From the historic cobbled streets of the Barbican to the awesome natural sight of the Sound, Plymouth is one of Britain’s best yet most underrated holiday destinations.

The seaside city offers all the buzz of the very best urban break but is still a mere 10minute drive from a whole other world of unspoilt beaches and rugged moorland.

Hosting everything from the America’s Cup sailing competition to the British Firework Championships there is always something going on in the city.

And its increasing popularity is being matched by an ever-growing list of great places to stay.

Roy Martin, chairman of the Plymouth Hospitality Association says the city has a wide range of options to match every taste and budget.

He said: “The variety of places to stay in Plymouth is mirrored in our association where we have everything from small guesthouses and B and Bs with five bedrooms to hotels like the Duke of Cornwall which has 72 rooms.

“They are all of a high standard and the majority are fully accredited.”

Roy, who also runs the Invicta Hotel says that he has seen a slight growth in visitor numbers in recent years although the average spend is down.

But he said that overall things are looking good for hotels the city.

He said: “Plymouth is an up and coming city and there is more investment due in places like the waterfront. I think there has been a slight growth in visitors over the last two years but the city still needs to be marketed more.

“At the Invicta we have seen more people going on staycations, that is going on holiday in the UK and a lot of these seem to have used Plymouth as a stop-off in the way to or from Cornwall.

“The number of visitors from the US has really dropped off but we have seen more people from places like Australia and New Zealand.”

Roy said more holidaymakers appeared to be heading for smaller hotels and guesthouses but the city’s larger chain hotels remained popular with corporate travellers.

So whether you are looking for a budget bed for the night before a business meeting or a place to base yourself while on holiday in Plymouth, here is our list of 10 of the best hotels in the city.

1. The Imperial, Plymouth

Where: Lockyer Street, The Hoe, Plymouth, PL1 2QD

Contact: 01752 227311

Rooms from: £56.50

Rating: 5 star

The Imperial offers 20 immaculate rooms and two apartments at affordable prices in the heart of Plymouth.

And if the stylish surroundings aren’t enough to help you unwind then the hotel even has its very qualified massage therapist who will provide holistic massages in the comfort of your own room.

Plymouth’s only 5 star guesthouse, breakfast also comes highly recommended.

2. Invicta, Plymouth

Where: 11/12 Osborne Place, The Hoe, Plymouth, PL1 2PU.

Contact: 01752 664997

Rooms from: £62.50

Rating: 3star

The Grade II Listed Invicta is one of Plymouth’s most popular independently-run hotels. Situated on the famous Hoe, the hotel offers guests a home from home during their stay in the city.

All 23 rooms are en-suite and include flat screen TVs, DVD players and tea and coffee making facilities. Some also have spa baths, and walk in showers.

The Invicta boasts two restaurants and conferencing facilities.

3. The Holiday Inn, Plymouth

Where: Armada Way, PL1 2HJ

Contact: 0871 942 9130

Rooms from: £97

Rating: 4 star

Located on Plymouth Hoe the Holiday Inn offers modern, spacious rooms and a friendly welcome.

The high-rise hotel includes a leisure club and top-floor bar and restaurant with panoramic views out over the Sound and the city.

Family-friendly it has established a reputation for going the extra mile to help weary travellers such as providing nappy bags in the room or offering takeaway menus to late-night arrivals.

4. St Elizabeth’s House Hotel,

Where: Longbrook Street, Plympton St. Maurice, PL7 1NJ.

Contact: 01752 344 840

Rooms from: £139

Rating: 4 star

If you are after a spot of luxury just outside the city then look no further than St Elizabeth’s House in Plympton St Maurice.

Surrounded by five acres of sweeping lawns and landscaped gardens the Georgian manor offers an idyllic retreat from the stress of daily life.

The hotel has 25 individual and stylish en-suite rooms with oak furniture ad 42inch flat screens.

And for a real taste of the high life there is the St Elizabeth’s Suite with a separate lounge, whirlpool bath and its own terrace.

The hotel also features a superb restaurant for both guests and non-guests.

5. The Best Western Duke of Cornwall Hotel

Where: Millbay Road ,Plymouth, PL1 3LG

Contact: 01752 275850

Rooms from: £104

Rating: 3 star

From the moment you see its striking classical-gothic 19th Century architecture you know the Duke of Cornwall is going to be a unique and memorable place to stay.

The original boutique hotel, it offers a range of individually designed luxury rooms from the contemporary yet classy standard doubles to rooms with four poster beds and breathtaking suites.

The hotel also boasts AA-rosette standard dining, a ballroom, period features and wonderful views over the sea and cityscape.

6. The Drake Hotel

Where: Lockyer Street, The Hoe, Plymouth, PL1 2QD

Contact: 01752 229730

Rooms from: £55

Rating: 3 star

Large rooms and wonderful service make the Drake one of Plymouth’s best-loved small hotels.

Located on the Hoe and within easy walking distance of all that the city has to offer, it has established a reputation for helpful staff and hearty home-cooked breakfasts.

The simple but spotless rooms feature everything you could need for a comfortable stay and improvements are ongoing.

The most recent of these is a newly refurbished bar.

7. Boringdon Hall,

Where: Colebrook, Plympton, PL7 4DP.

Contact: 01752 344455

Rooms from: £42

Rating: 3 star

Situated on the edge of Dartmoor but still just five minutes the city Boringdon Hall combines the tranquillity of a country break with the best Plymouth has to offer.

Dating back to the Doomsday book and beyond the historic hotel offers modern comforts without losing any of its traditional charms.

A range of rooms are available from singles to decadent four-poster doubles with prices starting from a very reasonable £42.

Set in extensive grounds, Boringdon Hall is a favourite destination for everything from weddings to murder mystery nights.

8. Premier Inn Plymouth City Centre,

Where: 1 Lockyers Quay, Coxside, Plymouth PL4 0DX

Contact: 0871 527 8880

Rooms from: £29

Rating: 3 star

Handily located opposite the National Marine Aquarium and historic Barbican with ferry and rail links nearby this hotel has proved equally popular with businessmen or holidaymakers.

The rooms are comfortable and clean with prices starting at £29, among the most competitive anywhere in the city.

9. The Grosvenor,

Where: 7 - 9 Elliot St, The Hoe, Plymouth, PL1 2P

Contact: 01752 260 411

Rooms from: £49

Rating: 3 star

Modern and stylish, The Grosvenor offers a great central base from which to explore Plymouth and its surrounds.

Nothing is too much trouble for the staff whose willingness to help and attention to detail will ensure your stay is enjoyable and stress free.

Reasonably priced rooms and excellent home-cooked breakfasts make this the kind of place people return to again and again.

10. Elfordleigh Hotel Golf and Country Club,

Where: Colebrook, Plympton, Plymouth, PL7 5EB.

Contact: 01752 336428

Rooms from: £93

Rating: 3 star

If you are after a spot of pampering on your visit to Plymouth then Elfordleigh Hotel Golf and Country Club could be the ideal place to stay.

Situated in an idyllic rural location just outside the city the historic country house offers pleasant rooms, an 18 hole golf course and fantastic spa facilities.

The indoor pool sauna, steam room, and jacuzzis are free to hotel guests while there are a range of other services on offer.