THE Alverton has so much going for it that it’s actually hard to know where to start.

It’s probably best to kick off by telling you how magnificent the beautiful building is that stands majestically on a hillside in the Cornish capital of Truro.

Previously a convent built by the same architect as the city’s Cathedral, just a few minutes walk away, this four-star, award-winning hotel has 33 bedrooms, including five executive suites, a lovely al fresco terrace and private gardens.

I recently visited for a two-night stay with my wife and daughter and we had a wonderful time and found the most of the staff so friendly and efficient.

We were lucky enough to stay in the luxurious Bridal Suite which is at the top of the grand oak staircase.

It has a four-poster bed, a stylish bathroom and a separate bedroom with its own television where my 12-year-old slept.

The luxurious bathroom means you can enjoy a long soak or a power shower in luxury.

Eating and drinking at the Alverton is a real treat.

The hotel’s chic brasserie offers excellent food with the pan fried south coast scallops, with Parmentier potatoes, steamed spring onions and vanilla cream, (£9) a wonderful starter, the fillet of beef (£22) highly recommended as a main and the selection of Cornish cheeses (£9) a great way of finishing things off.

With a great wine list you will be spoilt for choice as you will for drinks from the bar’s extensive cocktail menu and great bar tenders.

You can sit back and relax inside, or if the weather allows on the terrace, with a champagne cocktail or two watching the sun go down.

Close to so many wonderful beaches on Cornwall’s stunning coast, as well as many tourist attractions, like the Eden Project and the charming town of Fowey, it’s just a few hours away and you won’t go far wrong here.

Fact file

The Alverton, Tregolls Road, Truro, Cornwall, TR1 1ZQ, 01872 276 633, email: stay@thealverton.co.uk, www.thealverton.co.uk

Places to eat

This area of Cornwall has some decent places to eat. Two places, owned by the St Austell Brewery, I can recommend within a short drive of The Alverton:

• Pandora Inn – The award-winning pub, dating back to the 13th Century, enjoys a spectacular setting on the edge of Restronguet Creek. The food’s not too bad either. Try the West Country ham hock terrine (£6) and the beer-battered catch of the day with thick cut chips (£12). Pandora Inn, Restronguet Creek, Mylor Bridge, Falmouth, Cornwall TR11 5ST, 01326 372678, www.pandorainn.com/

• The Norway Inn – Something of a local institution, the Norway Inn is between Truro and Falmouth.Try the pan seared Cornish scallops, spiced cauliflower cream, pea shoot salad, streaky bacon crisp and hogs pudding (£9). A pint or two of some fine Tribute ale goes down a treat as well.

Perranarworthal, Truro, Cornwall, TR3 7NU, 01872 864241, www.norwayinn.co.uk/