Vanbrugh House Hotel, Oxford

Set on a quiet street in the heart of the city, everything is at your fingertips, with theatres, museums, shops, bars and restaurants all within a few minutes' walk. Restrictions on glazing options mean noise from late-night, city-centre revellers can be an issue at weekends. Set opposite the Oxford Union, the New Theatre, Baliol, Trinity, the Ashmolean and the Bodleian are all within five-minute walk.

By car: from London or Bristol around 1 hour 30 minutes and just over 3 hours from Manchester. The nearest public parking is the Worcester Car Park, just under five minutes' walk away.

By train: 50 minutes from London Paddington, 1 hour 20 minutes from Bristol Temple Meads and 2 hours 45 minutes from Manchester Piccadilly. Oxford station is a 10-minute walk from the hotel. Book trains to Oxford.

The hotel's setting, a Grade II listed building, lends it plenty of period character with warm wood panelling, exposed beams, original Delft tiling and large fireplaces giving it a great sense of history. This is matched by chic contemporary styling, muted colour schemes and designer furniture and fittings.

As a boutique bolthole, the hotel is an attractive option, but you don't get much more than a bed and breakfast here. There's no bar or restaurant, no spa, no parking and no lounges to relax in. Service is generally good, however, but at busy times can feel overstretched.

• Bar

• Outdoor seating

• 24-hour front desk

• Facilities for disabled guests

• Free Wi-Fi
• Parking

The muted tones, high-quality finishes and chic styling give the rooms an intimate feel. Bespoke, handmade beds are topped by fine linens, the compact bathrooms have powerful showers and many have exposed beams or original fireplaces.

Room types: Single Room, Small and Standard Double Rooms, Superior Rooms, Suites, Sir John Vanbrugh, Nicholas Hawksmoor

Key amenities: ensuite bathroom with The White Company toiletries, continental breakfast delivered to your room, smart TV, tea and coffee-making facilities, free Wi-Fi

The hotel serves a generous continental breakfast with a good range of cereals, bread, meats and cheeses in a small ground-floor dining room which opens onto a pretty courtyard garden in warmer weather. There is no bar but glasses and ice buckets can be provided on request.

Breakfast: expect cheese, meats, fish and honey from named local suppliers, fresh bread from a local bakery and a push for seasonal produce.