In a 'stunning setting' on the cliff top above Chesil Beach, affording sensational views of sunrises, sunsets, and dolphins in Lyme Bay, this hip hotel is 'a very special place', write readers. A Victorian villa and once-drab B&B, it was transformed by Mary-Lou Sturridge and Tony Mackintosh (who created London's Groucho Club), mixing renovated old furniture, marine salvage and seascapes. Antique shops yielded everything from teapots to toast racks. The library has pieces from Mary-Lou’s mum’s house, a dashing portrait of her grandfather in military attire. ‘The comfrotable rooms with retro styling have great beds.' All have a radio, no TV, good books, a shower or claw-foot bath, perhaps dual-aspect windows, a vast bathroom with twin basins. ‘Locals and visitors alike enjoy the cocktail happy hour and interesting bar snacks.’ In the 'classy restaurant', opening onto the terrace, ‘main dishes are creative and substantial’ – maybe ‘spankingly fresh’ monkfish, saffron fennel and clams.'Excellent dinner but the portions were large,' reported a reader who had visited in 1991 and returned to find everything was 'excellent once more'. ‘We slept with the sound of the sea in our ears, and didn't want to leave.’ (Michael Maynard, TS, JB)