Inn on the Square, Keswick, Lake District

Bang in the centre of Keswick, overlooking the Market Square, it's easy to find, with Keswick itself around 30 minutes from the M6. Everything is walkable, including the lake, shops and cafes on the doorstep. It's in the busiest part of town, so front-facing rooms can be noisy, and only top floor rooms have glimpses of fells. The Pencil Museum is a five-minute walk, with the lake, rowing boats and lakeside theatre a further five minutes.

By car: the hotel is 2 hours from Manchester, around 3 hours from Edinburgh and 5 hours 30 minutes from London. Parking available nearby.

By train: Penrith is the nearest main line station. There are regular buses to Keswick which take 40 minutes. Book trains to Penrith.

The traditional slate exterior gives no clue to the sleek and contemporary interiors with their palette of soft greys and silvers in walls and carpets, jazzed up with blues, golds and amethysts in soft furnishings, and with bold designer chandeliers. The restaurant has a glass roof, while the beamed rear bar is more rustic. Throughout, contemporary local art hangs on the walls.

The cocktail bar and lounge are quiet places for relaxing - except in the evenings - while the 'Back Bar' has a pubby atmosphere with a sports TV, pool table and outdoor tables (albeit overlooking the car park). Walkers and cyclists are welcome, with a drying room and booklets (to buy) of local routes, plus there are discount vouchers for local attractions. The young staff work hard to help guests enjoy their stay.

• Bar
• Restaurant
• Pet-friendly
• Family-friendly
• Room Service
• ​Free Wi-Fi

Although not identical, the 34 rooms have the same Scandi, slightly retro design with a pale-grey background, clean-lined fitted furniture, bold feature wallpapers and striking wall-size photographs of the local Herdwick sheep. Modern armchairs and lampshades give accents of colour, and there's a choice of views: town or car park with fells.

Room types: Hygge, Town, Herdwick

Key amenities: ensuite bathroom with shower, eco-friendly toiletries, Sealy matresses, tea and coffee facilities, radio, TV, free Wi-Fi

The main restaurant styles itself as a steakhouse, it's a meat-heavy menu, but there are a couple of fish and vegetarian dishes. Alternatively, the Back Bar offers a simple pub menu, including classics like steak and ale pie. Breakfasts are hearty and filling.

Brossen Steakhouse: AA Rosette. Open everyday 12-9.30pm. Mains from £17, steaks from £20.

Front Bar: relaxed, brunch, lunch, cakes and cocktails. Open everyday 10am til late. Cocktails from £8.50.