Twr y Felin Hotel, St Davids, Pembrokeshire

Located a quiet spot on the edge of St Davids, Britain's smallest city, which with a population of just 1,600 feels more like a village. Pembrokeshire's glorious coastline, which is hugged by a walking trail and features many wonderful beaches, is also on the doorstep: Whitesands, one of the top beaches, is ten minutes' drive. Oriel y Parc, an impressive art gallery and visitor centre for the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, stands across the lane from the hotel.

By car: the hotel is 3 hours from Bristol, 4 hours from Birmingham and 5 hours from London. Free parking is available on-site.

By train: London Paddington to Haverfordwest takes 4 hours 30 mins. Twr y Felin is a 25-minute taxi ride from the station. Book trains to Haverfordwest.

Though Twr y Felin has over 200 years of history, it looks thoroughly modern and designer-led. Setting the tone is the specially commissioned contemporary art: large-scale abstract and naturalistic works, some quite challenging, most inspired by the Pembrokeshire scenery, fill the wall spaces of the public areas. The ambience feels quite formal and smart.

The general manager, Paula Ellis, is one of Wales' top hoteliers. Her staff, most of them dressed in natty black uniforms, are really plugged into guests' needs, exceedingly eager to please and courteous, verging on the fairly formal.

• Bar
• Restaurant
• Spa treatments at sister property
• Garden
• Room service
• Free parking
• Free Wi-Fi

The highly stylised bedrooms are brown, grey and cream affairs, with boarded floors and leather and suede furnishings. Most of the high-quality limestone bathrooms feature a large walk-in shower and a bath. Standard extras include robes and coffee machines.

Room types: Windmill and Oriel Unique, Windmill Spacious, Oriel Spacious, Windmill Indulgent, Windmill Suites, Oriel Indulgent,

Key amenities: ensuite bathroom with Aromatherapy Associates toiletries, TV, tea and coffee-making facilities

You'll eat some of the most imaginative and elaborately-presented food served anywhere in west Wales in Blas, Twr y Felin's restaurant (the name is Welsh for 'taste'). Ingredients sourced from suppliers in Pembrokeshire and Wales are very much championed and include lots of locally-caught seafood, lamb and organic cheeses from a nearby dairy farm.

Blas Restaurant: seasonal, elegant contemporary dishes, Welsh-inspired cuisine, local produce, light lunches. Open daily for breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner and drinks. Mains from £14.