‘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 Hideaway 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 café, Oliver Clarke’s short menus include such dishes as crispy beef cheek, Roscoff onion, bone marrow crumb. Breakfast delivers pastries, artisan meats and cheeses, eggs every which way. (Chris Savory, C and GJ)