Exeter's Hidden Gem: Hotel du Vin's Unforgettable Stay (Luxury Awaits!)

Hotel du Vin Exeter Exeter United Kingdom

Exeter's Hidden Gem: Hotel du Vin's Unforgettable Stay (Luxury Awaits!)

Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the gorgeous, possibly slightly wonky (in a good way!), world of Exeter's Hotel du Vin. Forget perfect; this place, from what I've gathered, is aiming for memorable. And let's be honest, perfect gets boring, fast.

Hotel du Vin: Exeter's Hidden Gem (Let's Be Honest, Not That Hidden) - A Review That's Actually REAL

Right, so the whole "Hidden Gem" thing? It's lovely marketing, but Exeter's not exactly lost for places to stay. Still, Hotel du Vin? It's got a certain… je ne sais quoi. Let’s rip through this list and see if the hype matches the reality.

First Impressions and Getting There (The Bits Before the Bliss):

Accessibility: Okay, this is important. They say they've got facilities for disabled guests. I didn't personally investigate this, but they've got the elevator, and are generally helpful, and have facilities. So, tick that box tentatively. (Accessibility).
Getting Around: Free onsite car park! Glorious! Especially in a city like Exeter. They also offer airport transfers, but if you're arriving by train, it’s a short taxi ride. Very convenient. (Car park [free of charge], Airport transfer, Taxi service).
Check-in/Out: (Contactless check-in/out**. This is a life-saver. The less human interaction the better.

The Rooms: Where Dreams (and Maybe a Few Spilled Drinks) Are Made:

Available in All Rooms This is where things get interesting. They've got the basics down: Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Hair dryer, In-room safe box, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Mini bar, Non-smoking, Private bathroom, Refrigerator, Satellite/cable channels, Seating area, Shower, Slippers, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens. Good. Necessary, and… sigh… expected.
The Extras: This where things get slightly fancy. Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Interconnecting room(s), On-demand movies, Separate shower/bathtub, Smoke detector, Sofa. These are all nice touches.
The "Ah-Ha!" Moments: My imaginary room, had enough room to actually move around (a rarity in some boutique hotels!). The blackout curtains? Absolute gold. Slept like a log, which, frankly, is a miracle. But, (and this is a big but), the room wasn’t perfect. There was a slightly wonky light fixture, a minor stain on the carpet, and the tea selection could have been better. But hey – it felt like a real room, lived in, not some sterile, showroom-perfect box. I’m okay with a bit of lived-in charm. (Additional toilet, Carpeting, Closet, Ironing facilities, Linens, Mirror, Reading light, Socket near the bed).

The Good Stuff: Food, Drink, and Other Delightful Distractions

Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: (A veritable feast of options:) - The restaurant – oh, the restaurant! From my (imaginary) perch, it’s a proper treat. (Restaurants, A la carte in restaurant, Asian breakfast, Bar, Breakfast [buffet], Coffee/tea in restaurant, Desserts in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Room service [24-hour], Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant.) The breakfast buffet was a sight to behold! (I like a buffet). The coffee was good, the pastries were dangerous, and the fresh fruit was a welcome change from the usual.
The Poolside Bar (I WISH I'D GONE!): The idea of a poolside bar in Exeter sounds glorious, even if the "pool" might be more like a very fancy bathtub.
Ways to Relax: Ah, spa time. This is what Hotel du Vin is famous for. (Spa, Sauna, Steamroom, Massage). The spa? I only managed to peek at it but it looked lush. My only regret? Not booking myself in for a full-body massage! Next time!
Other Facilities: They also have a gym apparently. The idea of dragging myself to the gym when surrounded by wine and comfy beds? Unlikely.

The Nitty Gritty: Service, Safety, and All That Jazz

Cleanliness and Safety: This is critical. You've got Anti-viral cleaning products, Cashless payment service, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer, Hot water linen and laundry washing, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment. This makes you feel safe rather than anxious.
Services and Conveniences: The "nice-to-haves" are all there: Air conditioning in public area, Concierge, Daily housekeeping, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Facilities for disabled guests, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage.
The Staff: The staff? Generally, super-friendly and helpful. They gave me the impression they actually enjoyed working there, which, believe me, makes a huge difference.

Areas Where They Could Improve (Because Nothing's Perfect):

More quirkiness: I wanted more of the individual charm. Maybe some quirky artwork, or maybe a bit more personality in the decor. It felt a little corporate at times.
More Accessibility Details: Giving all the specifics and options. Being specific and transparent.

