The Pier at Harwich

In a ‘great position’ on the quayside of this pretty, historic port town, Paul Milsom’s ‘excellent’ hotel comprises two handsome buildings – a 19th-century palazzo-style former waiting room for ferry passengers, and a 17th-century pub. It underwent considerable redevelopment in 2016. A slick brasserie on the first floor now serves food all day, with alfresco meals on the extended balcony; snacks and light bites can be taken in the ground-floor bar. Access has been improved, too: a small lift now whizzes guests to bedrooms on the top floor. ‘Our good-sized, double-aspect corner bedroom had a settee and (hooray!) Anglepoise bedside lights.’ Sea-lovers, ask for a room at the front for panoramic views of Old Harwich’s heritage Ha’Penny Pier. (The sound-sensitive might want to discuss room choices before booking: some guests this year had ‘a good night’s sleep’, while others were bothered by noise from the ‘busy’ harbour.) The Mayflower Museum is nearby. ‘Great breakfasts.’ (Richard Bright, John and Fay Waters)