Hotel du Vin, Winchester, Hampshire

Situated on a side street just away from the main buzz of Winchester's thriving High Street. The main sites, including the cathedral, round table and Gurkha museum are all within striking distance. However, the train station is a 15-minute schlep with a suitcase, so better to get a taxi if arriving by train. The Great Hall, Royal Hampshire Regiment Museum, Cathedral and College are all within about a five-minute radius of the hotel.

​By car: around 2 hours from London. Just over half an hour from Southampton. There is free parking at the hotel.

By train: Direct trains from London Waterloo to Winchester take about 1 hour 15 minutes. From Southampton, about 15 minutes. The hotel is a 10-minute walk or five-minute taxi ride from the station. Book trains to Winchester.

The resplendent Queen Anne red-brick facade makes you feel like you are entering a Jane Austen novel. Inside, period features such as fireplaces, panelling and wooden floorboards are met with touches of contemporary elegance; a bright upholstered cushion here, an en-vogue paint colour there. Some rooms have freestanding baths by the bed.

The friendly local staff have good knowledge of the area and can help you choose which sites you want to see. Facilities are limited, but you can order room service, send off your laundry and even purchase a cigar to smoke in the outdoor cigar shack, should you feel so inclined.

• Restaurant
• Bar
• Terrace
• Dog-friendly

• Free parking

• Free Wi-Fi

All the rooms have unique styling, so you may find yourself in one with pretty floral wallpaper or darker grey walls. You may have a large wetroom-style bathroom or a roll-topped tub at the foot of your bed. All rooms have L'Occitane toiletries, Nespresso machines and robes for that touch of luxury.

Room types: Standard Double, Superior Double, Deluxe Double, Garden Double and Principal Suite

Key amenities: ensuite with L'Occitane toiletries, TV, air conditioning and coffee-making facilities, free Wi-Fi

The main menu is the same you will see in all the Hotel du Vin restaurants: French classics such as onion soup and moules, as well as a good range of steaks and sauces. To sample some local produce choose the set menu, which is created by the chef and includes more inspiring dishes such as lamb shoulder braised with local beer.

Bistro du Vin: elegant, informal, classic French cuisine. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. Mains from £12.50.

Bar: relaxed, extensive wine list, classic cocktails, bar food. Plates starting at £8.50.