The Daffodil Hotel & Spa, Grasmere, Lake District

On the edge of postcard-pretty Grasmere, with lawns running down to the shores of the lake, it's close to the village's main attractions without being in the thick of it. It sits right on the main A591 road through the Lakes, which means it's easily reached and a good base for exploring, but traffic noise is inevitable in some rooms. This is Wordsworth country - Dove Cottage, Rydal Mount, plus museum - while the shops and tea rooms of Grasmere are a five-minute stroll.

By car: 2 hours from Manchester, 3 hours from Edinburgh and just under 5 hours from London. There is free parking on-site.

By train: trains run from Manchester Piccadilly (just over 1 hour), London Euston (3 hours) and Edinburgh (2 hours) to Oxenholme Lake District station. The hotel is a 40-minute taxi ride from the station. Book trains to Oxenholme.

There's a city-slicker vibe from the sleek glass-enclosed cocktail bar and bistro-style restaurant to the clubby lounge with its shades of gold and chocolate, boxy velvet sofas and beaded curtain screens. The colour-coded bedroom floors are a fun way to remember your room floor.

The lake-facing terrace is unique for a Grasmere hotel, as are the lake views from the large lounge. Together with the spa, these are good reasons to find it hard to go out exploring. Should you gather the energy, there's a concierge to suggest walks or arrange activities; rowing boats, for example, can be hired. The staff-to-guest ratio is high, and service is prompt and attentive.

• Restaurant
• Bar
• Spa and wellness centre
• Facilities for disabled guests
• Family rooms
• Terrace
• Free parking
• Free Wi-Fi

All 78 rooms have a bold contemporary look with jazzy carpets, clean-lined blond-wood or shiny-white furniture, and deep-hued colours in feature walls and soft furnishings, all set against a neutral background. The result is a gossamer-light, calming space.

Room types: Lake View, Valley View, Family, Daffodil Double and Accessible Rooms, Junior, Senior and Molton Brown Suites

Key amenities: ensuite bathroom with Molton Brown toiletries, TV, tea and coffee facilities, free Wi-Fi

Choose to eat smart in the restaurant, or casual, in the lounge - or, weather permitting - on the terrace. In both, the choice is short but the cooking is punchy and confident. The restaurant's Modern British dishes might include seared salmon with mash and samphire or chicken with wild mushrooms and gnocchi, while pizzas are the highlight of the more casual choices.

The Dining Room: stunning views, modern British cuisine. Open all day. Mains from £16.

Lakeside Terrace: relaxing, al fresco dining. Open 12-9pm. Plates from £5.