Plymouth isn’t Devon’s prettiest town, but it might just be one of the most historic. And Devon has so many pretty towns, that it’s hard to compete, unless you’re regenerating your historic waterfront, and attracting top chefs and hip bars and cafes to it, which is exactly what’s been happening in Plymouth. And the best places to stay in Plymouth really reflect this upturn in the city’s style, whilst still making the most of Plymouth’s incredible naval heritage too.

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Much of Plymouth’s port was bombed out during WW2, and the rebuild was more function than form, but the new developments, at Royal William Yard for example, have carefully transformed navy supply buildings to homes for trendy boutiques, bars and restaurants. And during the summer there’s an open-air cinema and theatre.

Whatever you’re here for it’s unthinkable to visit the city without visiting the Royal Citadel, which is now a military base, and exploring the ramparts, which are still armed with cannons. The Barbican area is also a key sight; it’s one of the few parts of Plymouth not damaged during WW2, and its pretty streets are lined with Georgian, Jacobean, or Tudor era properties, some of which now house excellent restaurants, and some of the best places to stay in Plymouth.

Smeaton’s Tower has incredible views over Plymouth Harbour, the aquarium is the UK’s largest and Plymouth is also known for its gin distilleries. But if Plymouth is just a sort of hub for things you want to do in this part of South Devon then you might want to opt for one of our recommendations for the best places to stay in Plymouth that aren’t actually in the centre of town. And there are quite a few, ranging from country house hotels to wonderfully peaceful rural B&Bs.

The Best Places to Stay in Plymouth

For a central location

• The Residence One Rooms by Bistrot Pierre is a collection of 14 rooms and suites in a trendy part of Plymouth, Royal William Yard. Converted from a large Georgian property, this hotel’s interiors feature plenty of light and plenty of contemporary white. And the gourmet restaurant serves modern British fare.

For romance

• St Elizabeth’s House is a beautiful white Georgian manor house outside Plymouth proper, but not far, and in a small picturesque village. It has 15 rooms and suites, all of them simply decorated, with pale wood furniture and luxurious bathrooms, but there are plenty of period features to appreciate too.
• Langdon Court is another country house hotel that’s outside Plymouth, but still conveniently close, and this time it’s to the south. Converted from a Grade II listed Elizabethan mansion, this hotel now has 16 rooms and suites, picturesque grounds, a comfortable bar, and a gourmet restaurant. Expect interiors with a contemporary feel, but also a romantic, luxurious feel.

For five star luxury

• The Boringdon Hall Hotel is a country house to five star spa hotel conversion with a rather unfortunate name, but a Dartmoor adjacent setting that’s anything but boring. There are 40 rooms and suites, some with four-poster beds, original stone fireplaces and many-paned windows, and others with a very clean-lines, whitewashed, contemporary feel. The bar and restaurant spaces are grand, borrowing from the more traditional aesthetic, but the spa and treatment rooms borrows from the contemporary one.

For a chic B&B

• Westcroft Guesthouse is a short distance from Plymouth, but on the other side of the estuary in Torpoint. It’s right by the sea: the beach is just outside the property, and it has just four rooms, so is a bit of a hidden gem. Some of the rooms have four poster beds, and they all have chic, individual decor. And there’s a delicious, locally sourced breakfast.

For great value

• The Rose & Crown is also outside Plymouth, but this time inland, surrounded by lush countryside and pretty Devon villages. On the outside its striking orange facade, and traditional inn look will definitely entice you in for at least a quick drink or meal, but upstairs the eight rooms and suites are chic and contemporary, with lots of white.

Prefer a holiday cottage or an apartment?

• If you’d prefer to stay in an apartment or private villa we recommend you visit our online partner, Booking.com.

Travel information

• Plymouth’s nearest airport is Exeter Airport which is an hour's drive from the city. Regular train services run from London, Bristol and Birmingham many of which are recommended for the beauty of the trip. Brittany Ferries also runs services from Roscoff and Santander.
• If you would like the freedom of your own car we recommend you visit our online partner Rentalcars.
• Plymouth’s climate is fairly temperate, which translates to mild, with four clear seasons, but it’s also changeable, so whatever time of year you’re visiting you should pack an umbrella or wet weather gear. Being by the coast makes it even more changeable than otherwise. In summer Plymouth can expect temperatures in the high teens and low twenties, and a sea temperature of 16°C, which is warm by UK standards. Autumn is wetter and cooler and winter is even more so, but spring is sunny and cool, so it’s also a good time to visit if fine days are important to you. Plymouth isn’t the sort of destination that requires fine days though.

Still not sure of the best place to stay in Plymouth?

• If you’re looking for a nautical break you could expand your search to include the best places to stay in Falmouth, best places to stay in Dartmouth or even the best places to stay in Salcombe
• Or you could browse through all our recommendations for the best places to stay in Devon
• Alternatively, you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice?