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.
Toby Carvery Exeter M5 J30 by Innkeeper's Collection is highly valued by travelers for its convenient location near major roads and transportation hubs, making it a suitable choice for those traveling to and from Exeter, Cornwall, Plymouth and other destinations. The hotel also benefits from proximity to attractions like Exeter Rugby Ground, Westpoint Exhibition Centre and Exeter University, as well as nearby shopping and dining options. Public transportation options and ample on-site parking further enhance the overall convenience and appeal.
The breakfast receives mostly positive reviews for its good value, variety and quality with many guests praising the full English breakfast and the buffet's accessibility. However, it can get busy, sometimes leading to delays and a limited selection in cereals and fresh fruits. Dinner at the on-site Toby Carvery is popular for its quality, value and variety with friendly and efficient staff contributing to a pleasant dining experience, despite occasional issues with food quality and presentation.
The rooms are frequently praised for their cleanliness and comfort. Guests appreciate the cleanliness of both rooms and bathrooms and note the pleasant decor and modern look. While some rooms are considered spacious, others are seen as small and there's a recurring issue with the lack of air conditioning. Noise from adjacent rooms and external areas is also a concern for some guests.
Cleanliness overall receives mixed reviews but leans positively with most guests finding the rooms and bathrooms spotless and well-maintained. However, common areas like corridors sometimes fall short of these standards. The staff at the hotel are consistently praised for their friendliness, helpfulness and professionalism, enhancing the overall guest experience despite occasional negative interactions.
The free WiFi available is appreciated but often criticized for its inconsistency and slow speeds. On-site parking is ample and easy to use, adding to the hotel's convenience for guests traveling by car. Families find the hotel accommodating with spacious rooms and a quiet atmosphere, although there are minor issues with room configurations and noise.
Finally, the beds are generally comfortable and contribute to a good night's sleep, although opinions on their firmness vary. The overall experience at Toby Carvery Exeter M5 J30 by Innkeeper’s Collection aligns well with its three-star rating, providing good value for money, essential amenities and friendly service, despite some areas needing refurbishment and minor improvements.