Indulge in Exeter's Charm: Hotel Indigo's Luxurious Escape
Hotel Indigo Exeter: More Than Just a Pretty Package (My Frankly Honest Review)
Okay, folks, let's be honest. Exeter. Sounds… well, a bit Exeter, doesn't it? But surprise! Turns out, Hotel Indigo Exeter is NOT Exeter-y in the way you might expect. It's a sleek, modern escape tucked away in the heart of this historic city, and, frankly, it's got some seriously good stuff going on. I just got back, and I’m still buzzing. Let’s dive in, shall we? (Prepare for a long one. I’m a rambler).
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag, But Mostly Good.
Right off the bat, I have to say, Hotel Indigo tries to get it right. The basics are there – the elevator is a lifesaver, and they do have facilities for disabled guests. But, and this is a big but, always double-check specific needs. Call ahead. Don't assume. That's just good travel advice, generally. They are also featuring CCTV in common areas and CCTV outside property for your feeling of security.
Cleanliness and Safety: Feeling Safe (Almost Too Safe?)
Alright, Covid-times. Let's talk about the elephant in the room. Hotel Indigo is practically obsessed with hygiene. And, honestly, as someone who, let's be honest, has a healthy dose of germophobia, I appreciated it. They're all over it: Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer everywhere, staff in masks and gloves… it’s intense. You get the feeling they've basically nuked the place. You can also get your room with Rooms sanitized between stays and there's a Room sanitization opt-out available. I saw staff in special hazmat suits scrubbing doors and every surface. It's impressive, but it also gives you this… weirdly sterile vibe. Like you're living in a lab experiment. But hey, I’d rather feel safe than sorry. And they have Safe dining setup and Sanitized kitchen and tableware items and Hand sanitizer in the dining areas.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: A Foodie's Fiesta… Or a Disappointment?
Okay, the food. This is where things get… complicated. Let's start with the positives: the restaurants are nice. Really, really nice. The bar is swanky, and the coffee shop is perfect for a quick caffeine fix. They offer A la carte in restaurant, and Asian cuisine in restaurant and International cuisine in restaurant. A Breakfast [buffet] is available, but be prepared for the usual hotel buffet suspects along with some interesting little extras. I opted for the Breakfast in room one morning, which was a delightful touch. The coffee, though… sadly, a bit weak. (I'm a coffee snob, sue me). They offer Alternative meal arrangement. They also have a Poolside bar.
Now for the slightly messy part: the food service itself. The service felt a bit inconsistent. One day it was flawless, the next it was… well, let's just say I waited a while for my soup. And sometimes, the vibe feels more "form over function" than genuine hospitality. However, the Snack bar is a lifesaver. And, I loved the Desserts in restaurant. And don’t forget that they have a Vegetarian restaurant.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Get Ready to Unwind (or Get Sweaty!)
Right, this is where Hotel Indigo really shines. And I was looking forward to this part. They have a proper Spa, and even a Spa/sauna. They've got a Swimming pool – outdoor – perfect for a refreshing dip. And, oh my god, they have a Pool with view. Seriously. I spent a morning lounging by the pool, looking out over… well, I’m not entirely sure what I was looking at, but it was pretty. And the sun was shining. Heavenly.
Now, if you're the active type, fear not! They have the usual suspects: a Fitness center, a Gym/fitness. I did not partake, mostly because a relaxing massage sounded way more attractive. And the Massage… Oh. My. God. I booked a full body massage, and it was honestly one of the best I've ever had. I walked in, stressed and knotted up, and stumbled out feeling like a new person. Pure bliss. They also offer a Body scrub and Body wrap, which, honestly, I kinda regret not trying now. Maybe next time.
The Steamroom was a decent experience, and the Foot bath was a very welcome surprise.
The Rooms: Comfort in a Box (and a Few Annoyances)
The rooms are… well, they’re Hotel Indigo rooms. They're stylish, modern, and comfortable. My room was a Non-smoking sanctuary, with plenty of Air conditioning (thank god!), a Mini bar (always a winner), and a super-comfy Extra long bed. I really loved the Blackout curtains – essential for proper sleep. And, of course, there was Free Wi-Fi, which worked flawlessly. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!
