Modern mixes with medieval on the ramparts of what remains of Nottingham Castle, with this sleek hotel the perfect place to escape the bustling city. Built in 2003 to award-winning designs with the emphasis on sustainability, it owes its urban-chic interiors to Stefa Hart, who, with husband Tim, owns Hambleton Hall in Rutland (see entry). Rooms range from classic doubles with a king or super-king-size bed to suites with a sitting room. 'The rooms were in good condition, with excellent facilities,' writes a reader this year. Dog-friendly garden rooms have French doors to a furnished patio. All are painted in soft, neutral colours, with modern art prints. Generous extras include fresh milk, a minibar, spoiling toiletries, 24-hour room service. You can drink a 'Hart of a Lion' cocktail in the bar, and dine in Hart's Kitchen or outside. Dishes might include lamb chump with crushed Jersey royals or sea bream fillet with red pepper stew and bouillabaisse sauce. At breakfast, pick from a continental with bread from the Hambleton Bakery, or go the whole hog with a full English, including Windy Ridge Farm Eggs. It's 'excellent, with fresh orange juice – always a marker of a good hotel. They even had the FT to read.' (Jonathan Osborne)