Star Castle

'Friendly and unpretentious', 'excellent and unusual', this star-shaped Tudor fortress has a commanding position above Hugh Town. Owner Robert Francis manages it with his son, James: 'Reception service is impeccable,' say visitors this year. 'Every morning at breakfast a member of the family advises on boat trips and activities.' Other praise: 'Very welcoming; knowledgeable staff.' The building has antique furniture, tapestries and 'pictures relating to its history'; the 'slightly claustrophobic' bar is the former dungeon. Bedrooms are in the castle (an attic room had 'large bed, armchairs, adequate storage, a superb view of the harbour through a small window'), and in two single-storey garden buildings ('well furnished; thick, creamy curtains, two big armchairs, high-quality bedlinen, flat-screen TV'). Room 4 might need a facelift. The Castle dining room has white tablecloths, silver napkin rings, candles. Chef Gareth Stafford's 'excellent' menu might include Scillonian crab and Parmesan tart; beef Wellington, caramelised shallots, whisky jus. 'The waiting staff really knew about the food they were serving.' Alternative dining is available in warm weather in the vine-clad Conservatory, which specialises in fish. Breakfast has a 'well-stocked' buffet (fruit salad, yogurt, muesli, croissants); cooked options include 'quite a plateful' of kippers. (Richard and Catriona Smith, Chris Matcham, John and Theresa Stewart, and others)