City Gate, Exeter ➤ Reviews, Rooms & Prices 2026

62 photos

Book on our site

up to 10% cheaper

than Booking.com

Key details

About the Hotel

Iron Bridge, North Street, Exeter, United Kingdom, EX4 3RB

Close to the city center

Great

8.7

8.8

/10

4.1

4.4

Loved by City Gate guests

Friendly staff
Central location
Spacious rooms
Delicious meals
Great bathrooms

"The rooms are clean but cosy, with a luxury feel"

Rebecca from United Kingdom

read full review

"The venue itself has a unique and stylish charm, making it stand out from more traditional settings."

Lisa from United Kingdom

read full review

"A small glass of port and flapjack was lovely!"

James from United Kingdom

read full review

Dining

City Gate offers a seasonal British menu with locally sourced ingredients, including traditional pub classics and show-stopping Sunday roasts. Guests can enjoy breakfast with items like dippy eggs and full English breakfasts served daily from 8am. The pub garden features a heated stretch tent for alfresco dining regardless of the weather.

Accommodations

The hotel has 20 boutique bedrooms located above the pub, each uniquely designed with comfortable beds and modern amenities. Rooms provide choices for families and can accommodate cots or fold-out beds for children. Guests will find rainfall showers, curated minibars, and quick access to the vibrant local scene.

Lifestyle and Activities

City Gate presents a charming courtyard garden surrounded by the ruins of an ancient Roman city wall, perfect for relaxation. Guests can explore Exeter's historical sites, including Exeter Cathedral and the Royal Albert Memorial Museum within walking distance. Local attractions and family-friendly activities are abundant in the nearby area.

Event Spaces

The Cellar Bar offers a private space with character, suitable for parties, corporate events, and celebrations. The Gallery serves as a light dining room with access to a secret garden, ideal for various events. City Gate provides tailored event packages to accommodate any occasion.

Family-Friendly Amenities

City Gate welcomes families with special arrangements for children, including children's menus and the option for additional beds. The hotel also provides Borrow Boxes to keep children entertained during their stay. Kids under two stay for free, while ages 2-14 can stay for a nominal fee.

Highlights

Dining: Seasonal British menu

Accommodations: 20 boutique bedrooms

Lifestyle: Charming courtyard garden

Event Spaces: Private Cellar Bar

Family-Friendly: Children's menus available

“City Gate impressed me as a characterful base in Exeter, particularly well-suited to those travelling with dogs, where tailored amenities make four-legged companions feel welcome. The vibrant pub atmosphere and central location near the cathedral provide an appealing blend of local charm and convenience. In my view, it's a practical choice for visitors seeking a blend of historic ambience and modern comfort.”

Anna BlackEditor-in-Chief at Tohotel

Location: Perfect

9.2/10Review score

View hotel on map

Highlights from guests

DiningFlavors to Savor

The breakfast had both cooked and continental options. The roast dinner was amazing. The chefs deserve all the praise.

Oliver Smith from United Kingdom

Review on

BathroomSpacious & Modern

The bathroom was spacious with modern design touches and great products. The shower was powerful. Large, super thick towels were provided.

Emma Johnson from Canada

Review on

BedroomRestful Nights

The bed was incredibly comfortable with good quality linen. A personal touch made my stay even better. Sky TV was a bonus.

David Wilson from Australia

Review on

Business FacilitiesSeamless Events

The online booking system was clear. The team accommodated a last-minute change easily. Festive decorations were tasteful.

Alice Brown from United States

Review on

View all

Select your room type

City Gate offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals

Boutique Double Room

2 persons

230 sq. feet

1 King-size bed

Shower

Coffee machine

room details

Boutique Twin Room

2 persons

230 sq. feet

2 Single beds

Shower

Coffee machine

room details

Double Room

2 persons

220 sq. feet

1 Double bed

Shower

Coffee machine

room details

Superior Double Room

2 persons

260 sq. feet

1 King-size bed

Shower

Coffee machine

room details

Click button to see more rooms

Show all rooms

Show all roomsLess

Price and Room Availability Calendar

Check availability and prices for your dates now!

Facilities

City Gate offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences

Facilities: Great

8.8/10Review score

General

No smoking on site
Wi-Fi
Safe deposit box
Express check-in/ -out
Pets allowed
24-hour security
Smoke detectors
Fire extinguishers
Key card access
Key access

Guest Parking

Electric kettle

Services

Pet amenities available
Room service
Welcome drink

Dining

In-room breakfast
Restaurant
Bar/ Lounge area
Special diet menus

Business

Meeting/ Banquet facilities
Fax/Photocopying

Children

Cots
Board games
Children's menu

Spa & Leisure

Live entertainment
Sun terrace
Garden area

Room features

Air conditioning
Heating
Mini-bar
Terrace
Garden furniture
Tea and coffee facilities
Ironing facilities

Bathroom

Free toiletries

Self-catering

Electric kettle

Media

Flat-screen TV
AM/FM alarm clock

Room decor

Carpeted floor

Dining Onsite

City Gate features a delightful blend of British cuisine within the heart of Exeter, offering a traditional pub atmosphere alongside a vibrant dining room and serene garden setting. This charming venue marries local ingredients with a warm ambiance, inviting guests to indulge in satisfying meals after a day of exploration.

