Unveiling Exeter's Majesty: Secrets of the City Gate!
Unveiling Exeter's Majesty: Secrets of the City Gate!
Unveiling Exeter's Majesty: Secrets of the City Gate! (A Review That's Heard It All)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I just got back from a stay at "Unveiling Exeter's Majesty: Secrets of the City Gate!" and, well… deep breath… It was an experience. Let's just say, this place has more layers than a particularly ambitious onion. And I've got opinions, people! Opinions!
Metadata & SEO Stuff (Let's Get This Over With First):
- Keywords: Exeter hotels, luxury hotel Exeter, accessible hotel Exeter, spa Exeter, family-friendly hotel Exeter, dog-friendly hotel Exeter, [Add your specific keywords, like "best restaurant Exeter," "Exeter pool hotel," etc.]
- Title: Unveiling Exeter's Majesty: Secrets of the City Gate! - A Brutally Honest Review
- Description: My unfiltered take on "Unveiling Exeter's Majesty," covering accessibility, dining, amenities galore, and if it's really worth the hype. Get ready for a rollercoaster of opinions!
- Focus: Hotel Review, Exeter, Accessibility, Spa, Family, Dining
Accessibility: The First Hurdle (and They Made It, Kinda!)
Okay, so first things first, accessibility. I'm using a wheelchair, so this is vital. They claim to cater, and… sigh… they mostly do. There's a dedicated elevator, which is a huge win, and ramps that are manageable. The lobby is spacious, which is good because lugging around big bags is already not exactly my favorite thing.
BUT… and there's always a "but," isn't there? The bathrooms. Let's just say, maneuvering around in the accessible room was akin to a delicate dance of survival. I needed to turn around in that space, and well, it was cozy. Not ideal, but doable.
Verdict? They try. They genuinely do. But they could definitely improve on the execution. It wasn't stressful by any means, which is a victory in itself.
On-site accessible restaurants / lounges:
I'm not sure about the official designation, but I'd say it'd be fairly accessible to get around, even in a wheelchair, but it might be best to ask the staff once you're inside.
Internet Access: Blessed Wi-Fi and Questionable LAN Cables…
Okay, let's talk connectivity. You get Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Hallelujah! And it worked, which is a modern-day miracle. Speed was decent, allowing me to stream my favorite shows while drowning myself in more work. They also offer Internet [LAN], but honestly, who uses a LAN cable anymore? I wouldn't know where to plug one in. I am just happy with the Internet services they offer.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Spa Day Dreams and Fitness Center Fiascos
Alright, the good stuff! The Spa! Oh, the Spa! This is where things got interesting. I decided the only way to deal with all this writing was by indulging myself in a Body scrub and a Massage. The spa itself is beautiful, a real sanctuary. The Pool with a view didn't disappoint - it was gorgeous, especially during sunset.
But the Fitness center… hoo boy. Here's where my inner comedian took over. "Fitness center" is a bit of an exaggeration. It was more like a room of forgotten exercise equipment. I’m happy they put one, but… maybe invest in a Peloton.
Honestly, the Sauna got a pass, and the Steamroom served its function. I can't say the Gym/fitness was anything special, so I'd probably rate it as a "miss".
Cleanliness and Safety: A Sanitized Sanctuary (Mostly)
I'm a germaphobe. Okay, maybe not officially, but I'm definitely cautious. And I will give them credit: Anti-viral cleaning products are mentioned, and you can see that they’ve got Hand sanitizer everywhere. They have Daily disinfection in common areas, which is very reassuring. Also, I'm happy they train their Staff in safety protocol.
I opted out of the Room sanitization opt-out available, because I just wanted to get on with my life, but it's still great to know they have the option.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: From Breakfast Buffets to Questionable Soups
Okay, let's talk food. The Breakfast [buffet] was… well, it was a buffet. The usual suspects were there: eggs, sausages, pastries that had clearly been on display for a wee bit too long. I had a coffee, and it was acceptable.
I took advantage of 24-hour Room service, which was a lifesaver because sometimes you just want to pig out on a burger in your pajamas. Honestly, that burger was the highlight of my dining experience.
