Didsbury House Hotel, Manchester

In a leafy suburb of south Manchester, the city centre can be reached by public transport. Walk into Didsbury Village to eat at Hispi Bistro, or try Simon Rimmer's Greens restaurant in West Didsbury.

Both the Didsbury Village and East Didsbury metrolink stops are a 10-minute walk away. There's also a bus stop and train station close to the hotel with regular links to the centre.

By car: around 2 hours from Nottingham and 4 hours 30 minutes from London. Free parking available on-site.

By train: London Euston to Manchester Piccadilly takes around 2 hours, after which, it's a a 20-minute taxi to the hotel. Book trains to Manchester.

With its Victorian villa front, this is a beautiful boutique hotel with memorable interiors. The gold wallpapered lounge has squishy velvet sofas, while the halls feature parquet flooring and stained glass. There's a travel theme, with piles of vintage suitcases and guidebooks on shelves.

Staff are friendly and keen to offer reccomendations on local places to eat and drink. The hotel has a small treatment room where massages and beauty treatments can be arranged by an independent company.

• Bar
• Restaurant
• Lounge
• Terrace
• Beauty treatments
• Free Wi-Fi
• Free parking

Rooms are unique in terms of shape and décor, however, they are all stylish and calming, with luxuries including Temple Spa toiletries, bathrobes and Nespresso machine. All rooms (except Snug) have roll-top baths for extra indulgence.

Room types: Snug, Cosy, Comfy, Luxe Junior Suite, Boudoir Suite, Opus Loft Suite

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

The small deli menu can be ordered from the Bar Lounge and eaten there, or in-room. Afternoon tea is available for hotel guests (and larger parties). The apricot tagine was a surprisingly good vegetarian option with smoky, crunchy tofu and decorated with pretty edible flowers.

Bar Lounge: comfy bar-lounge, deli menu and drinks. Open daily.

Breakfast Room: residents only, light continental options and traditional full English and Irish breakfasts. Open daily (hours vary).