Steeped in history, this ‘wonderfully civilised’ coastal Georgian mansion combines ‘style, luxury and high standards’. Just the ticket for a ‘sybaritic getaway’, say Guide readers this year. Romantic yet boldly modern styling throughout befits the former home of Ada Lovelace (Lord Byron’s daughter and the world’s first computer programmer). Have someone run your bath – ‘staff are helpful above and beyond what one should be able to expect of this level of hotel’ – and pick your meal from the pillow menu in the ‘large, magnificent’ bedroom; one has French doors opening on to a private terrace; another a bathing platform with sea views. Each is equipped with bathrobes, an espresso machine, a card bearing the name of your porter and next day’s weather forecast. Eateries include Ozone restaurant, for light, pan-Asian-inspired meals, and the Dining Room, where chef Damian Broom’s daily-changing menu highlights locally sourced ingredients: roasted Whitby sea trout and fennel with saffron mayonnaise. Alongside its Serenity Spa, this is a great base from which to tramp along nearby beaches beneath dramatic cliffs. (David Grant, P and SG)