Harington's Hotel, Bath

Located on Queen Street, in the centre of the city, the cobblestone lane is a strong contender for the most photogenic thoroughfare in Bath. With a pub and cocktail bar across the street, expect some night-time noise. The main sights are all within strolling distance, and the train station is around a ten-minute walk away. Opposite Harington's is The Raven, one of Bath's best pubs, and the ever-popular Canary Gin Bar is just down the street.

By car: 40 minutes from Bristol, just over an hour from Cardiff and 1 hour 30 minutes from Reading. There is limited on-site parking, at £14 per day.

By train: Bath Spa station is just 10 minutes away by foot, serviced by Great Western Railway with links to Gloucester (1 hour 20 minutes), Bristol Temple Meads (11 minutes) and London Paddington (1 hour 20 minutes). Book trains to Bath Spa.

Harington's spreads over three interconnecting Georgian townhouses. The small-scale public areas - lounge, bar and breakfast room - and bedrooms are cosy and have offbeat features. For example, an armchair in the lounge has a pictorial design that explains the hotel's links with Sir John Harington, the Elizabethan inventor of the flushing toilet. The atmosphere is easygoing and informal.

Owners Peter and Melissa O'Sullivan run the hotel with lots of energy and enthusiasm, and the staff are keen to please. Though Harington's is smaller than many of Bath's bed and breakfasts, it has more facilities, along with a reception that is manned for long hours (until 11 pm on weekdays, midnight weekends).

• Bar
• Restaurant
• Terrace
• Hot tub/jacuzzi
• Pet friendly
• Parking (£14 per day)
• Free Wi-Fi

The 13 bedrooms are playfully decorated, with boldly-patterned wallpaper on one wall and unusual bits and bobs (such as a unicorn in one room). For more space and facilities, book a nearby apartment through Dream Stays Bath (dreamstaysbath.co.uk), under the same ownership.

Room types: Standard/ Superior/ Feature Double Rooms, Large Superior Double/ Twin/ Triple, Feature Queen Double rooms

Key amenities: ensuite bathroom with shower or bath, TV, DAB radio, tea and coffee-making facilities, free Wi-Fi

Breakfasts, served in a jolly two-part dining area on the ground floor, are excellent. You can expect freshly-ground coffee, a choice of loose-leaf teas, freshly-squeezed orange juice, house-made smoothies, porridge, pastries and a wide choice of cooked dishes including pancakes and avocado and poached eggs.

Harry's Kitchen: currently serving breakfast only, continental or cooked options. Open daily.