The Clarendon Hotel, with its imposing row of attractive Georgian buildings on the outskirts of Blackheath Village, has been a fixture of the area for many years. A comfortable, well-maintained 175-room hotel overlooking the heath, with uniformly friendly and helpful staff, it retains that feel only a traditional independent hotel can do, which is gradually disappearing as chain hotels increasingly engulf our towns and cities.

Though officially designated three star, it has the feel of higher-ranked accommodation. Both public rooms and bedrooms are spotless – indeed, much of the accommodation has been recently refurbished and quite tastefully redecorated.

The room I stayed in was spacious and light, with fern-textured cream wallpaper, grey carpeting and nice touches like a genuine antique print on the wall. There were a couple of comfortable chairs and a side table, a desk with a fan (there was no air conditioning), flat-screen tv, a safe, hairdryer, free wifi, a marbled grey tiled shower room, and the ubiquitous tea- and coffee-making facilities.

An English breakfast buffet is included in room rates. There’s a spacious lounge and two bars available to guests as well as a good-sized garden with lawns with herbaceous borders, bright hanging baskets, and plenty of seating. The Clarendon also has free parking on a first come, first served basis and a 24-hour front desk.

The Clarendon is also a popular venue for weddings, conferences and private dining, for special occasions. As well as a restaurant serving a seasonal lunch and dinner menu, the hotel offers afternoon tea, with a selection of teas, freshly made finger sandwiches, and homemade fruit scones with Cornish clotted cream and strawberry preserve.

Montpelier Row, Blackheath, SE3 0RW; 020 8318 4321; clarendonhotel.com