Premier Inn Exeter (M5 J29)

The hotel serves as a highly convenient stopover, particularly for travelers utilizing the M5 motorway, offering easy access to Exeter and the surrounding areas. Its strategic location makes it a suitable choice for business travelers seeking proximity to local companies and for families visiting nearby attractions like Crealy Adventure Park. Guests often highlight the generally clean rooms and the comfortable beds as key positives, contributing to a restful stay for many. While many appreciate the friendly and helpful staff, who are often praised for their efficiency and willingness to assist, there are mixed reviews regarding service consistency, particularly in the adjacent restaurant. A recurring theme is the additional charge for parking, which some guests find unexpected and inconvenient, despite the ample space available. To enhance your experience, consider opting for a Premier Plus room for upgraded amenities, and be prepared for potential noise from other guests, especially if located on lower floors or near high-traffic areas, as soundproofing can be an issue for some.

Facilities & Amenities
Most guests find the hotel's facilities to be functional, though some note a general dated appearance. The Wi-Fi service receives mixed feedback; while a basic connection is available, many guests report it as slow or unreliable, often requiring an upgrade to a paid "fast" service for better performance, which some view as an outdated business practice. Premier Plus rooms are frequently mentioned as a worthwhile upgrade, offering additional comforts such as a coffee machine, fridge, and iron/ironing board, enhancing the stay for those willing to pay extra. Standard rooms typically include tea making facilities and a TV. For families, the presence of a sofa bed in family rooms is a convenient feature. However, some guests express frustration over the lack of USB points in rooms, requiring adapters for charging devices.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guest feedback on cleanliness and room comfort is varied. Many guests report their rooms as clean and tidy, with comfortable beds ensuring a good night's sleep. However, a significant number of reviews highlight issues with rooms being dated or showing signs of wear, including stains on carpets, mould in bathrooms, and a pervasive damp smell in some areas. The bathrooms are a particular point of concern for some, with reports of non-functional extractor fans leading to condensation, broken towel rails, and general signs of neglect. Noise levels are a frequent complaint, with guests experiencing disturbances from adjacent rooms, corridors, and even from above, impacting the hotel's "good night's sleep" guarantee. The air conditioning is present but often described as inefficient or only blowing warm air, compounded by the fact that no windows can be opened for fresh air, leading to stuffy rooms.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's adjacent restaurant, a Brewers Fayre, receives largely mixed to negative feedback regarding its food quality and service. Many guests report slow service and a lack of available menu items, with some experiencing cold or overcooked dishes, particularly at breakfast. While some find the breakfast to be delicious and good value, others describe it as disappointing, with limited hot food options, items running out before the cut-off time, and issues with lukewarm food or hard eggs. The buffet setup at breakfast can lead to queues, and the single toaster is often cited as being too slow. The restaurant atmosphere is sometimes described as unwelcoming, with sticky tables and staff appearing indifferent. Most guests recommend eating elsewhere for dinner, though some find the overall food package to be good value despite the noted shortcomings.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts an excellent and highly convenient location just off Junction 29 of the M5 motorway, making it an ideal stopover for long journeys, particularly for those heading to or from Cornwall. Its proximity to Exeter is a significant advantage, with easy access to the city center via a bus service and a park and ride located directly outside. The hotel is also well-situated for travelers using Exeter Airport, being only a short drive away. For families, the hotel's location near Crealy Adventure Park is frequently highlighted as a major benefit. While the car park is large and offers ample spaces, guests consistently express frustration over the mandatory parking charge, which is seen as an unexpected additional cost for an out-of-town location.

Staff & Service
The staff and service at the hotel receive predominantly positive feedback, with many guests commending the friendly staff for their helpfulness and welcoming demeanor. Reviewers frequently highlight instances of attentive service, from efficient check-in processes to staff going out of their way to resolve issues, such as assisting with parking payment, providing phone chargers, or helping with lost items. The reception team is often praised for their professionalism and kindness, contributing significantly to a positive guest experience. However, there are some instances of mixed feedback, with a minority of guests reporting rude or indifferent staff, particularly in the adjacent restaurant, and issues with staff discussing HR matters in public areas. Despite these isolated incidents, the overall impression is that the hotel staff strive to provide good customer service.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware of several important details to enhance their stay. The parking facility, while spacious, incurs a mandatory charge, which many guests find surprising and inconvenient, especially given the hotel's out-of-town location. It operates as a private car park, and guests can often obtain a discounted barcode from reception for a cheaper rate. Some guests have reported issues with fire alarms being activated multiple times, causing disturbances and evacuations. For those sensitive to noise, it is advisable to avoid rooms numbered 1 to 5, as they are prone to disturbances from passing foot traffic. The hotel's Wi-Fi is often criticized for being slow, with a paid upgrade available for faster speeds, a policy some consider outdated. Additionally, some rooms lack USB charging points, requiring guests to bring their own adapters.