Hart’s Hotel

This place was purpose-built in 2002, but it still feels like a welcome addition to the Nottingham hotel scene, such is the dearth of decent places to stay in the city. Hart’s is a rare thing – a privately owned, medium-sized boutique hotel in a great location – perched on high next door to the ramparts of the castle but just a couple of minutes’ walk from the Market Square. Designed by the city’s premier architect, Julian Marsh, whose inventive use of space is his particular hallmark, it's a strikingly contemporary building, with 30 well-designed rooms that enjoy views over the city and the countryside beyond. Striking modern paintings are a feature of the hotel as are the top-quality furnishings and fittings, but perhaps the rooms at the back, with their garden views, are the most appealing. The hotel also benefits from a delightful bar, a relaxing and comfortable spot that rarely gets overcrowded, and an excellent Modern British restaurant.