The Royal Hotel

‘Beautiful views of the bay’, ‘outstanding staff’ and lovely sub-tropical gardens see guests returning to book their favourite room year after year at this ‘wonderful hotel’ whose afternoon teas were once enjoyed by Queen Victoria. Regulars were charmed when someone took cushions to them in the garden ‘to make us comfortable!’ Special mention goes to head gardener Gary Steptoe who ‘gives advice and cuttings of his famous pink geraniums’. Public rooms have an ‘understated elegance’ with pale panelling and classic striped wallpapers, and the conservatory or Geranium Terrace is the place for tea. Food is ‘amazingly tasty’ and dinner an event among starched linen. Classic dishes with a modern twist might include pan-fried trout fillet with smoked mussel sauce. Breakfasts, too, are ‘outstanding’ and can be eaten in the garden. The best bedrooms have sea views and are either classic country house with pretty wallpapers and fabrics, or more contemporary. ‘Ours was well equipped, with more than enough space,’ said delighted first-time visitors. The best room? It’s room 20, say our returning guests. (Alice Sennett, Mary Woods, and others)