The Parisi, York

The shops along Walmgate and its extension, Fossgate, are strongly independent and it really feels like a neighbourhood with a mix of delis, cafes and vintage shops.

The Parisi is a short stroll from Shambles Market and the city centre, and 5 minutes' from the city walls in the other direction.
By car: 45 minutes from Leeds, 1 hour 30 mins from Manchester and around 4 hours from London. There is paid public parking five minutes' walk from the hotel.
By train: London Kings Cross to York takes around 2 hours. The station is a 10-minute taxi ride from the hotel. thetrainline.com

The hotel is perfect for the young at heart and couples who like a laidback atmosphere and appreciate the design touches. We love the bold, colourful art - some by the owners' father - and the quirky little details, such as pots of cacti on each dining table.

We like the fact you can bring in wine (or whatever your tipple), with glasses provided, and have a drink in the sitting room without having to smuggle a bottle guiltily to your room.

• Breakfast room
• Garden
• Sitting room
• Library
• Free Wi-Fi

The top-tier Grand has a rolltop bath in the room, but any of the Deluxes are worth a look for their extra space and neat little armchairs. Pretty china door-knobs to brighten up a plain wardrobe or a colourful angle-poise lamp to jazz up a simple desk are clever little details.

House Doubles, Deluxe Kings, The Grand
Facilities include: ensuite with shower and/or bath, mini-fridge with complimentary fresh milk and filtered water, kettle, Nespresso machine, ground coffee and a range of organic tea, desk, TV, artworks

It's such a pretty dining room, with pale-washed wooden tables with jolly cloths, a sea-blue banquette sprinkled with bright cushions, a wall of art and lush green house plants in terracotta pots. We particularly like the poached fruits and their Dad's homemade marmalade, plus the fact the ingredients are local and mostly organic.

Breakfast: cereals, fresh and dried fruit, seeds, nuts, homemade compotes, natural yoghurt, choice of hot dishes cooked to order, local produce, vegan and vegetarian options. Mon-Fri 7.30-9.30am, Sat & Sun, 8-10am.