power shower.
Standard Room with Free Hot BreakfastA standard twin or double room will be allocated to you on arrival at the hotel's discretion. Your room and bedding preference is purely a request and not guaranteed.
Standard Double Room with Free Hot BreakfastThe double room features a private bathroom, air conditioning, a tea and coffee maker, as well as a seating area with a flat-screen TV. The double room offers a wardrobe, a carpeted floor, heating, as well as a TV. The unit offers 1 bed.
Standard Double Room with Sofa Bed and Free Hot BreakfastThe double room features a private bathroom, air conditioning, a tea and coffee maker, as well as a seating area with a flat-screen TV. The double room provides a wardrobe, a carpeted floor, heating and a TV. The unit offers 2 beds.
Guest Reviews
8.5
Very Good
Location
The 'Holiday Inn Express - Exeter - City Centre by IHG' is praised for its outstanding location, making it an ideal base for exploring Exeter. Conveniently situated near the city center, it's a short walk from major attractions like the high street, cathedral, quayside and the river Exe. Guests appreciate the ease of access to train stations and local transport, which simplifies travel and exploration. The proximity to shopping, dining and historical sites is frequently highlighted and the hotel's centrality makes it a convenient choice for both personal and business travelers. The area is described as quiet despite its central location, providing a peaceful retreat with minimal noise if not facing the main road. Overall, the hotel is commended for its blend of accessibility, convenience and tranquil setting, establishing it as a favored choice for visitors to Exeter.
Breakfast
The breakfast experience at Holiday Inn Express - Exeter - City Centre by IHG, receives generally positive feedback with many guests appreciating the good selection and quality of food. The breakfast buffet is frequently described as ample, plentiful and varied, offering a comprehensive range of both hot and continental options that cater to diverse tastes. Many guests highlight the freshness and warmth of the offerings with specific praise for the cooked items and the overall cleanliness of the eating area.
However, some guests note that the available hot items are limited and suggest that a greater variety, including fried eggs and gluten-free options, could be beneficial. Vegetarian and vegan guests express a desire for more options tailored to their dietary preferences. Despite occasional mentions of dry bacon and sausages, the quality of the ingredients is generally perceived as good.
The staff receive numerous commendations for their friendliness and helpfulness, contributing positively to the breakfast experience. The dining area can get quite busy and crowded during peak times, leading to some instances of disorganization and empty serving trays. Nonetheless, the breakfast service is often efficiently managed with quick restocking of food items.
Overall, the breakfast at Holiday Inn Express - Exeter - City Centre is seen as a valuable inclusion in the stay, providing a solid start to the day with a range of tasty, well-prepared offerings and accommodating service.
Dinner
The dinner experience at Holiday Inn Express - Exeter - City Centre by IHG, presents a mixed bag for guests. On one hand, some appreciated the option to order food and eat inside the hotel café area and found the pizza to be a standout item available until midnight, often describing it as good or excellent. The restaurant and bar are seen as convenient with the latter remaining open till late and providing a pleasant atmosphere.
However, many guests were disappointed with the limited and basic dinner menu, which mainly highlighted pizza as the predominant option. There were complaints about the long wait times for dinner and instances where no catering staff were available, leaving guests unable to order their meals. For those with specific dietary needs, like gluten-free options, the hotel fell short.
Though some guests found the food to be hot and well-presented, others experienced poor quality with items such as mushroom soup receiving negative feedback. The pricing for both bar meals and lunch was another point of contention, noted as being on the higher side relative to the quality and choice available.
Furniture and seating in the dining/lounge area were described as tired and in need of refurbishment, detracting from the overall dining experience. For those seeking more diverse options, the surrounding area does not offer immediate alternatives, though guest recommendations like The Mill on the Exe provide some solace.
In summary, while the convenience of the on-site dining and late-night pizza is appreciated, the limited and sometimes poor-quality menu options, coupled with occasional staff shortages, suggest there is room for improvement.
Rooms
The rooms at Holiday Inn Express - Exeter - City Centre receive high praise for their cleanliness and modern amenities. Guests frequently highlight that the rooms are spacious, comfortable and well-designed with many noting the stylish decor and excellent facilities such as large showers, air conditioning and a range of in-room amenities like hairdryers, irons and flat-screen TVs. The beds are repeatedly described as comfortable and the rooms quiet, allowing for a restful stay.
