Mercure Whately Hall Banbury

Nice, slightly shabby hotel (for a large chain), with beautiful gardens. It's very close to Banbury Cross (if you want to see a fine lady upon a white horse) and it's easy to walk into the centre from the hotel.

The main building is very historic, the bedrooms are in a (not very sympathetic) extension to the back, but once you're in the room, they're comfy and well set out (if you like playing "hunt the kettle"). It has off road parking, which is very useful in that area.

It has a nice restaurant, but we weren't very hungry, so we settled down in the squidgy settees to try some bar snacks. The panini were fine, nicely presented, with friendly service, and even better our two dogs could sit in the bar area with us.

My only gripe is the state of the windows in the bedroom. I just happened to open them, and was pretty shocked at how grimy the frames were. I've sent an email to the manager, so hopefully they'll sort it. Do check it out if you stay there.