The Rookery, Farringdon, London

The spectacular gates of Smithfield Market, one of Europe's oldest wholesale meat and poultry markets, are just around the corner.

Local attractions include St Paul's Cathedral, Museum of London and The Barbican. Easily see the rest of the city by tube.
By car: the hotel is 4 hours from Manchester and under 3 hours from Bristol.
By train: Farringdon station is 2 minutes' walk away. Liverpool Street station is a 15-minute taxi ride. thetrainline.com

This hotel is great for couples seeking a romantic bolthole in the city, or professionals looking for a charming, low-key base. From the outside, The Rookery looks like a welcoming little home more than a hotel, with soft lighting and a roaring fire to boot.

Thanks to its small size, service at The Rookery always feels personal.

• Honesty bar
• Garden
• Lounge
• Free Wi-Fi

The Rook's Nest is the hotel's sexiest suite, set over two floors with an in-room roll top tub and a plush four-poster clad with velvet curtains. Don't miss out on making your own gin at the minibar, too. The highly refreshing refillable Land & Water toiletries are divine - and you can purchase them to take home as you leave.

Club Double, Superior Double, Junior Suite, The Rook's Nest
Facilities include: ensuite bathroom with toiletries, minibar, safe, flat-screen TV, free Wi-Fi

The Rookery doesn't have a traditional restaurant or bar, but the array of local spirits from London's creative distillers available in the honesty bar made for an interesting evening's drinking. The smoked salmon bagel from the famous Beigel Bake shop on Brick Lane nearby was a great touch at breakfast.

Breakfast room: breakfast is served daily in the conservatory, or can be delivered in-room. Options include pastries, granola, bacon sandwiches and smoked salmon bagels.