Exeter, United Kingdom
Hotel du Vin Exeter
Converted Edwardian hospital
Exeter, United Kingdom
Renovated
2023
Price
$$
Rated for
Design Heritage WellnessOutside the door
The house
Hotel du VinConverted Edwardian hospital
A 1901 eye infirmary now operates as a relaxed hotel, trading clinical wards for walled lawns and a wine bar.
What it’s good at
Notable
Contemporary parquet floors and period moldings meet tall hospital-wing sash windows.
Notable
A 1901 red-brick eye infirmary conversion retaining Grade II listed Edwardian architecture.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
A beautiful old Edwardian hospital in Exeter finds new life as a luxury hotel — and should this happen to touch off a mania for converting well-preserved institutions into stylish, contemporary lodgings, we’ll be there to cheer it on.
Right in the middle
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Exeter Cathedral is a short walk away through Southernhay, and the historic quayside sits just down the hill.
The rooms
Bedrooms have parquet floors and tall sash windows that look straight out over the lawn.
The pool
Bring a swimsuit.
An indoor hydra-jet pool connects directly to the heated outdoor pool, set against the red-brick infirmary walls.
The spa
The spa occupies a garden pavilion, where therapists offer facials and body treatments using TEMPLESPA products.
At the table
Bistro du Vin serves French classics beneath a central skylight, with bottles poured from an extensive wine cellar.
How it began
The red-brick building opened in 1901 as the West of England Eye Infirmary, treating patients for almost a century before closing in 1992.
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.