MYSTERY GUEST WE SEND A WRITER UNDER THE COVERS THIS WEEK: THE ABODE, CANTERBURY, KENT

THE ABode Canterbury is part of a new chain of fourstar, stylish but not over-priced hotels with properties in Glasgow and Exeter, and two more to come in Manchester and Chester. At first glance, it is a slick operation. The lobby opens up into a large champagne bar to the right and reception in front. Aubergine carpet is interspersed with Paul Smith-like multiple lines of colour throughout the building. Walls feature photographs of Canterbury at drunken angles. On arrival I am held up by ^ staff dealing with a backlog of restaurant bookings. But I am pleased to be given an upgrade — admittedly from a small to a not quite so small room. It is the coldest day of the year and there is no warm welcome in the bedroom as the sash window has been left open. I have to rely on a fan heater to ease the chill — and there is no heating at all in the bathroom. The bed is good, wide and comfy. However, the flat-screen TV is bizarrely at bed height so you have to have feet the size of a doll's to watch it if you are lying down. The bathroom is vi^quite bland and uninviting, but the toiletries are from Arran Aromatics — grapefruit soap, coconut body lotion, bergamot

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ABode Canterbury: slick, stylish, but somewhat cold

and ginger...