Malmaison York

Possibly one of the city's best locations for all-around access: five minutes from the station, ten minutes to the Minster and city centre, and most attractions no more than a 15-minute walk. And with the river and the famous medieval walls just a hop and a skip away. Micklegate, with its interesting foodie scene including Skosh and The Rattle Owl, is less than a five-minute walk.

By car: 45 mins from Leeds, 1 hour 20 mins from Sheffield and just over an hour from Middlesborough. There is private on-site parking for £25 per day.

By train: York station is a five-minute walk away, with services from Newcastle (1 hour), Leeds (1 hour 15 minutes), London Kings Cross and Edinburgh (2 hours 30 minutes). Book trains to York.

From the outside, it's a standard 1960s brutalist-style office block, but inside it's been startlingly converted to make the most of all that concrete and glass: sweeping spaces, bold colours, exposed ducting and bright pop-art. There's a lounge-y vibe from the open-plan ground-floor bar and restaurant to the roof-top cocktail bar.

Although there's no lounge, as such, there's plenty of space on the ground floor to hang out and watch the world go by. Come evening, there's the (bookable) option of the roof-top bar too. There's also a small spa plus a gym in the basement. Staff are young and chirpy, though service levels can be variable.

• Two restaurants
• Rooftop bar
• Gym
• Spa
• Pet-friendly
• Family-friendly
• Parking
• Free Wi-Fi

Rooms share the same bright and uncluttered style with pops of primary colours in cushions, rugs and feature walls, set against a monochrome background. A tinted-glass divider separates the bedroom from a semi-open bathroom which makes the room feel bigger, though perhaps a bit risqué for some.

Room types: Standard, Mal Club, Mal Club Deluxe, Family Room, Suite

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

The ground-floor Chez Mal, next to the main bar, serves up the hotel chain's standard brasserie-style dishes such as steaks, burgers and smoked haddock fishcakes. The roof-top Sora (Wednesday to Sunday) with its extensive cocktail bar offers sushi and Pan-Asian tapas dishes.

Chez Mal Brasserie: À la carte options. Open daily for dinner and weekends for lunch. By reservation only. Mains from £14.

Sora: Asian-style tapas and sushi. Open Wed, Thu & Sun 12pm-12am; Fri & Sat 12pm-2am. By reservation only.