‘In a beautiful position’, overlooking subtropical gardens, ‘with wonderful views and beach, which it has largely to itself’, the Ashworth family's country-house hotel by the sea never fails to please readers with its timeless charms. It is ‘an expensive, luxury hotel, and, in many respects, rather old fashioned’. From country-view rooms to sea-view suites, the style is classy and traditional, with books, magazine, flowers and fruit, armchairs, a Roberts radio. You can dine à la carte in the Quarterdeck restaurant or on the terrace. In the dining room there is a five-course fixed-price dinner menu, with hors d’oeuvres and dessert trolleys doing the rounds, a big part of the fun. Typical dishes include flambé veal Marsala, seafood platter, Dover sole, caramelised onion tarte Tatin. For one reader this is ‘bygone English comfort food’ and a bit too retro, while others write of ‘excellent Cornish fillet of beef and cheese trolley’, ‘a glorious selection of cold hors d’oeuvres’ and ‘sumptuous selection of puds’. ‘More than anything, what makes this place so special is the warmth, friendliness and helpfulness of the staff.’ ‘A ringing endorsement from us.’ (Peter Govier, Ralph Aldwinckle, AK-H, ID)