Barnham Broom Hotel

Barnham Broom's location is one of its prime assets – close to Norwich (a city not over-endowed with good quality hotels) but rural enough to feel like a countryside escape, especially as its facility-laden complex means you could spend an entire weekend here without leaving the grounds. It's sprawling place, a warren of low-rise connecting buildings and courtyards with conference facilities on one side and the hotel's golf courses on the other. There are 46 rooms, all of which have been re-furbished to a high standard in a contemporary style, and fitted out with Molton Brown toiletries, free wi-fi and robes, Freeview TV and - for those who set store by such things – proper baths in every bathroom. Rates are reasonable given the spec, and you pay just just a little bit more for a superior room than standard for being on the first (rather than ground) floor and slightly more space; junior suites and suites are similar keenly priced. Facilities include two golf courses – the tournament-quality Valley Course and less demanding Hill Course – a well-equipped gym and decent-sized indoor pool, spa with treatments, a sports bar with Sky TV, a comfy quiet bar with tables outside looking one the golf course and an excellent restaurant. So you really do have no need to leave, apart from maybe the odd trip to Norwich, which is only twenty minutes away by car.  A lovely option for a couple after a get-away-from-it-all weekend, and indeed for a family too (for whom the junior suites are ideal), with a friendly, nothing-is-too-much trouble vibe that's all too rare in this kind of hotel.