Courtyard by Marriott Exeter Sandy Park

Courtyard by Marriott Exeter Sandy Park is a modern 4-star hotel beside Sandy Park, home of Exeter Chiefs rugby club, just off the M5 on the edge of Exeter. It holds 270 air-conditioned rooms with blackout curtains and soundproofed windows, all a short walk from the stadium gates.

The rooftop restaurant, The View, serves a la carte dinners built around dry-aged local steaks and looks out over the Devon countryside; the ground-floor Kitchen & Bar Bistro runs from 9am to 10pm for coffee, casual food and drinks. A 24-hour gym and on-site parking are included, and arriving guests are asked to register a car with reception.

Exeter Airport sits 4.1 miles away, making the hotel a practical base for flights as well as the city. Exeter Cathedral is roughly 3.7 miles into the centre, while Powderham Castle and its deer park lie around 7.5 miles south along the Exe.

**Best for:** rugby fans attending Exeter Chiefs fixtures at Sandy Park and business travellers who want a 24-hour gym and easy M5 access.

**Less good for:** couples looking for a boutique or self-catering base in central Exeter, since this is a large chain hotel a short drive from the city.