Now for the gripes: the layout was a bit… odd. The bathroom door didn’t close properly. I had to work in the hotel room using the Laptop workspace, where the Desk was a bit cramped. And, the lighting could have been better – it was a bit dim, not ideal for working or reading in the evening. It was a bit too Soundproofing, felt like I was in a vacuum.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Touches (and a Few Misses)
Hotel Indigo offers a plethora of services. 24-hour front desk, Doorman, Daily housekeeping, Laundry service, and Dry cleaning. They have a Concierge, and Currency exchange. And the Luggage storage was very useful. And Air conditioning in public area.
The Cash withdrawal machine was a godsend. They also have some interesting business facilities: Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities, Indoor venue for special events, Outdoor venue for special events, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Seminars.
I loved the Bottle of water. And the Wake-up service was a godsend.
Things I Didn’t Use, But They Offer:
- Babysitting service and Kids facilities.
- Car power charging station.
- Car park [on-site]
- Family/child friendly, Pets allowed (Unavailable).
- The Doctor/nurse on call
- Food delivery
- Gift/souvenir shop
Getting Around: Easy Peasy
Hotel Indigo is well-located, and getting around is a breeze. They offer Airport transfer and Taxi service. There is also Bicycle parking available, but if you are not a bike person, they have a Car park [free of charge].
The Quirks: Why This Place Stuck With Me
Okay, here’s where Hotel Indigo truly shines. It’s not perfect, by any means. But it's got character.
The “Quirks” that Made Hotel Indigo Special:
- The Staff: They want to do a good job. And most of them succeed.
- The Vibe: It's a bit like a cool, well-dressed friend's apartment. Not a sterile, corporate hotel. They have a Proposal spot, the hotel has a unique personality.
- The Little Things: The complimentary slippers in the room, the extra-fluffy towels, the fact that the Alarm clock was actually set.
- The City: Exeter itself is fascinating.
The Verdict
Overall, Hotel Indigo Exeter is a great option. It’s stylish, comfortable, well-located, and offers a solid range of amenities. The food service can be a bit hit-or-miss, and the hygiene obsession might feel a bit much for some, but the positives definitely outweigh the negatives.
My Recommendation: Book it. Go on, treat yourself. You deserve it. You can also get a Free Wi-Fi and Free Parking.
Indulge in Exeter's Charm: Hotel Indigo's Luxurious Escape - Book Now!
Tired of the same old boring hotel experiences? Craving a getaway that’s both stylish and relaxing? Then look no further than Hotel Indigo Exeter!
Why You’ll Love Hotel Indigo:
- Luxurious Comfort: Sink into heavenly Extra long beds in our Non-smoking rooms, complete with Air conditioning, Blackout curtains, and all the modern amenities you need. Free Wi-Fi included!
- Spa Serenity: Melt away your stress with a massage in our blissful spa, or relax in our Swimming pool [outdoor] with a stunning Pool with view.
- Culinary Delights: S
Alright, buckle up, buttercups! This ain't your grandma's itinerary. We're going full "Bridget Jones on a budget, fueled by caffeine and questionable life choices" in Exeter. Specifically, the Hotel Indigo. Let's see if this posh place can handle my chaos.
Hotel Indigo Exeter - Operation: Escape the Ordinary (and maybe find a decent sausage roll)
Day 1: Arrival, Awkward Greetings, and the Quest for Comfort Food
- 14:00 - Arrival & Check-in (hopefully smooth): Okay, the train ride was a disaster. Sat next to a bloke who kept humming the theme tune to "Match of the Day" and the WiFi died halfway through my doom-scrolling. Arrive at the Hotel Indigo, and my inner critic is screaming. The lobby is rather stylish, I'll grant you that. That giant map of Exeter on the wall almost made me feel sophisticated. Almost. But can they handle my luggage which includes my questionable art supplies and a stuffed badger?
- 14:30 - The Room Reveal (and instant judgment): Walking into the room, and I'm immediately assessing. Is the bed comfy? Are there enough pillows to build a fort of solitude? (Very important.) Ah, the giant window, which I realize that it is a pretty nice view. My initial reaction is relief, I can breathe here.
- 15:00 - The First Panic Snack (and the search for proper coffee): Jet lag is doing its thing, and my stomach is already staging a coup. Time for the "emergency supplies" – the questionable biscuits I bought at the train station. Ugh. They taste like sadness and regret. I would have to go down and have a proper coffee (none of that instant stuff) from the hotel.
