"The rooms are rustic with an extremely modern bathroom."
Andrew from United Kingdom
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"The outdoor area at the rear is excellent , perfect for summer drinking and eatting out door."
Gumm from United Kingdom
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"City Gate is a short walk from the Exeter St. David train station and from Exeter's city center."
Gary H from United States
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3-star boutique hotel in central Exeter with a traditional pub and garden surrounded by historic city walls
Property Overview
The City Gate is a boutique hotel in central Exeter with a traditional pub, dining room, and garden surrounded by the historic city wall. Guests can enjoy live music and live sport events in the pub, while the dining room offers a menu with seasonal locally-sourced produce, an extensive wine list, and a cocktail menu. The property also provides private and semi-private dining spaces for events, including weddings and celebrations, with dedicated event planners.
Accommodations
Each of the individually designed boutique bedrooms has air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with Sky channels, and a Nespresso coffee machine. Guests receive complimentary port and homemade sweet treats on arrival, and rooms offer toiletries with either a power shower or a bath. The hotel offers family rooms, pet-friendly rooms with pet baskets and bowls, and designated smoking areas.
Dining & Entertainment
The on-site restaurant serves breakfast with full English and vegetarian options, along with kids' meals and special diet menus. Breakfast can be served in the room, and the bar offers wine, champagne, and local craft beers. The outdoor garden terrace is covered and heated for year-round dining, and the property hosts comedy nights and live music performances.
Location & Access
The hotel is a 5-minute walk from Exeter High Street and The Guildhall shopping centre, with Princesshay a 10-minute walk away. Exeter Cathedral is 400 metres from the hotel, and Exeter University is 1.6 km away. Exeter Central train station is a 5-minute walk from the property, and Exeter St David's station is 10 minutes away.
Services & Amenities
The hotel offers meeting and banquet facilities, along with fax and photocopying services for business travelers. Guests benefit from 24-hour security, CCTV in common areas and outside the property, safety deposit boxes, and key card or key access. Express check-in and check-out, invoice provided, and a safety deposit box are available, and the property has a designated smoking area.
Highlights
Property: Boutique hotel with a traditional pub and garden inside historic city walls
Rooms: Individually designed bedrooms with Sky TV, Nespresso, and port on arrival
Dining: Seasonal locally-sourced menu with outdoor heated terrace
Entertainment: Live music, comedy nights, and live sport events
Pet Policy: Dog-friendly with pet baskets and bowls
Location: 5 minutes from Exeter High Street and Exeter Central station
“City Gate's central location puts Exeter Cathedral and the Royal Albert Memorial Museum within easy reach, a real boon for explorers, and the individually designed rooms offer welcome modern comforts after a day out. The vibrant pub scene and dog-friendly policy add further layers to its appeal, creating a lively, inclusive atmosphere; however, reports of inconsistent service and late-night disturbances suggest some fine-tuning is needed to match its obvious potential. It presents a mixed picture, then, but one where the strengths often outweigh the weaknesses.”
James DavidEditor-in-Chief at Dogfriendly-hotels
Select your room type
The hotel provides many room choices—family rooms, doubles, and pet-friendly suites—with breakfast, free cancellation, and special offers
Boutique Double Room
2 persons
21 m²
1 King-size bed
Air conditioning
Heating
room details
Boutique Twin Room
2 persons
21 m²
2 Single beds
Air conditioning
Heating
room details
Double Room
2 persons
20 m²
1 Double bed
Air conditioning
Heating
room details
Show all rooms
Rates & availability calendar
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Check-in/ Check-out
Facilities
Hotels feature amenities designed to keep both you and your pet comfortable
Facilities: Great
8.8/10Review score
General
No smoking on site
Wi-Fi
Safe deposit box
Express check-in/ -out
Pets allowed
24-hour security
Smoke detectors
Fire extinguishers
Key card access
Key access
Guest Parking
Electric kettle
Services
Pet amenities available
Room service
Welcome drink
Dining
In-room breakfast
Restaurant
Bar/ Lounge area
Special diet menus
Business
Meeting/ Banquet facilities
Fax/Photocopying
Children
Cots
Board games
Children's menu
Spa & Leisure
Live entertainment
Sun terrace
Garden area
Room features
Air conditioning
Heating
Mini-bar
Terrace
Garden furniture
Tea and coffee facilities
Ironing facilities
Bathroom
Free toiletries
Self-catering
Electric kettle
Media
Flat-screen TV
AM/FM alarm clock
Room decor
Carpeted floor
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Dining Onsite
City Gate provides an inviting array of dining experiences right in the heart of Exeter, where traditional British cuisine meets vibrant, seasonal offerings. Guests can indulge in a variety of dishes that cater to all dietary preferences, all within a cozy, historic setting.
City Gate
Traditional British with Vegetarian and Gluten-free options
Ambiance
Historic dining room and garden setting surrounded by the ancient city wall, offering a warm and relaxed atmosphere.
Key Offerings
Savor a menu featuring locally sourced ingredients like Brixham hake and Elston Farm lamb. A private dining room is perfect for business lunches, while the outdoor terrace invites guests to enjoy breaks in the sunshine.
Reservation
Recommended.
Hours vary.
Location
Iron Bridge, North Street, Exeter, EX4 3RB,
Explore Exeter
Explore the Local Scene
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Exeter Cathedral
6 minutes' walk
Gothic architecture and beautiful stained glass. Free admission days offer a chance to appreciate its historical significance.
Royal Albert Memorial Museum
4 minutes' walk
Local history and art collections. Free entry and engaging exhibitions appeal to various interests.
