Barnstaple's BEST Kept Secret: Cedars Inn's Unmissable Getaway!
Okay, buckle up, buttercup, because we're diving headfirst into a review of this place. It's gonna be less "corporate brochure" and more "what really happened," you know? Think of it as your friend spilling the tea after a weekend getaway.
First Impressions (and the Internet, Oh My!)
Alright, so the first thing I always check is the Wi-Fi. Seriously, I need my socials, my travel blogs, my cat videos… you get it. And praise be, Free Wi-Fi in All Rooms! YES! And not just one measly access point. Solid coverage, baby. Seriously, it’s a huge win. My husband even managed to stream the football game without buffering (he was very happy).
While we're on internet, they also boast Internet [LAN], which makes me think of like, old-school tech. Fine if you need it, but who even uses LAN cables anymore? Still, points for offering the options, I guess. They have Internet services, which mostly seems to cover the Wi-Fi, and Wi-Fi in public areas, which is good for pretending to be 'working' while sipping your latte in the lobby…
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag, Possibly
Now, this is where things get a little… hmmm. They list Facilities for disabled guests which is encouraging (and crucial). But the specific details on what those include is a bit thin. Important notes: Wheelchair accessible is listed, so that’s definitely a plus. HOWEVER, until someone gives me specifics, I'm hedging my bets here. More transparency, people!
Restaurants & Lounges: Food, Glorious Food! (And the Occasional Hiccup)
Okay, food is a BIG DEAL. I’m here for the Restaurants, plural! Let's break this down.
Restaurants: They’ve got a bunch! A la carte in restaurant, Asian cuisine, International cuisine, Vegetarian Restaurant, Western cuisine… Okay, good start, a little something for everyone.
Specifics?: Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant. This is AMAZING. It was a serious spread. We had Asian breakfast, Western breakfast (because, you know, variety is the spice of life AND because I’m terrible at breakfast), AND I absolutely devoured the buffet.
The Good, The Bad, and the Greasy: I'm not gonna lie, the buffet was glorious. I went back for seconds (and maybe thirds… don't judge). And they had a Coffee shop with great coffee. Poolside bar: Perfect for lounging with a margarita and a bad novel. Snack bar… honestly, didn’t try it.
Room service [24-hour]: Okay, late-night fries craving? They've got you covered.
The Flaws: Salad in restaurant should be a given, and soup… well, some days it’s just nice to have a bowl of soup. I noticed no Coffee/tea in restaurant but maybe I missed it.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Spa Day Dreams and Gym Reality
Okay, spa. I'm a sucker for a good spa.
- Spa: Yes, they have one. Spa/sauna, Steamroom.
- Spa Treats: They do the Body scrub and Body wrap: I had a body wrap. It was blissful. Not the cheapest thing, but worth it.
- Pools Galore: Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor], Pool with view… Oh, and the pool with a view? Stunning. Seriously instagram-worthy.
- Fitness center, Gym/fitness: My husband hit the gym. He said it was well-equipped, but I only saw it from the outside.
- Massage: Yes, they do massages. You HAVE to get one. Treat yourself.
- The Reality Check: This whole section is amazing.
Cleanliness and Safety: Trying to Breathe Easy
This is a big one these days, isn’t it? They’ve got a decent list of safety measures, which is reassuring…
- Anti-viral cleaning products: Good.
- Daily disinfection in common areas: Okay.
- Hand sanitizer: Present and accounted for.
- Hot water linen and laundry washing: Good.
- Individually-wrapped food options: Good, but not a deal-breaker.
- Physical distancing of at least 1 meter: Always a good thing.
- Professional-grade sanitizing services: Okay.
- Rooms sanitized between stays: Reassuring.
- Safe dining setup: Makes me feel more comfortable.
- Sanitized kitchen and tableware items: Yes please!
- Staff trained in safety protocol: Thank goodness.
- Sterilizing equipment: Good.
Rooms: The Sanctuary (Hopefully!)
Okay, let’s talk rooms.
- The Basics: Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, In-room safe box, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Satellite/cable channels, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens. Solid, solid, solid. Like, you've got everything you need.
- The Extras: Additional toilet, Interconnecting room(s) available, On-demand movies.
- Specifics: The Blackout curtains were AMAZING. Slept like a log. The Coffee/tea maker was a godsend in the mornings. My husband’s a light sleeper so the fact that the rooms had Soundproofing made him very happy.
- Minor Frustration: Not sure why there was a Bathroom phone. Are people still CALLING from their bathroom? Maybe I'm old.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter
Okay, the devil is in the details. This is where a hotel can really shine.
