‘There are chandeliers all over’ at Christa and Ian Taylor’s latest addition to the Bath hotel scene – the old Carfax, run formerly by the Salvation Army, now spiffed up to the nines, with the addition of a small spa. On ‘a really lovely street’, behind the classical Georgian facade of three town houses, it has ‘stylish, contemporary’ interiors designed in ‘a quirky, imaginative and creative way’ by and for the Taylors. Wherever you turn, your eye lights upon some artwork or curiosity – ‘shells, fans, musical instruments, hats, magic lantern slides…’ But there is substance too. From compact bedrooms on the (top) Artist’s Floor, some with an original mural, through smart Coach House accommodation, to the Hideout Suite with a hot tub and steam room/shower, all have super-comfortable beds, an espresso machine, complimentary snacks. ‘We had a delightful room with excellent facilities. They are also very welcoming of dogs.’ Service is highly praised. In the Dispensary, menus include such dishes as oven baked sea bass with lime, chilli, ginger, shaved fennel and courgette or slow braised short rib of beef, kohlrabi slaw, pomegranate molasses. Breakfast delivers pastries, artisan meats and cheeses, eggs every which way. (Chris Savory, C and GJ)