The Golf Hotel Woodhall Spa

There are 50 en-suite rooms, refurbished in a straightforward contemporary style that's a good match for a golf weekend. Expect the essentials you actually use on a trip: satellite TV, tea and coffee, a hairdryer and a trouser press, plus a quiet set-up that helps when you've got an early tee time booked. Room options typically include doubles and twins, with some family rooms, so it works for mates' trips as well as mixed groups.

Facilities are pleasantly simple. There's a restaurant for breakfast and evening meals and a lounge bar that becomes the natural meeting point after golf. If the weather behaves, the gardens are a handy spot for a bit of fresh air without heading back into the village. It's worth being clear on what this hotel is and isn't. You're not coming here for a spa, a gym or a long list of resort bells and whistles. You're coming because you can walk to Woodhall Spa, play two cracking rounds and be back with minimal logistics. In my book, that's exactly what a proper golf base should do.

Food is classic hotel fare. Breakfast is geared towards golfers, with plenty to set you up for 18 or 36 holes. Dinner is usually a set menu or à la carte, depending on the time of year and how busy the hotel is, with familiar British favourites and lighter options. If you're travelling as a society, it's worth asking about group dining times and menu formats when you book. The lounge bar is the natural gathering point after a round, with local ales, wines and spirits plus bar snacks if you're not ready for a full dinner.

The Golf Hotel works well for golfers because it understands the rhythm of a golf break. Early breakfast is available for morning tee times, the bar stays open for post-round drinks and dinner, and the staff are used to handling golf groups, societies and individuals who want a simple, efficient stay. Ask reception about club storage and drying options for wet gear if the weather turns, and the team can point you towards local options if you're adding extra courses to your itinerary. If you're the type who'd rather spend your time on the range than in a taxi, this one makes total sense.