Southernhay House

Southernhay House Hotel has been a regular meeting place for my friends and me for many years. We've always enjoyed the warm welcome, attentive service, relaxed atmosphere, and excellent selection of drinks. The cocktail menu in particular is one of the reasons we've continued to return over the years. However, on our most recent visits, we've noticed a significant increase in overall costs. While we understand that premium cocktails and quality venues come with premium pricing, what has become difficult to justify is the automatic £15.00 service charge that is added to every single round purchased. On one occasion, we were seated directly at the bar and ordered just two drinks. The drinks were prepared literally inches away from where we were sitting, yet a service charge was still automatically added to the bill. Across an evening, when multiple people are taking turns buying rounds, these charges quickly add up and can substantially increase the cost of a night out. We have absolutely no issue rewarding great service, and the staff have always been friendly and professional. However, an automatic service charge on every transaction feels excessive, particularly when there is little or no table service involved. It leaves the impression that customers are being penalised simply for ordering multiple rounds throughout the evening. Southernhay House Hotel remains a beautiful venue with a welcoming atmosphere, excellent drinks, and a team that has always looked after us well. Unfortunately, the pricing structure and repeated service charges have made us reconsider how often we visit, which is a shame given how much we've enjoyed spending time here over the years.

a month ago · via Google

We stayed here for 2 nights after getting married and had the best time! The staff were so friendly at every opportunity and it really made for a special time. Thank you as well for the celebratory glasses of fizz! Our room was also really beautiful, breakfast was really tasty, and we can't wait to book again.

2 months ago · via Google

Really disappointing experience. Booked on the app for Saturday lunch for 5 and had two reminders and a booking confirmation email, to which I responded, to ensure I didn’t miss my restaurant booking. That’s what the emails said. Arrived to find I’d only booked for a drinks table. Moreover, there was a large booking which meant that the chef wouldn’t be able to fit us in for food for 30-45 mins. Can’t help but feeling we were bumped for a larger group and I certainly won’t be returning with so much choice Exeter has to offer.

5 months ago · via Google

This place is a gem! We only stayed one night but I wish we had been able to stay longer. The rooms were great and the people very friendly and helpful, but the thing i liked the most was the attention to detail - the air cooler already on in our room before we arrived, the high quality toiletries, the luxurious bedding and pillows... and the breakfast was outstanding! It's a 5 min walk to the cathedral and all the restaurants and parking was easy. Thank you for a top notch stay, and it's the only place I will go to if we're back in Exeter again.

a year ago · via Google