The Georgian Townhouse, Norwich, Norfolk

West of the city centre, the hotel lies next to the city's inner ring road. The front rooms overlook the busy road into town, but the back rooms are more peaceful. Although a short walk into the city centre, this hotel is a good springboard for exploring inland Norfolk and Suffolk. Chapelfield Shopping Centre, the Roman Catholic Cathedral, Norwich Theatre Royal and the city's Norman castle are all nearby.

By car: The Georgian Townhouse is just under 3 hours from London and Nottingham, and 1 hour 15 mins from Cambridge. There is free parking at the hotel.

By train: London Liverpool Street to Norwich takes around 2 hours. The hotel is a 10-minute taxi ride from the station. Book trains to Norwich.

Striking interiors are painted in punchy colours with stripped-wood floors and quirky features. An open plan bar and restaurant area offers a random collection of table sizes and attracts a stylish crowd, and vintage knick-knacks inject some fun into the mix.

Young, energetic staff offer a friendly welcome in the reception, bar and restaurant. Facilities include a large forecourt for parking (handy in a city which is expensive for parking) and a rear courtyard garden.

• Bar
• Restaurant
• Terrace
• Pets allowed
• Free parking
• Free Wi-Fi

The bedrooms offer quirky features, like Roberts radios, Smeg mini-fridges and retro telephones. Bathrooms aren't huge but come decorated with interesting, old-fashioned prints. Newly-opened apartments, The Nook, The Stables and Colonel's Retreat, are located nearby.

Room types: Cosy Double, Comfy Double, Comfy Apartment, Deluxe Apartment, The Nest Deluxe Suite, Colonel's Retreat Deluxe Suite

Key amenities: ensuite bathroom with shower, hairdryer, mini-bar, Smart TV, radio, tea and coffee facilities, Smeg fridge, desk

The all-day dining menu includes starters of gin-cured smoked salmon or blue cheese mousse, followed by Brancaster steamed mussels or slow-cooked belly of Great Blythburgh pork. Meat-based, seafood or vegetarian sharing boards are available, plus a tempting pudding menu of raspberry trifle or baked chocolate and caramel tart.

The restaurant: seasonal menus, local produce, pub classics, Asian cuisine. Food served Mon-Fri 12-3pm and 5-9pm, Sat & Sun 12-9pm. Mains from £11.