North House, Cowes, Isle of Wight

We loved picking through the charity shops on the high street before taking a buffeting stroll along the seafront.

North House is perfectly placed on a quiet residential street in the heart of Cowes Old Town.
By car: car ferries run regularly from Southampton to East Cowes, Lymington to Yarmouth and Portsmouth to Ryde and Fishbourne. There is no parking on-site, but there's a long-stay car park a five-minute walk from the hotel. redfunnel.com; wightlink.co.uk
By train: trains run regularly from London Victoria and Waterloo to both Southampton and Portsmouth, which are also well-served by trains from Bristol, Oxford and Manchester. thetrainline.com

North House suits the well-heeled city-dweller looking for a seaside escape. The entire hotel smells divine. You can buy the room scent at Staples and Green on the High Street, an interiors shop run by the owners.

We love the live jazz on a Sunday evening with nibbles and sharing plates from the kitchen.

• Pet-friendly
• Bar
• Restaurant
• Swimming pool
• Tennis court (offsite)
• Free Wi-Fi
• Walled garden
• Sun terrace

• Concierge service

• Luggage storage

Rooms 1 and 3 both have working fireplaces. Overall we prefer Room 3 because it features a beautiful bespoke Farrow and Ball wallpaper. We also love the spacious bathrooms with Jack and Jill sinks and enormous walk-in showers - and the retro radios and silver tea tins.

Cosy, Comfy, Spacious
Facilities include: king-sized beds, free Wi-Fi, coffee and tea facilities, in-room pantry, hairdryer

The well-mixed Aperol spritz and the dark chocolate and sea salt tart were highlights. The pan-roasted duck breast with cauliflower puree, dauphinoise potatoes and a red wine reduction was also divine.

The Restaurant: specialises on local produce and fresh seafood. Mains from £13-£23. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.