Southernhay House

Southernhay House, Exeter: A Refined Georgian Gem Offering Boutique Luxury

Southernhay House in Exeter stands out as a Michelin Key Selected property, consistently praised for its blend of historic elegance and contemporary sophistication. Housed within a Grade II listed Georgian townhouse, this independently owned boutique hotel offers a "grown-up luxe" experience that many guests find refreshing compared to larger chain hotels.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for Southernhay House is overwhelmingly positive, with guest ratings typically ranging from 8.2 to an impressive 9.0 out of 10 on various platforms. Guests frequently describe it as a luxurious, elegant, and sophisticated retreat with a romantic ambiance. The sentiment highlights a truly special place that provides an oasis of calm and quality in the heart of Exeter.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently laud Southernhay House for several standout features:

• Service & Staff: The hospitality receives exceptional praise, with staff noted as "impeccably charming," "friendly," "helpful," "professional," and often going "above and beyond".
• Location: Its central yet quiet position on a pretty, leafy square is a significant draw. It's just a short stroll from Exeter Cathedral and the Princesshay shopping district.
• Design & Vibe: The hotel beautifully marries its Georgian heritage with modern city chic. Quirky interiors, a thoughtful selection of vintage pieces, antiques, and artwork create a sensuous and aesthetically pleasing environment. The cocktail bar is particularly renowned as a popular spot.
• Amenities: Key amenities include complimentary Wi-Fi, room service, a tranquil private garden and terrace, and a highly regarded cocktail bar. The hotel maintains an "adults only" policy, catering to those seeking a serene environment.

3. Room Quality

Southernhay House offers 12 individually designed, luxurious rooms, categorized by size from 'Intimate' to 'Luxury' and 'Larger' suites, with each room often named after industry trades. Rooms are elegantly decorated, blending elements of Louis XV chic with "velvet-draped 70s decadence".

Guests can expect spacious beds (king or super-king in luxury rooms), comfortable seating areas, flat-screen TVs, iPod docks, tea/coffee making facilities, and a well-stocked minibar. Luxurious toiletries are a standard offering. Many rooms boast delightful views over either the private garden or the Southernhay Gardens. The more opulent "Luxury" rooms often feature roll-top baths, some even positioned within the room for a decadent touch, alongside separate power showers. Cleanliness and comfort are consistently highlighted as exceptional.

4. Dining Experience

The dining experience at Southernhay House is a significant highlight:

• Breakfast: Often described as "the finest petit dejeuner" by some guests, it is consistently praised as "excellent," "bountiful," "generous," and "beautifully presented". Options are extensive, ranging from a full English breakfast (including homemade baked beans and hog's pudding) to soft-boiled eggs with "soldiers," kippers, porridge, buttermilk pancakes, croissants, granola, fruit compote, and a selection of teas and coffees. A cooked-to-order breakfast is available for a surcharge.
• Restaurant (The Club Room): The hotel's Club Room restaurant offers an upmarket, seasonal menu focused on local produce, with past dishes including seafood stew, beetroot gnocchi, and chicken and chorizo paella. The kitchen operates all day, and a bar menu provides lighter options like sourdough open sandwiches and snacks. Private dining facilities are also available.
• Bar: The chic cocktail bar is a popular spot in Exeter for both hotel guests and locals, renowned for its excellent drinks menu, including signature cocktails.

5. Service & Staff

The service at Southernhay House is a cornerstone of its positive reputation. Guests frequently use terms like "impeccably charming," "genuinely pleased to help," "friendly," "helpful," "professional," "attentive," and "going above and beyond" to describe the staff. The general manager, Noga, has been specifically commended for her efficient and welcoming management. This consistent level of outstanding hospitality contributes significantly to the overall enjoyable guest experience.

6. Location & Accessibility

Southernhay House boasts a superb and highly convenient location in Southernhay, a smart, quiet enclave of Georgian townhouses in central Exeter. It's exceptionally well-placed for exploring the city, being just a 5-minute walk from the iconic Exeter Cathedral and the popular Princesshay shopping district. Other nearby attractions include the Barnfield Theatre, St Martin's Church, the City Wall, the Royal Albert Memorial Museum, and Rougemont Castle.

For transport, Exeter Central Station is an 8-minute walk away, and Exeter International Airport is approximately 6 miles distant. Street parking is available for guests. Beyond the city, the hotel offers easy access to the natural beauty of Dartmoor National Park and the South Devon coast.

7. Value & Pricing

While Southernhay House offers a distinct luxury experience, it is generally considered to provide "exceptional value" for its quality and offerings. Double room rates have been observed starting from approximately £113, with average prices around $315 per room. More recently, prices were found from £202.50 per night. Compared to the average hotel room price in Exeter, Southernhay House is a premium option, but guests rate its value for money positively at 7.8 out of 10, indicating it is seen as a worthwhile investment for discerning travelers.

8. Common Complaints

Despite the overwhelmingly positive feedback, a few minor criticisms have been noted:

• Isolated employee reviews mentioned management being "useless and rude," staff easily stressed, and concerns regarding kitchen cleanliness. However, these are largely contradicted by numerous guest reviews praising the staff and overall cleanliness.
• An older review from 2012 cited a dining area (Club Room) that was "bereft of atmosphere" with "bare unpolished wooden tables and doors left open" and "un-ironed linen napkins".
• One guest reported a "Worst night sleep" and "unhelpful customer service", although this appears to be an anomaly against the strong positive trend.
• The hotel maintains an "adults only" policy and does not provide cots or extra beds for very small children, which might be a limitation for families traveling with young ones. Additionally, the historic building does not have a lift.

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