Holiday Inn Express - Exeter - City Centre by IHG
By the Top3Hotels editorial team. Based on Booking.com guest scores and reviews, location data and reference prices. We did not stay at this hotel. Updated 2026-10-24.
Yes, for travellers who want a reliable, well-reviewed 3-star base within walking distance of the centre, the station and the quay. Drivers should budget for on-site parking, which guests call expensive, and anyone after character or extras should look at our Luxury pick instead.
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Sold out? See available alternatives →Who it suits and who should skip it
This is our Budget pick in Exeter. It suits rail travellers, short city breaks and work trips: guests say the centre, the train station and the quay are a short walk away, and staff get warm praise. Family rooms are listed, and pets appear to be accepted, though the rules and any fee are not confirmed.
It is a branded 3-star hotel, so do not expect the feel of a boutique stay. If you plan to drive and park on site, the fee is the main grumble in reviews.
Location and getting around
The hotel is on Tudor Street, with a location score of 9.0. Isca Dumnoniorum, the Roman site, is about 0.3 km away, around 4 minutes on foot. Exeter Cathedral is about 0.6 km, roughly 8 minutes.
Sandy Park is about 5 km away, 63 minutes on foot. That is far, so if you are going to a match, plan on public transport or a taxi. All walking times are straight-line estimates, so allow a bit more on the ground.
What guests say
The 8.5 score comes from 3,907 reviews and shares first place among the 7 hotels compared, which is unusual for the cheapest option. Two points stand out. Location: a short walk to the city centre, the station and the quay. Staff: friendly, helpful and efficient, with a warm welcome.
The complaint is parking. Room rates are seen as reasonable, but the on-site parking fee is considered high. Room size, noise and renovation condition were not assessed in our data. A continental buffet breakfast is listed; whether it is included in your rate is not confirmed.
Price and how it compares with our other picks
The reference price seen for a 2-night stay in November 2026 (10 to 12 November, 2 adults, one room) was about €102.58 a night, around €205 in total. The sample median was €106.08, so it was 3% below. It is not a live quote; check today's price for your dates.
Here the Budget and Best Value picks are almost level. Leonardo Hotel Exeter, our Best Value pick, was about €102.81 a night with a score of 8.4 and 4 stars. Our Luxury pick, Southernhay House Hotel, is 5-star at about €236.06 with a score of 8.4. So this hotel scores the highest of the three while costing the least, though the margin over Leonardo is tiny.
Why it made our top 3
We compared 7 eligible hotels in Exeter. €102.58 was the lowest eligible reference price once the upscale pick was set aside, and the hotel also shares the top review score. That combination made the choice easy.
Listed facilities include free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, a 24-hour front desk and family rooms. Check availability and fees for your dates.
Before you book
Ask the price of on-site parking if you are driving. Confirm whether breakfast is in your rate. Since Leonardo Hotel Exeter was priced almost the same, compare both on your dates. Check cancellation terms and room details, which were not assessed, and compare today's price with the November 2026 reference.
Check prices on Booking.com ↗We may earn a commission if you book. It never changes our pick.
Sold out? See available alternatives →Questions travellers ask
How far is Holiday Inn Express Exeter City Centre from the cathedral?
About 0.6 km, roughly 8 minutes on foot as a straight-line estimate.
Can I walk from the train station?
Guests say the station, the city centre and the quay are a short walk away. Check the route on a map for your own pace.
Does the hotel have parking?
Guests mention on-site parking with a fee they consider high. Confirm the current price and availability with the hotel.
Is it close to Sandy Park?
No. Sandy Park is about 5 km away, so plan on public transport or a taxi.
How much does it cost?
The reference price seen for a 2-night stay in November 2026 for 2 adults was about €102.58 a night. Check today's price for your dates.