The Grange Hotel, York

It's a great location to be close to the historic centre, but not amongst the crowds so you can retreat to a bit of peace.

The hotel is a short stroll from the shops and pubs of the city centre. Medieval Bootham Bar and the university are five minutes away.
By car: 45 minutes from Leeds, 1 hour 30 mins from Manchester and around 4 hours from London. There is paid private parking at the hotel.
By train: London Kings Cross to York takes around 2 hours. The station is a 10-minute walk or 5-minute taxi ride from the hotel. thetrainline.com

Slightly older couples will enjoy its style and the choice of classic or modern bedrooms, plus it's handy for parents of students at both Bootham School and St Peter's. We like the rich colours and the murals of racehorses - racehorses are quite a theme throughout the hotel - in one of the sitting-rooms.

We love the choice of playing at being a Jane Austen character in the drawing room, or curling up with a cuppa by the fire in the bar. Dogs are welcomed with homemade treats and a bowl, and allowed in most areas of the hotel. Dog-walking routes are also suggested.

• Restaurant
• Bar
• Lounge
• Free Wi-Fi
• Paid parking
• Pet-friendly

The mid-range Premier rooms tend to be more contemporary with a lighter, airier feel. We like the lack of clutter - unnecessary cushions and ornaments - and the excellent lighting, whether bedside or in the bathroom.

Cosy Doubles, Standard Rooms, Four Poster Rooms, Premier Rooms, Suites
Facilities include: ensuite with walk-in or shower above bath, White Company toiletries, free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee tray, TV

The cellar setting, with its exposed brick walls and pillars, tongue-and-groove panelling, copper industrial lights and bold modern still-life photography is certainly atmospheric. Afternoon tea is nicely traditional, and can be taken Jane Austen-style in the Regency drawing room or - with more opportunities for people-watching - in the swankier Dante Room with its pops of purple and racing horse murals.

The Ivy Brasserie: 2 AA Rosettes, fine dining, classic French-inspired dishes, Yorkshire produce. Open every day for breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner. Set menu dinner for guests £32.50 per person.