A la carte in the restaurant:
Yeah, this wasn't amazing. The menu was pretty, with all sorts of options from Asian cuisine in the restaurant to delicious-looking Western cuisine in the restaurant, but the food was… okay. I had Soup in the restaurant, and it tasted suspiciously of… well, I'm not entirely sure what.
There's a Poolside bar, a Bar, and a Coffee shop, so you're not going to starve. The Desserts in restaurant looked good, so I'd consider it a Happy hour worthy place if that's your cuppa tea.
Services and Conveniences: The Good, the Bad, and the "Why?"
They have everything you'd expect: Concierge, Daily housekeeping, Laundry service, a Gift/souvenir shop (which is a must for any hotel in this day and age), etc. These were all fine, nothing to really rave about.
Air conditioning in the public area, a must for me, was a godsend.
Available in all rooms and Services and conveniences: I can also say that they have Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Coffee/tea maker, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, In-room safe box, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Non-smoking, Private bathroom, Shower, Slippers, Soundproofing, Telephone, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free]. For the Kids: Family Friendly (Maybe a Little Too Much?)
They have babysitting service, and it's Family/child friendly, which is great if you're traveling with kids. It goes without saying that this might not be the best place if you're looking for a quiet romantic getaway.
Getting Around: Airport Transfer (Thank Goodness!)
They offer Airport transfer, which is a must after a long flight. They also have Car park [free of charge], which is a bonus.
Available in all rooms
They have: Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens.
The Little Annoyances (Because No Place is Perfect)
Small things? The room, while otherwise fabulous, was dark. Yes, Blackout curtains are great for sleeping, but when you want to read during the day, it can get a little… claustrophobic.
The Verdict: Unveiling the Truth
- Overall: It's a decent hotel. Not mind-blowing, but not terrible either. The spa and the Wi-Fi were the real winners.
- Would I go back? Maybe. If I'm feeling like a spa day and need a place that caters to wheelchair users. But honestly… it's all a bit of a mixed bag.
- Final Word: Go in with realistic expectations, embrace the quirks, and enjoy the spa. And definitely order room service. Trust me on that one. Because at least there you'll be guaranteed a delicious burger.
- Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3 out of 5 stars – aiming for decent, but can improve on the fine details).
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because my trip to City Gate, Exeter, is gonna be… well, a thing. I'm not promising perfection, just a chaotic, human experience. So here goes, my (slightly) questionable itinerary:
Day 1: Exeter, I Guess We're Doing This
- Morning (8:00 AM): Okay, so the train from London was delayed. Classic. I arrived in Exeter feeling like a crumpled piece of paper, barely holding it together after that caffeine deprivation. I’m already judging Exeter folks for being annoyingly bright and perky – honestly, it's 8 AM, people! Where’s my morning grumpy face?
- Anecdote: Nearly missed my connection because I got sidetracked by a truly majestic sausage roll at a station bakery. Priorities, people!
- Late Morning (10:00 AM): Checked into the hotel (the "Exeter Inn," because apparently, imagination is optional). Room's… small. Bed looks like a medieval torture device. Already regretting not paying extra for the suite. Never mind, I'm here, and the bathroom looks clean, that's a win.
- Quirky Observation: The wallpaper has a weird floral pattern that's slowly consuming my sanity. I swear, those flowers are staring at me.
- Lunch (12:00 PM): Found a "charming" pub (aren't they all?) called "The Ship Inn" in the cathedral close. Ordered a burger, what else? The food was okay (the beer was better).
- Emotional Reaction: I felt this pang of loneliness sitting at that table. Travel is great and all, but sometimes you just crave someone to share the experience with - or at least someone to help you finish the massive plate of chips they gave me.
- Afternoon (2:00 PM): Exeter Cathedral. Okay, fine, it's impressive. Big, gothic, all that jazz. Wandered around, pretended to be an art critic. "Intriguing use of light," I muttered, as if I knew anything about art. Really, I was just looking for a moment of peace.
- Messy Structure: Got lost in the cloisters. They're beautiful, but for someone with a terrible sense of direction, they're a labyrinth of despair. Found myself staring at a gargoyle for a good five minutes. Started talking to it. Don't judge me.
- Evening (6:00 PM): Back at the "charming" pub. (Yep, still here). Attempting to decipher the local accent. Started to understand it. Got a bit more drunk. Ate a plate of chips. Decided everyone in Exeter is really bloody nice.
