Abbey Hotel, Bath

Located right in the heart of Bath, with key attractions and shopping districts just a few minutes' stroll away. The Roman Baths and Bath Abbey are both within a two-minute walk and Sally Lunn's, the city's renowned tearooms, is just a few yards away.

This is a busy spot: right in front of the hotel is a drop-off and pick-up point for tourist coaches and two pubs.

By car: 40 minutes from Bristol, 1 hour 20 mins from Cardiff and 2 hours 20 mins from London. There is no parking at the hotel but it is possible to park on nearby streets.

By train: Bath Spa station is just 5 minutes away on foot, serviced by Great Western Railway with links to Gloucester (1 hour 20 minutes), Bristol Temple Meads (11 minutes) and London Paddington (1 hour 20 minutes). Book trains to Bath Spa.

Art features heavily in the look of this relaxed hotel, with varied and regularly-changing artworks by local artists covering the walls of the aptly named ArtBar and the good-looking restaurant, which non-residents pop into for a bite to eat or a drink.

Privately owned, The Abbey Hotel sits under the umbrella of Marriott's Tribute Portfolio - a collection of independent hotels leveraging the Marriott brand for marketing and online booking purposes but without the typical chain hotel atmosphere. The staff, known for their friendly and conversational approach, ensure an engaging experience.

• Restaurant
• Bar
• Terrace
• Family rooms
• Pet-friendly
• Free Wi-Fi

Following three distinct themes - Print, Cinematography and Gallery, bedrooms have undergone a recent modernising redesign. Each theme incorporates dark wood furnishings, brown leather headboards and lighting. For two people, we recommend opting for a Standard room or above.

Room types: Cosy Print Room, Standard Print Room, Superior Print Room, Cinematography Room, Gallery Room, Gallery Family Room

Key amenities: ensuite bathroom with shower, luxury toiletries, TV, tea and coffee facilities, free Wi-Fi

You won't be at a loss of enticing-looking places to eat and drink here, with an attractive restaurant (the Abbey Hotel Kitchen), the ArtBar and a summertime terrace on the pavement in front of the hotel. Our breakfast - fried mushrooms and two perfectly poached eggs on top of sourdough toast - hit the mark.

Abbey Hotel Kitchen: informal, Mediterranean and classic British dishes, local produce, afternoon tea. Open every day from noon. Mains from £12.50.

ArtBar: cocktails, bar snacks, contemporary dishes, art exhibitions. Open every day from noon. Mains from £9.50.