TRAVEL TEST

WHAT AND WHERE: Mercure Sheffield St Paul’s Hotel & Spa on Norfolk Street.

Located in the heart of Sheffield city centre, it rises up beside the award-winning Peace Gardens with its famous fountains, the Winter Gardens’ impressive glasshouse and The Millennium Gallery, plus it’s close to some of Sheffield’s top pubs such as The Rutland Arms, The Old House, The Red Deer and the Leadmill nightclub, a live music venue.

It’s just a 10-minute walk from the train station and if you’re arriving by car, it offers discounted rates at nearby car parks.

Big on bedrooms – it can accommodate up to 600 guests – and on facilities, this gleaming four-star abode is ideal for city breaks, sightseeing, shopping and business trips. Rooms from £90 a night. EXPERIENCE: After a warm welcome in reception, I found my way to my junior suite, which occupied one entire end of the hotel with three different views over the historic centre. Wow. With a large bedroom area, separate living room, bathroom plus an extra loo, and decorated in muted greens and greys, polished wood panelling and huge snapshots of Sheffield on the walls, it was a pretty slick city centre apartment.

Breakfast is a buffet, served by the staff to reduce contact between guests, and there are plenty of continental, full English and veggie options.

The Spa Naturel is large and lavish with eight treatment rooms, an aroma grotto, ice igloo, experience shower and a 60ft indoor pool. Gym bunnies will love the range of fitness equipment and training areas. Guests can also chill out on the big, comfy chairs with footstools in the candlelit spa lounge.

The light and airy Yard Restaurant serves British classics such as steak and chips and seafood and the Champagne bar is a glam start to a night on the town.

QUIBBLES: The restaurant staff were unable to meet certain dietary requirements when I visited.

VERDICT: A smart and stylish hotel with a great range of facilities conveniently located right in the city centre.