The Wentworth

‘Our favourite hotel in the whole wide world,’ writes a devotee of this seafront grande dame, run by the same family for 104 years. ‘Slightly old fashioned, but in good ways’, it is much loved by retirees, who feel valued and cosseted. ‘Owner Michael Pritt is ‘kind, considerate and thoughtful’, the staff (many of them long-serving) ‘enormously helpful’, while ‘our dog is always made welcome’. Bedrooms – some in the annexe, in its own secluded garden – are comfortable and traditional, with a muted palette. 'Our annexe room had plenty of space with good storage, several comfy chairs, and excellent-sized bathroom'. There are lounges with real fires, plenty of sofas, the soothing tones of a harp on occasion. In the formal restaurant (allocated tables, starched napery, smart casual dress, tailored shorts allowed in summer), the menu offers plenty of choice, with good veggie options. 'A starter of smoked mackerel, goats cheese and horseradish with beetroot was particularly memorable, and the raspberry posset was so good I had it more than once.' ‘Breakfast leaves one full for the day’, but it would be a shame to miss afternoon tea. (Sara Price, Simon Rodway, and others)