Milsoms Kesgrave Hall, Ipswich, Suffolk

This is certainly a destination hotel, with nothing really in walking distance but if you do fancy exploring, you're about a fifteen-minute drive from the centre of Ipswich, which is a better choice for a weekend away than you might think and the attractive town of Woodbridge is the same distance in the opposite direction. Head to The Maybush Inn in Waldringfield for an early evening sundowner overlooking the river.

The hotel is neither in Ipswich nor on the nearby Suffolk Coast but is well placed for both.

By car: The hotel is 2 hours 30 mins from London, 2 hours 40 mins from Birmingham, 1 hour 20 mins from Cambridge and 1 hour 15 mins from Norwich. There is free parking at the hotel.

By train: London Liverpool Street to Ipswich takes around 1 hour. The hotel is a 25-minute taxi ride from the station. Book trains to Ipswich.

The staff's nothing-is-too-much-trouble attitude is designed to make you feel right at home. Housed in a beautiful Georgian mansion built in 1812, with lovely grounds and once the property of the local Cobbold brewing dynasty - and later various posh private schools - the hotel's style is that of a grand but relaxed boutique country house.

Apart from the grounds and the bar and restaurant, the facilities amount to several private dining and function rooms, a wedding venue , car-charging points and a spa, offering a range of treatments, a hot tub, sauna and pool. The hotel certainly achieves its aim of making this grand building a relaxed, comfy place to stay and the enthusiasm of the staff shines through.

• Restaurant
• Bar
• Gardens
• Spa
• Pet-friendly
• Family rooms
• Free parking
• Free Wi-Fi

Spread over the main house and various outbuildings - there are just 23 generously proportioned rooms in total. All offer complimentary water and soft drinks, TVs and rain showers.

Room types: Standard, Superior, Deluxe, Principal, Top

Key amenities: ensuite bathroom with Elemis toiletries, fluffy towels, TV, tea coffee facilities, mini-bar with free soft drinks and biscuits, desk, free Wi-Fi

Although it has a no-bookings policy, the two AA rosette restaurant offers hotel guests an assurance of a table alongside lots of locals, who come to enjoy a moderately priced menu and large stripped-down space with a big open kitchen. The terrace is perfect in summer for parents to enjoy their lunch or dinner while their kids run about on the lawn.

The restaurant: brunch, all-day dining, modern European cuisine, steaks, sandwiches, vegan and kids' menus. Open daily from 10am. Mains from £15.

The bar: light bites, cocktails, champagne, wine list, premium spirits. Open all day, every day.