Milsoms Kesgrave Hall, Ipswich, Suffolk

The hotel is neither in Ipswich nor on the nearby Suffolk Coast but is well placed for both. You're about a fifteen-minute drive from the centre of Ipswich, which is a better choice for a weekend away than you might think, and the small and very appealing town of Woodbridge is the same distance in the opposite direction. It's a destination hotel, with nothing really in walking distance, but you might consider a visit to The Maybush Inn in nearby Waldringfield - one of several riverside pubs nearby that you could visit for lunch or an early evening sundowner.

By car: The hotel is 2 hours 30 mins from London, 2 hours 40 mins from Birmingham, 1 hour 20 mins from Cambridge and 1 hour 15 mins from Norwich. There is free parking at the hotel.

By train: London Liverpool Street to Ipswich takes around 1 hour. The hotel is a 25-minute taxi ride from the station. Book trains to Ipswich.

A beautiful Georgian mansion built in 1812 and once the property of the local Cobbold brewing dynasty and later various posh private schools, the hotel's style is that of a grand but relaxed boutique country house, with lovely grounds and a nothing-is-too-much-trouble attitude designed to make you feel right at home.

Kesgrave Hall very much achieves its aim of making this grand building a relaxed, comfy place to stay and the enthusiasm of the staff shines through. Apart from the grounds and the bar and restaurant, the facilities amount to several private dining and function rooms, a wedding venue, car-charging points and the spa.

• Bar
• Restaurant
• Gardens
• Spa
• Pet-friendly
• Family rooms
• Free parking
• Free Wi-Fi

Kesgrave Hall has fewer rooms than you would expect - just 23 in all, around half of which are in the main house with the rest in various outbuildings. They vary quite a lot in size and style but are all generously proportioned and have complimentary water and soft drinks, TVs and rain showers.

Room types: Standard, Superior, Deluxe, Principal, Top

Key amenities: ensuite bathroom with Elemis toiletries, fluffy towels, TV, tea coffee facilities, mini-bar with free soft drinks and biscuits, desk, free Wi-Fi

They have a very good two AA-rosette restaurant, and, although it has a no-bookings policy, hotel guests are assured of a table alongside lots of locals, who come to enjoy a menu that takes in great local beef, fish and seafood at moderate prices in a large stripped-down space with a big open kitchen.

The restaurant: brunch, all-day dining, modern European cuisine, steaks, sandwiches, vegan and kids' menus. Open daily from 10am. Mains from £15.

The bar: light bites, cocktails, champagne, wine list, premium spirits. Open all day, every day.