When we checked in, I could sense one of the two people at the front desk looking us over--maybe because we were in casual clothes (jeans/sweats) and most people who stay here--rich people who pay $30-40k/yr for their kids to attend a high school (the nearby Phillips Exeter Academy)--don't usually wear such clothes. As we filled out our info (my car plate), the staff asked for our email (they said it was to contact us in case we left anything behind, or to email us about special offers, or something like that). My boyfriend declined, since he doesn't like getting spam or "offers," esp. from places that he's likely never to go to again (we're in Exeter, NH, remember?). More on that later. The exterior of the inn was typical of an inn--looked like a large, well-maintained house. Inside, the lobby--from the carpeting to the decorative wall/shelf by the restaurant--looked more like an upscale hotel. We took an elevator up to our second floor room, and the character of the hotel changed yet again, into what looked more like a nice apartment building in NYC. Polished brown wood doors open into the rooms. Our room was at the end of the hallway, in something like an alcove. Once inside, the bathroom was on the right and not "down the hall" as described on Expedia, which made me think it was to be shared with another guest. It was actually *in* the room, just on the other side of the bed. Based on others' reviews, I expected the room to be cramped. It wasn't, really. I mean, we had two small rolling suitcases, a bookbag, duffle bag, and one or two other bags, and it was alright. Then again, we put our stuff on the oversized sofa chair and all the surface areas we weren't immediately using. The bed had about 8 pillows on it, which made it look nice, but ultimately proved impractical as we had to toss most of them off (onto the floor; hey, no other space for them). The bed "cover" (more like a heavy comforter in an olive-colored duvet cover) was really soft, but it was too much with the other one (in a white-sheeted duvet cover) underneath it. The bed and blanket were among the most comfortable I've ever experienced. The bathroom is blindingly bright--not hospital white, but immaculate. Until you notice the little things, of course. Like the stray hairs on the shower tiles, or the rust on the door hinges, the dust accumulated on the cotton swabs/balls container, or on the sink, or, most disturbingly, on the room doors' decorative molding. I mean, I'm not OCD about cleanliness, but when a brown door has parts of it that are white with dust, that's when I take issue. When everything else is immaculate, what dust there is becomes really noticeable and off-putting. When a place tries to convey the image of luxury and delivers instead something rough around the edges, it's disappointing and laughable (like when the "luxury" towel so described on a card in the bathroom with a bright red ribbon tied around said towel turned out not to be as soft and fluffy as even my towel at home but as rough as those in motels and, dare I say it, those used in my kitchen to wipe spills on the table. After we checked out and had driven 20 mins to our next destination, I realized that I forgot my phone at the hotel. I called them, and the woman who answered must have been the same one who asked us for our contact info, because she said, in a patronizing tone, "You didn't leave us your contact info." (I wanted to tell her that first, we didn't leave it because we weren't likely to be back there, nothing personal; second, if we had left anyone's email address, it would have been mine, which would have been useless since I wasn't checking my email on the road anyway). I didn't appreciate the staff person's patronizing manner, but the hotel itself was not bad. I should really email them about the cleanliness of the room, because it would have been a great experience otherwise. The inn is usually between $100-150, but we were fortunate enough to get the room for around $80-90 on Expedia (last-minute booking for a Sunday night stay). read more

GREAT place!!! If you are in the dining room ask for Theresa! Very yummy food. The beds are so comfortable and the rooms are great. Its like a mini Ritz read more

Absolutely awesome, great place to stay and super friendly staff! The bar is a great place for a night cap and Exeter is a perfect basecamp for traveling around in New England. Housekeeping was meticulous and the price was great. I will be back for sure! read more

