ABode Exeter (The Royal Clarence Hotel), Exeter

ABode Exeter, formerly known as the Royal Clarence Hotel is a stunning building in the heart of Exeter city centre, overlooking the magnificent Exeter cathedral. There have been numerous ghost sightings on the cathedral grounds, and the hotel itself is reported to be home to the ghost of Sir Walter Raleigh.
Cathedral Yard
Exeter
EX1 1HD

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The hotel was built in 1769 on the site of Walter Raleigh’s father’s house, and so the coughing noises that have been heard at the hotel in empty rooms and with no possible source have been attributed to Sir Walter Raleigh himself. Other ghosts around the hotel include that of a creature that has been seen wandering across the cathedral grounds – a creature with three heads. Other hauntings at the cathedral include the ghost of a nun, seen at around 7pm each time she appears, only to disappear almost instantaneously and the ghost of a monk who is also quick to disappear. A group of witnesses also reported musical sounds coming from the cathedral, even though the building was dark and empty at that time. There’s no doubt about it, Exeter is definitely a ghostly hot-spot.

The hotel certainly has a long and involved history – built by William Praed as the Exeter Assembly Rooms in the 1700s, the hotel is known for being the first hotel in England. The same man who built the first hotel in England also is known for building the first bank in England, which was located on the right corner of the hotel building.

The Royal Clarence was also a coaching inn in its time, offering transport to Bath Spa and the London Mail. Thomas Hardy stayed at the hotel in 1915, and then in 1916 the first cocktail bar was opened, selling humorous cocktails in an effort to cheer up Exonians before they went to war. The old bank became a café in 1906, and it’s in this building that celebrity Exeter-born chef Michael Caines runs his restaurant from.

ABode is brilliantly located for all that Exeter has to see and do – it’s in the town, but it’s on the edges of the town so it’s not too noisy, but it’s close enough to explore all Exeter has to offer. Plus, it overlooks the stunning Exeter Cathedral.

ABode Exeter offers 53 en-suite bedrooms, at three different levels – standard, superior and luxury. However, even entry level rooms are extremely comfortable and sumptuous, with the level of grandeur you’d expect from such a building – they have Egyptian cotton bed linen, Sky television including the sports channels as well as broadband. Superior rooms offer the same facilities as standard rooms but with a few extras, and luxury spaces offer velour bathrobes, mood lighting, under-floor heating, designer toiletries, wet room with Victorian roll-top bath and a separate seating area.

Michael Caines is at the heart of all dining experiences at the hotel and you definitely have a few different options – you could choose a deliciously different pub meal with a real ale in The Tavern, a three course meal in the Michael Caines restaurant, an informal lunch at the Café Bar or a drink or two in the Champagne and Cocktail Bar. There’s also a Boutique shop, offering lunch food such as sandwiches and wraps as well as deli foods such as homemade breads, jams and preserves.

Whatever your reason for coming to Exeter, ABode Exeter is the perfect place to stay if you want a base to explore the city from or if you’re looking for a luxurious weekend getaway.

24 hour reception
Beauty salon/manicure
Restaurant, bars and shop 24 hour room service
Porter
Disabled access in public areas
Gym
Sky television, flat screen television, DVD in some rooms
Broadband
Iron and ironing board
Tea and coffee making facilities
Telephone in room

Exeter is a bustling town with plenty to see and do – especially if you like shopping and eating! The hotel is also right next to the stunning cathedral, and the town itself is chock full of attractions such as museums and art galleries. A short drive away and you’ll find a number of farm shops, as well as Crealy’s Adventure Park, which is an ideal day out for the whole family.

Standard double room available from £80.00 per night, based on two people sharing.
Superior double room available from £105.00 per night, based on two people sharing.
Luxury double room available from £160.00 per night, based on two people sharing.

All rates include breakfast.