There is something thrilling about standing in the room where Charles I stayed, and then another room where Oliver Cromwell ate his dinner before the Battle of Naseby, although it must be pointed out that they were not there on the same night.

That’s the thing about the Lygon Arms: history has seeped into the very fabric of this 16th-century inn in the Cotswold village of Broadway. Jump forward a few centuries and the guest book records Diana Rigg, Sir Alec Guinness, Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton (address, Gstaad, Switzerland) and, lately, Kate Moss and Stella McCartney. But it is not celebs who bring the cachet to this place, it’s the staff — liveried footmen who whisk your car and luggage away, smiling desk staff, friendly porters and waiters.

The hotel has 69 rooms and suites, stuffed with oil paintings, large fireplaces and pewter chargers. The Cromwell Room has a picture of the man himself. Recent refurbishment means comfortable mattresses, goose-feather pillows and good bathrooms with dustbin-lid showers. The modern wing at the rear jars slightly, but it won an award for its design.

The main hotel is all tartan carpets, roaring fires, antiques and leather armchairs. The Great Hall has family crests, stag heads and a vaulted ceiling. The food is excellent and imaginative, created by the Latvian chef Martin Blunos.

The spa has a 12-metre pool and a roof that opens in summer. There are Dermalogica body wraps, Versace facials and Jessica manicures.

An excellent English breakfast, served in our room, was laid out on a white cloth with a vase of roses: all carried up the creaking stairs by Giorgio. Anywhere that Charles I stayed has no business having a lift.

Sampling the fare: three-course dinner about £50 a head, including wine.

Bottom line: B&B doubles from £179.

Need to know: The Lygon Arms (01386 852255, www.the-lygon-arms.com), Broadway, Worcestershire.

Room: 9 out of 10

Food: 10 out of 10

Service: 10 out of 10

The Elms, Abberley, Worcester

The brochure says the bedrooms have been "painstakingly restored to their former glory", the reality is a room my granny would be proud of

Background

• Russell's of Broadway, Worcs

• The Lygon Arms, Broadway, Worcestershire

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• Read more reviews of Worcestershire hotels

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