Stratton House Hotel & Spa, Cirencester, Gloucestershire

The hotel sits in a quiet, tree-lined neighbourhood about a mile from the centre of Cirencester. It is easy to reach from London and the Midlands, via the M4 and the M5. In the heart of Cirencester, there's an enticing array of galleries, boutiques, cafés and an outstanding museum, the Corinium, complete with Roman artefacts and a mosaic.

By car: around 2 hours from London, 1 hour from Bristol and 3 hours from Manchester. Free parking available.

By train: direct trains from London (50 minutes), Oxford (45 minutes) and Cardiff (1 hour). The station is a 15-minute taxi ride from the hotel. Book trains to Kemble.

The mood is fresh, bright and modern. The lounge has high ceilings, cornices and a chandelier, and the Oak Bar snuggles under ancient, undulating beams. Furnishings mainly play on a country theme, with equestrian pictures, wing armchairs and leather and tweed here and there.

The impressive spa is a soothing chill-out space with a whirlpool tub, experience showers, steam room, sauna and terrace. Aromatic Temple Spa massages, scrubs and facials are offered in the five treatment rooms. Other facilities include the wonderful garden, plenty of EV charging points in the big car park and a private dining room for up to 16 guests. The mainly local staff are welcoming and professionally friendly.

• Restaurant
• Bar
• Terrace
• Garden
• Spa
• Dog-friendly
• Free parking
• Free Wi-Fi

The bedrooms are principally decorated in soothing tones of greys and greens, the quiet colours uplifted by feature wallpaper. Most bathrooms have a bath/shower. The smallest compact doubles might be a bit cramped for two people staying more than a couple of nights; the largest deluxe rooms are generously spacious, with super-king-size beds, rolltop baths and walk-in showers.

Room types: Compact, Standard, Superior, Deluxe

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

The stylish restaurant offers a dinner menu that emphasises sophisticated modern British and European cuisine. Expect the likes of roasted hake with Hasselback potatoes and tomato concasse. Lunch options include classics such as burgers, vegan burgers and fish and chips.

The Garden Restaurant: British cuisine, locally sourced produce. All day menu, open daily. Mains from £12.

The Oak Bar: traditional British pub. Serving food and drinks. Dogs welcome. Open daily, 10am-11pm.