- Opinionated Language: Seriously, why does everyone sound like pirates? It's endearing, in a mildly terrifying way.
- Emotional Reaction: Felt a bit more human after a couple of pints. That's the point of travel, right? Escape, exploration, and a healthy dose of self-delusion that you're actually enjoying yourself.
Day 2: More Exeter (Please, Let It Be Better)
- Morning (9:00 AM): Woke up after a night of too much beer. Hotel room still looks like a prison cell. Groaning. Need. Coffee.
- Late Morning (11:00 AM): The Underground Passages. Seriously, the name is cool! It's like being in a Bond film. Cramped. Claustrophobic. Found an old bottle, imagined myself some kind of early-day detective.
- Anecdote: Nearly lost it when a kid started screaming in a tunnel, which was echoing through the passageways. I swear I was moments from running back to the open.
- Lunch (1:00 PM): Found another pub (again, shocker) that did sandwiches. Okay, I admit it: I am becoming obsessed with pubs. Ordered the "Full English" sandwich in hopes of a cure for the hangover.
- Doubling Down on a Single Experience: The pub. It’s my new safe space. The constant hum of conversation, the clinking glasses, the blurry faces – it's comforting, isn't it?
- Afternoon (2:00 PM): The RAMM (Royal Albert Memorial Museum). Honestly, it's decent. Some interesting stuff. But honestly, started fantasizing about the pub again. Had to sit down due to feeling overwhelmed.
- Quirky Observation: The exhibits are so eclectic. One minute you're looking at a stuffed bird, the next, a collection of Victorian chamber pots. Talk about whiplash!
- Late Afternoon (4:00 PM): Went to "Castle Street" to find some souvenirs. Everything in the shops seemed incredibly overpriced or kitsch. Didn't buy any stupid souvenirs.
- Evening (7:00 PM): Back in The Ship Inn (surprise!). This time tried fish and chips, but I'm not sure it's going to become my new fetish.
- Emotional Reaction: I want to go home! I'm exhausted – mostly by myself. But also filled with this strange sense that I'm slowly getting to know this weird and wonderful city.
- Messier Structure & Occasional Rambles: The pub again… The people in Exeter are weirdly lovely. I swear I'll remember everyone I met for years.
- Stronger emotional reactions: I keep thinking about my grandma, I know she would have loved this town. I miss her!
Day 3: Leaving (Thank God)
- Morning (9:00 AM): Last bacon sandwich. Checked out of the hotel. Said goodbye to the floral wallpaper.
- Late Morning (10:00 AM): Strolled through Rougemont Gardens. They were actually quite pretty. I’m becoming sentimental.
- Opinionated Language: Those gardens are basically Exeter's attempt to be a bit London-y. Cute, but not quite cutting it, Exeter.
- Lunch (12:00 PM): Had a final pint in the pub. Promised the bartender I'd be back. (I probably won't).
- Anecdote: Nearly missed my train because I was having one last deep conversation with a stranger in the pub. Why do I do this to myself?
- Afternoon (1:00 PM): Train home. Actually felt a bit sad to leave. Maybe Exeter wasn't so bad after all.
- Emotional Reaction: A weird mix of relief and melancholy. Exhausted but strangely content. I might actually miss the chaos.
- Stream-of-consciousness: I'm going to take a long nap. And then I'll start planning my next trip… maybe. Probably. Okay, definitely. But first, sleep.
Unveiling Exeter's Majesty: Secrets of the City Gate! (Seriously, Are They REALLY Secrets?) - FAQs (With Me Rambling)
Okay, so you're thinking about checking out the Exeter City Gate thing. Smart move! (Mostly. Look, it depends what you're expecting). But before you go stumbling around like I did, here's a somewhat organized, and utterly chaotic, guide.
The Absolute Basics (AKA, Stuff You Should Know BEFORE You Get Lost)
What exactly IS the Exeter City Gate, anyway? Is it even *one* gate?
Right, so it's *kind of* one gate, but not really. It's more like a surviving chunk of the medieval city walls and gates. Think a mishmash of arched entrances, bits of towers, and enough historical confusion to make your head spin. Expect ancient stones, maybe a pigeon or two (or twenty), and a vague feeling your shoes might crumble. I almost tripped over a wonky flagstone the other day – nearly took out a poor lady with a baguette. Mortifying. It's *impressive*, don't get me wrong, but... well, *prepare*.
