The Pelham, South Kensington, London

The Pelham's location is one of its star qualities - and you could spend an entire weekend here without walking further than 15 minutes from the front door! Some of the city's best museums are all nearby, including the Natural History Museum, V&A and Science Museum.

Right in the thick of the action in South Kensington, the Circle, District and Piccadilly Lines are all on your doorstep.

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

By train: South Kensington tube station is a 2-minute walk. Marylebone station is a 15-minute taxi ride. Book trains to London.

Set inside four townhouses, The Pelham is a warren of staircases and corridors, but feels homely. The décor is an eclectic mix of 19th-century wood-panelled rooms with wingback armchairs and plush sofas, while bedrooms boast bold patterned wallpaper, velvet curtains and modern artworks.

Staff are kind and doting without being overbearing; the concierge will help you book restaurants, tickets and taxis. There's a small gym but there's little need for much more, as South Kensington has the rest.

• Bar
• Restaurant
• Gym
• Board games
• Pet-friendly
• Free Wi-Fi

Rooms are individually-styled, but all are relatively spacious. Expect bold wallpapers and soft furnishings, as well as unusual artworks and trinkets. Suites come with living areas and double sinks in the bathroom.

Room types: Superior Room, Deluxe Room, Executive Room, Junior Suite, King Suite, The Mews

Key amenities: ensuite bathroom with toiletries, luxury bathrobes and slippers, pillow menu, tea and coffee-making facilities, TV, free Wi-Fi

Italian-owned, The Pelham boasts an Italian restaurant, which offers Roman-style pizzas, unusual takes on pasta dishes and Italian desserts by Michelin-starred chef Alfredo Russo. The Tiramisu is well worth loosening your belt for - a creamy delight.

La Trattoria: Italian cuisine with an innovative twist. Dishes include handmade orecchiette, seabass fillet and risotto. All-day menu, open Tue-Sat. Breakast served daily.