Macdonald Southgate Hotel

Although our stay was generally ok, we could not see how this hotel could be rated as 4star. It seems to be somewhat resting on it's laurels and does not necessarily live up to it's rating. On the positive....our room was clean; the food was reasonably good. Leisure facilities were quite good. Parking was free. On the negative...gloomy breakfast restaurant; basin taps not working properly in our room - reported this but was basically told 'tough luck' & no attempt made at either re rooming us (fair enough if the hotel was... more

Firstly, this hotel is a real pain to get to being located on the one way system, if you are using sat nav or google maps and search by postcode they both direct you to completely the wrong area which means you have to sit in the traffic again to get back. Secondly, don't EVER stay in room 184 which is directly above the main enrance and the area where the smokers from the bar go for their fix. You have the choice of either slowly boiling with the window shut (as the fan system simply, but noisely, blows hot air at you), or being... more

We stayed for one night at this hotel, and were pleased to find that it is within easy walking distance to central Exeter and the Cathedral close. The room we stayed in was well maintained, and the room service food we ordered was prompt and tasty. We did not try the pool. Parking was no problem (on a Sunday night). Finding the hotel was easy - because we had a sat-nav device, but could be a little harder with just a map. If you want to see Exeter, this hotel is a nice place to stay.

We stayed at the Southgate for one night on our way down to Cornwall and really enjoyed it. The room was on the third floor and was very nicely decorated (looked newly refurbished) and extremely clean, comfortable bed and lovely shower. The indoor pool is an excellent bonus, great for loosening up the muscles after a long drive. We had dinner in the restaurant because the half board package was good value, the service was excellent and the food was nice but I am sure there are better restaurants in the town. Breakfast in the morning was... more

We've just returned from a 2 night break at the Southgate and thoroughly enjoyed our stay. We got a really good deal via the hotel website and although the room was small, it was perfectly clean and had everything we needed. For the price we wouldn't have expected anything more. The location of the hotel is ideal. Staff were very friendly & efficient. Breakfast very good - lots to choose from and quick & friendly service. Although building work was taking place (and our room was quite close to all this work), it didn't disturb us at all.

We stayed at this hotel for two nights and had the Chudleigh Suite. What a disappointment. The suite was a good size but extremely dowdy and in need of a total makeover. The room was not amazingly clean - the ceiling light fittings had a good layer of dust on them so had clearly not been cleaned for some time. The sofa was really dirty and frankly needed to be dumped. The shower control had been broken off and so there was no way of adjusting the water temperature. The shower curtain was one of those hopeless flimsy things... more

Currently staying at the hotel with work. Check in was fine and I was very happy to have been upgraded free to the Bedford Suite. Room good - seperate seating area with couch and comfy chairs, big bathroom, decor very old and flowery and not really to my taste but the size of the room made up for this. I generally work away about 2 weeks every month so to have a big room for 4 nts is alot better than a small room were you want to go home after 1 nt. Room service is poor - I ordered the chicken ceasar salad with the dressing on... more