- 16:00 - Walking around the Exeter Area (finding a sausage roll): The hotel seems a little fancy, so I need to venture out and explore my surroundings. The area seems nice. Okay, I'm hungry. I need to find a proper sausage roll. This is my most pressing mission. I've read reviews of a place called "Choccie Heaven," maybe that is good? I have to start walking to explore the city.
- 18:00 - Dinner at the Hotel Restaurant (hoping for the best, fearing the worst): Okay, here we go. Fine dining, eh? I'm already imagining myself spilling red wine down my front and mortifying the other guests. I go, feeling a little nervous, but the waiter seems nice once I get there. The food is rather lovely, but I am still not convinced I fit in. The atmosphere is nice but a little quiet.
- 20:00 - Wind-Down & Room Fortification: Back to the room. Time to build my pillow fort. Watch a bit of telly. Can't overthink things, right?
Day 2: History, Heartbreak (in the Cathedral), and the Pursuit of the Perfect Pint
- 09:00 - Breakfast Debacle (or triumph?): Hotel breakfasts can be a minefield. The buffet makes me wildly indecisive. I'm going to go for the full English. I had the best breakfast ever.
- 10:00 - Exeter Cathedral (and a Moment of Marvel): I decided to visit it. Walking through the cathedral is a spiritual experience. The stained-glass windows are breathtaking, and for a moment, I feel a sense of peace I rarely encounter.
- 12:00 - Wandering and Window Shopping (and the siren call of a bookshop): I end up wandering, I find many stores to look at, and I find a little bookstore. I buy a book, and I end up sitting in a cafe. The book is good, but I'm easily distracted by the world.
- 14:00 - Lunch at a Pub (and the inevitable order mishap): Time for a proper pub lunch and a pint. I'm going for a local ale. The food arrives, and… they brought me the wrong dish. Cue mortification. I want to scream. But I don't. I eat my food and leave.
- 16:00 - Back to the Room (and the Great Nap Experiment): I go back to my room to spend the afternoon. I'm exhausted and feeling a bit low. I am going to try and get a good nap. And I do!
- 18:00 - Dinner at the Hotel Restaurant (with a different perspective): I end up back at the restaurant. This time things are different, I am more relaxed. I get better food and enjoy myself.
- 20:00 - Last night in Exeter (and the final drink): I have one last drink at the hotel bar and go up to my room.
Day 3: Departure (and the emotional aftermath)
- 09:00 - The Final Breakfast & Checkout: One last buffet raid. Then the checkout and goodbye.
- 10:00 - Departing from Exeter: Goodbye Exeter. Goodbye Hotel Indigo, I had a good time.
Post-Trip Emotional Debrief:
Okay, so it wasn't all perfect. My inner critic got a workout. I was clumsy, I had some bad moments. But you know what? I survived. And in the midst of the chaos, I found moments of beauty, laughter, and a surprisingly decent sausage roll (eventually). Hotel Indigo, you're not exactly me, but you're a pretty good base camp for a messy, imperfect, and utterly human adventure. Would I do it again? Hell yes. Though next time, I'm bringing a travel-sized therapist… and maybe a better selection of biscuits.
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Hotel Indigo Exeter: Your Slightly-Chaos-But-Totally-Charming Questions Answered (Maybe)
So, is Hotel Indigo Exeter *actually* luxurious? Like, for real? My bank account is already weeping…
Okay, *luxury*. Let's be real. We’re not talking about that private jet kind of luxury where they feed you caviar while dangling your toes in the clouds. But… it's *pretty* damn good. The lobby? Gorgeous. Think exposed brick, plush sofas you want to sink into and never leave, and a general feeling of “oooooh, fancy.” The rooms? The bedding is a cloud factory. Seriously, I'd consider staging a kidnapping just to live there permanently. The actual cost? Well, it’s a splurge. But if you’re looking to celebrate something, or just need a good, long, luxurious cuddle in crisp white sheets, go for it. Just maybe eat ramen for the next week to compensate.
Location, location, location! Is it actually in the heart of things? Can I stumble to the pubs? (Asking for a friend… and me.)
