Southernhay House Hotel

I went in for drinks, horrible service, the waitresses and bar staff were run off their feet, as a result of bad management, which when working in hospitality I HATE. Other people I was meeting got turned away, for no valid reason. I am not blaming the waitresses or bar staff but purely the management. A very poorly run establishment.

Friendly and homely

Third and last stay at this hotel.  Spent £1,190 on 2 rooms for 2 nights to bring my mother for a treat.  On our second night, I was kept awake until nearly 1am by the noise of people in the bar and the staff clearing up.  I went down twice in my pjs to ask them to reduce the noise as I wanted to sleep.  The next morning the manager eventually and reluctantly agreed it would have been possible to at least shut the 2 doors to the bar and restaurant area so that the noise wouldn't have travelled so easily.  The owner was vile about it all and refused or didn't even understand that noise travels and has now banned me from returning (knowing I wouldn't)!  So don't stay in the Ivory room if you want some peace at 12.45am.  There was never anyone at reception to collect/leave keys with, and we would ring the doorbell repeatedly to try and get someone, look in the bar area etc but couldn't find anyone.  My observations on this and the consequent lack of security and possible impact on their insurance arrangements was again met with anger.    Cleanliness is also an issue - black mould in the shower, dirty carpet, clump of hair on the bathroom floor (which I had put from the shower into the bin but it was obviously dropped on the floor when the room was cleaned) etc.   No sheet on the under mattress.  Have seen from negative reviews elsewhere that this will be met with a horrible reply from the owners - they don't want to raise their standards or apologise for anything.

We stayed for a wedding anniversary and were delighted by the hotel, its ambience, its situation and impeccable service. We stayed in the room. “Cotton” and revelled in the large comfortable bed and especially the deep, roll top bath. Breakfast was beautifully presented, generous portions and well cooked. If you want a secluded, discrete and tasteful place to stay in Exeter - this is it. Highly recommended.

Fantastic from the second we came in the door to the time we left. We could not fault anything lovely experience The rooms, bar and dining area are gorgeous, with every detail perfectly thought out. They’re cosy, stylish, and just a great place to relax The service staff were all excellent, very attentive and polite, the food was delicious and the cocktails were yummy! Special thanks to Nick for taking such good care of us and advising us on our trip to Greece. We'll definitely be back!

Really lovely boutique hotel with huge rooms, fantastic service and in a perfect central location. Wish we’d stayed for dinner instead of going to Hotel du Vin - abysmal! - so will definitely dine here when we come back. Special mention to Nick on reception who was so friendly and lugged our massive cases up two flights of stairs with a big smile on his face. Wonderful little place.