Surrounded by 110 acres of woodland and gardens 20 minutes from Stansted Airport, Down Hall is one of Essex’s most luxurious hotels, yet it isn’t remotely stuffy.

Talbooth House could bring out the romantic in anyone thanks to its lush Dedham Vale setting, in the thick of Constable Country, and its 12 individually decorated rooms named after poets.

This 15th-century coaching inn has been in the same family for more than 75 years, and the owners were ahead of the gastropub curve in realising that serving good food and offering attractive rooms was a good idea.

Californian owner Sherri Singleton has transformed an 18th-century coaching inn into an appealing riverside bolt hole with an excellent restaurant.

The Seven Hotel is a much-needed boost to Southend-on-Sea’s luxury boutique hotel scene, and it’s bagged an excellent spot right by the pier and the funicular that takes you down to the seafront.

Owned by the same group as Talbooth House, Milsoms is just up the road and provides a wonderfully laid-back experience.

GreyFriars is in a handy spot on the high street close to Colchester Castle, the railway station and some of the town’s top museums.

Right on the tip where the River Stour meets the Orwell is another member of the Milsom family, and a very appealing one it is too.

Set in 12 acres of beautifully landscaped English Heritage gardens — a legacy of the land’s previous owners, Lord and Lady Byng — Lifehouse Spa & Hotel offers an adult-only indulgent spa break and is only ten minutes’ drive from the coast at Frinton.

Deep in the sleepy Essex countryside just east of Saffron Walden is Piglets, 2023 winner of VisitEngland’s B&B and Guest House of the Year award.

Part of the University of Essex’s Colchester campus, Wivenhoe House is Britain’s only hotel-based hospitality school.

Get a taste of gracious living in this grade II listed, 17th-century manor house in the quiet countryside village of Stock, south of Chelmsford. Greenwoods Hotel’s 39 rooms have all the delightfully traditional furnishings you want in a manor house: heavy brocades, antiques, rococo touches here and there.

If you’ve booked an early flight, it’s tempting to start the holiday early at the Radisson Blu, a mere five-minute walk from the terminal.

After years lying derelict, the 15th-century White Hart Inn was rescued and expanded to fit six stylish guest rooms to go with its convivial pub and terrace.