In the thick of things, a large, modern hotel on the cobbled high street. Public spaces are vibrantly furnished or bright with colourful prints. Food and drink is available throughout the day; HarSpa has a whirlpool, sauna, steam room and small open-air heated pool.

A short walk from Portsmouth City Centre and the seafront, this stylish hotel has elegantly decorated bedrooms, and a lounge bar run by obliging and friendly staff. Part of the Mercer Collection.

In an unassuming house on a quiet Southsea street close to the beach and amenities, this hotel is unexpectedly funky inside, There is a bar and room service for drinks, light meals and snacks.

Small and personal, with a stylish interior, this hotel (part of the Mercer Collection) is in a restored Edwardian house retaining many of its original features. A short stroll from the seafront and the group’s gastropub, The Florence Arms (home-cooked food, ales, ciders, gins and fine wines).

In secluded gardens and woodland, a low-built contemporary house with sun terraces and spacious accommodation overlooking acres of greenery. There’s an open plan lounge for relaxing, and Aga-cooked breakfasts served in the communal breakfast room. Five miles N of Lewes.

An historic coaching inn opposite Laughton village green, seven miles from Lewes. Rooms are in a sympathetically converted stable block. Classic pub grub and an extensive range of beers, wines and gin is served in the interesting bar and dining room, or in the large pub garden, also home to two pet micro-pigs and some clucking hens.

Yeehaw! All spruced up, a cowboy-themed hotel (part of a small group) in former Tunbridge Wells West Station. Bedrooms have cowboy boot- or antler-shaped lights, and Native American-style blankets. Vittles include hearty servings of ribs, burgers, nachos and other US favourites in the atmospheric restaurant. Join in the hootin an’ hollerin with live Country and Western bands in the bar until closing time.

Near the Pantiles, a former brewery and school house is now a modern hotel with sophisticated, neutral-toned bedrooms and suites (some in the neighbouring Townhouse are more contemporary and have a separate entrance). Breakfast is buffet-style. Informal dining as well as a la carte menus are served in Seventeen restaurant. Situated by Cumberland Walk, al fresco morning snacks, cocktails, and light bites can be enjoyed on The Terrace.

‘Conveniently located’ for museum-hoppers and shop-till-you-droppers, Victorian grandeur and traditional service are perfectly entwined at this elegant town house hotel in South Kensington (Doyle Collection).