Alderley Edge Hotel, Alderley Edge, Cheshire

Set slightly uphill from the village high street, on the road that leads from Alderley to Macclesfield, the hotel is surrounded by expensive houses hidden away behind thick stone walls and high hedges. The train station, half a mile away, is on the main Manchester to Crewe line. Local attractions include Quarry Bank (4.5 miles), Jodrell Bank (6 miles) and the Peak District National Park, just a 20-minute drive away.

By car: London is 4 hours' drive away, Machester is 45 minutes away. There is free private parking at the hotel.

By train: Alderley Edge station is a 10-minute walk from the hotel, with direct links to Manchester and Crewe. Book trains to Alderley Edge.

A few years back, the hotel owners injected £2.5 million into a makeover of the reception, bar and restaurant and the money was well spent. Post-revamp, there's a fresh, contemporary look running throughout the public areas, with striking light fittings and bold design touches such as zebra-print chairs and flamingo wallpaper.

Overall, the staff were friendly and helpful; if they didn't know the answer to a question, they'd try to find someone who did. There's plenty of space in the large car park, plus a charging station for electric vehicles. Indoors, guests can order food on room service and take advantage of same-day laundry service.

• Restaurant
• Bar
• Coffee house
• Gardens
• Concierge
• Pet-friendly
• Free parking with electric charging
• Free Wi-Fi

The colourful contemporary look of the public areas doesn't extend to most of the bedrooms, which generally have neutral shades and traditional furnishings, perhaps with a Rococo-style bed frame. Standard rooms are small and bathrooms vary.

Room types: Classic Double, Classic Twin, Classic Double With Garden View, Executive Double, Junior Suite, Master Suite

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

The restaurant serves an all-day menu of bistro-style food, with starters such as garlic king prawns or spinach tortellini, followed by mains that might include chicken Caesar salad or slow-braised lamb shank. There's a choice of steaks char-grilled on the Josper grill, and several puddings come with Cheshire ice cream on the side.

Grill on the Hill and the Secret Garden: modern British and European dishes, seafood, steaks, Sunday roasts, sandwiches, afternoon tea. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Mains from £12.95.