Dorian House, Bath

Sat in a tranquil residential street, Dorian House is located on the southern side of Bath along Upper Oldfield Park. The proximity of Alexandra Park, boasting one of the city's finest views and Menu Gordon Jones, one of Bath's premier restaurants, adds to the locations appeal.

It's a 15-20-minute walk from the centre of the city (and the train station), up a steepish hill; you may end up getting a taxi home after an evening out.

By car: 40 minutes from Bristol, just over an hour from Cardiff and 1 hour 30 minutes from Reading. There is free parking on site.

By train: Bath Spa station is just 15 minutes away by foot, serviced by Great Western Railway with links to Gloucester (1 hour 20 minutes), Bristol Temple Meads (11 minutes) and London Paddington (1 hour 20 minutes). Book trains to Bath Spa.

Behind the local honey-coloured limestone facade, you'll find furnishings are tasteful and subtly elegant, charming period features are prevalent, including decorative floor tiles in the hall, painted grape-themed cornicing in the cosy lounge and there are pretty fireplaces in some of the bedrooms.

Owned by Rosalind and Tim Forester, Dorian House is managed day-to-day by the amiable and proficient Jen and Phil Hardwick, who reside in a property at the garden's rear. The reception remains open until 7 pm and guests are given an emergency number for after-hours assistance.

• Garden
• Bar
• Terrace
• Free parking
• Free Wi-Fi

With blinds on windows, furry throws on beds and four of them have four-poster beds, many of the comfy, characterful bedrooms offer Victorian fireplaces. Best enjoyed from higher floorss, rooms to the front benefit from far-reaching views across Bath. Bathrooms are high-quality tiled affairs and some offer baths.

Room types: Cosy & Standard Double rooms, Standard, Superior & Executive King Size rooms, Garden View & City View Four Poster

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

Phil, a skilled chef, crafts the superb breakfasts enjoyed in the charming rear conservatory. Notable offerings include local cheeses, smoothie shots, homemade jams and cooked platters featuring bacon and sausages sourced from Bath's premier butcher. The house version of Eggs Benedict - poached eggs with bacon on a toasted muffin, with hollandaise sauce was our favourite dish.

Breakfast: continental, grilled and vegetarian options, local produce. Served daily.