No38 The Park, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire

The location befits the hotel concept: it's a home away from home in a tranquil residential area by Pittville Park (pop into the Pump Room where you can sample Cheltenham's spa waters). The city centre is a 10-minute walk south, while the city's elegant Montpellier district is a little further, about a 25-minute walk away, and Cheltenham Racecourse lies a 15-minute walk north.

By car: around an hour's drive from Bristol and 2 hours 45 minutes from London and Manchester.

By train: trains to Cheltenham Spa run from Bristol (40 minutes) Birmingham (40 minutes) and London (around 2 hours). The hotel is a 7-minute taxi ride from Cheltenham Spa station. Book trains to Cheltenham Spa.

Part of the Lucky Onion group, which owns a collection of wonderful properties and restaurants, it's stylish and sophisticated, exuding a welcoming, laidback vibe. The lounge area could easily be a friend's lovely living room: contemporary works of art by British artists hang beside Persian textiles, oversized lamps with earthy aged textures dominate a reclaimed sideboard, and huge wicker baskets stacked with wood sit by the fireplace. It's inviting and tastefully furnished, with low lighting, deep sofas and collections of coffee table books - the kind of place you want to linger.

You'll feel at home the moment you walk through the door. There's no reception area - check-in and check-out is a swift, discreet affair that takes place in the comfort of the lounge. The young team of staff are friendly and easy-going, and happy to provide suggestions and tips on the local area. This being a Grade II listed townhouse, facilities are limited to a private dining-cum-meeting room and a handful of complimentary parking places.

• Bar
• In-room breakfast
• Terrace
• Pet-friendly
• Free Wi-Fi

The rooms exude a sophisticated feel, herringbone carpets and thick flowing curtains in neutral shades contrast with dark walls and bold pops of colour. Some rooms have duck green velvet headboards, while others have large glass table lamps and floral displays. Bathrooms are particularly lovely, with rain showers, Bramley amenities, and clawfoot tubs in the nicer rooms.

Room types: Cosy Room, Very Good Room, Excellent Room

Key amenities: ensuite bathroom, bathrobes, TV, tea and coffee facilities, free Wi-Fi

The hotel only serves breakfast, with a small buffet selection of fruits, cereal and croissants, while hot dishes are made to order, with the likes of American-style pancakes and eggs Florentine on offer. The Lucky Onion group owns The Tavern, a ten-minute walk, which serves comforting international dishes with an American influence.

Bar: Wines, spirits, bar snacks.

The Tavern: A ten-minute walk away, the hotel's sister restaurant serves international dishes with an American twist, such as steaks and pork ribs. Open daily. Mains from £13.