Abbey Hotel, Bath

You're in the centre of Bath, a short walk from its key attractions and shopping streets. Sally Lunn's, the city's famous tearoom, is mere yards away.

This is a busy spot: right in front of the hotel is a drop-off and pick-up point for tourist coaches and two pubs.

By car: 40 minutes from Bristol, 1 hour 20 mins from Cardiff and 2 hours 20 mins from London. There is no parking at the hotel but it is possible to park on nearby streets.

By train: Bath Spa station is just 5 minutes away on 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.

This relaxed hotel features artworks by local artists in its appropropriately-named ArtBar. There's also a good-looking restaurant, which non-residents can also frequent for a bite to eat or a drink.

The Abbey Hotel sits under the umbrella of Marriott's Tribute Portfolio - a collection of independent hotels that harnesses the Marriott brand for marketing and booking purposes, but is free from the typical chain hotel atmosphere. The staff were very engaging.

• Restaurant
• Bar
• Terrace
• Family rooms
• Pet-friendly
• Free Wi-Fi

Rooms have been recently redesigned according to three themes - Print, Cinematography and Gallery. All have dark wood furnishings and leather headboards.

Room types: Cosy Print Room, Standard Print Room, Superior Print Room, Cinematography Room, Gallery Room, Gallery Family Room

Key amenities: ensuite bathroom with shower, luxury toiletries, TV, tea and coffee facilities, free Wi-Fi

There are lots of tempting places to eat. The Abbey Hotel Kitchen is the attractive restaurant, plus there's the ArtBar and a summertime terrace on the pavement in front of the hotel for tipples. Breakfast hit the spot - we had fried mushrooms and two perfectly poached eggs with sourdough toast.

Abbey Hotel Kitchen: informal, Mediterranean and classic British dishes, local produce, afternoon tea. Open every day from noon. Mains from £12.50.

ArtBar: cocktails, bar snacks, contemporary dishes, art exhibitions. Open every day from noon. Mains from £9.50.