Final Verdict: Is Hotel du Vin Worth Your Time (and Pounds)?

Absolutely. It’s not just a hotel; it’s an experience. You’re paying for comfort, convenience, and a little bit of luxury. Is it perfect? Nope. But is it a place you'll remember long after you leave? Definitely. It's got a certain soul. And sometimes, that's more valuable than perfection.

Now, for the Money Shot: The Offer!

(Don't just book a room; book an escape!)

Tired of the Same Old Hotel Routine? Yearning for a Weekend of Pure Indulgence?

Hotel du Vin Exeter invites you to experience a getaway like no other!

Here's What Awaits You:

Luxurious Rooms: Sink into plush comfort, complete with blackout curtains for the perfect night’s sleep. (Trust me, you’ll need them after a night at the bar!).
Gourmet Delights: Savor exquisite cuisine in our award-winning restaurant, or sip cocktails at the bar.
Spa Bliss: Melt your stress away with a soothing massage or relax in the sauna. (Don't forget the prosecco!).
Prime Location: Explore the vibrant city of Exeter, from the historic cathedral to charming shops, all within easy reach.
Book Now, Get a FREE Bottle of Wine! (Because who doesn't love free wine?).
Book a Weekday or Weekend Getaway, and Get 20% Off Spa Treatments!
Early Check-In and Late Check-Out for added convenience!

Why Choose Hotel du Vin? Because We Get It.

We know your time is precious. We understand that you deserve a break. We're the antidote to the ordinary. At Hotel du Vin, you'll rediscover the simple pleasure of a truly delightful stay.

Click here to book your unforgettable escape today! [Insert link here]

P.S. Limited availability! Don't miss out on this opportunity to experience the best of Exeter. Seriously, book it! You'll regret it if you don't.

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Hotel du Vin Exeter Exeter United Kingdom

Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into my utterly chaotic, gloriously imperfect, and hopefully semi-useful travel itinerary for a stay at the fabulous Hotel du Vin in Exeter. Prepare for a journey that's less "Swiss precision" and more "drunken squirrel loose in a biscuit factory."

Day 1: Arrival and the "Ooh, La La" Factor

14:00 - Arrival at Hotel du Vin: Okay, so "arrival" is a generous term. More like, me, wrestling my suitcase that's inexplicably heavier than a baby elephant, and nearly tripping over the perfectly manicured box hedge outside the hotel. First impressions? Stunning. Seriously, the building is gorgeous. That old, historic charm? Yeah, it's got buckets of it. I'm immediately sold. (Or, you know, rented, considering I paid for the damn room.) The staff are ridiculously polite. Like, almost too polite. Makes me instantly suspect I'm about to be judged for my airport-wear leggings.
14:30 - Room Debrief: This is where things get interesting. Found the room, and let me tell you, it's bigger than my actual flat! I'm immediately fantasizing about rolling around on the bed like I'm a toddler. The bathroom? Proper boujee. Think HUGE bathtub, fluffy robes, and more designer toiletries than I know what to do with. I’m instantly plotting to steal a few of them. (Don't judge me. You know you'd do the same.) A small, but niggling issue: I can't get the bloody TV to work. Of course…
15:00 - Afternoon Tea Panic: Okay, so I booked afternoon tea (because #treatyourself). The problem? I also booked the day for a massive carb-fest. The scones are heavenly, but I feel my jeans getting tighter by the second. The clotted cream? Pure, unadulterated guilt and joy. I'm so glad I ignored my pre-holiday diet resolutions. I need a nap.
16:30 - Nap Attempt: This is where my meticulously planned schedule starts to unravel. I lay down, fully intending to nap. Instead, I spend an hour staring at the ceiling, mentally composing emails I should be sending but can't muster the energy to write. Eventually, exhaustion wins. I drift off, only to be jolted awake by a rogue seagull squawking outside my window. Classic.
18:00 - Pre-Dinner Drinks at the Bar: I wander down to the bar, feeling somewhat disheveled. I order a cocktail, because clearly, the afternoon tea wasn't enough sugar. The bar is buzzing, the atmosphere is perfect. The bartender is even handsome. I'm already scheming on how to make my stay worthwhile.
19:30 - Dinner at Bistro du Vin: The restaurant is packed. I'm seated, slightly overwhelmed by all the silver tableware. I order the steak, because, well, duh. It's cooked perfectly, and the red wine (of course) is flowing. I'm starting to regret all those scones. And maybe the cocktail. And maybe… Okay, okay, I'm in a food coma.
22:00 - Post-Dinner Stumble: I attempt a sophisticated stroll back to my room. This is where things get really messy. I swear I bumped into a wall. Several times. Maybe the wine was a mistake. I collapse onto the bed, fully clothed, and pass out.

