The Best Hotels to Book in Exeter for Every Traveller

Futuristic, compact rooms at this centrally-appointed Jurys Inn feature original abstract wall art depicting the city’s skyline. The location is hard to beat if you’ve got a weekend to explore Exeter, with major attractions such as the cathedral, quay and underground passages all within a 15-minute walk. A hot and cold breakfast buffet, served with Costa coffee will fuel your sightseeing, plus there’s an eclectically-decorated restaurant serving mains and desserts for later in the day.

Delia and Bruce, the owners of this sprawling farmhouse, welcome you with a warming pot of tea – the perfect start to an invigorating rural retreat. Situated on the vast Powderham Estate, surrounded by fields, waterways and forests, it’s ideal for a weekend of hiking on Dartmoor (half an hour’s drive away) or for bird-spotting along the banks of the Exe Estuary, reached with a 45-minute walk. The five guest rooms have countryside views and include a cooked-to-order breakfast that will keep you going all day.

Ideal as an all-in-one base, the Devon offers accommodation in a Georgian manor adorned with colourful hanging baskets or in a modern extension, where the ground floor rooms have their own patios. Kitted out in grey, dark wood and exposed brick, the Carriages Brasserie serves British classics such as fish and chips and Sunday roasts, alongside fajitas, pasta and burgers. Take a seat on the lawn for a pint of local ale or an afternoon tea, starring Devonshire’s decadent clotted cream.

Boutique hotel Southernhay House is a vintage lover’s dream – sash windows, antiques and soft shades of Farrow & Ball. This Grade II-listed Georgian officer’s residence has individually designed rooms. Scoff the in-room Devon fudge then walk to Exeter’s grand gothic cathedral – it has the longest uninterrupted vaulted ceiling in England. Come nightfall, dine at the hotel – in season, there’s delicious venison with wild berries and truffle.

British brand Hotel du Vin love a good conversion – and you’ll adore this sprawling red-brick former hospital near the cathedral, one of the finest boutique hotels in Exeter. Urban-oasis extras include walled gardens with terraces for drinks, a spa and a heated outdoor pool open year-round. Browse the library and wine cellar, then sink into the custom-made mattress in your room, admiring the softly illustrated wallpaper. Bistro classics include a fine French onion soup. Dartmoor and its ponies are a half-hour drive away.

A quick walk from the station, this white-fronted Georgian townhouse is a must for period-decor fans. While the rooms are decent in shades of brown, the suites – with family-friendly sofa beds – are splendid in calm grey tones, with whirlpool baths and dramatic light fittings. Dine in-house on creamy saffron risotto with white truffle oil. Then find history five minutes away by car: the ruins of Exeter Castle, a magnificent Norman landmark built for William the Conqueror.

History permeates the Globe, once a coaching inn in the 16th-century, now a pretty pastel-green boutique bolthole of 21 rooms beside the burbling River Exe. There’s warm panelling, open brickwork and rustic shades of light green and teal blue – how many pubs can offer that? The bar area is an oasis of brick hearths with timber mantels and logs piled in bookshelves. Devon pork sausages and buttered mash set you up for walks to Topsham village, for boat trips along the river.

Almost in the shadow of Exeter cathedral, No 18 Apartments ooze period charm – the two-bedroom serviced apartment has a kitchen of original Georgian sash windows, with venerable panelling and homely marble fireplaces. Two one-bedroom apartments and a studio are supplied with hotel-grade fluffy towels, as well as dishwashers to save you falling out over washing-up duties. Through full-length windows, you’ll get some lovely city or garden views.

Who doesn’t love a G&T on arrival? Oh, but it gets better. The home-spun boutique bedrooms here range from panelled gentlemen’s club to quirky: think balls of wool in glass lampshades among the references to sheep – a nod to the Devon countryside nearby. The traditional British pub menu honours local – try Brixham hake – and you can sup real ales in the large garden. Fashionistas and foodies should head to Fore Street for ethical boutiques and Mexican grub.