We had to wait for one hour and ten minutes to be seated at our restaurant table due to a large wedding party still seated in the dining room.We got not one word of apology from the owner despite repeatedly asking when we would be able to eat.

My wife and I recently spent two nights at this beautiful and well run hotel. The accommodation is well decorated with a lot of old world charm. The staff are considerate at all times and they help to create the perfect environment for your stay.

The hotel is very close to Exeter for those who want heritage and shopping, and it is not too far away from the Exmoor National Park for those seeking beauty. There is ample car parking provided for those staying at the hotel and those dining in the restaurant.

The breakfast provided as part of the package is more than sufficient and well cooked. I would most certainly recommend dining at the hotel on at least one night of your stay. The choice of food should be more than sufficient for most diets and the local produce is well selected and beautifully cooked. If you like more simple food, let the hotel staff know when booking as the owner confirmed that the chef will be happily to oblige. The hotel boasts a well stocked bar and a very good wine list.

The owner is a charming man who brings all the various aspects of your stay together to provide you with a lovely experience.

Our thanks to you all.

I was debating on whether I was able to write this review, because I didn't end up going to the hotel, and here's why. I booked a table for the restaurant, and then called up a few minutes later because I was unable to make it, and the "gentleman" on the other end of the phone sighed and put the phone down on me. Now, if their customer service and co-operation is that poor on the phone, I'd dread to think what it is like in reality.

My room was spacious with a comfortable bed and well maintained but dated decor. Even the television programmes were in-keeping with the period of the room, and I caught some Lethal Weapon before bedtime. Business-wise, I had my own mobile connection from my laptop, so e-mails were not a problem. I'm not aware of Wi-Fi being provided by the hotel itself. So, how could I give five stars to a place where the shower bregudgingly dribbled out hot water only after some persuasion? Well, to dwell on these things misses the whole point of the place...

There is a fantastic lounge area with a log fire and well-stocked bar. Time here should be spent in front of the open fire reading the newspaper and soaking up the atmosphere as opposed to mooching in your room alternating between all four TV channels. The dining room exudes character, with the tables being split between a main seating area and a minstrel's gallery. I had Goat's Cheese Ravioli, Parsnip & Apple Soup and a main course of lamb. The food is a cross between fine dining and wholesome home-made fare and mine was excellent. Breakfast was good with free-range eggs.

I'm not sure why I have developed a knack of noting clean carpets, but the carpet in my room was most certainly clean. Being a Stokie I also appreciated the Wedgewood teaset in my room. I would have liked window locks had I been here with my kids although this is not usually a problem when on a business trip. The acid test is whether I'd spend my own money here as opposed to that of the expense account... definitely, and I hope to be back later in the year with my family.

To summarise, if you want corporate sleek and power-showers, go to the Abode in Exeter city centre. If you want an enjoyable and friendly bolt-hole in which to unwind then the Barton Cross Hotel comes highly recommended (as does a satnav to find it).