Exeter's budget hotels typically offer free breakfast and free WiFi, with prices starting around £60 per night. Key areas to stay include the city centre (within walking distance of Exeter Cathedral and the Royal Albert Memorial Museum), the area near Exeter St Davids station, and the outskirts near the M5 motorway (junction 30) where free parking is common. Most cheap hotels provide en-suite rooms, flat-screen TVs, and tea/coffee facilities, but parking charges vary-some include free on-site parking, while others charge £10-£12 per night.
Among the top-rated options, the Holiday Inn Express Exeter East offers a free breakfast buffet and air-conditioned rooms, ideal for families and business travellers visiting Devon's national parks. The White Hart, Exeter by Marston's Inns sits a 4-minute walk from the cathedral, serving full English breakfasts and gourmet pub food. For budget travellers needing free parking, The Telstar (a Victorian B&B near the train station) provides free on-site parking and a hearty breakfast. The Queens Court Hotel, a Georgian property 10 minutes from the cathedral, combines original features with modern amenities. If you're driving from the M5, the Toby Carvery Exeter M5 J30 offers lodge-style rooms with free parking and an all-you-can-eat carvery. For a central location with good transport links, the Holiday Inn Express - Exeter - City Centre provides buffet breakfast and family rooms. Book early for the best rates, especially during university terms.