City Gate

British with vegetarian and gluten-free options

Ambiance

A traditional pub atmosphere complemented by a spacious dining room and outdoor garden surrounded by the historic city wall.

Key Offerings

Enjoy vibrant seasonal dishes, including juicy steaks, colorful vegan options, Brixham hake, and Elston Farm lamb, alongside a private terrace perfect for leisurely breaks.

Reservation

Recommended for larger groups and special occasions.

Hours vary; check locally for specific meal times.

City Gate Location

Iron Bridge, North Street, Exeter, United Kingdom, EX4 3RB

Map view

Iron Bridge, North Street, Exeter, United Kingdom, EX4 3RB

City landmarks

Landmark

Exeter Quay

1.0 mi

Park

Northernhay Gardens

2200 ft

Landmark

Underground Passages

2600 ft

Church

Riverside Church

3100 ft

University

University of Exeter

1.1 mi

Nearby

Church

Exeter Cathedral

1600 ft

Museum

Royal Albert Memorial Museum

1000 ft

Castle

Rougemont Castle

2000 ft

Off Fore Street Mint Lane

St Nicholas Priory

1300 ft

Queen Street

1300 ft

17 Catherine St

St Catherine's Chapel and Almshouses

1400 ft

Church

St Pancras Church

700 ft

Cathedral Yard Exeter Cathedral

Statue of Richard Hooker

1100 ft

Queen Street

Miles' Clocktower

1200 ft

Event hall

Exeter Guildhall

1100 ft

Church

St Stephen's Church

1300 ft

Exeter High Street

Exeter Riddle Sculpture

1400 ft

Frog Street In a park off Frog Street

The Medieval Exe Bridge

1800 ft

Exeter - Catacombs and Lower Cemetery

1600 ft

Bridge

The Iron Bridge

300 ft

Art object

Redvers Buller

1600 ft

Phoenix Blitz Memorial

Blitz Fountain and the Phoenix Blitz Memorial

1600 ft

Princesshay

Blue Boy Statue

1700 ft

251 High Street

Year of the Pedestrian Statue

1900 ft

Church

St Martin's Church

1300 ft

Event hall

Tucker's Hall. The Guild of Weavers

1200 ft

Shopping Area

Princesshay

1800 ft

Edmund Street

The House That Moved

1600 ft

Near Killerton House

Budlake Old Post Office

1600 ft

National Trust's Killerton Estate

Clyston Mill

1600 ft

Restaurants

Conservatory Restaurant

500 ft

18 North Street

Steaks N Sushi

400 ft

23-24 North Street

Herbies

500 ft

15 North Street

Red Rose

500 ft

13-14 North Street

The Lin Den

500 ft

13 North Street

Gulliver's Fine Coffee & Cakes

600 ft

13 North Street

Turtle Bay

1100 ft

Queen Street Guildhall

Cote Brasserie

1300 ft

19-21 Cathedral Yard

Explore Exeter

Exeter Cathedral

6 minutes' walk

Stunning Gothic architecture and rich history await at this medieval cathedral, a must-see in Exeter.

Royal Albert Memorial Museum

4 minutes' walk

Home to impressive art collections and historical artifacts, this museum offers free admission and engaging exhibits.

Underground Passages

10 minutes' walk

Unique medieval tunnels beneath the city, offering guided tours that highlight Exeter's fascinating history.

Rougemont Castle

8 minutes' walk

A captivating historical site with stunning grounds, perfect for a leisurely visit and picturesque views.

Exeter Quay

20 minutes' walk

A lively area for walking, cycling or kayaking, with plenty of cafes and shops to enjoy along the river.

Biking along the River Exe

15 minutes' cycle

Scenic cycling routes available along the river, offering bike rentals nearby for thrill-seekers.

Yoga in the Park

8 minutes' walk

Relaxing outdoor yoga sessions available in Northernhay Gardens, ideal for unwinding amid nature.

The Lin Den

2 minutes' walk

Casual dining with tasty global dishes; try their vegetarian options for a delightful meal.

Steaks N Sushi

2 minutes' walk

Modern atmosphere blending grill and sushi delights; highly recommended is their surf and turf platter.

Herbies

2 minutes' walk

A cozy eatery focusing on locally sourced ingredients; famous for its hearty brunch options.

The Exeter Corn Exchange

10 minutes' walk

Dynamic venue offering live performances, including comedy nights and local music events, suitable for all ages.

The Old Fire House

12 minutes' walk

A popular pub with a buzzing atmosphere, known for its live music and an extensive selection of local ales.