Underground Passages
10 minutes' walk
Medieval underground tunnels with guided tours. A unique way to learn about Exeter's history.
Riverside Church
12 minutes' walk
Historic church with stunning architecture. Peaceful surroundings and engaging community events await.
Biking along the River Exe
12 minutes' drive
Scenic cycle routes for all skill levels. Bike rentals available at nearby shops make it easy to enjoy the outdoors.
Yoga at Belmont Park
18 minutes' walk
Relaxing yoga classes in a park setting. Open-air sessions are great for unwinding amid nature.
Conservatory Restaurant
2 minutes' walk
Elegant dining with a focus on seasonal local ingredients. Reservations recommended for a fine experience.
Steaks N Sushi
2 minutes' walk
Unique fusion of steak and sushi, casual atmosphere. Signature dishes include grilled meats and fresh sushi rolls.
The Corn Exchange
10 minutes' walk
Vibrant venue for live performances and events. Check for upcoming concerts and shows to enjoy.
Exeter Phoenix
15 minutes' walk
Cultural hub featuring films, exhibitions, and live music. Family-friendly events are often scheduled.
Local transport and travel tips
City Centre
Exeter 4 min · 300 m
Airports
Exeter International (EXT) 16 min · 10.3 km
Bristol (BRS) 163 min · 108.3 km
Train
Exeter St Thomas Railway Station 10 min · 800 m
Exeter St Davids Train Station 11 min · 900 m
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Check Rates
Property information and rules
Check-in
from 15:00-23:00
Check-out
from 07:00-11:00
Guest Parking
No parking available.
Internet
Wireless internet is available in the entire hotel for free.
Breakfast
A full breakfast is served at the price of GBP 15.0 per person.
Children & extra beds
Maximum capacity of extra beds in a room is 1.
Pets
Pets are allowed on request.
Number of rooms:
22
Reviews and Ratings
Feedback about City Gate from previous guests about their experience.
Review summary
Based on recent reviews
Powered by AI
City Gate is frequently praised for its excellent location, a short walk from both the city centre and the train station. Guests often highlight the nicely decorated rooms and comfortable beds; some have found certain rooms a bit small or noticed condensation on the windows. The hotel's pub and restaurant are popular, with particular praise for the quality of dishes like the braised ox cheek and the superb breakfasts, and some mentioned the beer garden.
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Review score
Based on 679 verified reviews
8.8 /10
Great
90 %
Recommend
Location
9.3/10
Staff
9.3/10
Paid Wi-Fi
7.5/10
Free WiFi
8.3/10
Pros
Amazing staff
Clean facilities
Great breakfast
Spacious room
Nice setting
Cons
Tiring stairs
Poor finishing
Mould
Tired look
Guest reviews
based on 679 reviews
8.8/10
based on 421 reviews
4/5
based on 849 reviews
8.7/10
John from United Kingdom
Single
Boutique Double Room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: January 24, 2026
9/10
a positive stay
comfortable bed stocked fridge nice bathroom
I found a COMFORTABLE large bed in the Boutique Double Room. Rooms include tea and coffee. a well stocked fridge and snacks exist for purchase. The bathroom felt nice.
0 Helpful
Hudson from Canada
Single
Double Room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: November 27, 2025
6/10
faulty television mouldy silicone
The television was not working . i tried to resolve it myself, but i had no success. the shower had mouldy silicone. This is unacceptable.
0 Helpful
Irene from Greece
Double Room
3 nights in October 2025
|
Reviewed: November 21, 2025
7/10
a satisfactory visit
plug sockets decor mini bar loft room no lift night staff
the room had lots of plug sockets the decor matched the hotel's style. the bed felt firm however i found it very comfy. i thought the mini bar was thoughtfully stocked and reasonably priced.
i stayed in a loft room there wasn't a lift. i had to carry my suitcase and laptop bag up several steps. there were no staff available after 11pm.
0 Helpful
David from United Kingdom
Single
double room
4 nights in June 2025
|
Reviewed: September 07, 2025
7/10
nice bed lovely decorations friendly staff tired room deep clean bathroom mould
the room was excellent. i especially liked the nice bed and the lovely decorations. the staff were friendly. the relaxed atmosphere was perfect for me (as a solo traveller).
my room felt a little tired. it clearly needs a deep clean and some updating. there was some mould in the bathroom. it was on the ceiling and in the shower grouting.
0 Helpful
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FAQs
About City Gate
What is the check-in and check-out policy at City Gate?
Check-in is available from 15:00, and check-out is by 11:00.
How far is City Gate from Exeter Cathedral?
City Gate is located 0.5 km from Exeter Cathedral.
What are the dining options available at City Gate?
City Gate features an on-site restaurant that offers a menu with seasonal locally-sourced produce.
How can guests access the airport from City Gate?
Exeter International Airport is 5 km away, approximately a 20-minute drive from the hotel.
What room amenities does City Gate provide?
Rooms are equipped with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV, a Nespresso coffee machine, and complimentary toiletries.
What nearby restaurants are close to City Gate?
Dining options within 0.5 km include Treasury Restaurant, Red Rose, and Steaks N Sushi.
Does City Gate allow pets?
Pets are allowed on request for an additional charge of £20 per night.
What services are offered for business travelers at City Gate?
Business amenities include Wi-Fi in public areas and meeting facilities.
Is breakfast available at City Gate?
Breakfast is available for an additional charge of £15.
How far is City Gate from the nearest train station?
City Gate is a 5-minute walk from Exeter Central train station.
What types of events can be hosted at City Gate?
City Gate has private dining spaces suitable for parties, celebrations, and corporate events.