‘One of my favourite hotels,’ writes a trusted reader, after nights at the Nye family’s inn with views across salt marshes to the sea. ‘Good location, nice room, excellent food. It has it all.’ Bedrooms are contemporary in style, decorated in light coastal colours. A split-level room at the top has a balcony and telescope, while dog-friendly annexe rooms have a private terrace, a wood-floored entrance for muddy mutts and boots. ‘We had a big room overlooking the sea marsh, providing great birdwatching opportunities when the tide was out.’ Chef Fran Hartshorne cooks ambitious food in the regulars’ bar, and a menu strong on local produce for the restaurant, along with the glass-walled conservatory and decked terrace. For instance, salt marsh lamb, fish and shellfish, inventive vegetarian options (celeriac, foraged wild garlic, apple, potato, leaves, Havensfield fried hen’s egg). ‘Halibut, plaice, stone bass were all excellent – and I can very highly recommend the lemon tart.’ Staff are ‘young, efficient and friendly’. Breakfast brought ‘decent fruit, good croissants, a perfect poached egg’. Walkers can pick up the Coastal Path at the bottom of the garden. (Peter Anderson)