About our NEIGHBOURHOOD
The neighbourhood of adaptation, inspiration and contemplation. Perched on the River Exe, the historic centre of Exeter was once described as the Jewel Of the West.
Its beauty was considered of such significance that it was targeted during the Blitz not as a military target but as a cultural one, the loss of which would irrevocably dent the spirit of the British people. Thankfully the place survived and fostered a new spirit of its own.
Today, Exeter’s motto, semper fidelis – always loyal – is an apt description of how people feel about our neighbourhood. This is a place that inspires deep devotion, its culture, architecture and outlook drawing in the curious and rewarding them with a place to call home, whether for a weekend or a lifetime.
Things to do During your stay
Sight seeing
Once the home of Colson’s, a treasured department store dating back to the 1790s, the building that now houses Hotel Indigo Exeter has long been a central figure in the city’s story. Over the centuries, it evolved through many names and guises—Dingles, House of Fraser and eventually the Guildhall Shopping Centre—before being reimagined as a boutique hotel. Today, echoes of its retail heritage live on in every detail, from the restaurant’s name to the design references throughout the hotel, creating a space where Exeter’s past meets present-day comfort and creativity.
Shopping
Step out of the hotel and straight into Exeter’s lively shopping scene, where independent boutiques meet high street favourites. The Princesshay Quarter offers open-air shopping with well-known brands and stylish cafés, while Gandy Street and Fore Street are packed with characterful stores, local designers and vintage gems. Whether you’re browsing for handmade jewellery, contemporary fashion or a perfect bookshop find, Exeter’s mix of modern retail and local charm makes every purchase part of the experience.
Location
Situated on Catherine Street in the heart of the city, Hotel Indigo Exeter is perfectly placed within a neighbourhood steeped in centuries of history. Just steps away lies the iconic Exeter Cathedral, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture dating back over 900 years, while the surrounding streets still follow the pattern of the original Roman settlement. The area has witnessed medieval markets, wartime resilience and generations of local life, and today it thrives as a cultural and commercial hub. Staying here means experiencing a vibrant modern city shaped by the stories and structures of its remarkable past.
Exeter Quayside
Exeter Quay – a ten-minute walk south from the hotel – has also gone through its own metamorphosis. In recent years, the crumbling red-brick warehouses that once housed the wool that made Exeter rich have been resurrected as bars, restaurants, antique boutiques and galleries, all connected by winding paths and cycleways.
Introducing Our team
Our team is at the heart of everything we do – friendly, knowledgeable and full of local insight, they’re here to make your stay as comfortable and memorable as possible. Whether it’s sharing their favourite hidden spots in the city, recommending the perfect dish at Colson’s, or simply offering a warm welcome each time you walk through the door, our staff are passionate about helping you feel right at home.