I had my September 2013 wedding at the Exeter Inn and could not be more pleased with the choice. With about 75 attendees, the Inn was the perfect size to accommodate our group. The staff was very easy to work with and helped us tremendously as we planned the wedding from another state. Sherri in particular was an absolute joy to work with. She was experienced and professional but also very warm and enthusiastic. Exeter is lucky to have her! The event spaces, including the courtyard, worked perfectly for our wedding. The Inn staff was fantastic, as was the food! I highly recommend the Exeter Inn as a wedding venue. Most of our guests stayed on-site at the Inn and we heard nothing but positive reviews. Our suite was terrific, and the perfect place for the ladies in our bridal party to get ready. The rooms are clean. The beds are comfortable. The staff is accommodating. It was a great place to spend the weekend. read more

This summer, I chose the Exeter Inn to stay at for my annual long weekend to the area. The hotel website raises expectations and as a person who appreciates the historical beauty of things, I thought this hotel would be cozy and beautifully maintained. Upon arrival, my boyfriend and I walked through the back garden and veranda. It was a good first impression especially when coupled with the prestigious exterior of the building. However, once we walked through the door we were greeted by a bizarre smell. I thought funeral home and my boyfriend thought horses. Suffice it to say, it was not the clean scent a guest would expect from a hotel's lobby and hallways. Also, from the website, I expected glistening wooden paneling but it just seemed old. As for the room, it was not large but good enough for two people with duffel bags. However, there was only the desk chair as seating so everything (including eating room service) had to be done on the bed. The door also required a lot of strength to fully close which was just awkward. Finally, I loved the old building aspect which was part of the reason I was drawn to the Exeter Inn instead of a chain hotel. But I would be remiss to not mention the complete lack of ventilation in the bathroom. Therefore, the paint and wallpaper were peeling and cracking which is unfortunate because it was obvious the bath was recently updated. Overall, we were disappointed. The Inn failed in delivering the historical inn with modern amenities that I had expected. Upon my return to the area next summer, I will not even consider returning to the Exeter Inn. read more

This is a WARNING to all travelers passing through Exeter, NH: Avoid staying at The Exeter Inn located at 90 Front St., Exeter. I am a well traveled businessman that made the mistake of choosing the Exeter Inn for a business/family trip. The charming photos on their website depicting beautiful accommodations and award winning food lured me in but the experience was easily the worst in my extensive travel career. Filthy linens, unbelievably small rooms, and rude unprofessional staff (from the top down) are just a few of the frustrations I was subjected to. Being a successful businessman, I am fortunate enough to be able to choose where I stay when traveling, and it has been a LONG TIME since I've had an experience of this nature from a place claiming to be so luxurious. I now know that their high ratings are self-proclaimed. And being in marketing, I realize that the only thing these folks did right was hiring a website designer that was talented enough to help them portray themselves as "The Ideal New Hampshire Venue" when the reality is they are the farthest from it. This is America...you have the right to choose where you want to stay...but I would feel ashamed of myself if I didn't take the time to share this story in the hopes that it helps prevent even one more innocent individual from making the same mistake I did. Happy travels. read more

I'm sure the hotel is still awesome, but wah, why did they have to change the restaurant and put in stairs with red lights underneath them and make brunch total crap? It had been awesome old-style for like a million years! And now my memories of the perfect eggs benedict are only memories, as at Epoch they make it-- with BISCUITS INSTEAD OF ENGLISH MUFFINS faux pas omg. Fresh cream cheese: gone. Pastries that aren't made out of the same biscuits as the eggs benedict: gone. Lox that you'd actually eat: gone! read more

Thanksgiving at the Exeter Inn left little to be thankful for.Lost our reservation but did find us a table. The buffet was disappointing and understocked.Raw bar was acceptable if you enjoy raw oysters. I think the Chef became confused when the codfish at the buffet was also barely cooked.The carving station served some type of beef and turkey. The portion carved was tiny....soon to be appreciated as the turkey slice was aslo raw. Had a glass of wine which was served in a normal size wine glass but little than half full with a more than full price. Atmosphere was zero. I think the most shameful display was after this experience I had contacted the manager....no response. I live in Exeter and always enjoyed the Inn in the past. It is a pity that it has changed so greatly in sure a short time. read more