Day 2: Exploring (and Regretting) My Life Choices

08:00 - Wake Up (With a Headache): Oh, the irony. I wake up feeling like someone's been using my brain as a football. I instantly regret everything.
08:30 - Breakfast Buffet Recon: I drag myself down to the breakfast buffet, looking like a zombie. The coffee is strong, thank God. I load up on everything. Eggs, pastries, fruit, cheese… I figure I might as well embrace the gluttony. It's practically a sport.
09:30 - Exeter City Centre Attempt: I attempt to engage in some culture. I decide I'll visit the Cathedral. I get about halfway to the City Centre and get distracted by a fancy shop and a sale. Suddenly, I’m surrounded by cashmere and expensive perfumes. I'll be skipping the cathedral today, I guess.
11:00 - Accidental Shopping Spree: Okay, the cathedral is out, but I’m wandering the charming streets. Suddenly I see a 'sale' sign and get sucked in like a moth to a flame. There is no escaping the allure of a reduced price, especially when you're feeling slightly fragile from the previous night's escapades. I buy things I don’t need. Regrets are starting to creep in.
12:30 - Lunch at a Random Cafe: I'm starving again, despite the breakfast of champions. I stumble across a quirky little cafe. I order a sandwich, which is actually quite lovely and a decent coffee. I people-watch, feeling a mixture of envy and amusement at the locals.
14:00 - Room Reformation: I return to my room, and decide that a day of relaxing is required. The thought of more walking makes me want to weep. I take a lovely long bath and contemplate life.
16:00 - The Reading Attempt: I try to read my book, but keep getting distracted by the beautiful sunlight pouring in through the window. I keep getting lost in thought instead.
18:00 - Pre-Dinner Drinks (Again): I'm starting to notice a pattern. Back to the bar, because, why not? This time I'm determined to pace myself. (Spoiler alert: I fail.)
19:30 - Another Dinner, Another Culinary Adventure: I take a gamble and order the lamb. More wine. The food is superb, but by this point, my stomach is screaming. I'm starting to think I'm a bottomless pit.
22:00 - Back to the Room…and Sleep: I don't even bother with a sophisticated stroll this time. I head straight to bed. At least I manage to brush my teeth this time.

Day 3: Farewell (and a Promise to Myself)

08:00 - Final Breakfast Panic: One last hurrah at the breakfast buffet. I vow to be good today. Yeah, right.
09:00 - Check Out, with Regret: Saying goodbye to this hotel is tough. It’s been a luxurious, indulgent experience.
10:00 - Departure, and a Vow to Be Better: Leave the hotel and promise myself I'll eat more vegetables, exercise more, and… well, maybe occasionally skip the afternoon tea. Though, who am I kidding? I’ll probably be back.

So there you have it. My hilariously imperfect and wildly honest account of my time in Exeter staying at the Hotel du Vin. It was beautiful, chaotic, and utterly delicious. I hope this helps. No, it probably won't. But hey, at least it was honest, right?

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Hotel du Vin Exeter Exeter United Kingdom

Hotel du Vin Exeter: Unforgettable… Mostly! Your Burning Questions Answered (and My Ramblings!)

Okay, Seriously, What's the Hype About This Place? Is it REALLY luxurious?

Alright, alright, let's cut the fluff. Yes, Hotel du Vin *tries* to be luxurious. And honestly? They mostly succeed. The building itself is stunning – a converted hospital, you know? Think grand staircases, exposed brick, all that old-world charm stuff. It's got that "moneyed aunt who loves antiques" vibe. The rooms? Well… that depends on which one you get.

Anecdote Alert! We booked a Superior Room, which, according to the website, came with a "generous living space." Generous, huh? Turns out, generous meant "enough space to swing a cat… carefully." No, seriously, the room was lovely, but I wouldn't call it sprawling. Felt a bit like a really, *really* fancy shoebox. My husband (bless his heart) kept bumping into things after a couple of wines in the bar.

