The Dixon, Tower Bridge, London

You'll find Tower Bridge and the Thames just moments away, while The Dixon is ten minutes from Borough Market and the bars, restaurants and art galleries of Bermondsey Street. The hotel also sits in the shadow of the Shard - a great place to visit for spectacular views.

The hotel is located in SE1, one of the capital's most vibrant postcodes.

By car: around 4 hours from Manchester, 2 hours 30 minutes from Birmingham and 7 hours from Glasgow. Paid parking available nearby.

By train: London Bridge is 10 minutes' walk. Waterloo station is 15 minutes in a taxi, while Paddington, Kings Cross and Euston are all around 25 minutes. Book trains to London.

Tower Bridge Magistrates Court was built in 1905 and functional until seven years ago. The hotel itself is named after its Edwardian architect, John Dixon Butler. The design makes clever nods to its former use - 60 transparent handcuffs are attached to the 6m long chandelier in the grand entrance hall, for example. The holding cell benches complete with carvings by ex-cons have been transformed into works of art, and hundreds of old keys have been embedded into the lift lobby, many of which were found during the extensive refurbishment.

The staff are passionate about the hotel's history and can't wait to tell you about it. In the way of facilities, there's a small gym and 24-hour room service from the restaurant and bar. if required, there's a great meeting or events room in the other original courtroom on the first floor.

• Restaurant
• Bar
• Coffee shop
• Gym
• Family-friendly
• Free Wi-Fi

There are rooms in the original building boasting Edwardian period features; more modern ones are in the new block. Upper floors have views of Tower Bridge. All rooms have white marble bathrooms.

Room types: Dixon, Superior, Executive, Junior Suite, Suite, Orwell Suite

Key amenities: ensuite bathroom with Murdock toiletries, tea and coffee-making facilities, table and chair, mini-bar, TV, free Wi-Fi

Don't miss the opportunity to sip a cocktail in court (or the closest you'll ever get to doing so) in the Courtroom Bar. The signature Wes burger with Wagyu beef, breaded king prawns and raclette cheese in a beetroot or brioche bun was decadent but divine. If you're looking for other options, Bermondsey Street and Borough Market are both popular with local foodies.

Provisioners: modern British and European cuisine. Open all day. Mains from £14.

Courtroom Bar: cocktails, coffee, afternoon tea.