Grand Hotel Karel V, Utrecht by Matthew Barker

Former HQ of the German Knights Order dating from the 14th century (and one time military hospital). Spread over three wings, (the Garden Wing, the newest, being the most swish). Best bit are the 12 halls with their arched oak roofs and cross-vault beamed ceilings, rather wasted as corporate conference rooms. Interiors have a snug, woody modernism to them. 70 rooms (21 suites).

Hotel Attractions: The restaurant, a nicely understated glamour-puss, showcases some inspired cooking (grilled fillet of Baambrugge piglet marinated in olive oil; monkfish roasted on coarse sea salt with langoustine biscuits); the Cheese and Wine Cellar lies under medieval arches. Small fitness room.

Local Attractions: Rather lives in the shadow of nearby Amsterdam, but Utrecht has plenty of cobbled charm. Dom Square (and church and tower), the city walls, Rietveld Schroder House, canals, Academy building, Botanical Gardens, Central Museum and the delightful Winkel van Sinkel all have varying historical tales to tell. Ledig Erf square is home to an assortment of bars and cafes; a gleaming, high-tech quarter is beginning to spring up towards the east of the centre, though the more impatient thrill-seekers might want to nip down to Utrecht Central Station and catch the Amsterdam train.