Rosie Corriette

Notes from a retired blogger

Tag: review

  • The City Gate Hotel Exeter | Review

    The City Gate Hotel Exeter | Review

    On our way down to Cornwall we did the journey in one however on the way back we decided to break it with a night in Exeter. Having previously done this I know that it can really extend that feeling of a mini break it’s about squeezing that time away from home and Exeter is a great pitstop – though not to be overlooked as a destination itself. Our hotel for the night was The City Gate Hotel, less than a 10 minute stroll from Exeter Central station.

    The welcome homemade brownies and glass of port were a lovely touch (and ridiculously tasty) although I’m now on the hunt for a good port, as it seems just one sip was enough for me to develop a taste!

    Glass lamp filled with wool balls on bedside table

    We stayed in room number one – a boutique double – which is right by the staircase, we were concerned it might be noisy however it was exceptionally quiet, we had a beautiful view of the street and the hill ahead; really quite picturesque with both of us getting a great night’s sleep which was perfect for an early start as we headed back to London.

    large bed with yellow bedspread in teal room with wooden accent wall

    The king size bed was supremely comfortable, something I don’t say lightly – a hotel bed has to work hard for my praise and this one met the mark.

    The bathroom had a double shower, that was very powerful and very hot; most welcome after walking over twenty five miles the over the past two days during our adventures in Cornwall.

    white meetro tiled shower room with basin and round mirror

    Breakfast wasn’t included in our booking but is served from 7am each morning downstairs. Top tip: it does seem initially quite expensive but if you order your dishes individually it’s not as expensive as advertised. Service was speedy especially once we said we had a train to catch – we had a breakfast roll and French toast, no photos as we were really keen to ensure we didn’t miss our train, but take it from me: they were both delicious.

    The City Gate Hotel whilst part of the Young‘s group (a brand I really like however like all brands it takes effort to not feel cookie cutter in it’s offering) feels personable and small enough to deliver that ‘just one night getaway’ feeling.

    And Exeter even though I say it has more to offer than a pitstop onto destinations further afield or return home that’s exactly how I treated the city on my last two encounters so here’s me insuring the next time I visit I stay more than just one night.

  • Hello Hair Hydrating Mask Review

    Hello Hair Hydrating Mask Review

    Holidays are amazing, fact. Holidays that are hot, sunny and full of pool and sea fun are even better; however what’s not amazing is post holiday hair. I keep my hair tied up most of the time on holiday and make sure I always condition it really well but somehow I always end up looking in the mirror the day after I get back and wondering where the crazy lady hair came from.

    Hello Hair feel the same so made sure I had a stash of their products to come home to from Alicante last month. Hello Hair are different to other hair masks; their 100% natural and vegan friendly, but the question I always wonder is if they’ll be as effective as those with the chemicals.

    I tried out the Hello Hair Hydrating Mask Island Escape Edition and trust me when I tell you that it smells lush, it’s got a real botanical scent and it’s a bit like using after sun when you’re home; it immediately reminds you of being on holiday. Oh and did I mention it was Nut Free – which is brilliant as most natural hair masks contain plenty of nuts and nut oil.

    Mummy and Boo - post holiday hair

    The mask itself is easy to apply, from root to tip you can leave it on for as little as half an hour or if like me you have a mane to tame you can leave it on overnight – as long as you cover your pillow to protect it from the oils.

    So the result is in… After one use my hair was noticeably smother, more hydrated and much easier to manage; after repeated use every week your hair will become stronger and healthier. I’m a convert to natural, vegan chemical free hair masks, Hello Hair really may take a few days to ship from Australia but I promise it’s definitely worth the wait; perfect for the frequent flyer or anyone who loves their hair.

    Disclosure: We were sent Hello Hair Goodies for review. No payment was received and all opinions are 100% honest.