The Zetter Townhouse, Marylebone, London

The hotel is on smart Seymour street in upmarket Marylebone, near Marble Arch station. Selfridges is a 3-minute walk away, along with the rest of Oxford Street. The Wallace Collection with its lovely atrium cafe is around 10 minutes' walk.

By car: the hotel is 2 hours 40 mins from Birmingham, and 2 hours 30 mins from Brighton.

By train: trains arrive at Marylebone from Oxford (journey time 1 hour) and Beaconsfield (35 minutes). Marylebone and Baker Street stations are both a 10-minute taxi ride away; Marble Arch is two minutes' walk. Book trains to London.

This Georgian townhouse is like stepping into the home of someone's wealthy relative, full of atmosphere and antiques. According to Zetter folkore this is the fictional abode of wicked Uncle Seymour, and in Seymour's Parlour, the ground-floor bar and lounge, you can admire the eclectic curios.

Welcoming and friendly staff are waiting for you here. Bar staff are eager to explain the homemade cocktail ingredients like jasmine cordial or pear eau de vie. Facilities are limited, but there's laundry and a dry-cleaning service.

• Lounge
• Bar
• Laundry service
• Free Wi-Fi

Eccentric, quirky interiors are what make this place so popular. Some rooms are a bit snug, but there's still a lavishness to them, with damask drapes and antique writing desks. Bathrooms are more modern, with tiled bathrooms with tubs or showers.

Room types: Deluxe Double, Deluxe King, Junior Suite, Lear's Loft

Key amenities: ensuite bathroom with toiletries, TV, desk, free Wi-Fi

Try the wonderful cocktails and nibbles in the parlour. Lots of the infuions, bitters and cordials are made in-house. Try the "Butterfly" with tequila, orange blossom, agave, butterfly sorrel and lime. There are platters of cheese, charcuterie and crudites on offer plus light bites like crab tostadas and pork belly croquettes.

Seymour's Parlour: drinks, cocktails, small plates. Open Tues-Thurs 4-11pm, weekends 4pm-midnight. Dishes from £6.

Afternoon tea: served Weds-Sun 12-4pm. From £39.50pp.