Archangel, Frome, Somerset

We love the easy combination of town and countryside that Frome offers, with nightlife close to hand but rural Somerset and Wiltshire only a short drive away.

By car: 1 hour from Bristol, 2 hours 30 minutes from London and 4 hours from Manchester.
By train: direct trains run to Trowbridge from Bristol Temple Meads (30 minutes), Cardiff Central (1 hour 30 minutes) and Portsmouth Harbour (1 hour 40 minutes). The hotel is around a 20-minute taxi ride from Trowbridge. thetrainline.com

The hotel suits a younger crowd or anyone who prefers an evening of eating and drinking to peace and quiet. Traditional architecture merges with the modern, for example in the glass "cube" - an impressive space for dinner or a cocktail.

What's great is you are at the heart of things, able to walk around the shops in town, then have an atmospheric dinner and lively evening sampling cocktails in the bar. Dogs are accepted at £15 a furry head and each will get a water bowl and bed. Dogs must be kept on a lead in some parks.

• Restaurant
• Bar
• Free Wi-Fi
• Pet friendly

We love the many options for freestanding baths - if you are a fan of a soak in a traditional roll-top, these rooms will appeal. Our favourite is the Indulgent room up in the eaves, with wooden beams arching overhead and a metal bath in the corner.

The Indulgent, The Feature, The Classic
Facilities include: ensuite bathroom, vegan & environmentally friendly British toilteries, tea and coffee-making facilities, free Wi-Fi

The Archangel is ideal for a group celebration, with an impressive open-air dining space, vibrant music - including live bands in summer - and a charismatic bar. Our favourite dish is the flavoursome rump steak which was accompanied by thick, fluffy chips and slathered in garlic and parsley butter.

Restaurant: buzzing, arty, modern British cuisine, local, seasonal produce. Open Wed-Fri 2-2.30pm and 6-9.30pm, Sat 12-9.30pm, Sun 12-4pm. Mains from £12.50.