Getting around

City Centre

Exeter4 min · 1000 ft

Airports

Exeter International (EXT)16 min · 6.4 mi

Bristol (BRS)163 min · 67.3 mi

Train

Exeter St Thomas Railway Station10 min · 2700 ft

Exeter St Davids Train Station11 min · 3000 ft

Want to see Exclusive Early Booking Rate?

Get exlusive rates right now!

Check Rates

Property information and rules

Check-in

from 15:00-23:00

Check-out

from 07:00-11:00

Guest Parking

No parking available.

Internet

Wireless internet is available in for free.

Breakfast

A full breakfast is served at the price of GBP15 per person per day.

Children & extra beds

Maximum capacity of extra beds in a room is 1.

Pets

Pets are allowed on request.

Number of rooms:

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback about City Gate from previous guests about their experience.

Review summary

Based on recent reviews

City Gate is appreciated for its fantastic central location, a short walk from the cathedral and shops, making it ideal for exploring Exeter. Guests often compliment the comfortable, spacious rooms and the convenience of having air conditioning. The full English breakfast is often described as incredible; however, some guests have noted that bathrooms can be quite small, accessed via a few steps. The hotel's pub offers great food and a good range of real ales, while the honesty bar and basket in the rooms are considered reasonably priced.

Show moreShow less

Review score

Based on 552 verified reviews

8.7/10

Great

91%

Recommend

Staff

9.4/10

Location

9.2/10

Paid Wi-Fi

7.5/10

Free Wi-Fi

8.1/10

Pros

Friendly staff

Comfortable bed

Excellent bathrooms

Central location

Cons

No lift

Tired decor

based on 421 reviews

4/5

Jenny from United Kingdom

double room

4 nights in August 2025

Reviewed:September 18, 2025

6/10

clean roomlumpy pillowsnoisy guests

the room was clean. the decor was acceptable.

i was disappointed by the noisy guests. i could hear a lot of noise from other rooms late at night, this made it hard to sleep well. the beds also weren't very comfy, and i found the pillows lumpy. i did not like it.

0 Helpful

Pauline from France

Couple

Boutique Double Room

3 nights in August 2025

Reviewed:August 17, 2025

8.5/10

Excellent Boutique Experience

friendly teamcool styleamazing fooddirty stairs

The team were really friendly. The room had a cool and comfy style I liked. I enjoyed the food a lot and the fish and chips were amazing. I liked the pub downstairs, it.

The stairs to the room were dirty and ran up walls. This gave me worry at first.

Rooms

9/10

The room was spacious. It featured an attractive design and a comfortable bed. We had a stocked mini bar and it was great.

Dining

8/10

Breakfast included many good options. It was a nice starting point before I explored. The breakfast had good options and was tasty.

0 Helpful

Terry from United Kingdom

Single

Double Room

3 nights in June 2025

Reviewed:July 05, 2025

9/10

fresh fruitdelicious puddingamazing space

The breakfast included fresh fruit and a range of freshly cooked options. the evening menu was good. Puddings were delicious. the outdoor space allowed me to relax.

the window in my room was not able to open properly for fresh air.

0 Helpful

Questions of the users

About City Gate

Is there any parking available at the hotel, and is it complimentary?

10 January 2024

While the hotel doesn't have its own parking facilities, guests are encouraged to use the nearby Harlequins car park, located just across the road. It's free from 18:00 to 08:00 and chargeable during the day.

How far is the hotel from the nearest train station and the city center?

22 February 2024

The hotel is conveniently located just a 10-minute walk from St Davids Station and only 5 minutes from Central Station, making access to the city center easy and efficient.

Can a bed be added to a room for a child, and what would be the cost?

12 March 2024

Yes, an extra bed can be added for children at a daily cost of £25. Additionally, a travel cot for infants is available for £15.

Is it possible to leave luggage at the hotel if arriving early?

15 April 2024

Yes, you can store your luggage at the reception area starting from 09:00, so you can explore the area comfortably before check-in.

Are the rooms at the hotel quiet for someone sensitive to noise?

28 April 2024

The hotel is situated on a peaceful road, and rooms facing the garden provide an even quieter environment, perfect for those seeking tranquility.

Are dogs allowed in the hotel, and is there an additional charge?

5 May 2024

Dogs are very welcome! There is a small charge of £15 per night for your furry companions to stay, ensuring they also enjoy their trip.

What breakfast options are available for guests with dietary restrictions?

10 June 2024

The hotel offers a selection of breakfast options including gluten-free bread and vegetarian sausages, ensuring there are tasty choices for varied dietary needs.

Is there a safe place to keep valuables after checkout?

12 July 2024

Yes, luggage can be securely stored at the reception after checkout, allowing guests to freely explore the city before leaving.

How long does breakfast service last each morning?

20 August 2024

Breakfast is served daily from 07:00 on weekdays and from 08:00 on weekends, catering to different schedules.

What is the hotel's proximity to local attractions in Exeter?

2 September 2024

The hotel is ideally located, just minutes away from popular attractions like Exeter Cathedral and the Royal Albert Memorial Museum, making it a great base for exploration.