Mercure Newport

You're walking up Upper Dock Street and you can't miss the Chartist Tower—this converted Victorian number's been given a smart Mercure makeover without losing its character. It's the kind of place where you can actually have a decent meal without leaving the building, which matters more than you'd think in Newport. The location is brilliant if you're exploring the docks or catching a show at the Riverfront; everything feels properly connected here rather than scattered across the city.