Holiday Inn Express Exeter East

The hotel's most notable feature is its exceptionally friendly and helpful staff, who consistently go above and beyond to ensure a pleasant stay, making guests feel welcome and well-cared for from arrival to departure. This commitment to service significantly enhances the overall experience. The hotel is generally regarded as clean and well-maintained, offering a comfortable environment. Its convenient location makes it an ideal choice for stopover travelers breaking long journeys, families visiting the area, and business travelers due to its easy access to motorways and local business hubs. While an included breakfast is a significant draw, guests should be aware of the additional cost for parking, a frequently mentioned point of contention. To optimize your stay, consider inquiring about room location to minimize potential noise and be prepared for the parking fee.

Facilities & Amenities
Guests generally find the hotel provides essential facilities & amenities for a comfortable stay. Rooms are equipped with free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee making facilities, a hair dryer, and an iron, catering to basic needs. Many appreciate the convenience of a microwave available in the foyer for guest use. However, a recurring point of feedback is the notable absence of plug sockets near the bed, which many guests find inconvenient for charging devices overnight. Similarly, the lack of a mini fridge in rooms is often mentioned. While there is a bar area, some guests note limited seating. Feedback on air conditioning is mixed, with some reporting it to be noisy or not fully functional, though others find it effective.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
The hotel generally maintains a good standard of cleanliness, with many guests describing rooms and bathrooms as spotless and well-kept. However, some reviews mention minor issues such as dust build-up in certain areas, occasional dog hair on floors in pet-friendly rooms, or specific instances of stained carpets or bathroom fixtures. Feedback on room comfort is varied; while many praise the comfortable beds and comfy pillows for ensuring a restful night's sleep, a significant number of guests find the beds too soft, lumpy, or small, particularly the sofa beds which are often described as worn out and uncomfortable. Noise is a common concern, with reports of noisy air conditioning, street noise from the nearby motorway, and disturbances from corridor noise and slamming doors, impacting sleep quality for some.

Dining & Food Quality
The included breakfast is a significant highlight for many guests, offering a good variety of options, including hot and cold items, and generally being plentiful. However, the quality of the breakfast receives mixed feedback; some guests report cold food such as bacon and sausages, a poor selection of hot items, and tasteless or pre-made offerings. Issues with items running out quickly, particularly during busy periods, and slow replenishment are frequently mentioned, leading to a busy and chaotic atmosphere in the dining area. The coffee from the machines is often criticized for its quality, and the communal jars for jams are noted as unhygienic by some. The evening food menu is described as limited and expensive for the quality, with many guests opting to dine elsewhere due to the basic selection and uninviting restaurant atmosphere.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's convenient location is a major advantage, offering easy access to the M5 motorway and serving as an ideal stopover point for those traveling to Devon and Cornwall. It is well-situated for visiting Exeter city center, with a park and ride service directly opposite, and is also close to Exeter Airport and Exeter University. Guests appreciate its proximity to dining options, including a Miller & Carter steakhouse next door and other restaurants within walking distance. However, the most consistent point of dissatisfaction is the requirement to pay for parking. Guests frequently express frustration over the cost (ranging from £5-£8.50 per night), the limited space in the busy car park, and the confusing payment systems, feeling that parking should be included given the hotel's location outside the city center.

Staff & Service
The staff and service at the hotel consistently receive high praise from guests, standing out as a key positive aspect of the stay. Reviewers frequently describe the staff as friendly, helpful, efficient, welcoming, and professional, often highlighting their attentive and accommodating approach. The check-in process is generally noted as quick and easy, contributing to a smooth arrival experience. Staff are commended for their willingness to go above and beyond, assisting with various requests such as changing rooms, helping with parking payments, or providing extra amenities. Their positive attitude and proactive problem-solving, even in the face of minor hotel issues, significantly enhance guest satisfaction and create a pleasant and supportive environment.

Additional Information
Several additional details contribute to the guest experience. The hotel operates a dog-friendly policy, allowing pets in specific areas of the dining room, which is appreciated by pet owners, though some guests express discomfort with animals in food service areas. A recurring issue noted by many is the lift not working, which can be particularly inconvenient for guests with mobility issues or heavy luggage. Furthermore, persistent air conditioning issues, including units not working, being excessively noisy, or leaking, are frequently reported. While the hotel aims for comfort, the design often results in thin walls and noisy doors, impacting sleep quality. Guests also commonly mention the lack of plug sockets near the bed and the absence of a mini fridge as minor inconveniences.