Chesterton Hotel, Bicester, Oxfordshire

On the edge of the tiny village of Chesterton, this hotel is tucked away from the A4095 and surrounded by green fields - a welcome retreat after a day spent shopping at the nearby Bicester Village shopping complex. Plenty of footpaths make exploring the surrounding countryside easy, and with Woodstock just a 20-minute drive away, Blenheim Palace is a must-visit.

By car: around 1 hour 45 minutes from Bristol, 2 hours from London and 3 hours from Manchester. Free parking available.

By train: there are direct trains to Bicester North from London Marylebone, and Birmingham. The hotel is a 7-minute drive. Book trains to Bicester North.

A huge renovation has given The Chesterton a much-needed facelift and it's now a seriously stylish hotel. The lobby is all dark wallpaper and bright neon lights with cosy armchairs and floor-to-ceiling windows, and the restaurant follows the monochrome theme, which is beautifully offset by living walls of greenery.

Exceptional service is this hotel's main goal, and the staff are indeed attentive and doting without being overbearing. There's room service available should you want your breakfast in bed, and reception is manned 24/7 meaning there's always someone to help.

• Bar
• Restaurant
• Terrace
• Garden
• Free parking
• Free Wi-Fi

There are two types of rooms at The Chesterton - the Superior and the Deluxe. The former is slightly smaller but still spacious, with fragrant Rituals toiletries in the sexy black marble bathrooms decorated with gold trim. The latter comes with soft waffle robes and a writing desk.

Room types: Superior, Deluxe

Key amenities: ensuite bathroom with Rituals toiletries, hairdryer, Nespresso machine, sitting area, flat-screen TV, free Wi-Fi

The Chesterton's brasserie serves great food all day, with cooked-to-order breakfasts, light lunches and afternoon teas served on three-tier cake stands. Expect comforting dishes with a sophisticated spin, from Cajun chicken burgers with sriracha mayo to pan-fried seabass with truffle cauliflower.

Brasserie: sleek, Locally sourced ingredients, classic cuisine. Open daily, all day menu and daily afternoon tea (12-5pm); Sunday roasts.