I stayed here for a wedding that was in the area. While I did not personally check into the hotel, Cindy at the front desk was amazing. You can tell when someone truly loves their job. SHe was very personable and knew everything there was to know about the inn. The rehearsal dinner was at the Exeter Inn. The food was amazing! I do have to say that one of the waitresses that was doing our event of about 22 people, was not very good at remembering who ordered what. When she took a drink order, she would bring it to a totally different table. The rooms were nice, however my husband did indicate he had to go buy an air freshner because of the smell. This was before I got to the hotel, so I am not sure what it smelt like before the freshner. The comforter was just too heavy for our liking, but that is not a complaint from many of the people that slept there. The pillows need to be thrown out and replaced with new ones. But all in all the rooms were very clean and comfortable. Most of the people that went to the wedding got breakfast the morning after (Saturday). I am not sure if someone called in sick, but I think there were two waitresses for the whole dining room. Our table got service right away and our food came pretty fast. However the table next to us didn't even get coffee for over an hour! I would stay here again and recommend it to other people to stay here. Keepy loving your job Cindy! read more

The Exeter Inn has a stellar reputation as a quaint and historical place to stay while in the area. I have been staying there for years. Sadly, the rooms are in need of some attention (e.g. broken tiles in the bathroom). The restaurant and lounge were done over years ago and are pleasant and relaxing. I'm guessing that the re-do of the dining area cost quite a bit of money, leaving little else to spruce up the guest rooms. read more

Charming and ideal for reunions, but bring your own shower curtain and rod: the trendy renovated partial shower doors don't actually work.

Stayed here two nights in a suite with a Jacuzzi with the romantic package. We had a great time, good food (comes with coupons for dinner, excludes alcohol) and great location. Turn down service is included, and the staff is very friendly! We Wil be returning! read more

Once again it didn't fail sat here waiting this week for about 2 hours for my room to be all set so I could check inn redicullous. Didn't have to pay for it cause my company was but if I was paying for that service and that's what I got I would take my business else where. No apologies for the wait just a we will call you when it's all set when I've been working all day in the hot sun and want to take a shower they make u wait 2 hours so they can clean the room glad I will not be going back to this place. I wrote a review before but must have gotten taking down. Just do yourself a favor if you ever go here walk right back out the front door and head down the street to the Hampton inn read more

We had our wedding here because it has that old time look to it. To start we were promised the Bridal and Fireplace rooms. When we checked in they gave us our key cards we go to the room to find that we didn't have the rooms that Laura promised us we would have. Then they tell us that the room we were supposed to get was already taken. At the food tasting, the food was great, at the reception the food was horrible, potatoes under cooked, the meat had no flavor nothing that we were told we would have we got. My recommendation of this place stay somewhere else. They have a lot of excuses but no answers. They politely tell you to go f*** yourself. read more

I live in Exeter and have a small home but my sister discovered this treasure! Now I will have all my family and friends stay at this charming and New England representative of hospitality! It is within walking to our beautiful town and is truly a special combination of old world and modern convenience. The people were kind and professional and made my sister and her family feel special and at home. Best location, also near beautiful park and you can be ocean side in 20 minutes. I am proud of my town and that I can offer visitors a lovely place to stay! read more

I recently stayed there on a business trip. My first impression was quaint but small the hotel was less than a mile from the center of a beautiful community. Like past writers stated, my room was very small but others in my group had a full suite. The hotel offered very few amenities but comfy and warm. The fitness room was comical offering 1 treadmill and a bike but if weather permitted the town was great to see on a run. The best thing of all was the staff, VERY friendly, warm and made all difference. The food was good drinks were on the high side but standard to hotel prices. I was told the burgers were great overall stay was ok I would stay again mostly because of the staff who took great steps assuring a comfortable stay. read more

We wanted a special place to have a wedding rehearsal dinner for our son and his fiancee. We could see why they chose the Inn. The restaurant was elegant and the servers were helpful. However, the meal was disappointing. We expected a gourmet meal for the price we were paying and the way it was described on their web site. The portions were small, the steak was undercooked and the chicken wasn't even a boneless breast of chicken. We have had better dinners at sports award banquets for our children when they were in little league and high school. Even though the restaurant was beautiful I would not eat there again nor would I recommend it . T.C. Hudson NH read more

