Holiday Inn London Bloomsbury ★★★★

With a reputation as London's learned and literary quarter, Bloomsbury boasts many a famous resident, from Charles Dickins to Charles Darwin - in fact, it's the namesake of the well-known Bloomsbury Group, a collection of British intellectuals, including the writer Virginia Woolf, who lived in the area and, if you've read Peter Pan, author J.M Barrie situated the Darlings' house here. For fans of the Harry Potter series, its publishers, Bloomsbury Publishers, are residents too.

Famous residents and literary connections aside, it's also home to the renowned British Museum, which opened in 1759 and is the largest museum in the UK - make sure to explore its vast and impressive displays dedicated to human history, art and culture. The surrounding streets are teeming with many other museums, plus academic and medical institutions, such as the University of London. Sprinkled with bookshops and cafes, it makes for a perfect area to get lost in.

With so much on your hotel doorstep, you'll be thrilled that the four-star Holiday Inn London Bloomsbury offers everything you need for a comfortable stay. Its stylish, simple, contemporary décor pervades throughout the spacious and well-maintained common areas into your cosy room, where calming blue and grey tones are complemented by colourful abstract artwork. Located on the hotel's ground floor, you'll find Callaghans Irish Pub – whether you need a stop for brunch, lunch or dinner, it's got you covered. It's even got a small beer garden for those sunny days.

You could easily spend all your time exploring this local neighbourhood however it would be a shame not to visit iconic London sights such as Big Ben, The Houses of Parliament, St Paul's Cathedral or Buckingham Palace - all easily accessible. If it all feels too much, take some time to regroup in one of Bloomsbury's tranquil squares.