White Hart Hotel & Apartments, Harrogate, North Yorkshire

Next to the fashionable Montpellier Quarter, with its independent shops, galleries, bars and opposite the grassy slopes of Montpellier Gardens, it has a central position on a main, though not too busy, road. Valley Gardens are around the corner while the town's central shopping areas are within a five-minute walk. The railway station and Convention Centre are both ten minutes or a quick taxi ride. The antique shops and art galleries of Montpellier are across the road close to Yorkshire's celebrated Bettys Café Tea Rooms, famous for afternoon tea, curd tarts and Fat Rascals.

By car: Harrogate is 45 mins from Leeds, 1 hour 45 mins from Manchester and 4 hours 30 mins from London. On-site parking costs £15 per day.

By train: London Kings Cross to Harrogate (via York) takes around 3 hours. The hotel is a five minute walk from the station. Book trains to Harrogate.

The splendid Georgian façade gives no clue to the dark and dramatic interiors with dark walls and carpets, black baroque-framed mirrors and occasional whimsical pictures. Bottle-green walls and green and copper-coloured balloon-back chairs give the restaurant a French vibe, while the long bar with its booths and dark woods has a clubby feel.

There's no guest lounge but the large bar is a convivial spot, well-used by locals which creates a buzzy, welcoming atmosphere. There's also a large outside terrace. The hotel has a well-equipped gym plus, should you fancy a quick trim, an onsite hairdresser. The semi-covered car park is useful, though pricey.

• Restaurant
• Bar
• Paid parking
• Free Wi-Fi

The rooms, from Cosy - which are indeed compact - to four-poster rooms, follow the same light and simple design with a monochrome grey palette and light-wood furniture, livened up with plaid or polka-dot spotted headboards, cushions and throws. They tend to the minimalist but feel relaxing.

Room types: Cosy Double, Standard Double, Deluxe Double, Junior Suite, Four Poster Room, Two Bed Apartment, Three Bed Apartment, Four Bed Apartment

Key amenities: ensuite bathroom, hairdryer, TV, tea and coffee facilities, free Wi-Fi

Dinner - which can be eaten either in the smarter, French bistro-style Fat Badger Grill or more casual bar - is a modern take on pub classics with an emphasis on steaks. Other dishes include a homemade burger and curried monkfish, as well as crowd-pleasers such as pizza, and fish and chips. The simple breakfast buffet has hot dishes frequently replenished.

The Fat Badger: British classics with a contemporary twist, such as warm duck and chicory salad and pan seared sea bass. Open daily from 12-9.30pm. Mains from £13.95.