Premier Inn Exeter Central St Davids

This hotel is highly regarded for its exceptional location directly opposite the train station, making it a standout choice for train travelers and commuters. Guests consistently praise the hotel's cleanliness, comfortable accommodations, and the generally friendly and helpful staff. The recent refurbishment has significantly enhanced the rooms, offering a modern and inviting atmosphere. It is well-suited for families due to its spacious room options and convenient access to the university, while city explorers will appreciate its proximity to local attractions. To maximize your stay, consider booking a Premier Plus room for enhanced comfort and amenities, and be aware that lower-floor rooms might experience some noise from upper floors.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel offers a range of convenient facilities, though some aspects receive mixed feedback. While there is no dedicated on-site parking, guests can utilize the paid train station car park directly opposite, which is noted for its convenience. The Wi-Fi service is a point of contention; most guests report the free option as unreliable or non-existent, often requiring payment for a decent connection, and cellular signal can also be poor. Rooms are generally well-equipped with ample charging points, TVs, and tea and coffee facilities, though some find the latter to be sparse. Many rooms feature effective blackout curtains and air conditioning, though some found the AC temperature control limited. Premier Plus rooms offer additional comforts like a small silent fridge, modern hair dryers, and ironing boards. The hotel also provides luggage storage and has a bar and a small lounge area.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests consistently commend the hotel's spotless cleanliness throughout, describing rooms as fresh, modern, and immaculately maintained. The room condition is frequently highlighted as excellent, benefiting from recent refurbishments that have introduced a contemporary style. Many rooms are noted for their spaciousness, providing ample room for guests, including families. The beds are a major highlight, described as very comfortable and ensuring a restful night's sleep, complemented by high-quality linens. The bathrooms are generally praised as very nice, modern, and clean, often featuring large walk-in showers, with some rooms still offering baths. While many guests found their rooms quiet due to excellent double glazing effectively blocking out external noise from the busy road and train station, some experienced noise from a nearby pub or from children running in rooms above, particularly on lower floors.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's dining experience, particularly breakfast, receives largely positive feedback. The breakfast is often described as brilliant, excellent value, and offering a plentiful and varied selection of hot and cold food options, including a good quality cooked breakfast with hot plates. However, some guests noted issues with the coffee machine being broken or serving lukewarm drinks, and occasional delays in refilling buffet items. The evening meal at the on-site restaurant, Thyme, garners mixed reviews. While some guests found the food good and well-presented, others described it as adequate, mediocre, or even microwave-quality, citing long waiting times due to staffing challenges, such as a single chef. Despite these inconsistencies, the bar is generally well-regarded for its good prices and friendly service.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is a significant advantage, situated directly opposite Exeter St David's train station, making it exceptionally convenient for arrivals and departures by rail. This proximity is particularly beneficial for university visitors, with a short walk or free shuttle available to the campus. While the city centre is about a 10 to 20-minute uphill walk, guests appreciate the availability of frequent bus services from the station forecourt or short train rides to Exeter Central. The hotel offers easy access to local attractions like the High Street, Exeter Cathedral, and the Quayside. For those traveling by car, paid parking is conveniently located in the train station car park directly opposite the hotel. Nearby amenities include a large Wetherspoons and a Costa coffee outlet.

Staff & Service
The staff at the hotel consistently receive high praise for their friendliness, helpfulness, and attentiveness. Guests frequently highlight their polite and welcoming demeanor, noting that nothing seems to be too much trouble. The check-in and check-out processes are generally described as easy, smooth, and quick. Staff are commended for their willingness to assist with various requests, such as luggage storage and providing information. While the majority of interactions are positive, some guests experienced isolated instances of less welcoming check-ins or perceived rudeness. There are also observations that staff members often multi-task across different roles, which, while demonstrating their dedication, can sometimes lead to delays, particularly in the restaurant service. Overall, the staff's commitment to providing a positive guest experience is a recurring theme.

Additional Information
The hotel has recently undergone a significant refurbishment, resulting in modern and updated rooms, with Premier Plus rooms offering notable upgrades such as walk-in showers. Guests appreciate the convenient noon check-out time, allowing for a relaxed start to the day. It's important to note that daily housekeeping is provided only upon request. The hotel also offers Amazon boxes for convenient package deliveries, a unique and appreciated amenity. While the hotel generally offers excellent value for money, some guests have reported isolated and concerning incidents, including issues with bed bugs and a staff member entering a guest's room without prior notification. These instances, though rare, highlight areas where guest experience can be significantly impacted.