Address: The Square, Chipping Campden, Gloucs.

Tel: 01386 840330

Website: cotswoldhouse.com

First impressions: Superb contemporary design in an 1802 townhouse offers a lovely contrast to the quaint and busy Cotswold town square on which it stands.

What are the rooms like? Large and airy and decorated in earth tones, with a mix of traditional and modern furnishings, including a Bang & Olufsen TV/CD/DVD system. All feature original paintings and glasswork by local artists.

The bed test: Massive king size with Frette linen sheets and cashmere blankets made it difficult to get out of in the morning. There's even a 'pillow menu' if the huge soft ones supplied don't suit - choose from goose down, white goose feather and down, duck feather and various orthopaedic styles.

The bathroom: Slate flooring and dark red mosaic tiles. The bath and powerful walk-in shower come with Hermès toiletries and huge fluffy towels and bathrobes.

The restaurant: The affable and knowledgeable young staff in Juliana's restaurant offer a fine choice of dishes - we had delicate, light red mullet and succulent breast of corn fed chicken, and from the very eclectic wine list a fine Chinese white - really! There's also more informal dining in the hotel's relaxed Hicks' Brasserie.

The bar: Cosy, welcoming and superbly lit, as is the rest of the hotel -all too easy to get settled in after dinner.

What is there to do nearby? Wander the streets of Chipping Campden, one of England's loveliest towns; walk the Cotswold Way; explore Warwick Castle and Stratford-upon-Avon; go racing at Cheltenham.

How much? Weekday special offer doubles (Sun-Thu) from £265 per night half-board.