Amberley Castle
(01798 831992, www.amberleycastle.co.uk), near Arundel, West Sussex: 19 rooms in a moated medieval castle complete with portcullis and ramparts. It serves a traditional British menu; men must wear a jacket and tie for dinner, and no under-12s are allowed. From £175, breakfast from £16.50pp.

Calcot Manor
(01666 890391, www.calcotmanor.co.uk): 30 rooms. I was very impressed with Calcot, although my room (Cornwall) was rather low and dark. But the unstuffy staff really know what they’re doing, thanks to the MD, Richard Ball, and his wife Kathy’s sure touch. The Ofsted-approved crèche and a spa and indoor pool make it a haven for families. From £280, including breakfast and £35pp towards dinner.

Charlton House
(01749 342008, www.charltonhouse.com), Shepton Mallet, Somerset: 25 rooms. Owned by Roger and Monty Saul, founders of Mulberry, it has Monty’s Spa, an indoor pool and a factory shop selling Mulberry goods near by. Fans include Herbert Ypma, author of the Hip Hotels series: “Those chunky four-poster beds and all that embroidered silk, velvet and velour are very sexy.” From £240, including breakfast.

Chewton Glen
(01425 275341, www.chewtonglen.com): 58 plush rooms on a large estate with a lake, with well-kept grounds and a nine-hole golf course. The food and service are exemplary and there’s a large spa with indoor pool. Wins worldwide accolades; even the pickiest American CEO will be happy here. From £320, breakfast from £20pp.

Cliveden
(01628 668561, www.clivedenhouse.co.uk), 39 rooms. The former home of Lord and Lady Astor, forever linked to the Profumo affair, Cliveden was taken over by the Von Essen group in 2002 (see page 5). It has a Michelin star. From £394, including breakfast.

Gidleigh Park
(01647 432367, www.gidleigh.com), near Chagford, Devon, reopens in August after a refurbishment; regulars will be keen to see if its excellent reputation for food is maintained.

Gravetye Manor
(01342 810567, www.gravetyemanor.co.uk), near East Grinstead, West Sussex: 18 rooms in an Elizabethan manor with a stellar reputation for its Michelin-starred cuisine. No spa, no piped music, but discreet service and luxurious rooms. From £155, breakfast from £15pp, no minimum stay.

Hambleton Hall
(01572 756991, www.hambletonhall.com), on Rutland Water: 15 rooms, a fine terrace, outdoor pool and lovely gardens, plus a Michelin-starred chef. Tim Hart, the knowledgeable owner, also runs the boutique Hart’s Hotel in Nottingham. From £220, including breakfast.

Manoir aux Quat’ Saisons
(01844 278881, www.manoir.com), Great Milton, near Oxford: 32 rooms in a delightful hotel run by chef Raymond Blanc. Rooms are individually, sometimes quirkily, decorated; beautiful gardens and a two-Michelin- star kitchen, which serves a seven-course menu gourmand. From £395, including breakfast.

Sharrow Bay
(01768 486301, www.sharrowbay.co.uk): 24 rooms, also owned by the Von Essen group. Dropped from the 2005 Good Hotel Guide, it is back now with a qualified entry for “cosy if dated” rooms and service. Michelin-starred chef; wonderful views. From £350, including breakfast and dinner.

Page 2: Brash young hotels

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