The yellow submarine in the grounds and a hedge sculpture of a giraffe set the scene at this 'playful, quirky hotel' in a traditional honey-stone building that is both family and dog friendly. Homewood is 'full of eclectic eccentricity': reception has a plethora of clocks, and a seating area has rows of copper kettles, while the dining room has a wall adorned with antique plates, another with dried flowers. Part of Ian and Christa Taylor's Kaleidoscope Collection (see The Bird, Bath), 'it is, above all, fun'. Bedrooms are all different but even the cheapest ones have mood lighting, an espresso machine and luxury toiletries, while some suites have their own hot tubs. A Guide insider felt that sometimes the details hadn't been thought through; their room had 'crochet circles on the wall' and a 'huge bathroom but a tiny shower cubicle'. In Olio restaurant and on the terrace, Mediterranean-influenced dishes include whole sea bass with olive tapenade, ribeye steak or linguine puttanesca. 'The spa is heavenly,' with its outdoor heated pool and hot tub where guests can wallow well into the evening. 'The complimentary pantry with jars of sweets, soft drinks and fresh milk was a nice touch.'