I think the Exeter Inn is quaint and historic. The restaurant leans toward upscale. But, the doors squeak loudly and the 3rd floor smells foul (not due to cleaning staff which was impeccable, its the carpet and/or walls). Our neighbor's door "stuck" every time opened or closed, and it was unfortunately quite loud. We were booked via Priceline and the inn staff indicated they must place Priceline bookings in the inferior rooms. Our experience reflected that choice. To turn on the TV, we had to pull out 3 cords just to "re-set" it to turn it on. There was no microwave, no refrigerator, no room really even to move. The gym consisted of a treadmill and a bike, and a handful of weights. The bed was comfy and the pillows/sheets luxurious and overall very clean. We loved the complimentary cookies. read more

In the last year I have stayed at the Exeter Inn four times for a total of 13 nights. I am going back this month for another 4 night stay. It is a fabulous inn! I have stayed in rooms ranging from the small junior queen room to a suite. All have modern, brightly lit bathrooms with a good selection of amenities. Epoch Restaurant offers a fine menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner in a comfortable, exposed brick setting. I have read several negative on-line reviews, but I strongly disagree with them. Do not expect a big box hotel. This is an inn. It was built in 1932 and retains its old world charm. The front desk employees have always been polite and accommodating. Once I was checking out at 4 am to catch a flight at Logan and the front desk employee handed me my printed receipt and a hot cup of coffee on my way out the door. I will continue to be a frequent guest at the Exeter Inn. read more

This is indeed a first class historic hotel. The room was nicely appointed and very comfortable. Great historic feel! We are not the foo foo bed & breakfast types so we were looking for a modern hotel experience in a nostalgic, New England facility. This was it! The restaruant was first class-ittle pricey though. The hotel staff made us feel very welcome and were very knowledgeable of the area on what to see and where else to eat. If you're headed to New England, don't miss this hotel! read more

The Exeter Inn is a very nice place to stay for a quiet night in the Portsmouth area. I found the accommodations to be as the pictures depicted. Unlike many places I have gotten for a "deal" or on a last minute travel site, the Exeter Inn was clean, pleasant, and accurately shown in the photos from their website. WHAT A REFRESHING CHANGE! The restaurant was very decent for dinner with an eclectic crowd around the bar. It is very tastefully decorated and the service was spot on. The rooms were clean, snug, but comfortably furnished. We clearly were not the first people to stay in the room, but it wasn't much worse for wear after a few years since the last renovation. The shower was clean and the water was hot with good pressure. The pedestal sink was fancy looking and added a nice touch. 24 Hour front desk, cookie turndown service, and Boston's Best Coffee in the morning were all nice additions. This place isn't for someone who wants to be pampered, but if you are looking for a nice, clean, comfortable place to stay with a friendly staff - that was my experience. read more

Our company had a banquet event at The Exeter Inn on December 18th. Laura handled all of the details for us in a very professional manner. When we arrived, we were greeted by several friendly and helpful staff persons. The holiday decorations were lovely and tasteful. The food was outstanding and exactly what we had ordered. We would highly recommend The Exeter Inn for any type of function. read more

I know personally that the people here work their hardest to give everyone who walks through the door the best experience possible! The Inn itself has old charm but its filled with modern touches to accommodate todays needs. The staff is amazing and the food is wonderful! I had my wedding here and is was everything I could ask for and more! I highly recommend staying here, eating here & having events here! read more

