Premier Inn Exeter (Countess Wear)

The hotel is a popular choice for travelers seeking convenient access to the motorway and those looking for a comfortable stopover on longer journeys, particularly to Cornwall. Its signature feature is its motel-style layout, allowing for plentiful and safe parking directly outside many rooms, which is highly valued by guests. While many appreciate the hotel's overall value and the generally reliable experience associated with the brand, some recent reviews highlight a need for significant updates to the property's general condition. The hotel is also well-suited for business travelers and those attending local events or visiting the university, offering a practical and accessible base. For families and couples, it provides a straightforward option for short stays or as a base for exploring the local area. To enhance your stay, consider requesting a room located away from the main road for a quieter experience, and be mindful of potential potholes in the car park.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel offers plentiful and safe parking, which is consistently highlighted as a significant advantage, especially for guests traveling by car or those on longer journeys. This convenient free parking often allows guests to park directly outside their rooms in the motel-style layout. However, some guests have noted the presence of large potholes in the car park area, advising caution upon entry. Feedback on in-room amenities is mixed; while some rooms are described as modern and well-equipped, others are seen as dated. There are recurring comments about a lack of sufficient USB charging points near beds, with some guests reporting that existing ones were non-functional. Wi-Fi performance receives varied reviews, with some finding the free service slow or unreliable, while others appreciate the option for an upgraded premium service. General hotel facilities are frequently described as tired or in need of refurbishment, with some areas appearing run down.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guest feedback on room cleanliness and comfort is notably mixed. Most guests praise the comfortable beds and describe their rooms as clean, spotless, and tidy, ensuring a restful night's sleep. However, a significant number of reviews express strong concerns about cleanliness, citing issues such as damp and mouldy smells, stained carpets, dirty walls, cobwebs, and unclean bathrooms with specific mentions of rusty fixtures and unpleasant odours. Some guests reported finding hair or stains on bedding. Room size is generally considered standard, though some found them small. Noise levels are also varied; while some rooms are described as quiet, others experience disturbance from traffic noise, car alarms, or other guests. The showers receive mixed reviews, with some being powerful and clean, while others are criticized for being too low, having a high step, or experiencing temperature and pressure fluctuations.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's adjoining restaurant, a Beefeater, is a central point of feedback for dining. Most guests praise the breakfast, describing it as superb, hot, delicious, and offering plenty of ingredients. Many appreciate the good value of the breakfast, especially with meal deals. However, some experiences with breakfast have been negative, including instances of lukewarm food, limited continental options, and even no hot breakfast service due to staff shortages. Dinner service at the Beefeater receives mixed reviews. While some guests enjoyed tasty meals like steak and fish and chips, others found the food quality to be mediocre or overcooked. A common complaint across both breakfast and dinner is slow service and understaffing in the restaurant, leading to long waits for seating, ordering, and food delivery. The restaurant atmosphere is generally considered pleasant, especially for evening meals.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's location is consistently highlighted as a major advantage, particularly for its convenient access to the motorway (M5) and its strategic position for travelers heading to Cornwall or breaking up long journeys. It is also well-regarded for its proximity to Exeter city center, which is easily accessible by a short bus ride from a bus stop located directly outside the hotel. Guests appreciate its convenience for reaching the airport, West Point Arena, and other local attractions. While the hotel is situated near a busy main road, many rooms are set back behind the restaurant, contributing to a quieter experience. The availability of plentiful parking further enhances its accessibility for guests traveling by car, making it a practical choice for various purposes.

Staff & Service
The staff at the hotel consistently receive high praise for their friendliness, helpfulness, and welcoming demeanor. Guests frequently commend the reception staff for their efficiency during check-in and their willingness to assist with requests, such as early check-in or room queries. Many reviews highlight specific individuals for their exceptional service, noting their warm smiles and professionalism. The restaurant staff, despite often being described as understaffed, are also acknowledged for their politeness and efforts to manage service. Overall, the team is seen as going "above and beyond" to ensure a pleasant stay, contributing significantly to the positive guest experience, even when the physical property shows signs of age. Their attentive and accommodating approach is a recurring theme in guest feedback.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware that the hotel's exterior and some common areas are frequently described as dated or in need of TLC, which might give a poor first impression upon arrival. The hotel's unique layout is often described as motel-style, with rooms located in a U-shaped building set back from the main reception and restaurant, allowing for convenient parking directly outside some rooms. This design can mean a longer walk to reception for some. Some guests have noted that the shower design can be awkward, featuring a high step to enter, which might be challenging for those with mobility issues. While the hotel aims for a consistent brand standard, some reviews suggest this particular location falls short in terms of maintenance and refurbishment. It is a popular choice for those attending events at the nearby crematorium or visiting the university, due to its close proximity.