Top 10 Best Hotels in Exeter

Where to Stay in Exeter

Exeter is compact enough that almost any central hotel puts the cathedral, the Quay, the high street and the theatres within a comfortable walk. That makes location less of a constraint than in larger cities, but it still shapes the character of a stay. The cathedral quarter offers atmosphere and quiet evenings. The high street and Princesshay area suits shoppers. Around St Davids station, hotels favour travellers arriving by rail. The city's outskirts and the Science Park corridor serve business visitors who need parking and easy motorway access.

Demand patterns are worth understanding. Weekdays are dominated by business and conference travel, while weekends fill with leisure visitors, theatre-goers and families visiting students. University open days, graduation weeks and major sporting fixtures create genuine scarcity, so booking well ahead around those dates is essential.

The Top 10 Hotels in Exeter

1. Hotel du Vin Exeter. Set in a striking historic building, this property combines characterful bedrooms with a bistro known for classic French-influenced cooking and an extensive wine list. It is the strongest choice for a special occasion stay, with individually designed rooms and a genuinely atmospheric bar.

2. Southernhay House. A boutique townhouse hotel in one of Exeter's most elegant Georgian streets. Rooms are richly decorated, the walled garden is a rare city-centre asset, and the scale of the property allows a level of personal service larger hotels cannot match.

3. Mercure Exeter Rougemont Hotel. A grand Victorian hotel opposite Rougemont Gardens and moments from the station and high street. Its period public rooms, ballroom and central location make it popular for weddings, conferences and leisure stays alike.

4. The Royal Clarence. Historically significant as one of England's earliest hotels and located directly on Cathedral Green, the site holds an important place in the city's story and continues to attract visitors drawn to its position and heritage.

5. ABode Exeter. Occupying a prime spot beside the cathedral, ABode offers contemporary rooms within a historic shell and a well-regarded restaurant. Its position makes it one of the most convenient bases for exploring the old city on foot.

6. Hampton by Hilton Exeter Airport. A modern, efficient property serving air passengers and business travellers, with consistent standards, included breakfast and straightforward parking. Ideal for early departures or short working trips.

7. Jurys Inn Exeter and Leonardo Hotels. Reliable mid-market accommodation close to the city centre with meeting facilities, on-site dining and predictable quality. A practical choice for conferences and family stays where value matters more than character.

8. Woodbury Park Hotel and Golf Club. A short drive from the city, this resort combines golf courses, a spa and extensive grounds. It suits leisure breaks, corporate away-days and guests who want countryside surroundings with city access.

9. The Magdalen Chapter. A design-led hotel near Southernhay with a modern aesthetic, outdoor pool, spa treatments and a kitchen garden feeding the restaurant. It appeals to guests who prioritise contemporary style and wellness facilities.

10. Premier Inn Exeter City Centre. Dependable, well-located budget accommodation with comfortable beds and consistent standards. For travellers focused on value and location rather than atmosphere, it remains a sensible default.

Matching the Hotel to the Trip

For a romantic weekend, prioritise character and a good in-house restaurant, since Exeter's evenings are best enjoyed without a taxi journey. Hotel du Vin, Southernhay House and The Magdalen Chapter all deliver on this.

For business travel, weigh parking, desk space, breakfast timing and proximity to your meetings. Hotels near the Science Park and airport reduce morning stress considerably compared with fighting city-centre traffic. For families, look for interconnecting rooms, flexible breakfast and secure parking, and consider that a slightly out-of-centre property with free parking often works out cheaper overall.

Understanding Exeter Hotel Pricing

Rates in the city follow clear patterns. Midweek business demand keeps Tuesday and Wednesday rates firm, while Sunday nights are often the best value of the week. Summer brings leisure demand but also Devon's wider tourism season, with many visitors using Exeter as a stopover en route to Cornwall.

The largest spikes occur around university graduation, open days and the start of term, when almost every property in the city sells out. If your visit coincides with one of these, book months in advance or consider staying in Topsham, Exminster or Crediton and travelling in.

What to Look For in a Room

Exeter's historic buildings are part of the appeal but introduce practical variability. Period properties can have small bathrooms, uneven floors and limited lift access, so guests with mobility requirements should confirm details directly rather than relying on general accessibility statements.

Noise is worth checking. Rooms facing the high street or nightlife areas can be lively on Friday and Saturday nights, while cathedral-facing and garden-facing rooms are usually quieter. Air conditioning is not universal in older buildings, which matters during summer heat.

Trends in the Local Hotel Market

Several developments stand out. Food and beverage has become a primary differentiator, with hotel restaurants competing seriously against independents rather than serving as a convenience. Sustainability measures, including refillable amenities, electric vehicle charging and reduced-frequency housekeeping, are now widespread and generally welcomed. Flexible check-in and app-based keys have spread from budget chains to mid-market properties. And the growth of remote work has increased demand for rooms with proper desks and reliable connectivity even among leisure guests.

Final Thoughts

Exeter punches above its weight for hotel quality, with genuine character at the top of the market and dependable value below it. Decide first whether atmosphere or convenience matters more for your trip, check the calendar for university and event dates, and read recent reviews with attention to noise, parking and breakfast, which are the three factors that most often separate a good stay from a frustrating one.