Hotel du Vin, York

Just outside Micklegate Bar and the city walls (a five-minute walk) on the wide, busy road that leads south to the racecourse, it's not the most picturesque location, with neighbouring townhouses largely a mix of offices and B&Bs. But it's handy for the station (ten minutes) and the races (around a mile). Micklegate Bar, which leads up to the walls, is just five minutes, or if you continue down Micklegate you come to Skosh, one of the city's most creative restaurants.

By car: 40 minutes from Leeds, 1 hour 30 mins from Manchester and around 4 hours from London. There is paid private parking at the hotel.

By train: London Kings Cross to York takes around 2 hours. The station is a 10-minute walk from the hotel. Book trains to York.

The low-lying, Georgian building - a former orphanage - has two sympathetically built bedroom wings, one across the car park. Interiors have all the HdV clubby hallmarks of polished-wood or tartan-carpeted floors, deep hued colours of charcoal and red, leather armchairs and a French-style bistro with a central glass canopy, globe chandelier and horse-racing murals - a nod to the nearby racecourse.

Most of the downstairs rooms are devoted to eating or drinking - some of the private dining rooms have the best décor - although there's a cosy snug, plus sofas in the bar if you simply want to chill. For warmer days, there's a small front terrace, though it's next to the busy road. Wine-tasting events are regularly held or you can privately book the splendid, wood-and-bottle-lined Laroche tasting room. The staff are bright and efficient.

• Bar
• Bistro
• Courtyard
• Pet-friendly
• Parking
• Free Wi-Fi

The majority of the rooms are modern, unfussy affairs with solid oak furniture, neutral walls, deep-hued carpets plus a bold feature wall and stripy or leather armchairs adding warmth. Crank up a gear and they get more interesting with sleigh beds, in-room baths and open beams.

Room types: Standard Double, Mezzanine Double, Superior, Deluxe, Junior Suite, Studio Suite, Luxury Suite

Key amenities: ensuite with bath and overhead shower, luxury toiletries, TV, coffee-making facilities

The dinner menu is unashamedly classic French, from starters such as onion soup and chicken liver parfait through to main courses of moules frites and veal cheek bourguignon to, of course, crème brulée and French cheeses. Specials might include escargots or sole meunière - vegans are also catered for. The 350-strong wine list includes unusual varieties as well as a heavy dominance of French, and a good proportion by the glass.

Bistro du Vin: relaxed dining, classic French cuisine, specials and à la carte, Sunday roasts. Open every day for breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner. Mains from £12.50.