Premier Inn Honiton

The hotel is widely recognized for its comfortable beds and the promise of an excellent night's sleep, a signature feature that consistently stands out to guests. Its convenient location, coupled with ample free parking, makes it a practical choice for various travelers. The on-site restaurant, Thyme, also serves as a key amenity. This hotel is particularly well-suited for families seeking a comfortable stopover on journeys to Cornwall, business travelers needing a reliable base for work, and couples looking for a pleasant and restful stay. It also serves as an ideal spot for travelers on route or those attending local events like weddings or funerals. To ensure the best experience, guests are advised to book evening meals in advance due to potential restaurant capacity issues. Additionally, it's recommended to confirm parking registration upon arrival to avoid unexpected fines, and be aware that the free Wi-Fi can be unreliable, so having mobile data as a backup is advisable.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel offers ample free parking, which is a significant convenience for most guests, though some have noted challenges with space availability during peak times or issues with large vehicles occupying multiple bays. Guests are reminded to register their vehicles at reception to avoid potential fines. The Wi-Fi connectivity receives mixed feedback; while available and free, many guests report it as slow and patchy, often resorting to mobile data, though a premium "Ultimate Wi-Fi" option is available for a fee. The automated check-in system is generally described as seamless and efficient, providing a quick arrival process, though staff are readily available to assist if needed. The hotel features a bar and lounge area, which serves as a waiting space or for casual drinks, but some guests found the seating uncomfortable or the bar closing earlier than expected. The air conditioning system is a frequent point of discussion, with many guests reporting it does not cool sufficiently, often remaining above 20 degrees Celsius, and windows in rooms do not open, leading to stuffy conditions.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guest feedback on room cleanliness and comfort is varied. Many guests praise the rooms as spotless and well-maintained, contributing to a pleasant stay. However, a notable number of reviews describe rooms as feeling shabby, tired, or dated, with some reporting issues such as stains on bedding, dust accumulation, or even mold and damp smells. The beds consistently receive high praise for being exceptionally comfortable, ensuring a good night's sleep for most visitors. Despite the comfort of the beds, some guests found the overall room condition to be below expectations, with visible wear and tear. Noise levels are generally reported as quiet, contributing to a peaceful stay, though a few experienced disturbances from plumbing sounds or external noise. The bathrooms are typically clean, but some are described as dated, and a few isolated reports mention issues with shower water quality or pressure. A common point of concern is that windows in the rooms do not open, which, combined with inconsistent air conditioning, can lead to stuffy conditions.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's breakfast consistently receives high praise from guests, often described as "excellent," "amazing," and "plentiful." It is typically served buffet-style with a good selection of hot and cold options, including allergy-friendly and gluten-free choices, ensuring a satisfying start to the day. The restaurant, Thyme, offers both evening meals and breakfast, and while the breakfast experience is largely positive, feedback on dinner service is mixed. Many guests commend the food quality for dinner as "delicious," "tasty," and "good quality," particularly highlighting dishes like the mixed grill. However, some guests have reported long waiting times, limited menu availability, and instances of understaffing, which can impact the dining experience. There are also mentions of the restaurant not accepting certain discounts. The meal deal, which combines dinner and breakfast, is frequently cited as offering good value. The bar area, integrated with the restaurant, provides drinks, though some guests found the selection to be limited.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts a highly convenient location, situated on the edge of Honiton, making it an ideal stopover point for travelers heading to Cornwall or Exeter Airport, and easily accessible from the A303. While it is about a 20-minute walk to the town centre, its immediate surroundings offer significant advantages. Guests particularly appreciate the proximity to various essential amenities, including an Aldi supermarket directly across the road, and a BP garage with an integrated M&S Food store right next door. This provides easy access to snacks, drinks, and other necessities. The hotel also benefits from ample free parking, which is a major draw for guests traveling by car, further enhancing its accessibility and convenience as a base for exploring the local area or as a transit point.

Staff & Service
The staff at the hotel consistently receive overwhelmingly positive feedback, frequently described as "friendly," "helpful," "attentive," and "professional." Many guests highlight their willingness to "go above and beyond," assisting with various requests and resolving issues such as key card problems or room changes. The check-in process, whether automated or assisted by staff, is generally reported as "quick" and "seamless." However, a recurring theme in reviews is the impact of understaffing, particularly in the restaurant and at reception. This has led to reports of long waiting times for service, staff performing multiple roles, and occasional difficulties in finding staff members when needed. Despite these challenges, the staff's dedication to providing excellent service is widely acknowledged. While room servicing is available, some guests have noted instances of rooms not being serviced as expected or belongings being moved without prior notification.

Additional Information
Beyond the standard amenities, guests have noted several miscellaneous but important details. The hotel's exterior appearance is frequently described as "tired," "shabby," or in need of a clean, with some common areas also appearing dated. There have been isolated but significant reports of room allocation issues, including rooms not being serviced before guest arrival or personal belongings being moved to a different room without consent, leading to privacy concerns. One guest reported experiencing a rash after using the shower, suggesting a potential issue with water quality. Despite these points, the hotel is generally perceived as offering good value for money, particularly for its price point. It is also noted that the hotel is often frequented by contractors, which can sometimes impact the overall atmosphere or availability of services. Guests should be aware that the "Goodnight Guarantee" policy may not always result in compensation as expected.