Hotel TerraVina

'We were wrapped up in a blanket of charm,' says a visitor who arrived with a young baby (and 'frayed nerves') at Nina and Gérard Basset's 'stylish contemporary hotel' in the New Forest. They are hands-on owners who 'made great efforts to give us a pleasant stay', said inspectors on an earlier visit. 'No stuffiness; the staff are enthusiastic.'

Baby bathrobes, rubber ducks, baby-listening monitors and a children's menu are provided. The interior of the 'not particularly distinguished' building is 'open, modern; everything tastefully done: top-quality fittings, glass panels, natural wood or slate flooring'. 'Our room, on two levels in the new extension, had state-of-the-art fittings, including soundproofed doors and a mini-espresso machine.' 'Our spacious room had desk, free Wi-Fi, TV/DVD-player, minibar, etc, but could have benefited from a chest of drawers. Bathroom well equipped.' Most rooms have a patio or terrace. There is a 'lovely sitting room', a a 'nicely lit bar area', and a colonial-style roofed terrace overlooking the large garden.

Alan Haughie is the new head chef. The restaurant uses as much organically grown local produce as possible; portions just right; imaginative combinations. Breakfast has a buffet, and cooked dishes to order. The eclectic wine list has 'surprisingly reasonable prices' M. Basset is a distinguished sommelier. He recently won the 'Best Sommelier in the World' title at the World Sommelier Competition in Chile.