Leonardo Hotel Exeter

The hotel is widely praised for its central location, making it an excellent base for exploring the city. Its signature feature is its direct proximity to the city centre, shopping areas, and local attractions, appealing greatly to sightseers and those on city breaks. Guests consistently highlight the friendly and helpful staff as a major asset, contributing significantly to a positive stay. The breakfast buffet also stands out, frequently described as impressive and offering a wide selection. The hotel’s comfortable accommodations and efficient service make it a suitable choice for business travelers seeking convenience and reliability. For couples and families, the welcoming atmosphere and ease of access to local amenities enhance their experience. To maximize your stay, guests recommend taking advantage of the discounted parking available nearby and considering the highly-rated breakfast option.

Facilities & Amenities
Guests generally appreciate the hotel's well-maintained facilities, which contribute to a comfortable stay. The bar area is frequently mentioned as a pleasant and relaxing space, offering a good atmosphere for unwinding. While some guests found the bar prices to be on the higher side, the overall ambiance was well-received. The hotel also provides a convenient shop near the reception, offering snacks and drinks for purchase. Complimentary chilled water is available, a thoughtful touch appreciated by many. The presence of lifts ensures easy access to all floors, which is particularly helpful for guests with luggage or mobility needs. Rooms are equipped with effective air conditioning, ensuring comfort regardless of the weather. Additionally, free Wi-Fi is consistently available, allowing guests to stay connected throughout their visit.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
The hotel consistently receives high marks for its cleanliness, with many guests describing rooms as spotless and immaculate upon arrival. The beds are frequently praised for being very comfortable, ensuring a restful night's sleep, though some guests found the pillows to be too firm or flat. Rooms are generally perceived as spacious and feature modern decor, contributing to a pleasant ambiance. While most guests report quiet stays, some experienced noise from the street, corridors, or other guests, particularly in rooms on lower floors or near high-traffic areas. The bathroom facilities are noted for being clean and modern, equipped with good showers, but some reviews mention them being small or lacking sufficient shelf space and hooks for towels. In-room amenities like tea and coffee facilities, a safe, and an iron and ironing board are appreciated.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's breakfast consistently receives high praise, often described as excellent, delicious, and an impressive buffet with a wide selection of items. Guests appreciate the variety, which includes both full English and continental breakfast options. Many commend the availability of vegetarian sausages cooked to order and the provision of gluten-free options. While the overall food quality is high, some guests noted that hot items could occasionally be cold, and a few mentioned issues with dirty plates or warm milk for cereal. The restaurant and bar areas offer a range of food, generally found to be tasty and well-presented, though some guests found the prices to be high. Room service is available, but a delivery charge is noted. Most guests find the breakfast to be a significant highlight of their stay.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts an excellent and central location, making it highly convenient for guests wishing to explore the city. It is situated within a short walking distance, typically 5 to 15 minutes, of the city centre, major shopping districts, and popular attractions like the cathedral and the quay. The bus station is also conveniently nearby, and the train station (Exeter Central) is within a reasonable walk. A notable feature is the cinema located directly opposite the hotel. Parking is a significant topic, with a public car park available directly opposite the hotel offering a discounted rate for guests, usually around £10-£13 for 24 hours. While this is convenient, some guests noted issues with ticket validation or the inability to re-enter without incurring new charges.

Staff & Service
The hotel staff consistently receive glowing reviews for their exceptional friendliness and helpfulness, significantly enhancing the guest experience. Many guests highlight the attentive service provided by both reception and dining room staff, who are often described as welcoming, professional, and going above and beyond to assist. The check-in process is generally reported as quick and easy, with some guests even receiving early access to their rooms. While most feedback on service is overwhelmingly positive, a few guests noted instances of less friendly reception staff or indifference. The efficiency of the bar staff and the willingness of the restaurant team to accommodate requests are also frequently praised, contributing to a positive and comfortable atmosphere throughout the hotel.

Additional Information
The hotel offers several thoughtful touches and policies that enhance the guest experience. Many guests are delighted by birthday packages or other special gestures, such as balloons, cards, and treats left in their rooms, making celebrations memorable. Upon arrival, guests often receive free drinks vouchers, a welcome gesture that adds value to their stay. It is important for guests to note that the hotel operates a cashless policy, meaning only card payments are accepted, which some visitors found surprising upon discovery. While the hotel generally presents a modern and tastefully decorated interior, having undergone refurbishments, some guests have observed that certain areas appear a bit tired or could benefit from minor updates and maintenance. Despite these minor points, the overall impression is one of a clean and well-maintained establishment that strives to provide a comfortable and welcoming environment for its visitors.