For ‘exceptional service’, a scandalous history, and rich views of the Thames, you’d be hard pressed to better this extensively restored Italianate mansion. The ‘beautiful grounds’, ‘stunning bedrooms’, ‘exquisite cuisine’ and ‘attentive, personable staff’ win praise from guests, who consider the experience ‘worth every penny’. The many bedrooms – ‘some opulent, some austere, all different’ – have been ‘stunningly refurbished’ in a pleasing mix of modern and classic styles. Even some of the smallest have a private terrace with a hot tub and courtyard views. ‘Our suite was eccentric and fabulous at the same time, with a lovely, old-fashioned bathroom.’ Gather in the informal Astor Grill for classic American and British dishes, or nab a table by a window in the ‘flawless’ restaurant to gaze over the 19th-century parterre while dining on chef André Garrett’s ‘excellent’ modern meals. On a fine day, the river beckons: hire one of the hotel’s vintage launches for a champagne cruise or picnic lunch on the water. Under the same private ownership as Chewton Glen, New Milton.