The Grand, York

The hotel is across the road from the station (a five-minute walk), and just inside the city walls. Equidistant between the lofty, architectural grandeur of the Minster and the mighty machines of the National Railway Museum, so culture and fun are both satisfied.

By car: the hotel is 40 minutes from Leeds, 1 hour 30 minutes from Manchester and over 4 hours from London. Paid on-site parking available.

By train: London Kings Cross to York takes around 2 hours, after which, the hotel is a 5-minute walk. Book trains to York.

Interiors are as imposing as the substantial, multi-windowed, red-brick exterior with a grand tiled and pillared entrance hall, sweeping staircase and lofty, wide corridors. The hotel suits anyone who likes big hotels that still retain a grand-hotel style and personality.

Service levels are top-notch. There's a clubby bar-lounge, a separate snug, plus another bar - with outside terrace - by the restaurant.

• Restaurant
• Bar
• Spa
• Terrace
• Swimming pool
• Cookery school
• Free Wi-Fi
• Pet-friendly

Most of the rooms follow the same sleek contemporary style of neutral colours, clean-lined furniture, big headboards with splashes of deeper hues in cushions and velvet-covered armchairs. Rooms on the higher-level floors have the best views, either to the Walls or towards the Minster.

Room types: Classic, Executive rooms; Heritage, Grand Heritage, The Penthouse suites

Facilities include: ensuite bathroom with toiletries, tea and coffee-making facilities, mini fridge, spa access, TV, free Wi-Fi

The restaurant is a large, open-plan affair, with long open-kitchen. Dinner is a short-choice menu of Modern British dishes. Breakfast has a good cooked selection including full vegetarian and vegan options as well as, the full Yorkshire.

The Rise: terrace restaurant, European and British cuisine. Open daily for breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner.

The 1906 Bar: vintage decor, cocktails, champagne, fine wines, premium spirits, whisky menu, local ales, bar snacks. Open daily.