Remont Oxford Hotel, Oxford

The property sits on a busy artery into the city in the affluent and bustling suburb of Summertown. There's plenty going on nearby and frequent bus services into the city. Alternatively, it's a five-minute taxi ride or a 30-minute walk to the centre. Well-heeled Summertown offers shops, bars and restaurants, the North Wall arts centre, and the Oxford Kitchen, the city's only Michelin-starred restaurant.

By car: The hotel is 1 hour 30 mins from London, 1 hour 20 mins from Birmingham and 3 hours from Manchester. There is free parking on-site for guests.

By train: London Paddington or Marylebone to Oxford takes around 1 hour. The hotel is a 10-minute taxi ride from the station. Book trains to Oxford.

The guesthouse is set in an attractive period home, combining elements of modern design, such as bold artworks and a limited number of designerly furnishings with warm mango woods, leather sofas and some basic, mass-produced furniture such as bedside tables. It's inconsistent but also unpretentious and perfectly functional.

More a guesthouse than a hotel, the Remont does not have a bar or restaurant but there's plenty of off-street parking and a well-tended garden. Staff are friendly, efficient and capable, and offer printed recommendations for places to eat or drink nearby.

• Breakfast room
• Garden
• Two lounges
• Laundry service
• Free parking
• Free Wi-Fi

The guesthouse provides bright, modern rooms with simple décor that combines dark woods with crisp, white linens and bold contemporary wall art. Beds have Simba Hybrid mattresses, and bathrooms are equipped with powerful showers. Go for a deluxe room if possible, as standard doubles are pretty compact.

Room types: Small Double, Standard Double, Twin, Superior, Triple, Family

Key amenities: ensuite bathroom, LCD TV, tea and coffee facilities, mineral water, biscuits, desk, free Wi-Fi

The hotel does not have a restaurant, but breakfast is served in a bright and airy dining area where a buffet offers fresh bread, cheese, fruit salad, yoghurt and cereals, and cooked items can be ordered from a full range of English breakfast staples.

Breakfast: continental selection and cooked breakfasts to order. Served from 7.30-9am Monday to Friday, and 8-10am on weekends and Bank Holidays.