Best Western Exeter Lord Haldon Country Hotel

Our room was right in the middle of a large noisy family group who seemed to spend their time running from room to room shouting in the corridors. At 10.30 I opened the bedroom door and asked if they would please quieten down because the hotel was not a playground. Why aren't people more respectful of others needs. We did not expect this level of noise from a hotel which is very remote. We avoid city centre hotels for this reason. When reception asked me at checkout the next morning how we had slept and I told here she did not seem surprised. When I asked her why we had been put in the middle of this group she said that there was not another room available she could have put us in. less

My daughter and I shared a very comfortable and clean, twin bedded room in this hotel which does not have a lift. The bathroom was very nice with both a shower and a bath and the toiletries supplied were attractively packaged. The floor outside the bathroom was somewhat uneven and I did suggest that, unless that was addressed, Room 14 probably shouldn't be offered to other disabled guests. Very attractive wallpaper was not enhanced by the rather nasty picture on the wall which was hung in an odd position but, taste apart, the room was a good size and had a good size TV and a kettle with plenty of tea/coffee/milk. I only had contact with the Reception staff, James and the Assistant Manager both of whom were very helpful, courteous and friendly. The hotel is in a quiet area a short distance from Exeter in lovely countryside and the hotel gardens were beautiful. The approach road (private land I believe) was in shocking condition and the hotel owners ought to set some money aside to remedy the worst of this as it must cause damage to non 4 x 4 vehicles. Excellent car parking. The only other issue I have is that there was a fire alarm incident shortly after 7am on the morning we left caused, we were told, by the system not recognising the difference between a steamy bathroom and a smoky one: if true, the system needs to be dealt with! less

Looking at previous reviews, I must have visited this hotel when all of the 'fantastic' and 'friendly' staff were on holiday. I found some of their temporary replacements to be cold at best. During my four day stay, reception did not look up at me once let alone say hello. Even on check in the receptionist avoided any eye contact. I made a point of saying hello every time I went past reception in an attempt to cultivate a response. To no avail. I must say though that there was a younger girl and chap working the bar on one of the evenings who were very friendly and professional. They are a real asset to a hotel otherwise bereft of personality. Service aside, the hotel is in a wonderful location if you can find it. Food is ok. Rooms and corridors are tired and a little shabby. less

Lovely hotel set way into the countryside; with views to boot. Rooms were small and a little dated but this fitted the character of this property. Staff were friendly and the restaurant and bar (although small) met all of my needs. I would make sure you plan your route into the hotel. If you follow sat nav (woops i did) it took me along a farm entrance and my car took a beating. Lovely hotel in a lovely setting. less

There are lots of positives about the Lord Haldon - from the outside it has lovely grounds, beautiful countryside views and lots of parking. Once inside the hotel, the positives continue - staff were all very friendly and attentive and the food, (room service meal and breakfast) was high quality and efficiently served. The upgraded rooms were fully booked, so I had a standard room (number 35) which was spotlessly clean with a comfortable bed and at the end of the corridor so nice and quiet. A few negatives - my room was quite small and felt a bit basic and the bathroom was very dated, but functional nonetheless. The wi-fi was also very difficult to access. However when you factor in the very reasonable room rates, overall I would definitely recommend the Lord Haldon and will certainly visit again. less