The Guardsman, Westminster, London

There are numerous shops and cafés on and around redeveloped Victoria Street - and for a great bakery, try Royal Artisan. Tate Britain is only a 20-minute walk away or head to the Queen's Gallery with exhibits from the Royal Collection.

The hotel is just around the corner from St James's Park and Buckingham Palace.

By car: over 4 hours from Manchester and 2 hours 30 minutes from Bristol. Paid parking available nearby.

By train: St James's Park tube station is a 2-minute walk away. Victoria station is 10 minutes by taxi. Book trains to London.

Behind the hotel's slick grey-brick exterior is a bold interior, Modern British in style with a touch of Art Deco. The inviting drawing room and library have Persian rugs and bright furnishing.

The lobby reception is nicely understated - it feels more like you're arriving at a private club than checking into a hotel. There's no gym on site, but guests can go for a workout at Gymbox on Victoria Street.

• Restaurant
• Bar
• Lounge
• Family-friendly
• Pet-friendly
• Free Wi-Fi

Rooms come in five delightful categories. There are six larger residences which have small dining areas and kitchens, and some even have a balcony. Overall, bedrooms are imaginative, roomy and hi-tech with black and white bathrooms.

Room types: Room, Superior, Deluxe, Executive, Guardsman, Residence

Key amenities: ensuite bathroom with toiletries, coffee-making facilities, TV, free Wi-Fi

An Art Deco-style bar is reached down a winding open staircase, while the cosy restaurant is lined with both traditional and modern portraits and prints. The menu is Modern British with dishes such as Camden Hells beer-battered cod and spiced Cornish crab. They do lovely à la carte breakfasts too.

The Dining Room: British cuisine, locally sourced ingredients. All-day menu, open daily. Mains from £15.