Amid the sublime sweep of a Grade I listed Georgian crescent, two converted town houses combine as one ‘very pleasant’ hotel affording ‘magical vistas’ over lawns and public parkland. ‘The most striking feature is the ambience created by engaging staff who appear only too happy to provide a service,’ says a guest in 2017. ‘Elegant, comfortable’ public rooms are filled with antiques, paintings and fine fabrics. ‘Fresh, stylish’ accommodation ranges from snug bedrooms with a queen-size bed and comfy seating, to extravagant suites whose picture windows look onto the private garden. Have a glass of fizz with fish and chips in the bar, or eat in the Dower House restaurant, where chef David Campbell’s ‘outstanding menus’ include such modern dishes as roast halibut, salt cod potato, charcoal emulsion. (Vegetarian options are no less imaginative.) Take tea in the garden on a fine day, or relax in the recently renovated spa in dour weather. If you can tear yourself away, step out into the city: the concierges are ‘helpful in arranging a day of exploring’. ‘Not cheap, but worth every penny.’ (Robert Cooper, and others)