Best Value Hotels in Devon

The nine-room Somerville is an upscale boutique bed-and-breakfast with some of the most lavish, classically styled interiors in Torquay or the English Riviera. Though the property does overlook a fairly busy road, traffic noise isn't too obtrusive; the town center is a five-minute walk away but guests should note that it's all uphill on the way back. Rooms are superbly presented with luxury amenities and spotless bathrooms. An excellent cooked-to-order breakfast, wonderfully opulent lounge, and beautiful green gardens are the finishing touches on one of the finest places to stay in town -- and at relatively reasonable rates. 

Sampsons Farm Country Hotel is a mid-range Bed and Breakfast-style lodging housed in an ancient farmstead dating back to the 15th century. While the location is a little off the beaten track -- a car is vital -- the pretty surroundings make for pleasant country walks. The old buildings mean some quirky rooms and a farm location means animal noises, though only enough to bother the lightest sleeper. There's no full restaurant, but the eggs at breakfast couldn't be fresher.  All in all its great for those wanting a genuinely rustic experience.

Lincombe Hall Hotel is an outstanding mid-range property occupying a grand 19th-century summer house with elegantly renovated interiors on the English Riviera. The 44-room hotel is set on two acres of gardens in a leafy, quiet neighborhood that's a short stroll from Torquay's center and waterfront -- though the return walk is uphill and might be difficult for some. Rooms are decorated in rich purple tones, and include two apartments with kitchens and outdoor patios, though guests should be aware that rooms are not air-conditioned and there is no elevator. The hotel features two pools, a hot tub, and a cinema room showing classic films nightly.

The upscale, 32-room Deer Park Country House Hotel is a fine example of a Georgian country retreat set within 80 acres of expertly tended gardens. Located at the end of a long drive, the property is off the main road, which makes for a particularly peaceful and secluded setting. The hotel lacks the spa common for this type of property, so those looking to be pampered might want to look elsewhere. But those into excellent dining and country pursuits such as clay-pigeon shooting and falconry could find just what they're after here. 

The three-and-a-half pearl Hartnoll Hotel is housed in a restored country house in North Devon, set in a pleasant garden overlooking pretty countryside on one side and a busy road on the other. The 18 well-presented rooms include flat-screen TVs, tea- and coffee-making facilities, Egyptian cotton linens, free Wi-Fi, and rainfall showers, though those in the annex tend to be smaller. The restaurant shines with excellent locally sourced menus, and guests can take their meals on the bright terrace. There's little in the immediate area, but the Hartnoll makes a good stopover for those looking to explore the West Country, Somerset, Devon, and Exmoor. It's particularly popular with shooting parties. 

The Fox and Hounds Country Hotel is a mid-range, 20-room property occupying a former coaching inn in the heart of the North Devonshire countryside. The setting is genuinely scenic and serene with lush greenery and plenty of wildlife, including fishing on-site. While rooms are clean and well-maintained, the traditional decor can feel a little dated in places; the tree-house accommodation, however, is superb. The bar and restaurant are cozy with a good selection of local food and drink (which can be pricey). Overall it might be a little remote for some, but for others its a great spot for a secluded weekend surrounded by nature.

The Riviera Lodge Hotel is a 19-room, mid-range property housed in a former 19th-century private holiday home. Its a peaceful location with easy access on foot to Torquay's main beach and town center, though the walk back is nearly all uphill. Rooms are spotlessly presented with decent amenities, though some rooms are small with tiny bathrooms. An outdoor pool and spacious hot tub are certainly plus points, as is the free breakfast.

The three-pearl Bickley Mill Inn provides charming country-style accommodations in an especially scenic spot in South Devon's Stoneycombe Valley. Its 13 guest rooms are individually decorated in a fresh yet homey style, and most overlook the pretty gardens. The inn's bar and restaurant emphasize local sourcing, and much of its produce and ales come from nearby farms and local breweries. For a quaint, rustic bed-and-breakfast that's within easy reach of both Dartmoor and the English Riviera (Torbay), The Bickley Mill Inn is one of the best options around. Be aware that it's popular with wedding parties, and travelers might want to check if its hosting one at the time of their stay before booking.

This upper-middle-range hotel is a grand landmark occupying a historic building dating back to the second half of the 19th-century. It's one of few Paignton hotels with a prime position overlooking the beachfront, meaning most front-facing rooms offer beautiful sea views (though some have lackluster views over the parking lot). Impressive leisure facilities include a heated indoor pool, spa treatments, and a fitness center, while dining options are also decent. The 55 rooms feature traditional decor and modern amenities, but they lack air-conditioning and are a bit small. Overall, however, it's a fine hotel with some wonderfully extravagant decor and reasonable rates considering the level of facilities.

Queens Hotel is a traditional, mid-range, 76-room seaside property that's within a five-minute walk of Paignton's sandy beach and town center. While the mood is charming, cheerful, and inviting -- and there's a lovely red-brick terrace where guests can gather to eat and drink -- the decor might feel a little old-fashioned to some. Facilities are excellent, though, with nightly entertainment, five-course dining, a large breakfast selection, a game room with billiards, and a heated indoor pool, but be aware that rooms are not air-conditioned, and they can get hot in the summer.