- Awesome Stuff: Air conditioning in public area, Concierge, Convenience store, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Facilities for disabled guests, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Safety deposit boxes, Terrace. Okay, yes to all of this. Especially loving the Daily housekeeping, because ain't nobody got time to make their own bed on vacation.
- The So-So: Cash withdrawal, Currency exchange, Gift/souvenir shop. All fine, nothing to write home about.
- Possible Misses: Food delivery - this might be cool.
- The Quirky: Facilities for disabled guests - As always more transparency is needed.
Getting Around
- Airport transfer: Good.
- Car park [free of charge] - Score!
- Car park [on-site] - Good, but are they going to charge?
- Taxi service, Valet parking - Good.
For the Kids
- Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids meal, Kids facilities - This is for my husband, as he can't live without them.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: The Foodie’s Heaven (Mostly)
- The Variety: Alternative meal arrangement, Bar, Bottle of water, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant. Yes, to everything!
- The Good: The buffet was actually very wonderful.
- The Sad: I did not find any Coffee/tea in restaurant, but hey, at least there were amazing Coffee/tea makers in all the rooms.
Business Stuff
- Business facilities, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Projector/LED display, Xerox/fax in business center - Fine.
To Sum Up (and the Hard Sell!)
Look, this isn’t a perfect hotel. No hotel ever is. But, it's pretty darn good. The location is great and the experience overall was fantastic. It's got more than enough to make you happy and I felt like I was being taken care of.
Here's the deal: If you want a relaxing getaway with great food, great Wi-Fi, and (hopefully) good accessibility options, this is definitely worth a look.
MY HONEST RECOMMENDATION: Book it, but call ahead if you need specifics on accessibility.
Escape to Paradise: Luxurious Laguna Grove Apartment in Knysna!
Okay, buckle up buttercup, because this isn't your average, perfectly polished travel itinerary. This is the Cedars Inn, Barnstaple, Greene King Inns, through the unfiltered, slightly-tipsy lens of yours truly. Let’s just say, I’ve already downed a pint of something suspiciously strong, and we’re about to get real.
Operation: Cedars Sanctuary (Or, How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Pub)
Day 1: Arrival (and the Quest for the Perfect Chip)
4:00 PM - Arrival & Initial Panic: Okay, so I thought I’d packed light. Apparently, my definition of “light” involves a suitcase that could probably house a small family. Dragging that beast into the Cedars Inn… well, it felt like wrestling a very stubborn, wheezing badger. Check-in was smooth, though. The woman at reception (bless her heart, she had the patience of a saint) smiled, handed me my key, and pointed me towards the stairs. Stairs. My nemesis.
4:30 PM - Room Reconnaissance (and a Deep Sigh of Relief): The room. Honestly, it’s not a palace. But it is clean. And the bed looks very inviting after that suitcase debacle. Small victory! The bathroom… well, it’s got all the necessary parts, and that’s all that matters, right? Right.
5:00 PM - The Pub Reconnaissance (and the Quest Begins!): Downstairs. Into the boisterous, wonderfully warm heart of the Cedars. The place is buzzing. A mix of locals, families, and… me, apparently, looking wildly lost. My mission: find the perfect chips. Those golden, crispy, fluffy-on-the inside chips that redefine the very meaning of deliciousness. I’ve heard rumors, whispers even, of their legendary status. I approach the bar, eyes narrowed, ready to negotiate.
5:15 PM - Pint Number One (and a Sideways Glance at My Chips): Ordered a pint of whatever the local brew is (still getting the hang of the beer names – sounds like a secret language!). The chips arrive (finally), and… oh. My. God. They are glorious. Crispy on the outside, soft in the middle. The perfect amount of salt. I am officially, deeply, and irrevocably in love. Spent the best part of an hour just gazing at them, occasionally dipping one into a pot of vinegar. Utter bliss.
7:00 PM - Dinner & People Watching (and the Unexpected Kindness): Stayed put for dinner. Ordered a burger (needed something to accompany those chips, obviously). Sat by the window, watching the world go by. The family at the next table was hilariously loud, the old couple sharing a quiet meal, the bar staff were on fire, taking care of everyone - a great atmosphere with the whole room. This place is a community, and I'm starting to feel like I belong.
8:30 PM - A Moment of Crisis (and the Power of the Pub): Okay, here's where it gets a touch… well, messy. I was feeling a bit down. Travel always brings up things, good and bad. I'd wandered off into a dark mood, and wasn't enjoying myself. But the barman, bless his heart, noticed. He offered me another drink, a chat, and made me laugh. Small things, but they mattered. Found myself chatting with some locals about the best fishing spots in the area. It pulled me right out of it. The Cedars Inn, it seems, has a way of turning frowns upside down.
10:00 PM - Bedtime (and a Dream of Chips): Back to the room, exhausted but content. I'm still smiling about the chips. Still smiling about the local culture, about being here, actually. Time to crash.
Day 2: Exploring (and the Stubbornness of a Tourist)
8:00 AM - Breakfast (and the Great Bacon Debate): The breakfast at the Cedars is… decent. Standard fare, nothing to write home about. But the bacon… it's either gloriously crisp, or sadly limp. Today, I got limp. Disaster. (Okay, maybe not, but a girl can dream of perfect bacon, can't she?)
9:00 AM - Attempted Hiking (and the Unexpected Torrential Rain): So, I had grand plans. A lovely hike around the coast, breathing in the fresh air, communing with nature. Turns out, nature had other plans. Torrential rain. Utter. Downpour. Abandoned the idea before I even left the car park. Ended up back in the Cedars, contemplating my life choices over a coffee.
10:00 AM - The Unexpected Delights of the Museum (and the Shock of History): The North Devon Museum was a suggestion from the barman. And, honestly, I was expecting a dusty old building. But, actually, it was fascinating! Learned all sorts of things about the local history, the fishing industry, the people who lived here before me. Was genuinely moved by some of the artifacts.
12:00 PM - Lunch (and the Persistent Chip Craving): Back to the Cedars for lunch. Had to have the chips again, obviously. This time, they were even better. Perhaps it was the memory of the museum trip, the anticipation, or maybe the barman just knows how to work his magic. Anyway, I was in heaven.
1:00 PM - Shopping (and the Crushing Disappointment of Souvenirs): Wandered around the town. Did a bit of browsing in the shops. Found a mug with a picture of a lighthouse on it. Almost bought three. But then I realised: another mug? I've already got a cupboard overflowing with mugs! Gave up on souvenir hunting, and headed for the bar.
2:00 PM - The Pub (and the Art of Doing Nothing): Honestly, there's something so satisfying about just sitting in a pub, watching the world go by. I read a book, sipped my drink, and just was. It was glorious.
6:00 PM - Dinner, (and a chat, again): More chatting. More laughter. More people watching. And more appreciation for the staff who were going above and beyond to provide good service. I felt like I'd made some friends.
8:00 PM - Bed (but actually, another pint): I should've gone to bed. Seriously knackered. But the Cedars had a pull. Another pint, another chat, and then, finally, sleep.
Day 3: Departure (and The Promise of Return)
8:00 AM - The Sad Breakfast: The bacon: perfect! Figures. On my last day.
9:00 AM - Packing (and the Sweet Sorrow of Leaving): Packing is always a trial. More of the same with the badger-sized suitcase. But… I’m also feeling a sense of… peace. I’ve found a little sanctuary here. The Cedars Inn isn’t perfect (the decor could do with an update, the shower pressure is questionable) but it’s real. It’s welcoming. It’s got the best bloody chips in the universe.
10:00 AM - Checkout (and a Promise to Return): Said goodbye to the lovely woman on reception, who gave me another of her patient smiles. I'll be back. Definitely.
10:30 AM - Farewell to the chips (and the final meal): The last meal. The bittersweet end of my relationship with the chips. I ate them with great regret - I would miss them deeply.
Final Ramblings:
This wasn’t a glamorous trip. There were no Michelin-starred restaurants, no breathtaking art galleries, no fancy cocktails. Just a pub, some good food, some genuine connections, and a whole lot of chips.
But honestly, it was perfect. The Cedars Inn – it became a home for a few days, which isn't bad going. And sometimes, that’s all you need. Next time, I'll bring my own supply of chip salt.
Escape to Paradise: Garton's Cape Hotel, Mirissa, Sri Lanka
Alright, Let's Get This Over With: What *Is* This Whole Thing, Anyway? (Seriously, I'm Confused)
Why Are We Doing This, Really? (I'm Already Bored)
My First Question is about the basics: What exactly is 'This', in 'What *Is* This'?
I'm Feeling... Overwhelmed. Is That Normal?
Okay, so, Let's Get Super Practical: How Do I Actually *Use* This Thing?
I Asked a Question, and the Answer Was... Garbage. What Gives?
I'm Confused. Didn't You Say Something About Messy Structure?
What Happens If I Don't Get The Answers I Want? Can I Yell?
What do you actually know? Are you faking it?
