The Blue Ball Inn in Sandygate, Exeter, is highly regarded for its strategic location, excellent accommodation, outstanding hospitality, and delightful dining offerings. Positioned conveniently near Exeter, the M5 motorway, and Exeter Airport, it provides easy access to city attractions and serves as a perfect base for event attendees, business travelers, and leisure visitors alike. The charming blend of historical allure and modern comfort makes it an attractive destination, complemented by ample parking and access to nearby landmarks.
Guests frequently commend the inn for its commitment to a welcoming environment, starting with an impressive breakfast experience. The breakfast is noted for high quality and variety, accommodating diverse dietary preferences, including vegan options. Although the breakfast service starts later than preferred by some, the quality and value for money compensate for this minor inconvenience.
The dining experience at the Blue Ball Inn garners praise for its exceptional quality and presentation, with dishes that cater to various tastes ranging from delightful curries to classic favorites. The cozy and inviting ambiance, alongside friendly and attentive staff, enhances the dining pleasure, making it a memorable experience despite some comments on the pricey wine list.
Accommodation at the inn is consistently praised for its clean, comfortable, and well-furnished rooms. The romantic and cozy atmosphere, coupled with modern amenities like big TVs and refreshing showers, ensures a relaxing stay. The spacious rooms and their immaculate upkeep contribute to guests' satisfaction, with only minor mentions of dust in some feedback.
The Blue Ball Inn’s staff receive extensive accolades for their friendliness, helpfulness, and professionalism, often going above and beyond to ensure visitors feel welcomed and cared for. Personal touches and attentive service play a significant role in creating a memorable visit.
Overall, the Blue Ball Inn in Sandygate offers a delightful blend of charm, comfort, and convenience, underscored by its excellent service, delicious food, and cozy accommodations. It stands as a reasonable and enjoyable option for travelers exploring the Exeter area or looking for a restful retreat.
University of Exeter - Holland Hall offers a memorable stay with a host of positive attributes. Nestled on the picturesque Streatham Campus, this accommodation boasts stunning 180° countryside views including sights of the city, cathedral and Dartmoor. Its prime location is particularly advantageous for guests attending university events like graduations, providing easy access to campus facilities while maintaining a peaceful atmosphere. Conveniently situated with close proximity to the city center and St David's Station, visitors appreciate the serene surroundings and well-maintained gardens, making it a relaxing retreat that blends accessibility with tranquility.
The breakfast experience at Holland Hall is highly regarded by guests. Terms like "very good," "great," and "superb" frequently appear in reviews, highlighting the extensive, buffet-style selection that caters to diverse tastes, including gluten-free options. Fresh food, hearty servings and a welcoming dining atmosphere with excellent views over Exeter contribute to the overall positive dining experience. The pleasant and helpful staff further enhance the meal experience, although minor concerns about peak time chaos and communication about breakfast inclusivity were noted.
When it comes to rooms, guests find the accommodations clean and functional. Regular housekeeping and fresh linens uphold a tidy environment. While rooms are described as basic and sometimes cramped, particularly for double occupancy, their cleanliness and comfort are generally appreciated. Scenic views from the rooms add a special touch to the stay. Small issues like ventilation and temperature control problems, as well as the compact nature of the ensuite bathrooms, were mentioned but did not significantly detract from the overall satisfaction.
Cleanliness is a standout feature at Holland Hall with the majority of guests praising the spotless conditions of the rooms and facilities. The courteous housekeeping staff ensure a clean and quiet environment, further enhancing the comfort levels of guests.
The staff at Holland Hall consistently receive high marks for their friendliness and helpfulness. From the reception to the dining room, guests highlight the efficient and welcoming demeanor of the team. The attentive service provided by the Chef and restaurant staff significantly enriches the dining experience.
WiFi is another area where opinions are mixed. Although many appreciate the availability of free WiFi and commend the internet speed, some guests experienced difficulties with connectivity and setup. Nonetheless, the inclusion of both WiFi and parking at no extra cost remains a positive aspect of the stay.
The beds at Holland Hall receive a mixed response. While numerous guests find them comfortable and note the cleanliness and quality of bedding, others express concerns about the small size of double beds and the firmness of mattresses. Despite these critiques, many guests still enjoy a good night’s sleep.
Overall, Holland Hall at the University of Exeter provides a clean, functional and picturesque accommodation option. Its combination of scenic views, convenient location, ample breakfast and friendly staff makes it a solid choice for visitors seeking a harmonious blend of convenience and natural beauty.
Summary of reviews related to the 'Accessible' category
The St George and Dragon by Innkeeper’s Collection offers commendable accessibility features that cater well to guests with disabilities. The hotel provides independent access to rooms directly from the parking lot, making it easier for those with mobility issues. Many guests have highlighted the well-appointed accessible rooms which are described as perfect and excellent for individuals with disabilities, including those using wheelchairs.
The presence of well-positioned accessible parking facilitates easy transitions from vehicles to rooms. Ground floor rooms are available and highly appreciated by guests who had requested them due to disabilities or injuries. The hotel ensures multiple convenient access points, including 24-hour entry and exit. These rooms are easily accessible from main roads, the motorway, city center and beach areas, adding to the convenience factor.
Despite some noting that stairs could pose difficulties, the overall accessibility is rated positively. The friendly and efficient staff further enhance the experience, demonstrating a quick and helpful response to the needs of disabled guests. By catering well to various accessibility needs, The St George and Dragon ensures a comfortable stay for all guests.