Family rooms are available, though some reviewers mentioned that these, along with other room types, can feel a bit compact, especially when equipped with additional furniture like sofa beds. Despite some comments on the smaller size of certain rooms, the overall sentiment remains positive with cleanliness and comfort consistently emphasized.
The attention to detail in room maintenance stands out with several guests appreciating the spotless condition and modern features. Air conditioning and effective temperature control add to the comfort, although a few guests noted a lack of drawers and towel rails, as well as sealed windows that limit fresh air circulation. The hotel’s communal areas and bathrooms also receive commendations for their cleanliness and modernity.
In summary, the Holiday Inn Express - Exeter - City Centre offers a comfortable and modern stay with well-equipped rooms that cater to both business and leisure travelers. While some rooms may be on the smaller side, the overall experience is enhanced by thoughtful design, excellent cleanliness and a range of modern amenities.
Beds
Guest reviews of the beds at Holiday Inn Express - Exeter - City Centre by IHG, reveal a predominantly positive experience, particularly regarding the comfort and quality of the main beds. Many guests frequently mention the beds as being comfortable with some specifically highlighting them as super comfortable, very comfortable or even incredible. The bedding, including pillows and linens, also received praise for being clean and of good quality.
However, there are mixed reviews concerning the firmness of the beds. Some travelers found the mattresses a bit too firm for their tastes with a few even reporting backaches or discomfort due to the hardness. Conversely, other guests appreciated the firm mattresses, suggesting individual preferences significantly affect bed comfort perceptions.
The reviews also highlighted issues with the sofa beds, which were often described as uncomfortable and not suitable for adults. These complaints suggest that while the main beds largely satisfy guests, the alternative sleeping arrangements do not meet the same standard.
In summary, the overall consensus points to a pleasant sleeping experience at the hotel with comfortable main beds and quality bedding. Nevertheless, the firmness of the mattresses and the discomfort of the sofa beds are notable areas for potential improvement.
Cleanliness
The Holiday Inn Express - Exeter - City Centre by IHG, consistently impresses guests with its high standards of cleanliness. Reviews repeatedly highlight the hotel as clean, tidy and well-maintained throughout its facilities, including rooms, bathrooms and common areas. Guests frequently describe the rooms as spotlessly clean, modern and comfortable, often commending the freshness and well-aired quality of both the rooms and the bedding. The hotel’s public spaces, such as the reception, corridors and social areas, also receive praise for their immaculate condition. Overall, the commitment to cleanliness seems to be a standout feature, contributing significantly to the guests’ positive experiences. Staff are also noted for being friendly, further enhancing the welcoming and hygienic atmosphere of the hotel.
Staff
The reviews for Holiday Inn Express - Exeter - City Centre by IHG, highlight the exceptional service provided by the staff. Guests frequently describe the staff as friendly, helpful and welcoming. Many reviews commend the staff for being efficient, polite and professional with several accounts of staff members going above and beyond to assist guests. Specific mentions acknowledge the reception team and breakfast staff for their attentiveness and excellent service.
Guests noted that the staff were always cheerful, well-mannered and willing to help with local information and bookings. The hotel's personnel, from management to housekeeping, were praised for their supportive and courteous behavior. Personalized touches from staff members like Emily, Carol, Alice and TJ were particularly appreciated.
Overall, the consistently positive feedback focuses on the staff's friendliness, efficiency and dedication to making guests feel welcome and taken care of, contributing significantly to the overall pleasant experience at the hotel.
Wi-Fi
Visitors to the 'Holiday Inn Express - Exeter - City Centre by IHG' generally found the Wi-Fi service to be reliable, fast and free of charge. Many guests highlighted the strong and consistent Wi-Fi signal, which facilitated a smooth internet experience. The Wi-Fi was described as good and adequate with numerous mentions of it being particularly fast. The hotel's reception area seemed to offer a notably good internet connection, including a free phone for taxi services, which adds convenience for guests.
