Number Thirty Eight Clifton

From its high vantage, Adam Dorrien Smith’s bay-fronted Georgian town house and boutique B&B has fabulous contrasting views, with Durdham Down parkland to the fore and the roofscape of Bristol behind. ‘Panelled bedrooms are painted in muted greys, greens and blues’ (Farrow & Ball’s Lamp Room, for example), ‘with such unfussy good taste that I wanted to package them up and reinstate them at home.’ All have a mini-fridge, snacks, a Roberts radio. Bathrooms are ‘super stylish with powerful shower’, perhaps a tin or copper bath. ‘Nice touches included antique travelling chests for side tables.’ For a ‘spectacular outlook’ choose a dual-aspect loft suite. ‘There’s a comfortable small sitting area off reception with an interesting mix of modern and period art, a log-burner for chilly days’; more city vistas from the terrace. The ‘friendly and helpful’ staff clock off at 8 pm. At that point, head for the restaurants on nearby Whiteladies Road, such as Mitch Tonks’s The Spiny Lobster. Breakfast brings an excellent buffet and cooked items at a small extra cost. ‘A very special place to stay.’ (John and Kay Patterson, JS)