A flurry of Mercure hotels have recently opened across the globe following extensive refurbishments as Accor accelerates its ambitious expansion plans within the four star market. Located in the heart of Devon, the Mercure Exeter Southgate has opened following a redesign of the reception, Gate House restaurant, bar, lounge, terrace and all 156 bedrooms.
The interior design scheme for the hotel draws inspiration from Exeter’s Roman and Medieval history including the Cathedral Library’s Exeter Book, a tenth century Anglo-Saxon poetry anthology, along with inspiration from the Richard Hooker Statue, Custom House and River Exe.
The entrance to the hotel has been designed to create a warm and inviting atmosphere for guests using luxurious fabrics and feature furniture complemented with rich tones and delicate historical design references.
The Exeter Book has been a strong source of influence in the design which is evoked in the calligraphy inspired wallpaper, feature page light shades and script collage flooring. An Old English type from the manuscript is woven into carpets in the bar and lounge and is featured on design details throughout the hotel. Lampshades and cushions depict individual gargoyles from the cathedral and a Domesday map has been re-created in the lobby area.
The Gate House Restaurant & Bar has been repositioned and restyled and it now features a variety of private dining and lounge seating areas. A focus on locally sourced food, including a weekly ‘Fish Friday special catch’ supports the weekly seasonal menu along with a new 24-hour menu and specialty wine list.
All 156 bedrooms have been refurbished in stages over the course of the past few years, including three executive suites which now boast a King size bed, living room, dressing area and bathroom with walk-in shower and air conditioning.
84 bathrooms have been re-designed focussing on the importance of soft lighting and incorporating earthly materials representing the sandstone for which the city’s foundations are built.
The Mercure Exeter Southgate features seven multi-functional meeting rooms with conference facilities for up to 180 people. The hotel also offers an 18-metre indoor heated pool, Swedish sauna and gym.
