Apex City of Bath Hotel, Bath

The Apex brightens up the corner of James Street West and Charles Street and sits opposite Green Park Station (a former railway station) which is now home to an undercover market (the main one is on Saturdays). Bath Spa station is less than ten minutes' walk away. The Roman Baths and the shops of Milsom Street are close; head for the Raven Pub and Canary Gin Bar on Queen Street.

By car: Bristol is around 12 miles away (30 minutes) Cardiff 50 miles (1.5 hours) and London 120 miles (3 hours). Long-stay parking is available on Charlotte Street, a few minutes from the hotel.

By rail: London Paddington to Bath Spa takes around 1 hour 20 minutes. The Apex is a 5-minute taxi ride from the station. Book trains to Bath Spa.

The Bath stone façade gives a contemporary look while ensuring the style is in keeping with the rest of the city; a light and airy feel is achieved through the extensive use of glass. The large, marble-floored lobby leads onto the bright bar (there's a small terrace outside) with its colourful chairs and stools.

You will find a warm, helpful and friendly atmosphere pervading the hotel from the young staff, who are ready to deal with the needs of demanding businessmen or children! The heated 15-metre pool in the other basement is a winner, as is the steam room, sauna and gym.

• Restaurant
• Bar
• Swimming pool
• Fitness centre
• Sauna
• Steam room
• Family-friendly
• Free Wi-Fi

The rooms come in four categories: City (the smallest), Superior, Family and Deluxe; some have balconies too. Roomy and hugely comfortable, they feature similar designs with muted and dark grey colouring and occasional bright furnishings. Expect baths and walk-in showers, and Elemis products.

Room types: City, Superior, Family, Deluxe

Key amenities: ensuite bathrooms with Elemis toiletries, air conditioning, TV, free Wi-Fi

The large orange ceiling shades, which look like sliced pumpkins, enhance the large ground-floor restaurant. The eclectic menu features both British and Mediterranean-style dishes, and the restaurant does afternoon tea too. Or you can grab a drink and the all-day menu in the convivial bar.

The Orange Artichoke: international menu, Scandi design. Open for breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner. Mains from £8.95-£28.50.