‘An old favourite, a lovely place for a calm and grown-up break.’ It proved a happy return for readers to Glyn and Menna Heulyn’s vivid blue former harbourmaster’s house on the Georgian quayside. ‘Aberaeron itself is part of the charm, with its rainbow-coloured houses and the boats bobbing in the harbour, and the hotel makes the most of the setting.’ There’s no residents’ lounge, and the bar is ‘heaving’ in the evenings, but there is plenty of comfy seating. The inn rooms, up the spiral staircase, have harbour views, bold colours, unfussy boutique chic. All are supplied with Molton Brown toiletries, gowns and slippers. Some have an exposed stone wall, fun artwork. Rooms in a converted warehouse have lift access, sofa, minibar, a stylish contemporary bathroom. Aeron Queen has a zinc roll-top bath. Chef Ludo Dieumegard uses local produce, especially locally landed fish and seafood (Cardigan Bay crab, bream, hake, bass), Welsh lamb, organic vegetables. Bread is home baked, and the breakfast menu includes American-style pancakes, porridge with figs, locally cured bacon, beans with chorizo, a full Welsh with laver bread. ‘We will go back again and again.’ (FT)