Colchester is about 2,000 years older than, say, Cardiff! We are talking seriously ancient. You can still pick up Roman coins on the beach on a good day. About 30 years before Columbus discovered America, the Red Lion Hotel Colchester opened its doors. It’s not surprising that it’s a Grade 1 listed building.

Can we agree that staying in a hotel should be an experience and not just the chance for some shuteye? So you need to sample this "fine example of Tudor England" and count yourself among the literally, millions of guests who must have passed through its front door over the last 500 years. You’ll want a noggin in the historic bar, some good English cooking in the Parliament restaurant and a good night’s sleep in a bedroom - which is strictly 21st century comfortable. Well, you’ve got to draw the line somewhere! Otherwise, wattle and daub walls, mullioned windows, ancient beams, this is the real McCoy. Stay here and you’ll never fancy a motel again.