The Wentworth

Owned for 90 years by one family, this traditional seaside hotel faces fishing huts and boats on Aldeburgh's shingle beach. The 'hands-on' Michael Pritt, the third generation, runs it. 'He seems omnipresent,' says a visitor in 2009. 'The hotel is frozen in a time when good service was guaranteed, but it has all mod cons.' There is 'a relaxed feel; three wonderful seating areas to enjoy coffee or a reasonably priced lunch (one has a blazing log fire, another sumptuous sofas)'. In the conservatory restaurant (recently refurbished), chef Graham Reid serves generous dishes from a daily-changing menu. 'Fish supremely fresh, vegetables al dente, cardamom brûlée very moreish.' Sea-facing bedrooms have binoculars. 'Ours, on the second floor, up 39 narrow steps, was not large but nicely furnished; a well-equipped modern bathroom.' The annexe, Darfield House, has large rooms and a garden, but no sea view. Each room has a copy of Kathleen Hale's Orlando the Marmalade Cat (her 'Owlbarrow' is Aldeburgh). Musicians and actors stay here during the Aldeburgh Festival, as do writers during the literary festival. (Sue McNally, Sir John Hall, Robert Gower)