du Vin Exeter
Wine-focused boutique hotel in a historic institutional conversion. Warm and lived-in rather than clinical luxury. Big on wine culture, French-inspired dining, and the kind of quirky details (a 750-book library, bee-themed cottage suite, Hugo Dalton botanical mural) that reward curious guests.
The Beekeeper's Cottage is a standalone suite in the grounds — worth asking about specifically when booking.
Why It Matters
The building's past life as an Eye Infirmary gives it genuine architectural distinction — high ceilings, walled gardens, redbrick grandeur — that most city-centre hotels simply can't replicate. The Beekeeper's Cottage suite in the grounds is a genuinely singular room. Add a TEMPLESPA spa with a heated outdoor pool tucked behind the walled garden, and Bistro du Vin's French-leaning menu, and this punches above its price point.
A handsome Edwardian red-brick building that was once the West of England Eye Hospital, Hotel du Vin Exeter is the newest addition to the group's UK portfolio. The hotel keeps the bones of the old institution intact — walled gardens, striking brick facades, institutional corridors — and layers in all the things Hotel du Vin does well: individually designed rooms, Egyptian cotton sheets, an ambitious bistro, and an extensive wine list. It's an upscale city-centre stay with real personality, a short stroll from Exeter Cathedral.
Where You'll Stay
6 room types available
Beekeeper's Cottage Suite
The star of the show. A freestanding cottage in the hotel grounds, overlooking the kitchen garden. Decorated in rich orange and green with bee motifs throughout — a distinctive look that either delights or isn't for you. Super king bed with Egyptian cotton, luxurious walk-in shower, L'Occitane amenities, Nespresso machine, and a private patio. This is what you book when you want something genuinely unlike anything else.
Super King
Classic Room
The workhorse of the hotel — individually designed with a king bed, proper writing desk with seating, and en-suite shower or shower-over-bath. Some rooms have garden views toward the Haldon Hills. Ideal for a business trip or a relaxed couple's stay.
King
Cosy Room
Just big enough for two. These compact rooms come with a king bed, original artwork, and en-suite shower — some have shower over bath. Still has the full Hotel du Vin DNA: desk, flatscreen, Egyptian cotton. A good entry-level choice for couples on a tighter budget.
KingDeluxe Room
More living space than the Classic, and more design variation — some have open-plan bathrooms, others closed. King or super king beds. Those with separate bath and shower give you the full Hotel du Vin bath experience without committing to a suite. Some overlook the garden.
King or Super KingJunior Suite
Open-plan and full of character. Super king beds, bespoke furniture, and a monsoon shower. Some also have a bath. These are the largest standard rooms before you get to the standalone Beekeeper's Cottage — and they have the space to feel genuinely relaxing rather than just adequate.
Super KingSingle Room
The smallest category in the hotel but not without charm. Compact and efficient, decorated with original artwork. Has everything you need — en-suite shower, desk and dressing table — just in a tighter footprint. Good for a solo traveller who plans to spend most of the day out.
Small DoubleThe Property
Eat & Drink
2 venues on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
The walled garden terrace is open for drinks and dining in warmer months. Good for afternoon wine in the sun or a casual lunch.
On-site fitness studio / gym available for guest use.
Small indoor pool with hydra jets and a ledge seating area, alongside a log burner area. Part of the walled-garden spa complex. Open dawn to dusk.
An in-hotel library with over 750 books. A genuinely quiet, inviting alternative to the bar for a drink and a read.
Heated to around 27°C and open year-round from dawn to dusk. Set in the walled garden. Robes and towels provided. Complimentary for hotel guests.
Five-course tasting menu paired with wines, also available as an overnight package including breakfast. A signature Hotel du Vin experience.
Informal wine tastings hosted by the hotel's sommeliers and wine ambassadors. Also occasional wine dinners co-hosted with producers. Can be booked directly with the hotel.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
Multiple event and meeting spaces available, including private dining and corporate retreat options.
Historic walled garden surrounding the hotel, home to the spa, pool, kitchen garden, and al fresco terrace.
Pets accepted on request. The Beekeeper's Cottage has been noted by guests as dog-friendly.
Cash no longer accepted. Payments by credit/debit card or digital wallet only (from January 2025).
The hotel participates in the Green Tourism Programme.
12 spaces (including 2 blue badge spaces), residents only, pre-booking essential by calling the hotel. £25 per night from 18 May 2026. Limited availability — book in advance.
BUILD YOUR HOTEL DU VIN EXETER PLAN
Rooms, dining, spa, and resort experiences — organized into one trip plan.
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