Jorvik House, York

It's a short walk through leafy Museum Gardens from the historic and commercial centre of York, and within walking distance from the train station. Really almost everything is within walking distance.

By car: the hotel is 45 minutes from Leeds, 1 hour 45 minutes from Manchester and over 4 hours from London. Paid parking available nearby.

By train: London Kings Cross to York takes around 2 hours, after which, the hotel is a 10-minute walk. Book trains to York.

The owners call the decorative style of the hotel 'Scandinavian', which is about right. Couples enjoying a weekend break in York will love it here - as will business folk aiming to avoid the mundanity of the chains.

Jorvik House is a relatively small hotel and not awash with facilities, but there's a 24-hour reception and service is friendly and personable.

• Bar
• Lounge
• In-room breakfast
• Free Wi-Fi

Rooms are slickly and brightly decorated with well-chosen mid-century style furniture. Contemporary bathrooms and have powerful rainfall showers and good quality toiletries. The Loft Suite is spacious and offers great views.

Room types: Luxury Room, Deluxe Bay Suite, Loft Suite

Facilities include: ensuite bathroom with toiletries, hairdryer, tea and coffee-making facilities, minibar, TV, free Wi-Fi

There's no restaurant or bar, and a continental breakfast is delivered to your room every morning. The staff are happy to help you with recommendations for eating out in the city.

Breakfast: as an alternative to the continental breakfast, an express option of an in-house breakfast bag can be delivered to your room.