I was so disappointed when I checked in. I made a reservation for a two bed room and arrived to be told I only had one bed and a pullout sofa. I proceeded to accept the room as I couldn't deal with trying to figure out a new hotel after traveling all day. Unfortunately, the worst part of this hotel is the cleanliness or lack there of. Forget for a minute the rooms are really run down, the made service does not clean the rooms properly and the rooms are really dirty. They have no idea how to clean. The dead fly's on the window sill, the dust all over including bathrooms doors. The dirt and stains on the toilet seat cover. One day coming back to my room I had to stop and think if I could even tell it had been serviced. The bed was barely made and the pillows literally left as I had left them. The only way I could see someone was there is I had fresh towels and the garbage was taken out. It made me so upset because now I can only hope they actually change the sheets between guests the cleaning service is so lazy and sloppy. Also, I ate at the restaurant twice, both for dinner. The first meal I felt sick all night. The second meal my chicken didn't look done so I didn't even eat it. Do yourself a favor and spend your money elsewhere because this isn't a cheap option and it is most definitely not worth it. read more

Very cozy, great vibe. Only problem is if you book on an app in holiday season and the whole place is empty they will still give you the crappiest room possi read more

Where do I begin. This place is the single worst hotel experience in my entire life. (It was my gfs 30th bday) I have stayed in over 500 hotels and this one is by far the WORST. First off their employees are probably the rudest people on the planet. Their shower in the room we were staying didn't work and backed up on to the floor. They made us leave the room immediately. Not only did they not comp a single thing, when we came back to the hotel they deactivated our cards to get in the room. They also refused to give us access to our items and then to top it all off Tried to charge us for water damage to there hotel. I'm a licensed plumber this is what I do for a living. So obviously they did not win their case. It's their hotel their drain their problem..look it up in any plumbing code book. This place disrespected me so bad I have decided to get a lawyer involved for embarrassment and harassment. Can't wait to see this place in court :) read more

I went to the bar for an evening meeting with a business colleague. I ordered a red wine and was not warned that it cost $15 a glass! We had two glasses: $30! The servings were miniscule. This is not the Rainbow Room in Manhattan. I was stunned when I got the bill. Pimentos in the center of Exeter is a wonderful alternative for business people. read more

We stayed here for my friend's wedding on a Friday. The hotel itself was fine (and their complimentary chocolate chip cookies were a plus!) and would probably be worth about 4 stars. However, the front desk service there was amazing!!! Cindy especially was, hands-down, the best. Cindy is the reason this hotel earned 5 stars from me. She was unbelievable helpful, friendly, and genuinely warm and welcoming to the guests. We all agreed - the Inn was good, and it was Cindy that made it great! read more

This review summarizes our wedding reception at The Exeter Inn in October 2016.  The New England charm of this venue had me hooked instantly.  Laura, the events coordinator, is an experienced professional who has perfected the recipe to arranging a flawless function.  She was always reachable by phone or email.  Pretty much every request of ours was met with a response similar to "your wish is our command."  While staying at The Exeter for our wedding weekend, the entire staff - front desk, bartenders, waitstaff and managers - treated us like beloved family.  The Exeter Inn made our wedding magical. read more

I've never stayed in and Inn before so wasn't sure what to expect. I tend to like the more modern hotels but I was pleasantly surprised. What I liked: You have to appreciate the charming old building, very new england looking and welcoming. Check-in was quick and easy. The room, though small was nicely appointed and felt like you were staying in a bedroom at someones home. The bed linens were beautiful, with lots of pillows and the blankets were nice and warm. The bed was so comfy and the flat screen tv was nicely placed on the wall at the foot of the bed. The desk and side table gave us plenty of room for our things, and a decent size closet with iron and ironing board. The bathroom was more modern, all white and glass shower, nicely light and nice smelling soaps. Plenty of towels and clean. I cant forget about the turn down service, with the robs and slippers left out on the bed and two chocolate cookies left on the desk....very nice and yummy!! What needed improvement: There was a funky smell in the hall and lobby (not in the room at at all), other reviewers commented on it and the odor was present. There were nice wooden blinds but the curtains were decorative and did not close so the sunlight shined through. The room service options were limited, why we didn't take advantage of it, could have had better/more breakfast options. Other than that this was a great first time experience at an Inn. You have to visit downtown too, its a short walk and lots of nice stores and eats! We will come back to the Exeter Inn. read more