Lace Market Hotel Nottingham

Four Regency townhouses in the one-time lace-making district of Nottingham have been joined together and converted into a smart modern hotel with views of St. Mary’s church and the Georgian former law courts. Forget about rustic country-house chintz; the Lace Market Hotel is all London-style contemporary luxe, a stylish yet unpretentious hotel with an eye on a younger clientele.

Rooms are chic and comfortable, with bespoke furnishings, thick duvets, wide sash windows (many with picturesque views) and the occasional cheeky detail peeking through from the building’s previous incarnation, like the facade of a marble fireplace framing a radiator. Satellite television, CD sound systems and 24 hour room service are must-haves in today’s hotels, and all are accounted for. The baths are just as smart as the bedrooms, with walk-in showers, massive freestanding tubs and rounded glass sinks, and Molton Brown bath amenities for good measure.

The studio suite makes a mockery of the word “studio,” spread across two levels with separate lounge, dressing area and bedroom. We used to call these penthouses, and if money is no object, then this is the obvious choice.

The Saint bar is a local hotspot, one mercifully free of alcopops and bottled beer, where well-heeled businessfolk mix with aspiring youths, and hotel guests qualify for temporary membership. The Merchants brasserie is similarly in-demand—both can be quite full, especially at the weekend, but are well worth braving the crowds.