Premier Inn Exeter - Countess Wear

I wouldn’t stay here again. There are better options in Topsham or the town centre. We picked this hotel because it was close to an event and we didn’t want to be in the city centre. Parking was plentiful, check-in was quick, and the breakfast staff were friendly and helpful. Our room was clean and the bed was comfortable, though both were less impressive than at other Premier Inns. The TV reception was poor, the corridor smelled musty, and the place felt basic. The Beefeater bar shut at 10pm, which was disappointing since there weren’t other nearby pubs for a nightcap. Breakfast was the bigger letdown. The vegan sausage was inedible, and the bacon substitute had a strange chemical taste. I was told they’re now precooked, and they were the worst I’ve tasted. The mushrooms were dry and shrivelled, apparently because of how they’re cooked, and the baked beans arrived cold. I’ve eaten at other Premier Inns and found the food much better. Staff did try cooking more for me, but it was still horrible. It also doesn’t feel like an unlimited breakfast when it’s served on a plate at your table instead of being buffet style. There’s little choice for vegans, and you miss out on things like the good yoghurt and croissants that others can have, while still paying full price.

On several recent stays at this Premier Inn, staff from our company have reported a strong urine smell in their rooms when they arrived. It was so overpowering that some didn’t feel comfortable taking their clothes out of their bags. We regularly book Premier Inn for staff accommodation, but this raises serious concerns about cleanliness. It’s disappointing for business travel, and we hope it’s dealt with promptly because it affects whether we keep using this hotel.

Joao and Pedro made our stay at Countess Wear Premier Inn especially pleasant. They were welcoming, professional and very helpful, and their service really made a difference. We had a lovely stay. Thank you!

The reception staff were friendly and very helpful, but the room situation was disappointing. There was a urine-like smell coming from under the bed in my first room. The receptionist came to check it, and I was moved to another room. That one smelled unpleasant too, though it was a little more acceptable than the first.