Buckerell Lodge Hotel

I haven't stayed here for a few years but it is place I've worked for off-and-on for the last ten or so and have been put up in the hotel on several occassions (in fact when it was privately owned I used to get comped here whenever I was passing through Exeter even if I wasn't doing a job for them). My last working visit was in August 2010 and although I didn't stay overnight the hotel doesn't seem much different from my previous visits.

This is a pleasant borderline 4* establishment situated about a mile out of the city centre. All the 4* bits are in place with comfortable, well-furnished rooms, a high standard of housekeeping and relaxing characterful public areas. Staff are professional and friendly and helpful with it and the dining options, although a little expensive, commensurate with the hotel's class - breakfast is definitely worth getting up for if it's included in your room rate.

The hotel's out of town location makes it ideal for both business travellers and tourists wishing a base in the area generally and the city centre is only 5 minutes away by bus - the stops are right outside the entranceway. For businessfolk the rooms have good worksurfaces and freebie WiFi whilst for leisure guests the 4 acres of immaculately-tended gardens are ideal for lounging in the summer.

A couple of things to beware of though - some of the rooms overlook the flat roof above t.he kitchen and the extraction system can be a bit noisy (although it is switched off about 10 pm) and during the summer this is a popular wedding venue and so can be a quite crowded and lively at weekends. But apart from those this a good overall hotel and if you can get a decent rate is well worth staying at.

Directions: About a mile out of the city - on the road to Topsham!

This is a very elegant hotel,set in beautiful grounds.It is quite close to the town center.There is a restaurant inside called Raffles which serve excellent food,this 53 bedroomed hotel is highly recomended.

Unique Quality: The gardens are really lovely set in 5 acres.