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4-star hotel Check-in 15:00 · Check-out 11:00

Hotel du Vin Exeter

Stay at Hotel du Vin Exeter with upscale rooms, spa, bar, and bistro. Rated 4.2 with 886 reviews. Close to Exeter Cathedral and train station.

Magdalen St, Exeter EX2 4HY, United Kingdom View on map
8.4/10
Very Good Based on 902 recent guest reviews
Free Wi-Fi Paid breakfast Paid parking Accessible Indoor and outdoor pool
What recent guests emphasize

Balanced comfort in a stylish, historic setting

Visitors appreciate the thoughtful blend of heritage and contemporary design, complemented by attentive service and quality spa and dining experiences, while noting some minor service inconsistencies and limited pool space.

Guests often praise

  • Attentive and friendly staff providing helpful and efficient service at reception and throughout stay
  • Chic, calm atmosphere with sensitive preservation of the building’s Victorian hospital heritage
  • Comfortable rooms featuring extras like dressing gowns, slippers, and coffee machines
  • High-quality spa treatments with knowledgeable therapists delivering relaxing, tailored experiences
  • Restaurant and bar with pleasant ambiance, good food, and well-managed atmosphere

Worth knowing

  • Indoor pool is notably small and lacks seating areas; pool and spa areas are separate, requiring outdoor access in robes
  • Some guests report occasional slow bar service and additional service charges during happy hour
  • Inconsistent restaurant service has been addressed but may vary; complimentary breakfast offered following earlier issues
  • Restrictions on robe wear outside spa areas might contradict prior information and guest expectations
  • Minor maintenance issues such as non-working main lights have been noted in some rooms

Best for

  • Travelers seeking a boutique hotel experience with historic charm and modern comforts
  • Visitors looking for a relaxing spa getaway with professional treatments
  • Business guests requiring well-equipped and smooth conference facilities
  • Couples or solo diners who appreciate a quietly stylish and thoughtfully designed dining environment
  • Guests wanting a central location within walking distance to Exeter’s main attractions
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About this property

Welcome to Hotel du Vin Exeter

Hotel du Vin Exeter occupies a thoughtfully restored Victorian former hospital building, blending historical architectural details with contemporary design. Guests will find chic, air-conditioned rooms that balance comfort with subtle touches such as natural lighting and tactile finishes. The atmosphere throughout the property is calm and grounded, reflecting a quiet appreciation of its heritage without feeling clinical.

The hotel offers a variety of on-site facilities including an upscale restaurant, a stylish bar and bistro, as well as a spa focused on genuine restoration rather than presentation. The spa spaces benefit from natural light and a fresh ambiance, with treatments receiving praise for their professionalism and effectiveness. While the indoor pool is available, some guests have noted its compact size and limited seating, which may affect those prioritizing extensive leisure amenities.

Located on Magdalen Street, the property is within easy walking distance of Exeter Cathedral and the train station, making it a convenient choice for visitors exploring the city. Nearby attractions include the Royal Albert Memorial Museum and various family-friendly destinations like Crealy Theme Park. The hotel's proximity to several airports, particularly Exeter Airport just 18 minutes away by car, adds to its accessibility.

Guest reviews highlight attentive and capable service, with many appreciating the restaurant’s atmosphere and quality of food, although experiences have varied. The check-in process is generally described as efficient and welcoming, and business travelers frequently mention the well-equipped conference facilities. This setting suits visitors seeking a polished yet relaxed environment with refined dining and wellness options, though those requiring extensive fitness or shuttle services should note these are not provided.

Summary compiled by GoHotelly editors from verified guest reviews, partner descriptions and editorial notes.
Facilities & essentials

What's on-site and what you should know before you arrive

The short version: what's available day-to-day, and the key practical details most travelers search for.

Most popular facilities

Free Wi-Fi
Paid breakfast
Paid parking
Accessible
Indoor and outdoor pool
Air-conditioned
Laundry service
Business center
Pet-friendly
Room service
Kid-friendly
Restaurant
Spa
Bar
Smoke-free

Not available at this property

Airport shuttle
Fitness center
Verified guest reviews

What recent guests are actually saying

Reviews from travelers who stayed here in the last 12 months, grouped to help you spot the pattern quickly.

SP
Steve Parker Apr 01, 2026
10

Spent two days here for a company meeting. The conference facilities were 1st class. The food for meeting was very good with a few choices. Booking in was very quick and easy and also very helpful. The room that i was given was also very good with lots of nice extras, dressing gowns, slippers, coffee machine as well as the normal teas and coffees

ME
M Eugene Mar 12, 2026
10

We were offered a complimentary breakfast after experiencing poor service in the restaurant a few months ago. We were looked after this time by Lydia who couldn’t do enough for us. The full English breakfast was top notch and cooked perfectly. Thank you Hotel du Vin management for this kind offer to us. We will definitely be back.