Where on Earth is it located? (Because I'd rather avoid a wild goose chase.)
Okay, this one's a bit annoying. It's dotted around the city centre. The main bits are around (whispers) *South Street*, and (louder now) *West Gate*, and a few scattered remains. Seriously, download a map. Or, you know, ask a local. Just don't ask *me* – I wandered around twice before I actually *found* a gate that looked vaguely impressive. I'm still not sure if I saw them all. My sense of direction is… a tragedy.
Is it, like, open all the time? Or do I need a special key? (Because, let's be honest, I'm easily confused.)
Generally, you can wander around the visible bits of the gates. They're *mostly* out in the open, thank goodness. Unless they've been hit by a bus. (I'm kidding. Probably.) But specific tours or events *might* be ticketed. Check a website! Or be pleasantly surprised. Or disappointed. You know, the usual gamble of life and history.
The History Buff Stuff (That I Pretend to Know)
How old ARE these gates? Like, really old? Old enough to have seen a dragon?
Dragons are, sadly, unlikely. But yeah, *very* old. Parts of the walls date back to Roman times, with significant medieval additions. Think *hundreds* of years. Imagine all the feet that have walked these stones... all the secrets whispered... Wait, am I getting too romantic here? Probably. Look, it's proper history, okay? Go read a proper source if you need more than 'really, really old'. I'm more about the 'wow, that stone is *bumpy*' appreciation myself.
What were the gates *for*? Besides looking cool, obviously.
Well, primarily defense! Keep out the baddies. Protect the lovely citizens of Exeter. Control who came and went. Tax people. You know, the usual medieval shenanigans. Think of them as massive, stone bouncers for the city. It's pretty cool to imagine a medieval mob trying to get past these things. Like, imagine the drama! I kind of want a Netflix series now…
Were there any *particularly* exciting sieges or battles at any of these gates? (Because, you know, I enjoy a good story.)
Yes, there's a lot. Sorry, I don't have the dates at my fingertips, but go Google! You'll find tales of sieges, skirmishes, and possibly the odd disgruntled tax collector. Trust me, history is usually more interesting than my shaky memory. But the general vibe: *lots* of fighting occurred. Exeter has seen some things.
The Touristy Bits (And My Personal Gripes)
Are there guided tours? Or am I on my own to decipher ancient English?
Yes, thankfully there are usually guided tours. Or sometimes you might just meet a local tour guide. A friendly local who knows the place and is willing to share. I highly recommend it! I took a tour once and it was *brilliant* – the guide had the most amazing stories and knew every nook and cranny. And he didn't get lost. Unlike *some* people. (Me.) Seriously, it's worth the money. Otherwise, you're left squinting at plaques and pretending you understand the Norman French. Awkward.
Is it suitable for children? Because my toddler is… enthusiastic.
Depends on the enthusiastic toddler. There are steps, uneven surfaces, and the usual hazard of small, curious hands. Be prepared to carry or herd. I saw a kid try to *climb* one of the walls once. I nearly had a heart attack. But, yes, generally child-friendly (ish), but keep an eye on them. And maybe don't let them near the baguette lady.
Are there any souvenirs? Because I need a fridge magnet. (Don't judge me.)
I didn't see any specific "City Gate" fridge magnets. But Exeter has plenty of shops selling souvenirs! You could always get a generic Exeter one and pretend it's gate-related. That’s what I do. Or just focus on the *experience*. (Whispers) But the fridge magnet is the *real* treasure.
My Most Memorable Experience (Which is, Frankly, A Bit Embarrassing)
Okay, spill. What's *your* best memory of the Exeter City Gate?
Alright, fine. Here it is. There was a particular gate, near a very busy street, that I spotted. I was excited, *finally* found a gate! I got a shot. And the photo! I was *smitten*. *Look how amazing this is!* I thought. I kept going on and on. Then I realized. The gate I was photographing I was about ten feet away from *aBatumi's Hidden Gem: Mariinsky Boutique Hotel - Unforgettable Georgian Escape
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