Pen-y-Dyffryn

In a ‘gorgeous’ setting, ‘blending into the hillside’ just yards from the Welsh border, Miles and Audrey Hunter have run their ‘lovely’ small hotel for nearly 30 years. ‘It’s the sort of place that attracts – and retains – loyal returning guests.’ Visitors praise the ‘charming’, ‘helpful’, ‘friendly’ staff and the ‘superb’ food. The 19th-century stone rectory is surrounded by a ‘beautifully kept’ garden; inside, newspapers, books, notes about local walks and a bowl of fruit are on hand in the ‘comfortable’ lounges. New arrivals are welcomed with cream tea on the terrace. Bedrooms vary in style and facilities. ‘We were pleasantly surprised by our airy, nicely decorated Coach House bedroom, which had great views and a whirlpool bath.’ ‘We slept soundly in our enormous bed.’ (One caveat: bedlinen and bedside lighting ‘could be improved’.) ‘Perfect canapés, imaginative starters and beautifully presented main courses’ – perhaps ‘delicious’ pan-fried scallops – please restaurant diners. ‘Tasty, well-cooked’ breakfasts are worth waking up for. (Carol Heaton, Mary Hewson, Steven Hur, F and IW)