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We received a very friendly and efficient welcome from Richard, who helped us carry our cases up to our room on the first floor – I believe it is classified as an ‘Amazing Great Room’. Big king+ size bed and lovely large walk-in shower; there’s also a stylish claw-foot bath for those who can get in and out of such things, which no longer includes me. The bathroom is large and well appointed, but there’s a big crack in the sink. I loved the really big waste paper basket. A handrail to the upper level of the staircase would be very welcome. Hospitality tray; good teas, and good to see fresh milk in fridge. But you could perhaps re-think the Bronte biscuits, which I find over-sweet. Dinner was excellent; we both had the lamb with aubergines, anchovies etc, and thought it was the best lamb we’d ever had. Then I had the hazelnut choux pastry, which was superb. Breakfast was fine too; the selection of fruit and cereals is well presented and varied, with the apricots in orange syrup a stand-out. I had a selection from the cooked breakfast, and my husband had eggs benedict. The sausage was particularly tasty. The hotel was very busy on the Friday evening, but it didn't significantly affect the service for dinner. I had a champagne cocktail beforehand; times being what they are, it was actually English sparkling wine, but it was really good and I was practically pie-eyed before we moved into the restaurant – haven't had one for ages, but it was so worth it. I had smoked trout to start with some sort of pickled cucumber, and my husband had tortellini with mushroom sauce; then we both had pork two ways, very easy to eat and excellent. (Not sure what the singular of tortellini is, but there was just one large one.) I should also add that the hot mini-loaf that comes at the start of the meal is also very agreeable. There is a real sense of occasion when dining here, which is the mark of a good hotel. The staff are personable and enthusiastic and were very welcoming when we arrived in the restaurant. It all made for an enjoyable break.

The location was strategic, near the Market Place. The perks were nice - a bathrobe, a pair of slippers, half a bottle of sherry. The house is unmanned. No human touch. The external bathroom was a nightmare. Had to walk out of your bedroom in the middle of the night, with a lot of stuff in your arms, down two high stairs, manoevre a number lock, everytime you want to use the toilet or get some water for your flask! The worst about the bath was, there was only enough water for one person to bathe on the highest floor. Halfway through the bath, the second person has to scoop water from the sink to wash off the shampoo and bath gel from the body. The pillows had no body and kept slipping off. My conclusion is: This place is great in peripherals like sherry, etc.; terrible in essentials like bathroom and human touch.

This town was outside our plan and gave us an unexpected surprise. It is a beautiful town, don’t miss it. The hotel room is not big, and there is free parking in the yard behind the hotel. The bathroom is a bit short. My husband is 189cm tall and has to lower his head and cannot stand up straight. Our room was on the second floor and there was no elevator. Fortunately, we didn't have to carry too many things up the stairs when we drove. The soundproofing is not very good, you can hear the conversation next door. The breakfast was great and the restaurant manager was very welcoming! Will go here next time.