BD
Beccy Dickson Mar 05, 2026
10

calm, well-run hotel that understands how environment affects the body. Housed within the walls of a former hospital, the building’s history has been handled thoughtfully rather than theatrically. Original signage and architectural details have been retained as subtle design features, creating a quiet dialogue between past and present. Instead of feeling clinical, the space feels grounded — restorative in a way that acknowledges its heritage without being defined by it. Check-in was warm, efficient and reassuringly straightforward. Staff throughout the hotel were friendly, capable and calm, immediately setting a steady tone. Natural light flows through the public areas and into the rooms, soft and consistent rather than harsh. Spaces feel layered and human-scaled, with seating arranged to offer both connection and privacy. You can sit alone without feeling exposed, which is rarer than it should be. Materials matter here. Warm wood flooring, soft textiles and tactile finishes create a grounded atmosphere rather than a polished, high-gloss one. The air felt fresh and clean, not heavily scented. Lighting in the room was controllable and gentle, allowing the space to shift with the time of day. I would happily stay again. A restaurant that understands atmosphere as much as service. The standout design feature is the series of pendant pod lights suspended above the tables. They create a sense of containment and human scale within a larger room, subtly lowering the visual ceiling and drawing the focus inward. Each table feels gently held rather than exposed. There’s also a clear attempt to soften the harder architectural lines of glass and metal around the perimeter. Greenery is used to blur the edges between interior and garden. Even where some of the planting is artificial, it works as visual buffering, reducing sharpness and helping the space feel more grounded. Lighting is warm and well controlled, shifting the mood as the evening progresses and preventing the room from tipping into glare or echo. The overall effect is calm rather than performative. Service was friendly, attentive and natural. As a solo diner, I felt entirely comfortable, which is often a good test of whether a dining space is genuinely well designed. n excellent spa that focuses on real restoration rather than show. The space is calm, simple and thoughtfully designed, with natural light, fresh air and no overpowering scents. It immediately felt grounding rather than performative. The relaxation area has a subtle wood-burner aesthetic that creates a feeling of warmth and containment. That soft glow adds a sense of refuge and makes it easier to properly switch off. I also appreciated the small, considered touches. Product samples were available to try while relaxing — creams and skincare left out to explore at your own pace. It didn’t feel like a sales pitch, just an invitation. That quiet generosity makes a difference. My massage was outstanding — strong, confident and highly skilled. I experienced noticeably improved neck mobility afterwards, something I haven’t felt in years. The therapist clearly prioritised results over ritual. The relaxation areas were peaceful and carefully curated, allowing you to genuinely settle. A restorative, confidence-inspiring experience. I would return without hesitation.

LR
Lottie Rutland Feb 23, 2026
10

Booked a room direct at a discount with late check out of 12pm included. We had the opportunity to bid on a suite at a discounted price and the room is amazing with a bath in its own room, as well as a shower and regular bathroom. The staff on check in were lovely and helpful and it is in a great location. Massive thank you to Steve. We booked a wine tasting and it was just for the two of us as c.£45 each with 500ml+ of wines, with some retailing at over £70 a bottle. Steve talked us through everything and we learned so much in a very informal setting. It was an amazing experience and we would come again. Will be recommending it to all of our friends and family. Thank you Steve and Hotel du Vin Exeter.

NN
Nichola Nelson Feb 02, 2026
10

Had a spa day today for a catch up with a friend. Absolutely wonderful massage - one of the best ever and I’ve had a few - Natalia was the masseuse- it wasn’t an off the peg experience - she knew her stuff and honed in on the relevant areas. I would return just for that. Restaurant was lovely, very friendly and attentive chap, food was good. Although no robes permitted to be worn despite the paperwork advising it was ok to wear robes in the bar and library, the waitress said this was not permitted anywhere, that’s the last she had been told. Maison du blanc wine was very nice but had to send back due to it being room temp! In a French restaurant?? Really?? The waiter was apologetic and advised they had issues with their fridge. The pool was lovely and warm, clean as were the changing areas. Disappointed the indoor pool is the size of a cupboard with nowhere to sit. Spa treatment area is separate to the pool and it’s a case of moving all your gear and walking outside in a robe.

NW
Nicola Whitton Feb 02, 2026
10

We used the spa facilities today as a treat for my daughter's 30th birthday. The service in both the spa and the restaurant was great. We really enjoyed our lunch and time flew too quickly, we will definitely be returning to enjoy being pampered again. Jade, who handled my spa treatments was wonderful, highly recommend her.

EM
Emily Matthews Jan 29, 2026
8.0

I booked a last minute stay here for a work event so got a reasonable price. The room was nice, however the main light wasnt working. We had drinks during happy hour and they were good, although it is misleading because they add a 12.5% charge for service when ordering at the bar, before you actually get to experience how slow the service is, so that was frustrating.

NH
Natalie Harding Dec 24, 2025
10

Absolutely wonderful experience, I recently visited for a massage and facial, and it was truly exceptional. Eve is warm, professional, and incredibly skilled. The massage was deeply relaxing and tailored perfectly to what I needed, and the facial left my skin glowing and refreshed. The whole atmosphere felt calming and cared for from start to finish. I would highly recommend Eve to anyone looking for a luxurious, soothing, and genuinely therapeutic experience. I’ll definitely be returning!

Location & neighborhood

Where you'll find Hotel du Vin Exeter

Exeter, United Kingdom

This polished hotel housed in a Victorian former hospital is a 7-minute walk from Exeter Cathedral and 12 minutes' walk from Exeter train station.

  • Exeter St Thomas 15 min Walk
  • Exeter Central 14 min Walk
  • Holloway Street 3 min Walk
  • Bristol Airport 1 hr 27 Car · 2 hr 10 Transit
  • Cardiff Airport 2 hr 21 Car · 4 hr 3 Transit
  • Exeter Airport 18 min Car · 33 min Transit
Things to do nearby

Worth the walk or a quick ride

Curated spots travelers usually pair with a stay in Exeter. Distances are rough real-world times, not straight-line.

Exeter Cathedral 5,774 reviews

Exeter Cathedral

1 The Cloisters, Exeter EX1 1HS, United Kingdom

4.6 · Cathedral
Royal Albert Memorial Museum and Art Gallery 2,629 reviews

Royal Albert Memorial Museum and Art Gallery

Royal Albert memorial Museum Art & Gallery, Queen St, Exeter EX4 3RX, United Kingdom

4.6 · Museum
Crealy Theme Park & Resort 7,117 reviews

Crealy Theme Park & Resort

Sidmouth Rd, Clyst St Mary, Exeter EX5 1DR, United Kingdom

4.3 · Theme Park
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