The Pig-in the wall, Southampton, Hampshire

Although it is in a characterful spot embedded in the Medieval city walls, there is a major roundabout just down the road, so it's not the prettiest location. However, for access to the shops, it's great, with the high street and Westquay shopping centre just a five-minute walk away. The independent shops and boutiques of Oxford Street are a ten-minute walk, and cruise ship terminals are just a couple of minutes by taxi.

By car: The hotel is 2 hours from London and Bristol, 2 hours 30 mins from Birmingham and 3 hours from Cambridge. There is paid private parking on-site.

By train: London to Southampton Central takes 1 hour 20 mins. The hotel is a 15-minute walk or 5-minute taxi ride from the station. Book trains to Southampton.

This is a quirky, characterful place with lots of design touches that make you smile. Colourful patterned floor tiles in the bathroom, terracotta pots of herbs on wooden tables, large comfortable brown leather armchairs, standard lamps, stripped wood flooring and a distressed dresser heaving with homemade cakes and pastries.

The young team are passionate about the food and rooms, and the local area. They'll tell you about the microbrewery round the corner (Dancing Man) and that nearby St Michael's church is the only one standing from the war. A night porter is on hand to serve drinks and snacks when the café is closed.

• Lounge
• Deli bar
• 24-hour front desk
• Parking
• Free Wi-Fi

Rooms have the historic features of the building: an oak-beamed ceiling here, sash windows and shutters there. Roll-top baths - some in the room - or large walk-in showers are inviting, and those same colourful floor tiles appear in the bathrooms and halls (they are a Pig trademark). Antique furniture, tiled fireplaces and framed botanical prints complete the look.

Room types: Snug, Comfy, Spacious

Key amenities: ensuite bathroom with shower, free toiletries, towels, bathrobes, radio, TV, mini-bar, tea and coffee facilities

Simple, hearty fare is served in the deli/café: bowls of interesting salads, home-baked sausage rolls and quiches, boards of cheese or cold meats and some hot food such as sausage and mash, plaice and new potatoes or chilli con carne with cornbread. Breakfast is a continental spread with a "Piggy pan" cooked breakfast.

Deli Bar: relaxed dining, deli counter, snack boards, cheeses, wines, cocktails. Open 9am-8pm for breakfast, lunch and early supper. Larger plates from £14.