That said, some guests noted occasional issues, such as weak Wi-Fi in certain areas and difficulty connecting specific devices, like a MacBook. A few reviews mentioned that the Wi-Fi was confusing to access and sometimes slow or poor. Despite these occasional drawbacks, the overall sentiment was positive with many guests finding no problems with the Wi-Fi signal and appreciating the dedicated workspaces equipped with strong wireless connections in their rooms. The well-deployed Wi-Fi system seemed to generally meet the needs of travelers staying at this hotel.
Parking
The parking situation at Holiday Inn Express - Exeter - City Centre by IHG, has garnered mixed reviews from guests. Many appreciated the availability of onsite parking, which they found convenient and easy to access. However, the cost of parking was a commonly noted drawback with several guests describing it as expensive or overpriced, often cited at £15 or £16 per night. Some even stated parking fees were comparable to the cost of an additional night's stay.
The limited number of parking spaces added to the challenges and first-come, first-serve arrangements further complicated the situation, particularly given shared usage with student accommodation. A few guests mentioned the parking setup as confusing or inconvenient with some encountering difficulties using the payment machines.
Despite these concerns, the presence of a public car park adjacent to the hotel provided an alternative option, although it, too, incurred charges. Overall, while the onsite parking was a plus for many, the high costs and occasional difficulties detracted from the overall convenience.
Family
Holiday Inn Express - Exeter - City Centre is a family-friendly hotel with a great location, making it an ideal base for those visiting family or enjoying a leisure trip in Exeter. The hotel offers a variety of family rooms equipped with comfortable beds, including double beds and sofa beds, though some guests found the space a bit tight for larger families.
Despite the occasional note on room size, many visitors appreciated the well-organized and tidy accommodations, noting that the rooms were functional and included useful amenities like new towels. The staff were frequently commended for their helpfulness, whether it was setting up a cot, providing extra bedding or even offering hot chocolate for the kids before bedtime.
Guests highlighted that the hotel is particularly suitable for families with options that cater well to children and discounted family rates. Activities for kids were positively received, making the stay enjoyable for families with children. Overall, the Holiday Inn Express - Exeter - City Centre remains a popular choice among families for its friendly environment, suitable facilities and accommodating service.
3 Star
The Holiday Inn Express - Exeter - City Centre by IHG, offers good value for money, making it a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers. Located centrally in town, it provides convenient access to Exeter's attractions. The hotel is consistently described as "cheap and cheerful" and "reasonably priced," which aligns well with travelers seeking affordable accommodations.
Guests noted that the hotel offers pleasant yet functional services, suitable for those on a moderate budget. The rooms, while clean, are fairly basic and come with limited amenities. Issues like missing towels and TV remotes, as well as a lack of in-room conditioner, were mentioned. Additionally, the design and decor are considered quite basic, aligning with its three-star rating and budget-friendly nature.
Despite some reservations about small room sizes and the need for upgraded facilities, visitors still find the hotel a good option for its price, especially during holiday periods like Christmas and New Year’s Eve. Travelers appreciate the staff's good service and the overall value for money. The accommodation is suitable for a brief, no-frills stay and many guests expressed their intention to return, highlighting its effectiveness as a budget lodging choice.
Dog Friendly
Holiday Inn Express - Exeter - City Centre is notably dog-friendly, welcoming canine companions with open arms. The hotel accommodates pet owners with pet beds in the rooms and a pet-friendly staff that ensures a pleasant stay for both guests and their furry friends. Upon arrival, dogs receive a goody bag, adding a special touch to the hospitality. The hotel grounds include pet-friendly gardens and there are designated areas where dogs are allowed, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable experience for pets. While dogs are not permitted in the bar area, there is good separation for pet-owners to keep everyone comfortable. The hotel is praised for being very accommodating to dogs with dog-friendly decorations and facilities available. Guests have noted a few minor inconveniences such as occasional pet hairs and the presence of dog smells in some areas, but overall, the hotel staff's welcoming attitude toward dogs and the provision of essential pet amenities make it a popular choice for travelers with pets.
No, Holiday Inn Express - Exeter - City Centre by IHG doesn't have any pool.
No, a spa isn't available at Holiday Inn Express - Exeter - City Centre by IHG.
Yes, Holiday Inn Express - Exeter - City Centre by IHG welcomes dogs.
Yes, parking facilities are available at Holiday Inn Express - Exeter - City Centre by IHG.
No, Holiday Inn Express - Exeter - City Centre by IHG doesn't have a gym.