The Royal Exeter Hotel, 1812 Lounge Bar

A Disastrous Stay at the Royal Exeter Hotel The Royal Exeter Hotel, renowned for its historical charm, became the site of an unsettling experience during my stay from 21 to 23 September 2024. What should have been a relaxing weekend turned into a nightmare, marked by poor management, unprofessional staff, and a shocking disregard for guest comfort. A Troubled Arrival After a four-hour drive, I arrived at the hotel around 9 PM only to discover that the guest parking lot was full—not with guests, but with nightclub staff and patrons. Forced to park elsewhere, I struggled through the crowded lot with my luggage to check in. Exhausted, I finally settled into my room and took a bath to unwind. A Midnight Disturbance Around midnight, I was jolted awake by loud banging on my door. Three men in black suits demanded I open the door, claiming water from my bathroom was leaking into the nightclub below. Despite explaining that I had finished using the bathroom and asking them to return in the morning, they persisted, threatening to force their way in. Feeling unsafe, I decided to leave the room, packed my belongings, and handed over the key after a tense exchange. The nightclub security team and manager treated me with hostility, blaming me for the leak. No Accountability At the reception, I requested a refund for my prepaid booking. Instead, I faced threats to return the key without resolution. Even after involving police, who deemed it an administrative issue, the hotel refused to address my concerns. I left and found accommodation at another hotel but was deeply disappointed by the lack of professionalism. While Booking.com refunded their commission, the hotel refused to refund the $230 I had paid, offering no apology or resolution. Key Takeaways Avoid Prepaid Bookings: Booking directly with hotels can provide better leverage in disputes. Research Hotels With Nightclubs: Ensure they prioritize guests' comfort over nightclub operations. Demand Accountability: Share experiences publicly to hold establishments accountable. The Royal Exeter Hotel’s mishandling of the incident reflects a troubling disregard for guest safety and hospitality standards.

As I sit here pondering my life choices that led me to this dump I think back on many mistakes of my life. None compare to the trash music for the sad empty hen do going on downstairs apparently until 4am. The solitary sweet potato fry (from an undetermined prior guest) stares up at me from the floor asking a question: Why am I still here - the answer - both of us have nowhere else to go but to rot here upset sleepless and angry. The WiFi doesn’t work, and the receptionist is not in the know of how to connect either. If you find yourself discarded into this waste heap don’t stay on the first floor and don’t expect to have a nice time. Yours cathartically an unsatisfied customer.