Noel Arms, Chipping Campden, Gloucestershire

The Noel Arms has a glorious setting on one of the most handsome streets in the Cotswolds. It is almost directly opposite the town's 400-year-old market hall where a plaque marks the start of the 102-mile Cotswold Way footpath. The nearest station is at Moreton-in-Marsh, about a 15-minute taxi ride away. The wonderful gardens at Kiftsgate Court and Hidcote Manor are both about four miles west.

By car: The hotel is around 2 hours 15 minutes from London, or 1 hour from Oxford and Birmingham.

By train: The closest station is Moreton-in-Marsh. Trains from London Paddington take 1 hour 30 minutes. After that, the taxi ride to the hotel takes 15 minutes. Book trains to Moreton-in-Marsh.

Walk through the front door, and you're in a mellow, cream-coloured lobby with a café on one side and, adding a sense of formality, a reception desk on the other. Behind is a comfy lounge, a conservatory, a light-filled dining room and an old-school bar. Upstairs there's more of a sense of the past, with creaky corridors and exposed stone walls.

The staff are charmingly welcoming and professionally friendly. Facilities include an outdoor courtyard terrace for summer drinks and dining.

• Restaurant
• Bar
• Spa
• Terrace for outdoor dining
• Dog-friendly
• Family rooms
• Room service
• Free parking
• Free Wi-Fi

The 28 bedrooms are traditionally furnished and offer comfort above glamour. Those in the main building have antiques and retro fittings; six brighter rooms are in a more modern annexe. Some bathrooms have a shower only, one has a splendid feature tub.

Room types: Petite Double, Classic Double, Superior Room, Large Superior Room, Family Room, The Four Poster and 1657 Four Poster

Key amenities: ensuite bathroom with shower, TV, radio, hairdryer and tea and coffee-making facilities

Chef Indunil Upatissa offers an acclaimed range of modern British dishes - think pan-fried scallops and Cotswold pheasant breast with wild rice risotto. Yet he is even more applauded for his curries; there's a special curry night once a month.

The restaurant: traditional British dishes, local produce, award-winning curries. The bar menu is served 12-9.30pm with a specials menu available 12-3pm and 6-9.30pm. Mains from £12.50.

BeSocial: coffee shop with an open fire, serving pastries, biscuits and homemade cakes. Open from 9am.