Voco Oxford Thames, Oxford

Set in large grounds on the banks of the River Thames, the hotel has a bucolic setting on the outskirts of Oxford but is only a 15-minute taxi ride from the train station. There's a bus stop outside the gate, and the village is served by the on-demand Pick Me Up service. Sandford's centuries-old cottages and 12th-century church, two pubs and a thriving, community-run shop, café and weekly market are all nearby.

By car: the hotel is around 60 miles from London (1.5 hours), 85 miles from Bristol and Birmingham (1.5 hours) and 180 miles from Manchester (4 hours). Parking is available.

By train: London Paddington and London Marylebone to Oxford central station takes around one hour, Birmingham to Oxford central station is just over an hour. Book trains to Oxford.

The hotel's medieval character is apparent the moment you wind your way up the long and leafy drive to the impressive honey-coloured buildings surrounded by extensive lawns. Built from warm Cotswold stone aged by centuries of use, the style here is contemporary but always with a nod to its past.

Although the facilities are good and the hotel offers more than most in Oxford, with a gym, pool, spa and landscaped grounds with ample parking, the service can be a bit hit and miss, and ranges from effortlessly efficient and perfectly warm and friendly to rather slow and overwhelmed when busy.

• Restaurant
• Bar
• Swimming pool
• Spa
• Tennis court
• Dog-friendly
• Family rooms
• Free Wi-Fi

Rooms vary greatly in size and shape, with those in the original building, College Hall, having the most period character. However, you'll get more space in the newer Garden Wing rooms, which benefit from private patios or balconies. All have modern bathrooms with powerful showers.

Room types: Queen standard, Standard twin, King standard, Queen superior, King superior, King deluxe, King premium with river view

Key amenities: ensuite bathroom with Aveda toiletries, tea and coffee-making facilities, TV, iron and ironing board, free Wi-Fi

The light-filled Conservatory restaurant serves up a well-executed but unsurprising menu of British classics, such as pulled pork, lamb rump or beef fillet along with a couple of vegetarian options. Lighter bites are available in the gabled stone bar.

Crusaders Bar: Pub food, relaxed atmosphere, lounge bar. Open for breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner. Mains from £6.95-£15.95.

The Conservatory: Seasonal menu, British inspired, local produce. Open for dinner. Mains from £16.95-£23.95.