BY chance, looking for a hotel convenient to Newport and Cardiff, my other half and I came across a Hilton hotel – part of its Hampton chain – which was nestled in the countryside in south Wales.

As we arrived, the staff were putting up the Christmas decorations and we were given a warm and festive welcome.

Hampton Newport/East is a contemporary hotel located just off the M4 in the town of Magor, a short drive from Newport city centre and within 25 miles of Cardiff and Bristol.

The hotel’s 127 rooms are geared up for families (with pull-out sofa beds) and for business travellers, with free wifi and a workspace in every room.

There is also a fitness centre, with cardio equipment and weights.

Unusually these days, the hotel offers all guests a complimentary buffet breakfast, and this was a popular congregating point in the morning!

While the hotel only offers a limited number of evening meal options in the bar and lounge area, there are several restaurants and pubs nearby in Magor.

Our night at the hotel was one of the most bitterly cold of the year, but we found an American-style diner just a stone’s throw away.

Sawyers Bar and Grill was buzzing – presumably with hotel guests – and the staff couldn’t have been friendlier.

The burgers and slow-cooked ribs were huge and we can recommend the exceedingly cheesy nachos.

Hampton by Hilton is also within easy reach of the Wye Valley, Caerphilly and Cardiff castles, along with the bustling Cardiff Bay.

It’s all in the detail: Hampton by Hilton Newport/East is off Jct 23a of the M4, and at Wales 1 Business Park, Newport, NP26 3RA. Book by phoning 01633 749999 or through the website at hamptoninn3.hilton.com.

The hotel has a winter sale running until 4 January, with a discount of up to 15 per cent when booking direct.