Forest views from a château balcony and breakfast in a historic music room shape this stay at InterContinental Chantilly Château Mont Royal. We explore its appeal as a country retreat outside Paris, alongside the details worth knowing before you book.

City views and bright interiors give the King Deluxe Room at Hart Shoreditch a sense of openness, while downstairs the Lobby Bar moves acts as the beating heart of the hotel. We explore how contemporary design and relaxed hospitality come together at this East London hotel.

Behind the curtains at Home by James Sommerin, the kitchen becomes part of the evening. We visit the Penarth restaurant for an eight-course surprise menu, where dishes arrive without advance explanation and James, Georgia and the team bring a personal touch to the table.

A spacious suite, dinner at The Black Sheep and drinks at Kelly’s bar shape our stay at The Grace, Westport. Contemporary design draws on the surrounding countryside, while service reveals a hotel still finding its rhythm. We explore what it offers as a base for discovering Ireland’s west.

Behind a discreet entrance on Garlick Hill, Vintry & Mercer combines modern interiors with references to the City’s past. We stay in a Superior Room, where green velvet, London maps and practical details give a compact space character, and consider where the service delivers and where it could improve.

Before dinner elsewhere in London, we take a seat at Fortnum & Mason’s Royal Exchange bar for drinks and light bites. The courtyard makes an immediate impression, but it is an observant bartender and a small gesture of service that distinguish the visit.

The Plaza Premium and British Airways lounges at Rome Fiumicino Terminal 3 sit almost opposite each other but offer different experiences. We visit both, looking at the food, drinks, service and facilities to help you decide which best suits your needs before a flight.

A considered review of The First Arte in Rome, from its location near Piazza del Popolo and design-led interiors to the Arte Suite, relaxed check-in and rooftop dining at AcquaRoof.

A considered review of dinner at Aroma in Rome, from the tasting menu and wine service to the atmosphere, value and one of the city’s most distinctive views overlooking the Colosseum.

A considered review of lunch at Contessa at The Phoenicia Malta, from the hotel’s history and light-filled setting to the Southern Mediterranean menu, tableside service, Maltese wines and value.

A considered afternoon route through Zadar’s Old Town, beginning at the Sea Organ before continuing to the Roman Forum, St Donatus Church, St Anastasia’s Cathedral, Široka ulica, Queen Jelena Madijevka Park, the city walls and The Garden Lounge.

A full review of Hotel Gabrielli in Venice, exploring the Suite, water taxi arrival, breakfast, spa, private garden, rooftop terrace and why its Castello location works well for a Venetian stay.

A considered review of dinner at Club del Doge at The Gritti Palace in Venice, exploring the Grand Canal terrace, service, Venetian food, atmosphere and whether it earns its place on a Venice dining list.

A considered afternoon route through Venice, beginning in St Mark’s Square before continuing to Campo San Moisè, a gondola ride, San Salvador Church, Rialto Bridge, Riva del Carbon and Caffè Florian.

A considered review of Great Scotland Yard Hotel, exploring the room, The 40 Elephants Bar, breakfast, service and why its location off Whitehall makes it a practical base for a London stay.

A considered review of Bodysgallen Hall, a historic house hotel in North Wales, exploring the Vaughan Suite, dining room, afternoon tea, gardens, GAIA spa, fitness facilities and the wider experience of staying on property.

A considered review of The Guards Bar at Raffles London at The OWO, exploring the setting, atmosphere, drinks menu, service and why this Whitehall hotel bar is worth working into a London evening.

A practical review of GWR Pullman Dining, the restaurant-style service available on selected Great Western Railway routes, including how to book, what to expect, the food and drink offering and whether it is worth planning around

A considered review of the British Airways Club Europe experience from Jersey to London Heathrow, covering Jersey Airport, Fast Track security, No1 Lounge, boarding, inflight service and arrival into Heathrow Terminal 5.

A considered review of Longueville Manor in Jersey, exploring the room, restaurant, cocktail bar, gardens, facilities and why this manor house hotel works as a quieter base for discovering the island.