A cosy beamed pub is the warm heart of this hotel, in a 'spectacular setting' in the shelter of wooded, red sandstone cliffs that reminded the young Queen Victoria of 'a ballet or a play where nymphs appear'. Designed by owner Lana de Savary, sea-view rooms and suites, at the inn and in former fishermen's cottages, have a cool beachside chic, some with a balcony or terrace for seal-watching. Most luxurious are the blue-and-white 'beach hut' doubles and suites, with king-size bed, a waterfall shower or a bath and walk-in shower, bifold doors on to a decking area, music system, mini-fridge, underfloor heating. A reader with a 'light and airy room' enjoyed the 'touches of luxury' in the form of complimentary sloe gin, dominoes and playing cards but lamented the lack of a mini fridge for fresh milk. Pub classics include a chicken and leek pie that was 'so impressive that I chose the steak, mushroom and ale pie the next evening and that was even better'. 'There is 'plenty of choice of wines by the glass'. Spa use for residents is £15. Blissful days can be spent in sheltered coves, walking the South West Coast Path or the surrounding downs, spotting roe deer and buzzards. (John Charnley)