The Wentworth

Comfortingly timeless and traditional, this ‘individual’ family-run hotel in a Victorian building stands across the road from the shingle beach. It appeals to guests who enjoy its ‘relaxed country-house feel’ and the ‘helpful, friendly, long-serving staff’. Michael Pritt, the owner, has been welcoming visitors, many of whom become regulars, for more than 40 years. ‘What’s their secret? The ability to make people feel rested and at ease, with no demands or rules,’ says an admirer this year. Take things slowly, in ‘large, comfy’ public rooms; in fine weather, order tea on the terrace (don’t miss the cake of the day). In the main hotel and Darfield House, across the road, ‘the bedrooms vary, and suit one’s needs exactly’. Many have sea views over Aldeburgh beach; pick a large room with a seating area. The tables are set with white linens and silverware at the candlelit dinner (open to, and sometimes ‘extremely busy’ with, non-residents), where the daily-changing menu of straightforward dishes has an ‘excellent choice’ of ‘delicious’ fish. ‘Our vegetarian friend was very happy with the variety of food he could have.’ (Simon Rodway, John and Margaret Speake, and others)