Hodgkinson's Hotel

Review

'Professionally' run by its 'caring' proprietor, Dianne Carrieri, with a small staff, this small hotel provides 'excellent-value rooms and food', writes a regular visitor in 2009. 'Very much a family- place, where the friendly owners make all the difference.' The Victorian building, cut into the cliff face, stands on the busy Matlock-Derby road, the A6 (rear rooms are quietest). The 'quirky ambience' is liked: it is dedicated to Victoriana. There are original fittings (stained glass, etc), combined with antiques plus 'esoteric items' (old books and prints, fox furs, hats, Staffordshire china). Chef Krisztian Hadszala's Mediterranean-style dishes are 'good, fairly simple': perhaps herb- and nut-crusted salmon with baby spinach, basil and lime juice. The 'clean and comfortable' bedrooms, which have 'real character', are on four floors, no lift. Most are a good size, but the single is small. Three bathrooms have been renovated this year. The 'memorable', award-winning breakfast includes porridge, freshly squeezed orange juice, non-packaged butter and conserves. There are books and games in the lounge. The small rear garden has roses and a pergola built of brick, old chimney pots and timber. The town is a tourist centre for the Derbyshire dales and the Peak District, and is popular with bikers on Saturday morning, but despite amusement arcades and take-away food outlets, it 'retains some charm'. (David Verney, EC)

This hotel accepts discount vouchers which entitle readers to a 25% discount off their normal B&B rate. Each printed copy of the Guide contains six vouchers worth in total about £150. BUY THE GUIDE