Yes! You're golden. Right in the Cathedral Quarter, which is *exactly* where you want to be. The pubs?! Oh, the pubs. They’re practically leaning against the hotel. You can TOTALLY stumble, though I may or may not have tested the hypothesis (for research purposes, obviously). This is a major win. Honestly, being able to roll out of bed and into the city vibes changes *everything*. You're practically breathing history and good times. Just watch out for the cobblestones after a few pints of local ale. Trust me.
The Restaurant - The quirky 'Restaurant 16'? Is the food any good? And tell me honestly, is it all Instagrammable?
Okay, "Restaurant 16." It's… *interesting*. The decor is definitely Insta-worthy. All moody lighting and those carefully placed ferns. Is the food good? Mostly, yes. I had a *phenomenal* pork belly dish. Like, seriously, it made me question all my life choices that didn't involve eating pork belly. However, I've also heard reports of slightly… uneven experiences. My pasta was a bit overcooked on one occasion, to be blunt. It’s a gamble. But the good outweighs the bad. And yes, it *is* Instagrammable. Very. Prepare for food photography sessions. You’ve been warned. And for the love of all that is holy, don't be *that* person who keeps taking pics while others are eating! (I'm not saying *I* did it, but...)
Parking... please tell me there's parking. I'm already stressed.
Okay, parking. Deep breaths. There IS parking, but it's not *directly* on-site. You park at a nearby car park. Which can be a touch of a walk, especially if you’re lugging multiple suitcases like I seem to do. It's not the end of the world, but factor in the extra steps. And the extra cost. Because, surprise, parking in Exeter isn't cheap. Still, it's better than the alternative: driving around in circles, getting increasingly hangry and plotting to steal someone else's space. So, plan ahead. Pack light(ish). And maybe bring a trolley.
The vibe? Is it stuffy and posh, or… relaxed? I'm clumsy. And I like to laugh.
Relaxed! Thankfully. It's got a touch of elegance, sure, but they clearly want you to *enjoy* yourself. Nobody's glaring at you if you spill your wine (which, I may or may not have done, again, for research purposes). It’s more "chic-but-chill" than "stiff-upper-lip." The staff, bless their hearts, seemed genuinely friendly and helpful. They even laughed when I tripped over my own feet (which, again, research). You can be yourself. Clumsiness and all. (Though maybe avoid wearing white… just in case.)
Breakfast! Tell me about the breakfast! Is it included? And are the pastries worth it? And, well.. does it cater for my intense love of bacon?
Breakfast is a *must*. My advice? Factor that into your budget, because it’s probably not included in the basic rate. But *do it*. The spread is impressive. Think fresh fruit, cereals, the full English (yes, bacon!), pastries that are *almost* too pretty to eat (but you will, and you will enjoy every crumb). The bacon? Perfectly crispy. Seriously, I think I judged the whole hotel experience on the quality of the bacon. It passed with flying colours. They even have a coffee machine that dispenses lattes, and cappuccinos, and – and – and… all the coffee things your heart desires. Which is important, because, you know, mornings. The pastries? Devine! Oh, and the smoked salmon. All of it, really, is worth at least one second helping. Just don't judge me.
Rooms! What are the rooms like? Do they have air con? (Because, you know, climate change.)
The rooms are, generally speaking, lovely. Well-appointed. Comfortable. Tastefully decorated. You get a sense of thoughtful design, which is important. There's usually plenty of space. And YES! Air conditioning. A blessing, especially if you visit during a heatwave like the one I experienced (blimey, it was hot!). They also had decent Wi-Fi (essential, obviously, for all those Instagram stories about my luxurious hotel stay). The only slight grumble? I found the lighting a little… tricky to navigate. Lots of little switches and mood lighting. It’s all very romantic, but sometimes I just want to turn on ONE LIGHT, ya know? But that's a minor quibble. Overall, a good room experience. The beds? Glorious. Seriously, might steal one.
Any hidden fees or nasty surprises to watch out for? (I'm on a budget!)
Hidden fees? Hmm. Depends on what you consider “hidden”. The parking charge (see above) is a thing. Breakfast isn't always included, so factor that in. Honestly, I didn't notice a whole heap of unexpected charges, which is a win. They're pretty upfront. BUT, always double-check your bill. And read the fine print when you book. Because, you know, *life*. And travel. Which is sometimesFindelicious Hotels
