A few weeks ago we were thrilled to be invited to stay at the Luxury Magdalen Chapter Hotel in Exeter – cue me whooping at a night off parenting, exploring a new city, dinner, drinks and mostly a lie in. However as it got closer to 4pm our childcare arrangements changed last minute, a trunki was packed and an excited kiddo was bundled into the car ready for our night away. Not quite what I had in mind but thankfully the Hotel reception were super helpful and didn't bat an eyelid as we changed dinner reservations and asked for our small person to be added to our nights stay.
On arriving at the entrance and beautiful red brick facade, F was beyond excited as we made our way through the glittering crowds enjoying prosecco up to feature room 211, while taking in the array of artwork and design features that adorn the hotel blending old and new.
Our room was the perfect mix of contemporary design with lavish linens, stylish grey felt sofas, my favourite Eames chairs and advanced booking technology with our own iPad providing room service and reservations. Even the multiple lighting options where perfect for creating a relaxing bolthole for the night. Once settled room service turned down F's sofa bed while we busied ourselves getting ready before heading downstairs and enjoying the buzz of the hotel's many rooms; the bars, nooks and cosy library perfectly tucked away for a stylish stay.
Instead of our original 8.30pm reservation, reception kindly changed our table without any fuss to 7.30pm which is late by F's standards, but thankfully the excitement of staying in a hotel had kept him wide eyed and perky and I decided to make use of the extra adrenalin, enjoy a meal together and supress the mama guilt.
The menu was delicious and extensive with a varied list of Gluten free options for Paul, and fab children's menu – win win all round! The best thing was the in depth wine list on the iPad, allowing us to view the interactive list and provide great recommendations to accompany the meal. I tucked into a scrumptious plate of charred red mullet, heritage carrots, ginger beer and scallops while F opted for his trusty pasta option and it wasn't long before we were stuck into desserts with a sleepy boy on our arms.
Thankfully the hotel offered us the choice to download a baby listening app to our room iPad which we could link to our phone, acting as a baby monitor through the thick brick walls of the former iconic Eye Infirmary. Eager to get F down and give this a whirl, I hastily jumped into bed to cuddle my little one to sleep only to wake at 1am realising we had all taken a nap! So after jumping into pj's and turning out the lights I settled down and prepared myself for the early wake up call that is the boy.
Just like clockwork little hands grappled at my face and I blinked awake to see a big cheesy grin peering into my face and a bouncy five year old ready to start the day. After a quick wash with the complimentary REN products, we popped downstairs for breakfast. Bowls filled high with fruit, nuts, seeds and yoghurt, turkish baked eggs and coco pops we were ready to take explore the hotel before wandering into the city for a bit of retail therapy.
I love the collected art work, thoughtful design and commissioned pieces that gives the Magdalen Chapter Hotel its distinct style and creates a pocket of contemporary flair while retaining the countryside at its heart. Paul enjoyed a coffee under the arc of the large palm copper wall painting that adorns the walls by artist Hugo Dalton, while I decided to take a peek at the spa and perfectly formed outdoor heated pool. The blazing log burner and twinkling lights keep the pool cosy and reminded me off the rooftop pools in Reykjavik. I was left kicking myself for forgetting my swimming costume – a perfect excuse to come back though right? That and the cocktails!
The hotel even has a cute vegetable garden for the restuarant and uses the original morgue, which has been transformed into a luxury private dining room for guests and businesses to hire. I love how each of the spaces embodies a different style, dark and moody, light and fresh, each creating a unique atmosphere. I could have stayed curled up in the cosy library by the fire sipping hot chocolate all day *sigh*.
Finally we said goodbye to the wonderful staff who made our stay seamless, packed up our bags ready to head home to Bristol. Not surprising F is still talking about his fun adventure!
*We'd like to thank The Magdalen Chapter Hotel for providing us with a stay as part of this review and being so flexible with our extra guest. All words and opinions are 100% my own.
Looks like a great place to stay - perfect for families, yet still luxurious xx
ReplyDeleteNow I am extremely jealous as this place looks amazing! It's rare to find somewhere so stylish and grown-up feeling that is family friendly too. It sounds like you had a blast and lol at waking up at 1am after trying to get F to sleep, i've done that a million times!
ReplyDeleteOh Lori it looks like a beautiful place to stay and love all your dreamy hotel captures here too. Stunning.
ReplyDeleteAhh love it! I stayed at their sister hotel in Cheltenham once before and I'm dying to visit here too!
ReplyDeletethis place looks amazing! I'd love to visit when the weather would be warm enough for a dip in that pool. Lovely to hear that they were so accommodating with F. Defo book marking for next year x
ReplyDeleteWow, what a stunning place!! It looks soooo gorgeous :)
ReplyDeleteGemma xx
Wow how luxurious! I don't think i'd want to leave! The food looks so delicious as well, bet it was nice to have a day off cooking! Also great photography! :) x
ReplyDeleteThat place does look luxury alright. Something I would go and try out for sure. The food look amazing by the way and I love the wallpaper in the bedroom.
ReplyDeleteWow it looks amazing! Great review and beautiful photos. I'm glad you enjoyed your stay, the staff seem lovely too and very accommodating x
ReplyDeleteThe decor is absolutely stunning and the food looks delicious! I would also be a bit disappointed having the little one in tow because it looks like the dream getaway for couples. That is awesome that the hotel was accommodating for your last minute addition. I love your photos, too!
ReplyDeleteI love how the best laid plans never quite work out but it's great the hotel were so flexible with F. I would have fallen asleep too!! Gorgeous place, glad you got chance to enjoy some of it xx
ReplyDeleteIt looks absolutely stunning, love your photos! The food looks delicious glad they were able to cater to your change of plans. x
ReplyDeleteOh this place looks seriously stunning - what a perfect spot for a high-end but still relaxing family friendly getaway!
ReplyDeleteLaura x
Oh my word, this place looks ah-mazing! I would totally love this place. The food, decor everything just screams come stay here!!
ReplyDeleteWow what a beautiful hotel! There's nothing better than going somewhere fancy and them catering for children. X
ReplyDeleteWow!! This looks amazing and you have so many gorgeous photos. Will definitely add it to my list of places to visit!
ReplyDeleteThat's a gorgeous looking hotel. The interiors are to die for. The food looks amazing too. It's brilliant to hear that a hotel like that caters well for children too. I know a few hotels like that are a bit funny with you bringing your children with you. Glad you enjoyed it :)
ReplyDeleteLaura x