Budock Vean

‘Tasteful refurbishment’ has given a ‘fresh seaside look’ to Martin Barlow’s ‘super’ hotel, says a returning visitor in 2016. But the 18th-century manor house retains ‘old-fashioned’ aspects – visitors are encouraged to dress up for dinner and embrace the occasion. Roundly praised is the ‘slick’ service: ‘There are always staff on hand.’ Choose from ‘well-appointed’ traditional or modern bedrooms, each ‘spotlessly clean’. ‘Our spacious room had everything we needed, including robes and slippers.’ There’s much to see and do: stroll to Helford Passage through the hotel grounds; sit next to the ‘welcoming’ open fire by the heated pool; sail down an ‘idyllic’ stretch of the water. ‘Our highlight was a terrific Helford river cruise in the hotel’s small boat. Roger, the skipper, is a mine of information.’ Come dinnertime, sit down to Darren Kelly’s daily-changing four-course menu of ‘excellent’ modern dishes, including ‘plenty of fish’, in the formal restaurant. ‘A very good pianist entertained us each night.’ (Mary Coles, Anthony Bradbury, Suzanne Lyons)