Hotel Indigo, York

Shops along Walmgate and its extension, Fossgate, are small independents, with a mix of delis, vintage outlets, eateries and the everyday giving a neighbourhood feel.

The Hotel Indigo is 15 minutes' walk out of the city centre, in a busy, creative neighbourhood a short stroll from the medieval city walls.
By car: 45 minutes from Leeds, 1 hour 30 mins from Manchester and around 4 hours from London. There is paid public parking a few minutes' walk from the hotel.
By train: London Kings Cross to York takes around 2 hours. The station is a 10-minute taxi ride from the hotel. thetrainline.com

Youthful-minded folk who like a jolly atmosphere and aren't looking for a hushed, discreet sort of place will be happy here. We like the solid earthiness of the design, with no fancy gimmicks.

The lack of 'extras' means the hotel can concentrate on what most guests want - a decent bedroom and food - and at a decent price.

• Restaurant
• Bar
• Workspace
• Free Wi-Fi
• Room service
• 24-hour front desk
• Concierge

Any of the confectionery-themed rooms are fun, with their jelly mould lampshades, smartie-spotted cushions and bitter-chocolate-and-white little tables. We love the big bathrooms with decent storage and colourfully packaged, Yorkshire-made products; plus the chocolate treats in the mini-bars.

Standard, Superior, Superior Premium, Accessible Rooms
Facilities include: ensuite bathroom with rainfall shower, luxury H2K toiletries, double bed, Egyptian cotton linen, air conditioning, TV, desk, free Wi-Fi, mini-fridge, mineral water, tea and coffee facilities

Breakfast is well worth getting up for with smoothies and waffles on the cold buffet, and hot dishes including scrambled eggs with chorizo, or smashed avocado and poached egg, both on sourdough. A table by the window is excellent for people-watching in this quirky little neighbourhood.

No. 88 Walmgate: traditional Yorkshire cuisine, classic British dishes, small plates, afternoon tea, local ingredients, craft beers and ales. Open noon-10pm every day.
Breakfast: continental selection, fresh fruit and juice, tea and coffee, hot sandwich. Currently offered as room service Mon-Fri 7-10.30am, Sat & Sun 7-11am.