Holiday Inn Derby Nottingham M1 Jct.25

Set peacefully off the M1 at Junction 25, this hotel sits between Derby and Nottingham amid trees and lawns. East Midlands Airport is roughly 30 minutes away, Long Eaton rail station about 10 minutes by car, and a bus stop a five-minute walk links you to either city in around 40 minutes. Day trips are easy: Toton Lane Park & Ride (five-minute drive) for tram access, Chatsworth House (about an hour), Alton Towers (40 minutes) and Elvaston Castle (four miles).

The vibe is calm and smart with a marble-floored lobby, chic lounge and leather sofas that invite you to flop and relax. Rooms include smart Executive options with a comfy office chair and complimentary mineral water in the minibar. The hotel is family-friendly with a Kids Stay and Eat Free policy, and the largest event space opens onto a peaceful patio and gardens.

Complimentary on-site parking, an Open Lobby serving meals all day and a lounge bar make stays easy. Front-desk staff sell attraction tickets and can point you to local family days out. The grounds and patio give a leafy backdrop for morning coffee and garden views from some rooms.

Eleven flexible meeting rooms cater to meetings and events, with conference capacity up to 300 delegates and wedding receptions for around 80 guests. The hotel doubles as a licensed wedding venue and sits close to nearby business parks, making it a practical business-friendly pick.

A hearty full English breakfast buffet is served each morning in the restaurant overlooking the gardens. The Open Lobby offers all-day bites and coffee while the lounge bar hosts themed dinner nights such as Curry Club and Grill Night.