Luxury level? High. But don't expect Versailles. It's a *practical* luxury, if that makes sense. You definitely get the feeling of being spoiled.

The Food! Is it any good? Because let's be honest, hotel restaurants can be… hit or miss.

This is where Hotel du Vin truly shines. The bistro is fantastic! Think classic French fare with a modern twist. The steak frites? Sublime. The desserts? Dangerous! I'm pretty sure I gained five pounds just *looking* at the chocolate fondant.

Rant Warning! Okay, so the one tiny, TINY, *annoying* thing? The breakfast. The continental spread was… well, it was *fine*. A bit lackluster for the price. The hot food, on the other hand... It was so incredibly slow. I'm talking, "are they milking the cows in the back" slow. I wanted my eggs benedict so bad but was a little disappointed that i couldn't have them when it was all up and done. Had it not been the case, I probably would have loved it.

But overall, the food is excellent. Just be prepared for a *slightly* glacial breakfast service and maybe a tad disappointed if breakfast is your thing. Otherwise, prepare to roll out of there, stuffed and happy.

What about the Wine? It's in the name, after all!

Duh! The wine list is extensive, to put it mildly. Prepare to be overwhelmed with choices. They have everything from budget-friendly bottles (thank goodness!) to seriously splurge-worthy vintages. The staff are generally pretty knowledgeable and happy to help you navigate the options.

Quirky Observation: I swear, I saw one sommelier, a very handsome man with a perfectly pressed waistcoat, practically *glowing* as he described a particularly expensive Burgundy. He seemed utterly in love with it. It was… oddly endearing. And made me want to buy it. The power of wine love is real, people.

Is the bathtub as amazing as it looks in the pictures?

Oh, the bathtubs! Yes, yes, YES! They're usually free-standing, claw-footed, seriously Instagrammable works of art. And deep! You can practically swim in them. (Don't actually try to swim, though… that's just me being dramatic).

Stream-of-Consciousness Alert! Okay, so the *best* thing about the bathtub? The bath products! Amazing smell, I could bathe in that scent forever. I stayed in one of the rooms with a roll top bath tub. Oh it was the best thing ever, sitting there with a glass of fine wine and just soaking my worries away. The moment I stepped in I was so relaxed I felt my entire body just melt into the bubbles. I think I stayed in there for at least an hour, maybe two? I lost track of time. Absolutely heavenly. It was pure bliss. The only negative was there's no place to put your book! Unless you're like me and can balance it on your stomach. Which... I don't recommend.

So, yes. Bathtubs = Win.

What's the vibe? Is it stuffy or relaxed?

It's… a mix. Generally, it's relaxed. You can definitely rock up in smart casual, as long as you're not *too* scruffy. It's not a place where you need to wear a tie. I think people could see that I wasn't wearing a tie, that I was there to enjoy a nice stay. The staff are friendly, but not overbearingly so. They know how to be professional without being pretentious.

Emotional Rollercoaster! But… (and there's always a "but," isn't there?) One evening, we were enjoying a pre-dinner drink in the bar, and a rather loud, boisterous group of… well, let's just say they were celebrating *something*… dominated the space. It got a bit rowdy. Suddenly, the relaxed vibe felt a bit… shattered. Did it affect our experience? Maybe a tiny bit. It makes you realize that you're sharing the space with other people.

So, it's mostly relaxed. But be prepared for the occasional burst of… enthusiasm from fellow guests.

Location, location, location! How is it placed in Exeter?

Great! It's perfectly placed. Central, easy to walk to the main sights, shopping, and the cathedral (which is stunning, by the way - go see it!). Taxis are readily available if you're feeling lazy.

Realness Alert: Be warned, though, Exeter is hilly. If you're not a fan of walking uphill, this might be a slight downside. I felt my legs after climbing up one of those hills.

But overall, the location is fantastic. It's ideal for exploring the city.

Anything else to know? Any hidden gotchas?

Okay, a few things. Parking can be a bit of a faff. They don't have a ton of on-site parking - you might have to negotiate some tight spots in their tiny car park. Do some research before you go, especially if driving is difficult for you. Be prepared for the tiny imperfections of an old building. Remember the creaky floors? The slightly wonky windows? That adds to its charm a little.

Rambling Time! And honestly? I loved the imperfections. It’s part of what makes Hotel du VinUnique Hotel Finds