Dorset House, Lyme Regis, Dorset

Dorset House is at the end of Lyme Regis's steep main street, and it's a ten-minute walk to the seafront and its ancient breakwater, The Cobb. You'll pass boutiques, quirky shops and restaurants along the way. Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall's River Cottage is a short drive away.

There's a tourist bus linking Lyme to the rest of the Jurassic Coast and lots of lovely walks - including the South West Coast Path - are close by.

By car: The hotel is 3 hours 20 mins from London, 3 hours from Birmingham and 4 hours from Cambridge. There are two public car parks within walking distance.

By train: London Waterloo to Axminster takes 2 hours 45 mins. The hotel is a 15-minute taxi ride from the station. Book trains to Axminster.

By plane: Bournemouth Airport (56 miles)

This majestic Regency building has good bones, with large sash windows and high ceilings. The waxed wooden floors, grand fireplaces and subdued colour palette of blues and greys feel straight out of an interior design magazine.

Husband and wife team Lyn and Jason Martin are great hosts; nothing is too much trouble and their saustainability ethos is impressive. Personal touches abound, such as guests' names handwritten on chalkboard their bedroom door. There's also an honesty bar.

• Bar
• Lounge
• Terrace
• Free Wi-Fi

Each of the five rooms has its own character and all are stylish and romantic. Unique vintage furniture and carefully-placed throws add to the atmosphere. Little luxuries include sumptuous bedding, fluffy dressing gowns, Bramley toiletries and homemade snacks.

Room types: Sea View, Lighthouse, Church View, Fossil, Porthole

Key amenities: ensuite bathroom with Bramley toiletries, minibar, tea and coffee facilities, locally baked biscuits or brownies, TV

Breakfast is delicious, prepared on an AGA with high-quality local ingredients and flair. There are gluten-free, low calorie and vegetarian options too. No lunch or dinner is served onsite but there are lots of eateries close by.

Breakfast: locally sourced produce, homemade granola, muesli, homemade bread, choice of cooked dishes.