STANDING on the corner of a busy street in Hockley is an historic hotel which has undergone a major facelift.

As soon as you walk into the lobby of the Mercure Hotel you are struck by how the fresh modern décor has been mixed with the old – not least the grand old staircase.

Pictures of famous faces who have stayed here down the years adorn the walls as you climb the stairs.

Having checked in, we made our way to room 102, unaware at that stage of the historical significance of where we would be spending the night.

We later found out that this room was in fact where Notts County FC were formed in the 1860s.

The hotel dates back to 40 years before Notts County were formed. It first opened in 1822 as The George Hotel and guests who have stayed down the years have included Lord Byron, Charles Dickens and The Beatles.

It was to later become The Comfort Inn before being taken over by Mercure about two years ago.

Mercure opted to close the hotel while it embarked on a multi-million-pound revamp to restore it to its former glory.

The bedrooms may not resemble much how it would have appeared in the 19th Century, but it is a fine example of a modern four-star hotel in a vibrant part of the city.

A tour around the other 75 rooms revealed that no two rooms are the same, each having trendy décor and a comfortable feel which would make any guest feel at home.

A short walk along the first-floor corridor from our room is the bar, complete with comfy chairs and a warm, cosy artificial fireplace, perfect for relaxing with a drink.

We were able to try out some of the culinary delights on offer, with the soup and chicken being particularly nice.

Being situated in Hockley, the hotel is in a fine location for a few drinks after being wined and dined, while the bar is a perfectly viable alternative option.

If you want to shed those pounds you have put on with the fine food and drink, the gym on the ground floor is the place to go. It comes complete with state-of-the-art equipment.

Whether you are in town for a gig at the Capital FM Arena, which is just a ten-minute walk away, a night out in Nottingham or just a relaxing evening, the Mercure Hotel takes some beating.